The Best Beaches in Salcombe: A Salcombe Beach Guide

Tucked away on the southern coast of Devon you will find Salcombe: an iconic seaside town renowned for its picturesque harbour, sun-soaked beaches and captivating coastlines. The climate in Salcombe is almost Mediterranean. The balmy summers mean Salcombe has been a holiday hot-spot for generations, proving a paradise for all ages. Whether you’re looking to ride wild waters, hike through enchanting landscapes or simply lounge on golden sands…Salcombe will not disappoint.

You haven’t really seen Salcombe until you’ve explored it from the sea. Take a walk along the South West Coastal Path and discover the dramatic landscape, explore secluded lagoons and stroll along beautiful sandy bays.  Salcombe has such a range of spectacular beaches that you could spend a week hopping from shore to shore, taking in new sights, sounds, and surroundings and still not see it all. If you’e planning a trip to Salcombe, read our Salcombe beach guide which will tell you everything you need to know to make sure you make the most of the glittering waters and soft sandy bays!

North & South Sands

On the Salcombe side of the estuary, there are two beaches that are easily accessible: North Sands and South Sands. Both are linked by road from Salcombe. South Sands is served by a regular ferry service from the centre of Salcombe from April to October each year. The journey in the recognisable blue, yellow and red ferry is definitely one to try, particularly with the quirky sea tractor ride out of the sea. At South Sands there is Bo’s Café, the South Sands Hotel, the Harbour Beach Club Hotel and a water-sports centre for kayaking and paddle-boarding. Dogs are welcome on the ferry over to the beach and they are totally free to take on board. Dogs can run wild and free from October – May. If you’re visiting after May in the Summer, you can walk along the road to North Sands, which is dog friendly all year round.

At North Sands you will find the Winking Prawn café – a shack-style seafood café with a buzzing atmosphere and outdoor seating looking over the waves. We enjoy the print of prawns or Fruit de Mer! Off lead dogs are very welcome here too (inside and outside) so it’s a great spot to stop off after a long coastal walk. There is also a car park next door and it’s a super quick (and very pretty) drive from the centre of Salcombe! However, you needn’t drive there at all. North Sands beach is an easy level walk from Salcombe town along Cliff Road (about 15 minutes)

Sunny Cove

Sunny Cove is a boating enthusiasts paradise in South Devon. If you’ve hired a boat for a day or two (which we highly recommend) it’s just a quick trip over the Salcombe bar for a blast, moor up or anchor and swim to the beach, there really is no better way to unwind on holiday. Plus, dogs are allowed all year round!

Sitting picturesquely in the rocks, Sunny Cove is nothing short of magical. Staying true to it’s name, it gets incredible sunshine all day and can get very hot – on a summer’s day it could easily be mistaken for a little beach on a Greek island. Take a short ferry ride and a 15 minute coastal stroll to this secluded beach and feel truly at peace, watching the waves glimmer under the glowing Salcombe sun.

Smalls, Mill Bay and Fisherman’s Cove

Smalls, Mill Bay, and Fisherman’s Cove are a cluster of sunny beaches nestled in the Salcombe coastline that can be accessed by crossing the estuary on a passenger ferry adventure. Here you will enjoy uninterrupted sunshine as you bathe on the yellow sands or dip your toes in the long stretches of glinting turquoise blue waves. If you’re visiting Salcombe with the family, these bays provide many rock pooling opportunities for children and a lot of safe space for beach games all day long. Dogs are allowed all year round and they’re very family friendly spots, wonderful for relaxing with a bucket of champagne!

There is a National Trust Car Park at the back of Mill Bay (a 45 minute drive from Salcombe), but parking is limited, so we would say the ferry from Salcombe is the best bet. Next to the car park are public toilets which are free to use.

The Salcombe Ferry will take you across, it’s a gorgeous ride on the twinkling blue waters. The fare is £2.30 for adults and £1.70 From the ferry, walk along the foreshore keeping the sea to your right. First, you will pass Smalls which is a pretty little beach with lots of dinghies tucked away at the back of it. Keep going to on to reach Mill Bay – it is the next big beach –  huge with plenty of space to find your own picnic spot for the day! The Salcombe Ferry runs from 8.30am – 6.30pm and collects travellers from the Salcombe Landing/Jubilee Ferry Pier by The Ferry Inn.

The Hipple

A gorgeous little beach, totally secluded and set in aquamarine blue sea, like a tropical deserted island in a movie. You can get to it by boat or by walking along the foreshore at very low tide and what’s more, dogs are allowed all year round. 

In summer the spit (large mound of sand) that petrudes from the water, produces a flurry of waves that are perfect for wave-jumping little ones and wave dodging woofers. Honeymooners and lovebirds are encouraged to take a quiet walk to The Hipple and watch the lapping waves (champagne and ice bucket optional)