Salcombe Retreat is on the South Devon coast, just outside the beautiful coastal town of Salcombe. Salcombe sits on the banks of the Salcombe Estuary making it one of the prettiest towns in South Devon. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe is known for its spectacular coastal views and rolling surrounding countryside, as well as being a centre for sailing. Salcombe is a great base for a holiday spent on the water or at the water’s edge.
With its estuary location, Salcombe is a water sports haven - whether it be sailing, kayaking, surfing or paddle boarding - the crystal blue waters are inviting. The local beaches are fabulous, with golden sand and turquoise.
This delightful town draws a glittering crowd, and offers so much, from charming artisan shops to surf lessons in the sun, and coastal pathway walks or tours of the local gin distillery.
Dining out is a sumptuous affair, among our picks, would be the Victoria Inn, an award-winning gastro pub with large beer garden which is very popular in the summer. Down by the fish quay, the Crab Shed is a must for seafood.
For the “beachy” vibe, try The Winking Prawn, or the homemade crab tagliatelle with garlic, chilli and lemon at The Crabshell Inn. For smart Mediterranean chic, the Salcombe Harbour Hotel is an excellent choice.
Taking a boat tour is a wonderful treat, to be able to drop in on hidden coves or hop a secluded beach. Or stay on dry land, to walk to North Sands in just seven minutes for safe swimming and views of the Salcombe Estuary, Sunny Cove and Wolf Rock.
A stroll down Salcombe’s Fore Street will reveal a hotbed of cosy bookshops, quaint coffee parlours and beachwear boutiques, whilst further afield visitors will chance upon art galleries, boat-building yards and ‘live’ food stalls.
For surf lessons with video analysis, head to Discovery Surf, or try stand-up paddle-boarding with Waterborn. Take the steep and scenic walk from Salcombe to Bolt Head. Or follow the East Portlemouth and Gara Rock Trail along the South West Coast Path above the harbour, passing the romantic ruins of Fort Charles.
This part of Devon offers sublime natural beauty, alongside some of the prettiest and most sought after seaside towns, brimming with water sports potential and fine dining experiences, there really is something for everyone.
Getting to and around
Devon is the kind of destination that rewards exploration. With coastlines on two separate sides of England you’ll have seaside towns and clifftop walks to enjoy, and with Dartmoor and Exmoor your adventures can expand to kayaking, hiking or just admiring the spectacular scenery.
