10 places to go and things to do in Salcombe

Coastal, Days out, Destinations

Posted by Kate W on 7th December 2023

View over Salcombe rooftops and the estuary

Escape to the enchanting, fun-packed, coastal destination that is Salcombe and enjoy an unforgettable holiday. It’s considered one of the prettiest towns on Devon’s south coast and is full of charming attractions that draw visitors back year after year.

Set in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and surrounded by other delightful destinations like the market town of Kingsbridge, Thurlestone and Bantham, you’ll find a whole host of fun things to do in and around Salcombe. Take a tour of a brewery, hop aboard the sea tractor or venture out to Gara Rock Beach during your break.

Read on for a choice of exciting Salcombe places to visit or click the button below to begin browsing our wonderful collection of holiday cottages in Salcombe.

Salcombe cottages


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Salcombe Slipway and Kingsbridge Estuary view

Best for active days out: Salcombe Harbour

Whether or not you plan on getting out on the water during your break, you should start your holiday with a walk along the harbourfront to orientate yourself – pick out places to eat, find shops you’ll return to and check out the beach. If you are keen to enjoy some active pursuits, picturesque Salcombe Harbour is a great place for paddleboarding, canoeing or sailing. You can hire water sports equipment or book lessons with local companies like Salcombe Paddle Sports or Salcombe Water Sports.

Need to know

Facilities: There are plenty of facilities including places to eat and public WCs in town

Is it dog friendly: Yes, dogs can join you on a walk along the harbourfront, and some companies even allow dogs to join you on boats/paddleboards too

Address: Salcombe Harbour Authority, Whitestrand, Salcombe, TQ8 8BU


A delicious glass of gin and tonic with lime

Best for wet, rainy days: Salcombe Gin

If the weather takes a turn during your holiday, there are plenty of things to do in Salcombe in the rain – but a tour of Salcombe Gin might be our number one choice for adults. The experiences cost £50 for a tour or £110 for a full Gin or Rum School teaching session learning how to distil your own spirits; it’s a fantastic opportunity to get behind the scenes of this excellent company.

Need to know

Facilities: On-site bar and WCs, and the nearest car parks are Creek Car Park and Shadycombe Car Park

Is it dog friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome in the distillery bar and retail store

Address: The Boathouse, 28 Island St, Salcombe, TQ8 8DP


Salcombe North Sands Beach and boats in the sea at the beach

Best for families with a dog: Salcombe North Sands

This scenic Salcombe beach is a real gem, with golden sand and stunning views across the estuary. If you’re planning a holiday with your pup and need dog-friendly things to do in Salcombe, North Sands is a place where dogs can really run free, and they are welcome here all year round. A beach café that’s charmingly called The Winking Prawn is a delightful spot to eat between swimming and relaxing on the sand, and the old ruins of Salcombe Castle sit at one end of the beach, adding to the beauty of this setting.

Need to know

Facilities: The beach is about a mile from the town centre, and has a car park, WCs, a café and a shop

Is it dog friendly: Yes, it’s the perfect seaside spot to spend some time with your dog

Address: Cliff Rd, Salcombe, TQ8 8LD


South Sands Ferry and Sea Tractor

Best for sunny summer holidays: South Sands Ferry and Sea Tractor

You’ve travelled by car, train or boat, but if you haven’t had the fun of travelling by sea tractor yet, here’s your chance! A wonderful way to journey between Whitestrand Salcombe and South Sands, the South Sands Ferry is a real draw for visitors and you’re welcome to bring dogs and prams on board. The Sea Tractor drives visitors across the sand and out into the sea to meet the ferry as it arrives at South Sands Beach.

Need to know

Facilities: You can grab snacks and drinks at Bo’s Beach Café with public WCs just behind. There is one small car park at the beach and a second National Trust car park around 500 metres away.

Is it dog friendly? Yes, good dogs are very welcome to join you aboard the sea tractor and ferry

Address: South Sands, Salcombe, TQ8 8LL


Open sign in shop window and display of fudge

Best for entertaining teenagers: Salcombe shops

Salcombe is a stylish little town bursting with shopping gems, from art supply stores to clothing boutiques, cosy coffeehouses to gift shops, so there’s no shortage of places to pick out some holiday momentoes. Salcombe’s Fore Street offers a lovely selection of quaint shops, galleries and places to dine, ensuring a great afternoon of shopping can be had in this elegant location.

Need to know

Facilities: We’d recommend a stop by Suzy Watson Design and Aloft to pick up gifts for your own home, and lunch from The Salcombe Deli. Park up at Whitestrand Car Park or Creek Car Park, and there are public WCs down by Whitestrand.

Is it dog friendly? No, it’s not a very dog-friendly activity - they can join you to explore but will need someone to hold their lead at times as many shops don’t welcome dogs

Address: Fore Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8JG


Pouring a beer

Best for winter and Christmas breaks: Salcombe Brewery

Another great rainy day activity in Salcombe for adults, Salcombe Brewery offers tours at just £20 where you can take part in a tour of the Brewhouse and beer tasting in the Taproom. It’s a perfect place to cosy up during a winter break and you’ll receive a little discount on anything you purchase from the shop afterwards – just right for Christmas presents if you visit during the festive season. The friendly staff are happy to answer any questions you have about the brewing process.

Need to know

Facilities: Parking, WCs, and a taproom serving up drinks where you’re welcome to hang out after your tour

Is it dog friendly? No, dogs can’t join you on the tour

Address: Estuary View, Ledstone, Kingsbridge, TQ7 4BL


Chocolate with chocolate powder decoration and an ice cream in a cone

Best for families with toddlers: Salcombe Dairy

There’s a host of fun things to do in Salcombe with toddlers, but a classic ice cream by the sea is not to be missed – and it’s always fun to watch a kid's face light up when offered an ice cream the same size as their head! Even if you don’t have kids or are a strictly adults-only group, Salcombe Dairy is a great place to add to your holiday itinerary. Salcombe Dairy began making Devonshire ice cream back in 1979 and still use the same popular ice cream recipes they put together 40 years ago.

Need to know

Facilities: Salcombe Dairy have several stores in the area, including a chocolate factory down the road from their Salcombe ice cream shop. Island Street in Salcombe is their original kiosk and has a terrace where you can sit to eat. There’s public parking and WCs in town.   

Is it dog friendly? Yes, dogs are welcome to sit with you on the outdoor terrace

Address: Island Street, Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8DX


Robin garden bird looking over the view of the Salcombe Estuary from Overbeck's Garden

Best for green-fingered gardeners: Overbeck’s Garden (National Trust)

If you are looking to get back to nature and enjoy a little peace and quiet during your holiday to Salcombe, this enchanting garden is the place to go. Overbeck’s Garden is a sub-tropical garden with colourful planting bursting into life during summer, and as it is located on the cliffs above Salcombe, the views over the Kingsbridge Estuary are impressive. The garden is divided into sections; you can explore areas such as the Statue Garden, the Olive Grove or the Old Quarry, all with different planting to fire up your imagination.

Need to know

Facilities: Overbeck’s Garden has a small car park, food kiosk and WCs. Prices are £9.40 for an adult, £4.70 for a child.

Is it dog friendly: No dogs (besides assistance dogs) are allowed in the gardens

Address: Shapitor, Salcombe, TQ8 8LW


Cliffs and beach at Gara Rock

Best for spectacular scenery: Gara Rock Beach

If you’re a keen walker and love to get out and up close to your surroundings, why not try the Gara Rock Walk? This circular walking trail is a fairly easy path with a mix of grass, sand and road, and is 4.5 miles long. It takes you past a couple of sandy coves, through woodland, and opens up to offer excellent coastal views.

Need to know

Facilities: You can dine at Gara Rock Hotel restaurant but there are no other places to eat at the beach so if you don’t fancy a big meal, it’s a good idea to bring along your own picnic. There’s a small car park at Gara Rock, or a car park and public WCs at Mill Bay National Trust on your route.

Is it dog friendly: Yes, dogs can join you on the walk, Gara Rock Beach and the hotel too!

Address: East Portlemouth, Salcombe, TQ8 8FA


An hourglass timer and globe

Best for history buffs: Salcombe Maritime Museum

Step inside Salcombe Maritime Museum and uncover a wealth of stories in this wonderful Aladdin’s Cave of historic treasures. It’s only small but the more you look around, the more you’ll discover, with maritime objects including models, paintings, photographs and tools. The ‘young sailors’ corner is a delight for little ones, with hands-on displays and pirate treasure to thrill young minds. And for those who know their maritime history, there’s a series of paintings of the 19th-century racing fruit schooners, a craft built for speed right here in Salcombe.

Need to know

Facilities: There are no WCs at the museum, the closest public WCs are at Whitestrand Car Park, with more car parking found at Creek Car Park and Shadycombe Road Car Park. The museum closes during the winter, but is open from 28 March 2024 through to 31 October 2024 and entry is free.

Is it dog friendly: No – best to leave dogs at home for this one

Address: The Old Council Hall, Market Street, Salcombe, TQ8 8DE


Salcombe places to stay

Find a holiday cottage you’ll love in our wonderful collection. From sea-view properties to hot tub retreats, there’s a host of charming places to stay in Salcombe.

Head over to our Salcombe holiday lets and get inspired.

Salcombe cottages

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing, please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.