Surely the cream and jam in South Devon’s delicious scone, the seaside town of Salcombe is well known for its beautiful beaches and scenic estuary.
It is hugely popular with the sailing and yachting community and has a long maritime history; indeed, it was once a significant port with trading links across the world (particularly in the fruit trade) and a centre for shipbuilding. Today, it continues to maintain its shellfishing industry, which is renowned for the high quality of its crab.
These days, tourism is the town’s major industry, which is not surprising given its beautiful estuary position and its location in the South Devon National Landscape.
With glorious beaches on either side of the estuary, a sheltered harbour and a huge choice of bars and restaurants, it has understandable pulling power, and is one of the best seaside destinations to visit in the UK.
In recent years, house prices have rocketed, putting it in the premier league of coastal real estate, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sandbanks and Padstow. Nevertheless, it retains an old-school charm and is popular with generations of returning holidaymakers.
Where to stay in Salcombe
Alston Farm is a pretty site five minutes from Salcombe. Facilities include three toilet and shower blocks, a large play area and, usefully for those taking a dog on tour, a dog-walk.
Alternatively, there is Higher Rew Camping Park – beautifully positioned near the estuary, this five-acre site has newly refurbished washrooms, a playbarn and a shop.
Or there’s Ilton Castle Farm. This CL has splendid views across the Devon countryside. A peaceful campsite offering five spacious touring pitches, showers and battery charging.
Did you know?
The estuary environment is an important habitat for sealife, particularly the seagrass beds, which are home to a number of types of marine life. These include spiny and short-snouted seahorses, which are protected species that feed on shrimp living in the seagrass.
What to do in Salcombe on Day 1
9.30am – Waterfront shopping
Kick off the day with a hit of coffee on the waterfront at The Salcombe Yawl, where sourdough toasties are a speciality. From here, it’s an easy stroll to Fore Street for a spot of retail therapy amid the many independent shops. Try the Salcombe Clothing Company for authentic nautical fashion, or photography specialists Explosures for visual mementos.
11.30am – Sailing by
This is one for fans of museums. Continue your leisurely morning by taking a look around Salcombe Maritime Museum in Market Street. Here, you can find out about the many sailing ships built in Salcombe during the 19th century, including the Salcombe ‘fruiters’, fast clipper-like schooners which brought in supplies of fruit from around the globe.
The museum also recounts the fate of many ships that were wrecked in the region, and there’s a ‘Young Sailors’ corner, where children can indulge in a spot of pirate dress-up. Entry to the museum is free.
1pm – Waterside Grill
Stay near the water for lunch with a splendid view at Dick and Wills. This popular restaurant’s terrace overlooks the estuary, and you can enjoy delicious locally caught fish and seafood, such as Salcombe crab and lobster. Quick lunch options include crab and prawn sandwiches and salt & pepper squid.
Kingsbridge Estuary
2pm – Heading south
Take the ferry from Whitestrand to the beautiful beach of South Sands at the entrance to Salcombe harbour. You’ll be greeted by the famous Sea Tractor landing platform, which travels out into the water to meet the ferry, allowing you to disembark without getting wet feet.
3.30pm – Subtropical paradise
From South Sands, stroll three-quarters of a mile uphill to explore the National Trust Overbeck’s Garden (there is a car park, but it’s small and only has limited spaces). This delightful subtropical garden stands on the clifftops above Salcombe, where its microclimate hosts a superb range of plants from around the world.
It’s a beautiful spot, combining great views, exotic planting and a number of special features, including a glasshouse, a statue garden and a cactus conservatory.
7pm – Crack on!
Time to dine at a Salcombe institution. The quayside Crab Shed specialises in wonderful waterside views and 100% handpicked local crab. Here you can enjoy local favourites such as Whole Salcombe Cracked Crab and Crab Shed Bouillabaisse.
What to do on Day 2
9am – Ready, steady, bake!
Start your day with a fortifying pastry or cheese and onion pasty at locals’ favourite The Bake House, on Fore Street.
10am – Take to the water
No trip to Salcombe would be complete without a watery excursion – why not go the whole hog and learn to sail? Half-day RYA dinghy sailing courses are available
on the estuary (£200 for a family of four).
Alternatively, try the adrenaline-fuelled challenge that is coasteering. A 2.5-hour session combining wild swimming, jumps and rock traversing costs £45.
1pm – Deli delights
Pause at The Salcombe Delicatessen to buy sandwiches and pasties for lunch on the move. Devon ham, brie and avocado sounds like a winner, and there are pizza and salad options, too. Then hop aboard the East Portlemouth Ferry, which takes you across the estuary (a five-minute trip) to a landing point on the eastern shore, from where you can walk to pretty beaches at Small’s Cove and Mill Bay (a half-mile away).
4pm – To the lighthouse
Drive to Start Point Lighthouse for wonderful walks in late afternoon light amid spectacular countryside and superb coastal scenery. There’s also the chance to spot seals and dolphins out at sea, or head to the visitor centre for fascinating tours of the lighthouse.
8pm – Pub grub
For more wonderful waterside vistas, return to Fore Street for food and drink at The Ferry Inn. Yes, seafood features widely on the menu, but if you want a change, there are plenty of alternatives, including a recommended beef & ale pie or sweet potato and lentil curry. You’ll find the prices are reasonable, too.
For a seaside getaway in a different part of the country, take a look at our guide to a weekend in Scarborough – it’s a classic northern seaside resort which has been attracting visitors for centuries. Alternatively, you could consider heading to Tenby in South Wales – this seaside town has plenty of history and beauty to explore.
After some more ideas for a weekend getaway? Then head to our Go Campervanning: Weekend Getaways section for more great ideas!
Lead image: Getty Images
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