Let’s start with Salcombe: To enjoy the many breaches that make Salcombe so unique, take the passenger ferry from The Ferry Inn to East Portlemouth down the steps in the middle of Fore Street. High Tide walk up the jetty to the road and you can access the beaches via the road: Fisherman’s Cove, Smalls, Mill Bay then Sunny Cove. At low tide you can walk along the beach front to choose your favourite beach. Simply a timeless series of sandy coves that are meant to be enjoyed all year around with friends and family, a bucket and spade and a picnic! Dog Friendly: Venus Café is at the top of the ferry steps if you haven’t packed a picnic: In peak season there is a small van at Mill Bay car park selling coffee and ice cream.
North Sands: is a straight walk down Cliff Road from the town centre; at low tide, its shallow waters make it perfect for families (and dogs) to paddle and swim. . North Sands paddle board offer paddle board and kayak daily hire from here. At high tide, the sand all but disappears so time it right and then head to The Winking Prawn A great venue for a bowl of chips and a cold beer at anytime of year. The menu covers breakfast lunch or dinner. The Ice Cream van outside also serves take away coffee and ice cream. They put on a BBQ for high season: but book ahead if you can 01548 842346 Dogs allowed all year around.
South Sands: keep going past North Sands (there is a bit of a hill!) and you reach South Sands. You can take the seasonal ferry from Whitestrand and enjoy another area of outstanding beauty. Sea Kayak will hire paddleboards Sailing Dinghies and kayaks with lessons and tours available. Next door is Bo Beach Café for refreshments. No dogs high season. Please note that parking is pretty much non-existent!
Gara Rock: if you like walking then we thoroughly recommend packing some crab sandwiches and walking from the ferry around the stunning cliff path (approx. 2.5 miles round but there is a short cut through the woodland back to the ferry) you are rewarded with the beautiful Seacombe Sands, a secluded Beach at Gara to take a swim and relax. Gara Rock Hotel is open for lunch and dinner (pre-book) and there is also the Garavan outside to grab a coffee and snack post your walk.
Thurlestone: Visit South Devon have nailed it: another area of outstanding natural beauty oh and very children and dog friendly… Thurlestone Beach. We love to park up here and walk the cliffs back towards Bantham. This is a pay & display car park
South Milton Sands continues from Thurlestone beach (dog friendly) and The National Trust have all the info on this beautiful place South Milton Sands. The South West Coast Path runs straight through this area of outstanding natural beauty and if you are a runner then this is heaven. The kids will love the rock pools at low tide which are phenomenal and keep them busy for hours, do bring your net and buckets. For delicious fresh food The Beach House is special: From fab coffee to very laid-back relaxed lunches with a fresh menu heavy on locally caught shellfish and fish. During the day or at night you really do need to book in advance to grab an inside table: 01548 561164. Parking free if you are a National Trust member, otherwise there is a charge
Hope Cove is half a mile away from South Milton Sands, a charming traditional fishing village, with two sandy beaches which are great for families to visit and spend the day and you can moor a boat here. The Cove is a special little venue open all year round for breakfast, lunch, and supper; a small cosy informal space, serving great fresh food, craft beers, and only 50 yards from the beach. Lobster Pod Bistro is just above the harbour serving great fresh food and the Lobster platter is just the thing to enjoy from your own special pod. Within the village there is also a small shop, post office and a local art gallery.
Bantham: voted the 6th best beach in Europe by Lonely Planet and a great surf spot. If you wish to hire paddleboards or kayaks for your entire stay or just for a day then please get in touch with trioceansurf, 01548 854676. For private or group surf lessons then “Dave the Wave” is your man at Bantham Surfing Academy 01548 853803. Situated in the carpark at Bantham during high season are three gastrovans, serving locally sourced produce. Bantham Burgers, pizza, cold beer all delicious… There is a pub at the top of the road before the turn off to the beach: The Sloop Inn serving good pub grub. Public loos and Wi-Fi in the car park.
Bigbury: Venus Cafe is just below the car park on the way to the beach. Home to the famous Burgh Island, with its stunning Art Deco Hotel. You can walk across to the Island at low tide or at high tide take a ride on the sea tractor. Burgh Island is home to the Pilchard Inn, serving customers for over 700 years. You can sit and enjoy a fresh crab baguette whilst watching the tides meet or book a special lunch or dinner at the Burgh Island Hotel: Burgh Island Dining Options Booking essential: 01548 810514.
Discovery Surf School is one of the best in the UK: lessons, courses, hire of wet suits, boards etc. all here. 07813 639622
Sailing: If you fancy taking to the open waves…
Salcombe Dinghy Sailing To hire a dinghy for your own sailing or for sailing instruction, please call: 07809 556 457
Sea N Shore: Ali Jones at Sea N Shore has an unrivalled passion to provide the best water- based leisure training in and around the South Coast of Devon for individuals or families. Banana rides, wakeboarding, water skiing, family treasure hunts and rib rides are just some of the activities on offer 01548 842276
Fishing:
White Strand Boat Hire (Salcombe). For hiring a boat or fishing charters do call: 01548 843818
Golf – whilst this isn’t strictly on the water the coastline backdrop is pretty special at these two golf courses; two of the most stunning courses in the UK