In a valley, a couple of miles from the coast
Footpaths will take you directly to Lannacombe beach. There are dozens more within a short drive. The estuary and it’s creeks are close by and are perfect for exploration by paddleboard and kayak. See below for some inspiration on what to do in this amazing area.
Beaches
Both Lannacombe and Mattiscombe are beautiful, secluded coves. Mill Bay is a gorgeous, wide sweep of sand with estuary views. Torcross and Beesands offer great swimming, pubs and fish & chips.
Blackpool Sands is a pretty spot with pines cascading down to the water. It’s Bantham and Bigbury for surfing or a paddle up the Avon. Treat yourselves to seafood and fizz overlooking the beach at Thurlestone.
Within 10 mins: Lannacombe, Mattiscombe, Hallsands, Beesands, Torcross.
Within 20 mins: Gara, Blackpool Sands, Mill Bay, North Sands, South Sands.
Within 30 mins: Bantham, Bigbury, Thurlestone, South Milton, Hope Cove.
The estuary
The Kingsbridge Estuary runs for 5 miles from Kingsbridge out to sea just past Salcombe. There are a number of creeks and side channels making it a great place to explore by kayak or paddleboard. Get in touch with Salcombe Paddleboards or Waterborn for lessons. Coasteering, sailing and fishing are all possible too.
The South Pool creek begins just a couple of miles from us in South Pool and is a great place to set out from at high tide. Be sure to check out The Millbrook Inn whilst there. Other drinking and dining options dot the estuary. At East Portlemouth there is a ferry that will drop you in the centre of Salcombe.
Salcombe
The pretty coastal town of Salcombe sits on the banks of the estuary. There are plenty of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants and you will not be short of things to do. Don’t miss quirky Island Street with its old school vibes.
It is a centre for local produce with Salcombe Gin and Devon Rum each offering tastings and experiences. Salcombe Dairy sits at the end of Island Street.
Salcombe offers a variety of water sports including sailing, kayaking and paddleboarding. The sandy beaches at North Sands and South Sands are close by or take the ferry across to gorgeous Mill Bay.
Walks
The South West Coast Path runs all the way along this coast and provides some of the best scenery in the country. The sections vary from easy right through to challenging. Some of our favourites are listed below.
Gara / Mill Bay circular. This walk takes in the beach at Mill Bay, a climb up through forest before breaking out into the most fabulous views of the estuary and Bolt Head.
Beesands circular. Stunning coastal scenery and rolling Devon countryside. The walk begins in nearby Beesands. You'll see the iconic Start Point lighthouse and beautiful Start Bay.
East Prawle circular. Stupendous, craggy coastal views with the quirky Pigs Nose Inn at the finish line. Be sure to take a dip at stunning Elender Cove.
Adventures
Coasteering - the team at Adenture South run sessions throughout the season. Jump, swim and scramble along this glorious coastline.
Paddleboard & kayak - a great way to explore the estuary and coastine. Check out Salcombe Paddleboards or Waterborn for lessons and hire. There is usually a sheltered spot somewhere.
Sauna & sea - head to Blackpool Sands for something a little different. Their wood fired sauna is great fun when combined with regular, refreshing dips in the sea.
Surfing - head to Bantham or Bigbury. Bantham Surfing Academy and Discovery Surf School provide lessons and hire equipment.
Cycling - for electric bike hire try e-Xplore Devon who will arrange drop off and pick up of their bikes.
Family time
There are excellent crabbing opportunities at Salcombe and Dartmouth. The surf schools at Bantham and Bigbury run sessions and hire for younger surfers.
Woodlands Adventure Park offers indoor and outdoor activities including Europes largest softplay, various rides, birds of prey and assault courses.
There are swimming pools and leisure centres in Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. The cinema at Kingsbridge is great for a rainy day. Head to Plymouth for more cinemas, the excellent National Aquarium, bowling and The Box - an award winning museum and art gallery.
Eating out
Polished, hearty dining with a great wine list in an atmospheric old pub. Just a couple of miles away. Look out for their high tide events and bbqs.
For fish lovers. This pub on the sea front is famous for its seafood pancakes and ever changing list of seafood specials. Fab seating area outside too.
Excellent beach shack style restaurant serving up moules, scallops, crab, lobster etc. If you can’t get a table do try their take out fish & chips.
Dependable old school pub and locally caught fish & chip takeaway.
The Pigs Nose Inn, East Prawle
Thriving pub on the village green, popular with locals and walkers. This quirky pub regularly hosts live music and is a great pitstop whilst walking the coastal path.
Elegant restaurant with jaw dropping views. If you don’t eat then at least stop in for a drink on their terrace. The views are tremendous and there is a fantastic, secluded, sandy beach down below.