Beaches, Gardens & Things to Do

The principal rooms, gardens and terraces of The Old Vicarage enjoy wonderul countryside views across the South Hams.  Just a few miles away is the magical harbour village of Salcombe - a haven for watersports, with lovely sandy beaches too.  You can enjoy the buzz of the village, go canoeing, kayaking, sailing or windsurfing.  Fishing, golf, riding and country pursuits are all available close by.  There are stunning beaches to explore, and beautiful countryside to enjoy.

Salcombe

Without doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Devon with its candy- coloured cottages climbing up from the idyllic waterfront and the feel of an island, Salcombe is the perfect place for a holiday or special occasion all year round. If you’re not on the beach or in the water you might be enjoying lunch out at a waterside restaurant watching the sparkling estuary waters or relaxing on an open ferry ride. Arguably the best harbour in the British Isles it is a water-lover’s dream destination.

Salcombe Beaches

North Sands is located towards Bolt Head and next to the ruins of Salcombe Castle. A lovely beach with fine golden sands, a shop and the best beach café around – an oversized pink beach hut serving delicious local seafood. At South Sands and Splat Cove, there is a lovely sandy beach with fine sand, a shop, cafe and local pub and every imaginable water sport for you to enjoy. You can take a ferry ride from here across the estuary to one of the beaches on the other side of the bay, such as Millbay.

Bantham Beach

Surfers know Bantham as the South Coast’s premier surfing beach,home to much wildlife with its rare sand dune habitat. Also well known for The Sloop Inn serving good pub food including lots of local fresh fish right near the beach.

East Portlemouth

A special waterside village on the east side of the Salcombe Estuary along the cliffs from Bolt Head to Bolt Tail and above Hope Cove. There are beautiful sandy beaches, stunning views of Dartmoor, peaceful coastal and country walks and some fascinating history – hundreds of wrecks have been charted here.

Hope Cove

The pretty and secluded fishing village of Hope Cove with its fine sandy beaches and calm waters is perfect for families. Sheltered by Bolt Tail, the Cove’s sandy beaches are excellent for small children with their fine sands and small waves.

Thurlestone

A pretty village with thatched old stone buildings and stunning views to the sea, dominated by Thurlestone Rock just off the coast and two big beaches including South Milton Sands.

Watersports

Go windsurfing, canoeing or water skiing at South Sands, just a mile away or hire a boat and explore the harbour. To try something new go to South Sands Sailing for kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing or sailing.

Attractions and Days Out

For a great day out there is much to choose from nearby. Top attractions include:

• Try your hand with a taster session of sailing a Hobie Cat, kayaking or stand up paddling at South Sands Sailing

• Enjoy a spot of shopping in Salcombe with its chic nautical stores and enticing coffee shops and enjoy some Salcombe Dairy ice cream

• Hire a little motorboat, potter around on the water for the day and finish up with some freshly caught seafood at one of the fine restaurants

• Visit the National Trust’s lush subtropical Overbecks Gardens with its house full of curiosities, toys and treasures

• Stroll out along the South West Coast path and feel alive with the sea breeze on your face

• Take a ferry across to Bigbury-on-Sea and the famous Burgh island

• Explore Dartmouth Castle guarding the Dart Estuary for over 600 years

• Spend the day in Dartmouth, exploring the ancient narrow streets

• Visit Dartmoor Wildlife Park or Paignton Zoo

• Play golf at Thurlestone, Bigbury or Dartmouth

Food and Drink

Walk from the Old Vicarage to the Old Inn village pub for pizza, pasta, fish and steak.  Take your pick from Salcombe’s finest including South Sands Beachside Restaurant with seafood menus by Mitch Tonks, The Galley, Boatswains or Captain Flints for the younger crowd. Or eat out at one of Dartmouth’s gourmet restaurants, pubs and cafes such as the Michelin-starred Angel Inn.