
What indoor activities are there in Salcombe?
Salcombe is famed for being a seaside destination where the sun shines, the ice cream is second to none, and days at the beach are what life is made for. Its natural beauty is unparalleled, and those that visit invariably return, building memories that last a lifetime, peppered with sea swims, buckets and spades, boat trips, and jaunts along the coast path. However, this being the UK, what do you do in Salcombe on rainy days? For those who don’t fancy splashing in the wet weather, here are the indoor activities waiting to be enjoyed in Salcombe.

Explore the local heritage
This pretty little seaside town has a lot of reverence for its past, especially when it comes to its maritime heritage. As you potter through town, spare a moment for the Salcombe Maritime Museum – a discreet treasure trove brimming with models, paintings, photographs and artefacts that tell the story of Salcombe’s links with ships and the sea, from ancient times to the Second World War.
The RNLI is an essential part of life by the water, so a trip to the Salcombe Lifeboat Museum is a chance to hear about more than 140 years of courageous lifesaving history, and to chat to some of the incredible crew.
Then again, for a totally different type of heritage, you might like to visit Overbeck’s at Sharpitor. The National Trust property is surrounded by an incredible seven-acre subtropical Grade II registered garden. The house was formerly owned by the famous chemist, Otto Overbeck, and is filled with treasures. It was closed for maintenance in 2020, but is expected to reopen this year. There’s also a lovely kiosk, situated at the Coach House by the entrance, for a bite to eat.
Photo credit: Lucy Young Art
Browse the shops & galleries
Retail therapy is a favourite pastime for all of us, and Salcombe is full of boutiques and art galleries waiting to be explored. Wander through the town centre and you’ll find everything from coastal-inspired homeware to local artwork. Favourites include Chattels of Salcombe for gifts, Musto, Henri Lloyd or Quba for all the right wet weather and sailing kit, Crew Clothing for a classic Salcombe aesthetic, and of course Cranch’s Sweetshop for traditional confectionery.
Cosy cafes & restaurants
Rainy days are the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy Salcombe’s food scene. After all, this is a part of the world famous for its clotted cream, fudge, and its crab sandwiches. Some of the local establishments are as famous as the town itself. Take a stroll to North Sands for lunch, brunch, and summer barbecues by the beach at The Winking Prawn, tuck into local seafood at The Crab Shed, grab a coffee and cake at The Ward Room, or dine with friends at Rockfish.


Spa by the sea
Few things are quite as relaxing as time by the sea, but you can super-charge the feel-good-factor with one of the area’s luxury spas. Head to the HarSPA at Harbour Hotel Salcombe in the heart of town for a swim with a view of the estuary and a spa treatment or two. Also from the Harbour Hotels group comes the Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa at South Sands. Hop over to East Portlemouth for pampering at Gara Rock’s Wild Rock Spa, settle in for a swim and therapy at Soar Mill Cove Hotel, or pop over to Thurlestone Hotel for time well spent in their Voyage Spa.
Sample Salcombe’s Finest
Get a taste for Salcombe’s finest fare with experiences designed to entertain and indulge. Salcombe really knows how to enjoy the finer things in life – amongst them, gin, rum, and chocolate. Go to the Salcombe Distillery for award-winning experiences from learning to distil your own bottle of gin to tutored tastings. Alternatively, sample artisan spiced and flavoured rums, have a hands-on rum making experience, or join a boozy rum cocktail masterclass at the Devon Rum Co. For something a little more wholesome, pop along to Salcombe Dairy on Island Street for The Salchemist Experience – a chance to taste their famous ice cream and bean-to-bar chocolate.
Photo credit: Devon Rum Co
Explore the local area
While Salcombe itself has plenty to see and do, don’t forget there’s a wider world in the South Hams waiting to be explored. Nearby Kingsbridge or further afield at Totnes, Dartmouth, and Dartmoor they all offer lots of beautiful places to explore. For crafty projects try Paper Bird Island, enjoy an evening out at Kings Cinema, learn about the local area at Cookworthy Museum, have a cup of tea and a potter round the shops at Avon Mill Garden Centre, sample the spice of life at South Devon Chilli Farm, and try a spot of pottery or learn how to shape your own surfboard at Outside Devon. The Cider Press Centre at Dartington is a haven for curated local arts, crafts, food and contemporary living inspiration, hop aboard the steam trains at South Devon Railway, or flutter over to The Butterfly House in Buckfastleigh.


Reading, games & watching the world go by
Sometimes the simplest indoor activity in Salcombe is the most enjoyable. Whether it’s settling into a cosy corner with a book or playing board games at your Salcombe holiday cottage, the soul-soothing atmosphere in the South Hams makes it easy to slow down and recharge. Enjoy time with friends and family, whether you’re staying at a holiday home with a Jacuzzi, snuggling up by the fire, or watching the waves crash from the comfort of the sofa. After all, indoor activities can simply be about enjoying a moment of calm and quality time together.
Looking for a place to stay by the sea? With a Salcombe holiday cottage you can relax come rain or shine, whether you’re on a family holiday or a group getaway or a romantic retreat.
