There are many beaches locally, these are our favourites
- Bantham beach-Large expanse of soft sand, plenty of car parking (daily charge) Life guards on duty April – September. Excellent surfing, book a lesson with Dave the wave at Bantham Surf Academy 01548 853803, or sit back and watch the action. The Gastro bus serves fabulous food all day
- South Milton Sands-Sandy beach, great for rock pooling. Car park owned by National Trust and free to park for members (otherwise charged daily) The sun sets here and it ‘s well worth heading here of an evening as well as the day.The Beach House sits above the beach and is renowned locally for fabulous fresh local seafood. They also serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, ice creams and cake!! During the summer months you can hire, paddle boards, kayaks and wet suits on the beach.
- Bigbury Bay-Large sandy beach (when the tide is out) lies opposite Burgh Island. Very popular for boogie boarding and surfing, there is a surf school here too. Large takeaway cafe and plenty of parking available. When the tide is high you can take the monster sea tractor over to Burgh Island, very popular with little ones and big kids alike!! Take a stroll up the hill to the old Pilchard Watch Station, where shoal spotters would signal to the fishing boats on the water below to get their nets ready. Or head straight to The Pilchard Inn for a pint and soak up the amazing atmosphere, the walls breathe tales of smuggler stories and sea shanties!! Or wait for low water and walk across to the island but take note of when the tide comes back in.
- East Portlemouth-Beautiful soft sand, this is a small beach at high water but a great spot to take in the atmosphere of bustling Salcombe. The ferry runs continuously during the summer months, 8 am until 6 pm. A ride on the ferry is a must to tick off the holiday list when you visit us.There is a small take away cafe here just above the ferry jetty, the parking is limited.
- Millbay -Further along the windy road from East Portlemouth. White soft sand and a fresh water stream that runs the length of the beach under trees, perfect for playing out of the sunshine. The stream creates hours of fun making dams and pools. This is also a great spot to watch dinghy sailing and the larger yachts arrive and leave Salcombe harbour. Arrive early in July and August to ensure a parking spot.
- Torcross-A vast long beach with shingle and large stones. Stroll along the flat promenade front behind the sea wall, several cafes and spots to enjoy the stunning view.
- Blackpool sands – 10 minutes further along in the car from Torcross, don’t be fooled by the name there is not sand on this beach.This pine forest clad beach is sheltered and boasts a great cafe, perfect in the Summer and Winter months alike. An outdoor cinema is set up in the summer months, you can hire and buy beach equipment and in the winter there is a log fire! Plenty of parking and excellent facilities.
Make sure you are armed with the essentials for a day on the beach, bucket and spade, windbreak, beach tent, boogie boards and a blanket. We have them all for you to borrow from our beach store, one less thing for you to pack!