Salcombe Beaches

Overview

Salcombe, nestled on the South Devon coast, is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches, making it an excellent destination for family holidays. The area boasts a variety of coastal spots, from easily accessible shores to more secluded coves. Visitors often ask about the best beaches and what makes Salcombe special for a seaside escape; its picturesque setting and inviting clear waters are certainly high on the list.

Among the highlights, Salcombe North Sands is a popular choice, easily reached from town and perfect for families. Further along, or accessible by its famous sea tractor, South Sands Beach offers exciting watersports. A short and delightful ferry trip across the estuary reveals Mill Bay on the East Portlemouth side, a stunningly scenic beach ideal for a relaxing day. Many wonder if the waters are good for swimming, and indeed, Salcombe's clear waters are inviting for a dip.

For a quieter experience, Soar Mill Cove provides a tranquil retreat for those exploring the scenic coast path. It's important to consider tide times when planning your visit, as they can significantly alter beach accessibility and the amount of sand available, especially at locations like Salcombe North Sands. Dog owners will be pleased to know that several Salcombe beaches welcome pets throughout the year. Discover more of Salcombe's coastal treasures, including other beautiful spots in East Portlemouth, in our detailed list of beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Can you swim in the sea at Salcombe beaches?

Yes, swimming is popular in Salcombe. North Sands is known for its safe bay and is a hub for wild swimming groups. Many local beaches have lifeguards during summer and use red and yellow flags to mark safe swimming zones. South Sands also offers calm waters ideal for swimming.

Salcombe North Sands

South Sands Beach

Which Salcombe beaches are dog-friendly?

North Sands, Mill Bay, East Portlemouth beaches (including Smalls Cove and Fisherman's Cove), and Sunny Cove allow dogs all year round. South Sands has restrictions, banning dogs from May 1st to September 30th, though they can cross on a lead for the ferry. Always check local signage for the most current rules.

Sunny Cove Beach

Mill Bay

How do you get to the beaches in East Portlemouth from Salcombe?

The easiest way to reach the East Portlemouth beaches (like Mill Bay, Smalls Cove, Sunny Cove) from Salcombe is by taking the passenger ferry. It runs regularly from Salcombe (Jubilee Ferry Pier by The Ferry Inn in summer, Whitestrand Quay in winter) to the East Portlemouth landing. You can then walk to the various beaches.

Mill Bay

Sunny Cove Beach

What's the difference between North Sands and South Sands?

North Sands is closer to Salcombe town (about a 15-minute walk), is dog-friendly year-round, and has the Winking Prawn café nearby. It's great for families and rock pooling at low tide but can get fully submerged at high tide. South Sands is a bit further (about 1.5 - 2 miles from town or accessible by ferry), has a Blue Flag award, offers watersports, and has seasonal dog restrictions. Both are sandy and popular.

South Sands Beach

Is Salcombe a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Salcombe is considered a great destination for family beach holidays. Beaches like North Sands and Mill Bay offer safe, sandy areas for children, rock pooling opportunities, and calm waters for paddling. Many beaches have facilities like cafes and toilets nearby.

Salcombe North Sands

Mill Bay

What are the parking options for Salcombe beaches?

Parking can be limited, especially in peak season. North Sands has a council car park. South Sands has a small car park, with a National Trust car park also nearby (5-min walk). For East Portlemouth beaches like Mill Bay, there's a National Trust car park, but it can be a long drive, making the ferry a better option from Salcombe. It's often advisable to walk or use the ferries from Salcombe town if possible.

South Sands Beach

Mill Bay

Are there any quieter, more secluded beaches near Salcombe?

Yes, Sunny Cove (accessible via ferry to East Portlemouth then a coastal walk or by boat) is often quieter. Soar Mill Cove (accessible via the coast path) and Gara Rock Beach are also known for being more secluded. The Hipple is another very secluded beach accessible by boat or at very low tide.

Sunny Cove Beach

Soar Mill Cove

Gara Rock Beach

What facilities are typically available at Salcombe beaches?

Facilities vary by beach. North Sands has The Winking Prawn café, toilets, and a beach shop. South Sands offers watersport rentals, Bo's Beach Café, and toilets. East Portlemouth (near the ferry landing) has a café, shop, and toilets. Mill Bay has toilets near its car park. Many smaller coves may have no facilities.

South Sands Beach

Mill Bay

People Also Ask

When is the best time to visit Salcombe for a beach holiday?

Salcombe's balmy summers make it a holiday hotspot, ideal for beach holidays. The passenger ferries to South Sands and East Portlemouth typically run more frequently from April to October. However, be aware that some beaches like North Sands can disappear at high tide, so checking tide tables is always recommended.

Can you do watersports at Salcombe beaches?

Yes, South Sands is a popular spot for watersports, with equipment hire available for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The estuary itself is a prime location for various water-based activities.

South Sands Beach

How important are tide times for visiting Salcombe beaches?

Tide times are very important, especially for beaches like North Sands, which can be almost completely submerged at high tide. Low tide often reveals larger sandy areas and rock pools, ideal for exploring. Some coves like Smalls Cove can also be cut off at high tide.

Is it easy to walk to any beaches from Salcombe town centre?

Yes, North Sands is an easy, relatively flat 15-20 minute walk from Salcombe town centre along Cliff Road. South Sands is a further 10-15 minute walk from North Sands, involving a hill, or about a 25-30 minute walk directly from town.

Salcombe North Sands

South Sands Beach

Are Salcombe beaches sandy?

Yes, Salcombe is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches. Popular spots like North Sands, South Sands, Mill Bay, Sunny Cove, and the East Portlemouth beaches all feature golden sands.

Mill Bay

What is the South Sands Sea Tractor?

The South Sands Sea Tractor is a unique and iconic part of the Salcombe experience. It's a specially designed vehicle that transports ferry passengers from the South Sands Ferry boat across the shallow waters and onto the beach itself, particularly useful at different tide levels.

South Sands Beach

Are there any beaches near Salcombe that are good for surfing?

While Salcombe's estuary beaches are generally calm and sheltered, Bantham Beach, a short drive away, is renowned as one of the best surfing beaches in South Devon. It has good conditions for beginners and more experienced surfers and offers surf lessons.