South West England / Devon

Salcombe

Salcombe is a picturesque town located in the South Hams district of Devon, England. It is situated on the east side of the Kingsbridge Estuary and boasts stunning natural scenery, beautiful beaches, and a rich maritime history.

It is famous for its sailing and boating activities, and visitors can enjoy a range of water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The town has several sandy beaches including North Sands and South Sands, which are popular spots for swimming and sunbathing.
The town has a bustling waterfront with many cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine and shop for unique souvenirs. There are also several museums and galleries in the town that showcase the rich history and culture of the area.

One of the most popular attractions in Salcombe is the Salcombe Distilling Company, where visitors can learn about the process of making gin and sample some of the award-winning products. Additionally, there are several scenic walking trails and cycling routes in the area, including the South West Coast Path, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline.

Salcombe North Sands
Sandy beach

Estuary-sheltered and calm, with the Winking Prawn café right on the sand — the easiest of Salcombe's beaches for lunch by the water.

South Sands Beach
Sandy beach

A sheltered sandy bay reached by Salcombe's colourful passenger ferry, calmer water than East Portlemouth across the estuary.

East Portlemouth Beach
Sandy beach

Reached only by a small passenger ferry across the estuary from Salcombe — the only beach on this stretch you arrive at by boat.

National Trust - Overbeck's Garden
Parks and Nature • Gardens
Subtropical gardens bursting with exotic and rare plants, with breathtaking views of the estuary and coast from the garden.
Salcombe Distilling Company
Shopping • Distillery
Distillery Tour, award winning Gin School, Retail Store and Bar
Salcombe Maritime Museum
Museums • Speciality Museum
A treasure trove of models, paintings, photographs and artefacts which tell the story of Salcombe’s links with ships and the sea from ancient times to the Second World War.
South Sands Ferry
Tours And Activities • Boat Tours
Passenger Ferry running between Whitestrand, in the centre of Salcombe, and the picturesque beach of South Sands.
Adventure South
Tours And Activities • Water Sports
Salcombe-based adventure company running paddleboard lessons from North Sands and coasteering trips, and delivering hire boards to your door.
Whitestrand Boat Hire
Tours And Activities • Boat Hire
Explore Salcombe estuary via self-drive boat hire, guided estuary cruise, paddleboards e-bikes and fishing trips.