Salcombe Holidays

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Things To Do

The stunning South Hams town of Salcombe rests on the Kingsbridge Estuary along the South Devon coastline, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

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A local’s guide to holidays in Salcombe…

Things to do in Salcombe

Known for its calm water and beautiful beaches, holidays in Salcombe centre around the water, making it a popular destination for sailing and water sports enthusiasts.

Along the coast, you’ll find many boat hire companies and experiences. Examples include Salcombe Powerboat Charter, the Salcombe Yacht Club, and the Island Cruising Club which is housed within the old Mersey ferry on a fixed mooring in the harbour.

Visitors interested in sailing can book lessons with Salcombe Dinghy Sailing on Fore Street. This is an accredited RYA Training Centre. For private hire, Whitestrand Boat Hire is right on the quay. To explore further afield, The Lady Mary passenger ferry connects Salcombe and Kingsbridge.

Kayaking, windsurfing, and paddle-boarding are also popular, with equipment hire from Salcombe Watersports in the harbour and Surf Ski Salcombe on Cliff Road near the Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa.

Salcombe Beaches

From small, sheltered coves to big sandy crescents, Salcombe’s beaches are stunning. The clear and calm waters of the Kingsbridge Estuary create a sparkling blue backdrop for beach days.

North Sands Beach and South Sands Beach are perfect for families, with shallow water and stunning views across the bay. The wonderful beaches of East Portlemouth, including Mill Bay and Sunny Cove, can be reached via the seasonal South Sands Ferry across the estuary.

Experiences in Salcombe

Salcombe is fantastic for experiences and days out with the kids. The award-winning Salcombe Gin Distillery offers visitors a gin-making experience and tasting sessions, while Salcombe Dairy offers a more family-friendly ice-cream and chocolate tasting experience.

Join a cocktail masterclass at The Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa, or book a Swim, Sauna, Lunch experience. The spa offers a range of treatment packages and experiences, as well as a 12-metre indoor pool, an indoor relaxation room, a steam room, and an outdoor terrace lined with sun loungers.

What’s On In Salcombe

The Salcombe Crab Festival takes place every May, celebrating the very best of local fishing, food, drink and tourism. It’s a brilliant community day out and a chance to enjoy everything that makes Salcombe special.

Tuck into freshly prepared crab, watch live cookery demos from talented chefs, learn how to pick crab, and try crab pot making. Enjoy live music and family activities throughout the day or watch top local chefs share their skills in the Chefs’ Demo Marquee.

The Salcombe Town Regatta takes place around the second week of every year. A ‘must’ for visitors of all ages, there are events on the water, in the water, and on dry land. Spectators are treated to various rowing, raft and sailing races too, with a boat show and stalls, a street party and fireworks adding to the experience.

The National Trust’s Overbecks Museum and Garden at Bolt Head lets you take advantage of the mild climate and headland views.
The town itself is peppered with fabulous independent shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafes and delis. Of course, boat, kayak and paddle-board hire is plentiful, along with scuba diving experiences, guided seal walks and sailing lessons.

A local’s guide to Salcombe holidays…

Why book a Salcombe holiday?

Salcombe is one of South Devon’s most sought-after seaside towns, loved for its stunning estuary views, golden beaches, and lively harbour. Often called the UK’s answer to Saint-Tropez, it draws sailors, water sports fans, and anyone wanting a peaceful coastal getaway. In summer, colourful sailing boats glide across the water, and the pretty streets bustle with boutique shops, cosy cafés, and waterfront restaurants.
Are there good restaurants in Salcombe?

Yes, Salcombe has a fantastic range of cafés, pubs and restaurants. Local favourites include Salcombe Coffee Company (becoming Bistro 73 for evening dining), The Ward Room behind Crew Clothing on Fore Street, and The Victoria Inn with its large beer garden and classic British pub food. The Crab Shed is a fantastic option and offers waterside dining with stunning views and fresh seafood.

Fancy dining in your self catering cottage in Salcombe instead? Order a family sized Crab Mac ‘n Cheese or Fish Pie from the award-winning Salcombe Suppers and collect (usually within an hour of ordering) from The Crab Shed.
What are the best things to do in Salcombe?

Salcombe has something for everyone, whether you want to unwind or try something new. You can take a boat trip around the harbour, paddleboard along the estuary, or hop on the ferry to East Portlemouth’s sandy shores. Walking the South West Coast Path is a must for cliff-top views. Families love popping into traditional sweet shops, grabbing an ice cream from Salcombe Dairy, or enjoying fish and chips at a beachside café.
Which beaches are near Salcombe?

There are several beautiful beaches within easy reach of the town. North Sands is the closest and perfect for families, swimming and paddleboarding. Across the estuary, Mill Bay and Sunny Cove offer peaceful sandy beaches that can be reached by ferry or boat. Slightly further along the coast, South Sands is popular for water sports and is accessible via ferry or a scenic walk. For those willing to explore further, secluded spots such as Gara Rock Beach and Soar Mill Cove provide dramatic scenery and quieter surroundings.
Can I hire water sports equipment in Salcombe?

The calm waters of the estuary make it ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing, while the nearby coastline offers opportunities for swimming, wildlife spotting and photography. Visitors can hire paddleboards, kayaks and accessories from North Sands Water Sports and Salcombe Watersports.
Where are the car parks in Salcombe?

Parking in Salcombe is limited in the town centre due to its narrow streets, so visitors are encouraged to use one of the main car parks nearby. Options include The Creek Car Park, a large long-stay car park around a 5–10 minute walk from the centre, and Shadycombe Car Park, which is closer but smaller. There is also a seasonal Park and Ride service from Bonfire Hill Car Park which operates during the May half term, summer holidays and Crabfest, allowing visitors to park outside the town and take a bus into the centre. Planning ahead is recommended during busy summer months when spaces can fill quickly.