Explore Salcombe

The stunning ‘sailing bubble’ of Salcombe is just under an hour’s drive from Devon’s beautiful English Riviera and is the perfect place for a whole day out.

Yachts, Ferries and Beaches

Salcombe is located on a magnificent estuary with turquoise waters crammed with yachts and boats of all kinds.  The atmosphere is buzzing in the summer months and decidedly ‘yachtie.’ There are glorious beaches where you can spend a memorable day just chilling and exploring.  On the Salcombe side of the water, you can enjoy a pleasant stroll out to North Sands and South Sands beaches or get the delightful South Sands ferry there and back – a short but exceptionally scenic ride.  You’ll be transferred to the boat via an old-fashioned sea tractor, adding greatly to the fun.  There’s another foot ferry across the water from Salcombe to East Portlemouth (year round) where you’ll discover more gorgeous, sandy beaches and coves.

South West Coast Path

There are many different paths all around this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  Walkers will love following the renowned South West Coast Path from Salcombe, past North and South Sands and out to dramatic Bolt Head, which can easily be covered (there and back) in half a day.  There are places in the town where you can pick up delicious picnic food for the journey.  On the east Portlemouth side of the water you can walk high up along the sea facing cliffs towards Gara Rock with quite spectacular views. There are excellent cafés at either end of the walk.

On and Off the Water

Salcombe is home to a great range of shops all along jaunty Fore Street. Here you can pick up the sailing look even if you have no intention of setting foot on the water with sailing brands galore on display. There are also many gift, interiors and speciality shops to browse.  Salcombe is a great place to get your feet wet though - there are various places to have a go at a range of water sports with sea kayaking, paddle boarding and dinghy sailing on offer.  You can hire a self-drive motorboat or legendary Salcombe Yawl, book a day sail on a yacht, take a mackerel fishing trip or pump up the adrenaline on a fast RIB ride along the coast.

Time for Lunch

There are some wonderful beachside cafes for snacks and refreshments and lots of eateries for lunch both close to the shore and in the centre of Salcombe.  Why not try some yummy crab chowder, a delightful Devon cream tea or a refreshing holiday cocktail? The freshest fish and seafood is available at lots of restaurants along the main street – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Overbecks Museum and Garden

Now run by the National Trust, Overbecks is a paradise of subtropical gardens and quirky collectables amassed by scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck.  Making a fascinating visit, it’s tucked away on the cliffs above Salcombe.  There is a small car park at Overbecks or you can take the ferry to South Sands and enjoy a lovely, if steep, walk about ¾ of a mile.  

Salcombe Maritime Museum

A small but fascinating treasure trove of Salcombe’s sailing past, the museum is fun to visit and located close to Salcombe Tourist Information Centre and the Park and Ride bus stops right outside.

Getting There 

Parking is difficult during the summer months so use the Park and Ride on the outskirts of town.  From the English Riviera, you can also take the steam train to Dartmouth and then a bus to Salcombe.