Top 10 things to do in Salcombe

Beautiful Salcombe is a seaside resort in South Hams, situated on the west bank of Kingsbridge Estuary. Close to a host of coastal walks and set within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), there is so much to see and do on a holiday to Salcombe.

With shopping prospects galore, and a great range of pubs, restaurants and cafes, Salcombe is a lively place to spend time. Salcombe is chiefly known for sailing, with a whole calendar of events throughout the year; it also has a growing reputation as a hub for small-scale, independent beverage production such as rum, gin and ale.

We have compiled a blog of great things to do in Salcombe, from sailing lessons to crabbing in the harbour or a day of building sandcastles on the estuarine beach. If you are planning a holiday, why not browse our collection of self-catering accommodation in Salcombe today?

Top 10 things to do in Salcombe:

1. Go to the beach

Salcombe is home to a few lovely beaches such as Salcombe North Sands and Salcombe South Sands. Of the two, North Sands is the closest to the centre of Salcombe. It is less than 1.5 miles from the centre of the town and when the tide pulls out, there is a wide run of sand to build sandcastles and relax. There are also rock pools to explore and reasonably shallow waters for swimming. And there are great sea views out to Wolf Rock and Sunny Cove which are very photogenic. 

Neighbouring South Sands is a bit further away (2 miles) but is less than half a mile from North Sands, so you can combine visits. The beach is smaller and is more of a cove, and a section of the sand is used for hauling out boats. For more beach-visiting inspiration, why not take a look at our Devon beach guide?

2. Learn to sail 

Learn how to sail with Salcombe Dinghy Sailing. They are a RYA (Royal Yacht Association) accredited company and have a wide range of courses for students of all ages, including kids. The Kingsbridge Estuary is a lovely place to spend time on the water too, sailing here is an exhilarating experience.

3. Tour a distillery or brewery

Salcombe is home to three producers of craft alcoholic beverages: Salcombe Gin Distillery, Salcombe Brewery, and the Devon Rum Co. All three establishments offer tours of their factories and have on-site shops where you can buy some gifts for friends (or yourself). You could visit all three, or just head over to the one that deals in your particular poison.

4. Take a ferry 

For a more relaxing way to take in the sights, hop aboard the South Sands Ferry which takes in the scenic estuary waters between Salcombe and Kingsbridge, also running evening trips through the creeks and out to sea. Because the estuary falls within the South Devon AONB, these trips are highly recommended for wildlife watching and bird spotting.

5. Go for a walk  

For the best views of Salcombe, the estuary, and the open sea, we’d recommend this lovely circular walk that originates in East Portlemouth. For two-thirds of the year, you could take the ferry across the water, or else you could park in the village. For some of its length, the path merges with the South West Coast Path. Highlights include Gara Rock, Rickham Common, and a landmark called The Bull.

6. Enjoy a swim

Salcombe Swimming Pool is an open-air heated pool in the centre of town that is open to the public during the spring and summer months (May–September). It’s a great place for all the family to enjoy time playing and swimming. The pool can also be hired privately for your use.

7. Go crabbing at Salcombe Harbour 

Take a bit of bacon from the fridge for bait, dust off your bucket and crabbing line and head out to Salcombe Harbour, which is a prime crabbing spot. It’s a special childhood pastime to go crabbing, with the best spots to be found along Victoria Quay and around the lifeboat station. Time your crabbing session with a rising tide for the best results.

8. Try coasteering 

If you are a competent swimmer, then this next suggestion is for you. Embark on a true adventure with Salcombe’s Sea-n-Shore. They run half-day sessions for small groups running from Start Point Lighthouse car park. The activity includes cave exploration, open water swimming, rock climbing and sea plunges.

9. Dine out in Salcombe

There are some exceptional family-friendly restaurants and eateries in Salcombe where you can delight in tasty crab chowder or a Devon cream tea, including the beachside Venus Cafe and the Winking Prawn, a local’s favourite where you can enjoy the morning sun and coffee whilst watching the waves break on the shore.

If you’re looking to indulge in a glass of champagne with ocean views, then Dick and Wills Waterside Grill or The Ferry Inn, are both perched on the waterfront with outstanding panoramas over the sparkling water. And for al fresco dining, we recommend the Victoria Inn with their incredible seafood platters.

10. Have a shopping spree

Salcombe has a range of interesting shops to explore. The majority of Salcombe shops are independent businesses so there is a high chance you will be supporting local suppliers when you go shopping for souvenirs, gifts or something more essential. Everybody loves independent bookshops so make sure you pop into Salter's Bookshelf which specialises in new books and bespoke gifts - stock up on your holiday reading here. 

If you are on the run and are feeling peckish for something tasty, then stop in at Salcombe Delicatessen; you could also pick up something delicious and locally sourced for dinner! For modern women's clothing with an outdoorsy edge, stop in at Busby & Fox, a local chain with a branch in nearby Kingsbridge and Totnes. You never know what you'll find in the narrow lanes of Salcombe.

Map of things to do in Salcombe

Check out our handy map that includes each of the places mentioned in this guide.

Stay at a self-catering holiday cottage in Salcombe

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a stay at one of our self-catering holiday cottages in Salcombe and South Devon. We hope we have inspired your next break to the South Devon coast. Browse our collection of properties for your Salcombe holiday today by clicking on the button below.