Salcombe: Coastal Paths, Sandy Coves and Maritime History

Salcombe lies at the mouth of the six-kilometre-long Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary. It is a ria formed by an ancient, flooded valley without significant tributaries. The town offers several distinct themes to help you plan your trip: the coast, walking routes, local history and maritime museums. If you are looking for a hotel in Salcombe, these interests can help you get a sense of the destination.

Coast, Sandy Coves and Ferry Departure

Salcombe North Sands is a sheltered sandy cove. A flat 15-minute walk leads there from the town centre. South Sands lies at the mouth of the estuary, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Canoe, catamaran sailing, windsurfing and dinghy sailing equipment are available to hire near South Sands. The two beaches offer different things to note: North Sands is reached by a flat path from the centre, while South Sands also has watersports equipment hire. The South Sands Ferry departs from the Whitestrand pontoon in the centre of Salcombe; check the timetable before your visit.

Walking Routes of Different Lengths

Overbeck's Garden is a subtropical garden on the cliffs above Salcombe. From East Soar, a 1.2-mile path leads through farmland to the garden. Nearby, Snapes Point offers a short walk with panoramic views of Salcombe and the Kingsbridge Estuary. The walking route from Salcombe to Bolt Head is listed as 2.75 miles; the extended route covers 3.25 miles. At Bolt Head, you can therefore choose between two route lengths, while Snapes Point is described as a short walk with a view.

Salcombe's Maritime History

Salcombe Castle is a 16th-century ruin consisting mainly of a round tower on the shore of the estuary. It was part of Henry VIII's coastal defences and is protected by the state as an ancient monument.

The Ship Room at Salcombe Maritime Museum displays more than thirty paintings of sailing ships built in Salcombe in the 19th century. It also houses Second World War memorabilia, some of which was donated by former US servicemen stationed in Salcombe. Salcombe Maritime Museum is on one level at ground-floor level and is wheelchair accessible. Salcombe Lifeboat Museum tells the story of more than 140 years of lifeboat rescue in Salcombe.

Rum Tasting and Your Own Rum Experience

At the waterfront Blending House in Salcombe, Devon Rum Co. offers rum tastings. During the Rum Making Experience, you create your own bottle of rum with flavours of your own design and take it home with you. The experiences have different focuses: the tasting is all about sampling, while the Rum Making Experience lets you design a bottle to take home. You can therefore choose between a tasting and creating your own bottle during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Washfield, Frithelstock, Lifton, Talaton, North Huish, Chulmleigh, South Molton, Burlescombe

For the main travel overview: Devon.