Why visit Salcombe?
Sandy beaches
Salcombe’s coastal location in southern Devon means it’s surrounded by several splendid stretches of sand. Camping in the Salcombe area puts a huge range of seaside spots within your reach, whether you’re after remote places to swim like Gara Rock and Soar Mill Cove or prefer the more sheltered North and South Sands, both of which are a short walk from Salcombe’s best shops and restaurants.
Salcombe's North Sands beach also has the benefit of being dog-friendly, which means there’s plenty of scope for letting your four-legged friends sprint through the surf all year round.
Golden sands and clear, shallow water make Salcombe's beaches great for families too – at most tide times kids will be able to wade out and splash around without getting out of their depth. For extra peace of mind, head to Hope Cove (10 minutes' drive), which benefits from regular RNLI lifeguard patrols.
The Kingsbridge Estuary
Salcombe isn’t your classic seaside town – this south Devon spot is located at the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary, a large tidal body of water that combines the peace and quiet of an inland river with the salty sea air of the coast.
To see the estuary at its best, take a leisurely cruise from Salcombe up to Kingsbridge from the quay and enjoy unparalleled views over the southern tip of the South Hams, or hire a boat, kayak or paddleboard and get exploring under your own steam.
Fore Street and Salcombe shopping
Although our range of campsites in the Salcombe area has something to suit all budgets, the town itself is a decidedly smart spot. Pop stars, celebrity chefs and other well-heeled types often come here in search of a quiet staycation – something that’s reflected by the posh boutiques and top-end restaurants that can be found throughout town.
Fore Street is right in the middle of Salcombe’s shopping district and has plenty of high-end outlets where you can pick up nautical gear, fashionable beachwear or unique souvenirs and gifts. Fans of Jack Wills can also visit the brand’s original shop, which opened for the first time in Salcombe back in 1999.
Salcombe’s best things to do
In town
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Spend an afternoon at Overbecks Museum and Garden, a stylish Edwardian villa with spectacular views over South Sands beach.
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Take a dip at the Salcombe and District Swimming Pool, a heated open-air pool tucked away behind town quay and the bustling shops of Fore Street.
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Learn about the town’s seafaring heritage at the Salcombe Maritime Museum.
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Lace up your boots and set off along the South West Coast Path to Bolt Head, a spectacular hilly route with exceptional views over the estuary (a circular route is also available).
Best attractions within 45 minutes’ drive of Salcombe
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Put your taste buds to the test at the South Devon Chilli Farm (20 minutes’ drive), a short drive north of Kingsbridge.
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Try out the rides and family-friendly attractions at Woodlands Family Theme Park near Totnes (30 minutes).
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Visit Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve and learn about Exercise Tiger, a dry run for the D-Day Normandy landings (30 minutes).
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Admire fronds, foliage and peaceful Devon countryside at Fast Rabbit Farm Gardens near Stoke Fleming (35 minutes).
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Head to Dartmouth Castle (45 minutes) to see one of England’s most scenic fortresses up close.
Undiscovered Salcombe
Spotlight on Salcombe crab
One of the staples of Salcombe's top restaurants is locally-caught Devon crab, a tasty crustacean that tends to be particularly flavoursome when caught in the rich waters of the Kingsbridge Estuary. It's often said that these specimens are particularly tasty because of deep waters, which force crabs to build up more muscle as they creep across the seabed.
If you're not a fan of seafood but still want to experience local marine life, head down to Victoria Quay in Salcombe town centre for some catch-and-release crabbing (for best results, try and make your visit coincide with high tide).
Walking the South Hams
Salcombe is located on the South West Coast Path, a near-endless source of spectacular seaside scenery.
Inland, the South Hams has plenty of quiet local trails, like the circular route linking Brixton and Steer Point or the waterside walks around Loddiswell and the river Avon.
If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, it’s also worth noting that Salcombe is roughly half an hour’s drive from the edge of Dartmoor National Park.
South Devon’s beachmobiles
Ever travelled by sea tractor? This part of Devon has a couple of unusual beachmobiles, including Salcombe’s very own South Sands ferry that shuttles beachgoers back and forth between the town centre and East Portlemouth.
For a similar experience, head a few miles west along the coast to Bigbury-on-Sea and take a sea tractor out to Burgh Island, home to a stylish Art Deco hotel that inspired local author Agatha Christie.
Here’s how
Ready to get started in Salcombe? Whether it’s campsites near the beach, back to basics Devon farms or luxury glamping options that appeal, you’ll find it using our tick-box filters on this page. Our most popular searches for Salcombe include:
Looking for more holiday deals? Try similarly smart seaside resorts like nearby Torquay, or expand your search to take in all of Devon, Cornwall or South West England. One last thing – make sure to have a read of our camping guide before you go to make sure everything runs smoothly while you’re away.
