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An insider’s information to the very best issues to see and do in Salcombe, on the south coast of Devon.
Welcome to Salcombe: a historic crusing city clustered onto a hillside on the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary, neglected by rolling hills and fluffy pockets of woodland.
After discovering the city two years in the past, it’s rapidly grow to be one in all my favorite spots in Devon. There’s a little bit of a bougie, yachtie scene (Salcombe was not too long ago topped the UK’s costliest seaside city) – however the unbelievable nature right here is one thing everybody can take pleasure in.
Each side of the estuary are dotted with idyllic sandy seashores, whereas additional alongside the coast are dramatic cliffs, gorgeous coast walks, and hidden rocky coves. In brief: vacation heaven!
On the lookout for the right self-catering lodging to your journey? I extremely suggest trying out 4 The Attain, which is presumably the most effective vacation residences on the town. I’ll share extra images and a particular provide close to the tip of this web page – however first, let me present you the very best issues to do in your subsequent journey to Salcombe…
Finest Issues to do in Salcombe
Strive your hand at crusing and watersports, go wildlife recognizing alongside the estuary, or just spend a sunny day enjoyable on a seashore beside crystal clear turquoise water. On the town, discover boutique galleries, artisan studios, and unbiased outlets alongside the historic excessive road – and dive into the epic native foods and drinks scene.
In a rush? There’s a map and a brief model of the listing on the backside of this web page! Use the contents menu above to skip forward if it’s essential. In any other case, learn on for among the greatest issues to do in Salcombe…
1. Get pleasure from Salcombe’s Stunning Seashores
One of many important causes folks go to Salcombe is for the city’s gorgeous coastal location and the various lovely seashores dotted round it. The closest are North Sands and South Sands, simply south of the city centre – hop on the favored South Sands Ferry to save lots of your self a hilly stroll.
You can too take a ferry throughout the estuary to East Portlemouth, the place you’ll discover a string of fairly white sand seashores – the additional south you stroll, the quieter these seashores get! Take a look at my information to the very best seashores in Salcombe for more information.
2. Unbiased Buying on Fore St and Island St
Fore Road is Salcombe’s excessive road, working parallel to the river and lined with historic fishing cottages and conventional pubs. Look out for the brilliant pink facade of Cranch’s Candy Store – established in 1869, it’s Devon’s oldest sweetshop. I additionally suggest popping into Bert & Buoy, Salcombe Candle Co, and Nika – to call just some.
The indie procuring scene continues on Island Road – the place you’ll discover distilleries, artist studios, and a few nice boutiques tucked between boatyards and crusing suppliers. Don’t miss Salcombe Gin and Salcombe Dairy (extra on each of these later), the Devon Rum Firm, and Will Bees Bespoke.
3. Take a Ferry Journey to Kingsbridge
Fed by many tiny streams, with creeks capturing off right here and there, the Kingsbridge Estuary is a real wildlife haven. Seals and dolphins can typically be noticed within the estuary, and birds reminiscent of herons, egrets, and curlews are frequent sightings – particularly when low tide exposes the muddy banks.
The Kingsbridge-Salcombe Ferry is a leisurely, 40-minute cruise upriver aboard the red-and-white Woman Mary – the right likelihood to absorb the tranquil landscapes and spot wildlife. Spend an hour or two exploring Kingsbridge earlier than returning on the ferry (or by bus).
4. Rent a Boat in Salcombe
One other – and maybe extra romantic – approach to discover the Kingsbridge Estuary is from your personal boat. At Whitestrand Boat Rent, you possibly can hire a small motor boat by the hour or by the day. You don’t want a licence or any expertise – and the workers can provide you all the data you want.
Get out and discover the estuary and its many creeks – preserving a watch out for birds and wildlife as you sail alongside. You would head up Southpool Creek – stopping off at Millbrook Inn for lunch – or, with a full day, you possibly can make all of it the way in which as much as Kingsbridge. The favored Crabshell Inn has mooring areas so you possibly can pop in for a drink by the waters edge.
Simply make sure to verify tide instances, and communicate to the workers at Whitestrand, earlier than setting out. At low tide, some components of the river dry up utterly, and also you’ll usually see uninformed amateurs caught within the mud!
5. Go to Overbeck’s Backyard
Among the best issues to do in Salcombe is to pay a go to to Overbeck’s Backyard. This can be a hidden paradise on a clifftop above Salcombe: a shocking backyard of unique crops from all over the world that in some way thrive within the South Devon local weather.
Owned and managed by the Nationwide Belief, the backyard is on the grounds of an Edwardian manor home, Sharpitor. Organized in layers on the cliffside – with unbelievable ocean views – there are a number of gardens in a single, together with an olive grove, banana backyard, and terraces full of succulents and palms.
6. Gin Tasting with Salcombe Gin
Gin lovers gained’t need to miss this one! Salcombe is residence to its very personal gin distillery – residence to the award-winning (and easily glorious) Salcombe Gin.
Head to their riverside distillery on Island St for a tour and a tasting. In addition they run a incredible Gin Faculty, the place you possibly can create and distil your very personal bottle of bespoke gin. I haven’t performed this (but) however an excellent good friend of mine visits Salcombe yearly and says it’s a superb expertise.
7. Kayak or Paddleboard within the Estuary
I’ve already talked about the fun of exploring the Kingsbridge Estuary from a ship – whether or not you hire your personal or hop on a ferry. However for a slower tempo, I extremely suggest renting a paddleboard or kayak to discover.
I like utilizing paddleboarding on rivers – it’s a lot simpler to steadiness than the ocean, and transferring at water degree with out a motor offers you the very best likelihood of recognizing wildlife up shut earlier than you scare it off. Bigger marine life together with dolphins, seals and basking sharks can typically be noticed within the estuary, so hold your eyes peeled as you paddle.
There are just a few rental firms within the space – North Sands Watersports are extremely rated and have quite a lot of tools to hire. Ask the workers for suggestions on the place to go – as this may depend upon tide instances and climate.
8. Stroll the Coast Path
Among the best issues to do in Salcombe is to absorb the epic coastal surroundings and tranquil estuary valley from a mountain climbing path. The South West Coast Path offers some beautiful walks in each instructions, with routes to swimsuit all skills. Under are among the greatest coastal walks close to Salcombe:
- Bolberry Down, 1.7 mile round. Discover the wildlife-rich clifftop downs through a flat, easy-to-follow path.
- Kingswear to Brownstone Battery, 5 mile round. Begin from North Sands Automobile Park and observe the coast path west to Bolt Head, returning inland by means of Tor Woods.
- Salcombe to Gara Rock, 4 miles every method. Take the East Portlemouth Path and observe the coast path round to Gara Rock for epic views and hidden seashores. The restaurant at Gara Rock Resort is a wonderful stop-off for lunch.
- Snapes Level, 2.5 mile round. A straightforward, accessible stroll from Snapes Level Nationwide Belief Automobile Park, offering glorious views of Kingsbridge Estuary.
9. Snorkelling within the Kingsbridge Estuary
Though it’s fed by many small rivers and creeks, the Kingsbridge Estuary has little or no freshwater enter – as an alternative, it’s largely a marine system. There are some uncommon and distinctive marine habitats right here, which is why the estuary has been labelled as a Website of Particular Scientific Curiosity (SSSI).
The decrease shores are lined with wealthy seagrass meadows, residence to marine life reminiscent of seahorses, fan mussels, and stalked jellyfish (not like different jellyfish these are completely hooked up to the seagrass). Head out with a snorkel when the tides in to discover this underwater world – taking care to not disturb these uncommon and guarded habitats.
10. Eat Seafood
Seafood followers will enjoyment of Salcombe’s unbelievable meals scene. From cosy harbourside pubs and informal cafes to high-end eating places, the seafood scene is powerful on this coastal city. Under are among the greatest locations to eat on the town (credit score goes to my good friend Ruth, who’s been holidaying in Salcombe for years and despatched me the BEST listing of locations to take a look at).
- Crab Shed – trendy however chilled restaurant proper on the quayside with waterside views, serving up recent crab and different native seafood.
- Winking Prawn – one of the crucial standard spots in Salcombe, a cute little cafe in North Sands with an enormous terrace. Don’t miss their “Po Boy” shrimp sandwiches.
- Oyster Shack in Bigbury – seafood price driving for! A vibrant, rustic restaurant on the Avon Estuary with a number of out of doors eating specialising in recent native oysters and shellfish.
- Beachhouse in South Milton Sands – one other one price driving to – gorge on epic seafood along with your ft within the sand at this beautiful restaurant.
- Victoria Inn – in all probability the very best pub in Salcombe, with nice meals.
- King’s Arms – one other nice pub in Salcombe. The terrace is beautiful on sunny days.
- South Sands Resort Restaurant – relaxed luxurious overlooking South Sands Seaside with a beautiful terrace in summer season.
- The Jetty at Harbour Resort – high-end eating overlooking the estuary with a deal with recent native seafood.
- Rockfish – a brand new department of my favorite seafood chain is opening up in Salcombe very quickly, so watch this house!
11. Study to Sail with Salcombe Dinghy Crusing
Because of its place on the sheltered Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is an excellent place to study to sail. Salcombe Dinghy Crusing provide a number of programs – together with some for each absolute inexperienced persons.
Their Degree 1 “Begin Crusing” course takes two full days or 4 half days – a good intro if you wish to get into crusing. I’ve not tried this one myself, however the crusing centre comes extremely really helpful and Salcombe is a GREAT place to study.
12. Uncover the City’s Historical past on the Maritime Museum
For those who want a break from Salcombe’s seashores and coastal trails (or an exercise for a wet afternoon) head to the Maritime Museum.
This pleasant, volunteer-run museum tucked into the Outdated Council Corridor is the right place to delve into Salcombe’s lengthy seafaring historical past – together with boatbuilding, wartime naval exercise, and treasures from native shipwrecks.
13. Study Extra on the Lifeboat Museum
For much more perception into Salcombe’s maritime historical past, there’s additionally the Salcombe Lifeboat Museum.
Housed inside the Lifeboat Station on Union Road, this small museum charts the story of over 140 years of lifesaving historical past in Salcombe. Admission is free – however choose up a memento within the RNLI store on-site to assist help the important lifeboat business in south Devon.
14. Soak Up Native Artwork at Salcombe Artwork Membership
Salcombe is full of so many artwork galleries it seems like its bordering on too many! Among the best to your listing is the Salcombe Artwork Membership.
Tucked away inside a disused sail loft close to the lifeboat quay, Salcombe Artwork Membership is a group studio for native artists. From Could to September, the studio is reworked into an artwork gallery for the Summer season Exhibition. Admission is free, so pop in and browse works by native artists – you would possibly even end up a singular memento to take residence.
The Artwork Membership additionally host common artwork lessons and workshops for members – so in case you’re an enthusiastic artist and a daily customer to Salcombe it could be price making use of to affix. Under are some extra nice native galleries you shouldn’t miss:
15. Unwind on the Harbour Seaside Membership Spa
On my most up-to-date journey to Salcombe, the Nice British Climate utterly rained off my afternoon plans, so I discovered myself in want of an indoor exercise. Fortunately, my beautiful vacation residence 4 The Attain (extra on that under) was riiiiight subsequent door to the fabulous Harbour Seaside Membership Resort which is residence to a divine spa.
The Seaside Membership Spa is small however good: there’s a 12m pool, sauna, steam room, and a hydrotherapy pool beneath a glass roof. One of the best half is the large floor-to-ceiling home windows alongside the pool which look out onto the plush inexperienced countryside round South Sands. The proper place to unwind in any case that point exploring the coast!
Prime tip: visitors at 4 The Attain can get discounted spa entry (or a free move in case you drop my identify once you ebook a keep of seven days or extra).
16. Don’t Miss Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream and Chocolate Manufacturing unit
If in case you have a candy tooth like me, it’s essential head to Salcombe Dairy. This family-owned ice cream firm is a Devon establishment, and also you’ll see it being offered everywhere in the Southwest.
At their manufacturing unit store on Island St, you possibly can watch the ice cream being freshly made earlier than shopping for a scoop (or three) to strive. There’s additionally a small cafe terrace the place you possibly can sit with an ice cream or sizzling drink and watch the world go by.
Throughout the highway in Hannaford’s Touchdown, you may as well go to Salcombe Dairy’s new Chocolate Manufacturing unit. Watch the total chocolate-making course of from bean to bar by means of the glass dividing partitions that separate the store from the manufacturing unit. Make sure you strive the interactive tasting machines. And, after all, choose up just a few chocolatey treats whilst you’re there.
The place to Keep in Salcombe
On my most up-to-date journey, I stayed at 4 The Attain, a phenomenal luxurious residence overlooking South Sands Seaside (the keep was gifted, I paid for all the pieces else).
Get the Tour: Click on right here to observe the video I made exhibiting a full tour of the property!
This can be a gorgeous two-bedroom residence subsequent door to the Harbour Seaside Membership in South Sands – about an 8-minute drive from the centre of Salcombe. It’s model new and has been embellished to absolute perfection: a easy, minimalist type with a number of mild browns and nautical blues. There are many nods to Salcombe’s maritime scene all through, together with a number of murals by native artist Paul Barclay.
There’s a big, lined balcony (with wonderful views of the seashore). The huge open-plan residing space has all the pieces you want for a soothing keep, but in addition a number of cute little additional touches: just like the chess set between two reclining chairs for lazy afternoons, and the file participant within the nook in case you fancy a celebration.
I significantly cherished the massive, high-spec TV and sound system – ultimate for a night in after a protracted day exploring. You may cook dinner up a storm within the spectacular kitchen, pour your self a glass of Salcombe Gin, and cosy up on the comfortable leather-based couch for a film evening. Goals.
Every little thing is fine quality and splendid: high-end furnishings, Le Creuset dinnerware, Bang & Olufsen TVs, Ralph Lauren bathrobes, and a fabulously extravagant Dolce & Gabbana kettle and toaster set!
The 2 bedrooms had luxurious resort room vibes, with plush bedding and generously sized TVs. Each bedrooms even have roomy ensuite loos; stylishly embellished with rainfall showers and double sinks.
I completely cherished my keep at 4 The Attain – the right place for a seashore vacation in Salcombe.
4 The Attain Vacation Residence Particular Supply
The property’s proprietor can be giving my followers a incredible particular provide. Point out my identify (Emily Luxton) once you ebook a keep at 4 The Attain and also you’ll obtain a dinner voucher price £150 for brief stays – and free spa entry for stays of per week or extra. This can solely work once you ebook by means of the Taylor Made Salcombe web site: click on right here.
Finest Day Journeys Close to Salcombe
Dartmouth – one other South Devon crusing city, with a big marina, a number of historic buildings, and an incredible seafood scene. Take a cruise on the river Dart, go to Dartmouth Fortress, or discover Agatha Christie’s former vacation residence at close by Greenway.
Totnes – a historic market city with a singular twist: because the UK’s first Transition City, Totnes is tremendous moral and eco-friendly. It’s full of unbiased companies, sustainable eating places, and a few top-notch vegan and veggie eateries. Rent a kayak from Totnes Kayaks to discover the River Dart – look out for otters and seals.
Burgh Island – this dramatic, windswept little island is related to the mainland by a sandbar. At low tide, you possibly can stroll to the island from Bigbury-on-Sea. At excessive tide, hop aboard the bizarre-looking Sea Tractor to make it throughout the now-underwater seashore. The one buildings on the island are the historic Pilchard Inn pub (which dates again to 1336) and the well-known, artwork deco Burgh Island Resort.
Begin Bay and Begin Level – in between Salcombe and Dartmouth, the huge stretch of Begin Bay is lined with a few of south Devon’s greatest seashores. It’s additionally residence to Slapton Ley, a lagoon lower off from the ocean by a skinny strip of seashore. Close by, the windswept headland Begin Level is nice for coast walks and hidden coves – don’t miss Begin Level Lighthouse for superb sea views.
Issues to do in Salcombe: Quicklist and Map
- Get pleasure from Salcombe’s Stunning Seashores
- Unbiased Buying on Fore St and Island St
- Take a Ferry Journey to Kingsbridge
- Rent a Boat in Salcombe
- Go to Overbeck’s Backyard
- Gin Tasting with Salcombe Gin
- Kayak or Paddleboard within the Estuary
- Stroll the Coast Path
- Snorkelling within the Kingsbridge Estuary
- Eat Seafood
- Study to Sail with Salcombe Dinghy Crusing
- Uncover the City’s Historical past on the Maritime Museum
- Study Extra on the Lifeboat Museum
- Soak Up Native Artwork at Salcombe Artwork Membership
- Unwind on the Harbour Seaside Membership Spa
- Don’t Miss Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream and Chocolate Manufacturing unit
Learn Extra
Finest Locations to Go to in Devon
Distinctive Locations to Keep in Devon
Are you aware any extra nice issues to do in or close to Salcombe? Scroll right down to share your suggestions within the feedback!