Salcombe is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, sparkling turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs. A visit to Salcombe is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers, complete with charming traditions, delicious local foods and plants of things to do. Beyond its stunning landscapes, Salcombe offers a rich maritime heritage, captivating art galleries, delicious seafood, and a warm and welcoming community.
If you’re visiting Devon and looking for things to do near Salcombe, then below we can help you find something you’ll love.
The best things to do in Salcombe
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Enjoy a great day out
Salcombe is one of Devon’s gems: a charming coastal town that provides a delightful mix of natural beauty, fun activities and delightful coastal views. With so much beauty around, you’ll find an abundance of things to do in Salcombe to keep you happy and entertained for a weekend, a whole week, or even an extended summer break. Take in the sunshine, breath in the coastal air and get stuck into the abundance of things to do near Salcombe!
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Salcombe Maritime Museum
Step back in time and learn about the rich maritime heritage of sunny Salcombe. The Maritime Museum houses fascinating exhibits, some vintage sailing equipment, models of historic ships that sailed around the area, and intriguing stories of the past.
The museum provides a fantastic opportunity to learn more about Salcombe’s importance, its heritage, and the lives of people that lived and still do live there. The museum isn’t massive, but you’ll still find more than enough there to keep you busy for a morning indulging in a bit of history!
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Salcombe Estuary
Take a leisurely walk along the picturesque Salcombe Estuary and enjoy the stunning views of the sparkling water and the lush surroundings that make Salcombe so beautiful. The breathtaking scenery makes it an ideal spot for relaxation and just some time amongst nature. Perhaps bring a picnic, or grab some snacks and a coffee for a walking picnic, and enjoy the sights of the estuary on a sunny day. You can also hop on various boat tours available to explore the estuary and its hidden gems!
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Salcombe Art Galleries
If you’re an appreciator of art, you’ll not only be delighted by the beautiful artistic coastal scapes of Salcombe but also by the diverse range of art galleries in the area. Probably one of the most relaxing things to do in Salcombe, the art galleries are fabulous on a slow day. From contemporary works to traditional landscapes, these galleries showcase the talent of local and regional artists from across Devon and beyond. You can browse through the captivating artworks and perhaps take home a piece for yourself.
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Enjoy a Beach Day
You simply cannot visit Devon without making a stop at one of the beaches, and Salcombe boasts several stunning beaches, perfect for when you want to soak up the sun and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze. Between the sandy stretches and the mysterious hidden coves, you’ll find your perfect spot on Salcombe South Sands Beach and North Sands Beach. Bring a book, grab a drink, take a paddle and enjoy the British summertime to its fullest.
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Take a Ferry to East Portlemouth
Hop on a ferry from Salcombe’s waterfront and cross over to the idyllic village of East Portlemouth. This peaceful village provides a majestic stretch of secluded beaches, tranquil countryside walks from Salcombe and breathtaking views across the estuary. East Portlemouth is an excellent escape from the hustle and bustle and makes for a fabulous day out to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
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Go Sailing or Kayaking
With its fantastic coastal location, Salcombe is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. While visiting, enjoying some water sports is one of the best things to do in Salcombe. Rent a sailboat or a kayak and set off on an adventure, exploring the coastline and hidden coves at your own pace. North Sands Water Sports is a great choice for all skill levels.
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Indulge in Fresh Seafood
Salcombe is renowned for its delicious seafood, so it would be silly to miss the opportunity to sample some of the locally caught seafood. From freshly caught fish and chips to mouthwatering crab sandwiches the area is famous for, the town’s eateries offer a wide range of options.
After you’ve enjoyed some delicious local crab or traditional fish and chips, why not enjoy an ice cream and walk along the beach?
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Discover Overbeck’s Garden
Overbecks Garden is a hidden gem in Salcombe. A unique Edwardian house surrounded by stunning subtropical gardens, Overbeck’s is now a breathtaking National Trust property that showcases a fascinating collection of maritime artefacts, eclectic inventions, and beautiful gardens with breathtaking views. If you’ve already exhausted the coastal views, Overbeck’s is a must visit with lush greenery surrounding you, and the gorgeous Edwardian house.
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Enjoy a Cream Tea
Treat yourself to a traditional cream tea experience at one of the charming tearooms in Salcombe. A cream tea, if not already aware, is comprised of delicate scones topped with clotted cream and juicy strawberry jam, accompanied by a pot of freshly brewed tea. This treat is a quintessential English indulgence that will satisfy your sweet tooth and show you what traditional Devon life feels like.
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Take Your Pick
- Salcombe Maritime Museum – (13 miles) 32 min drive.
- Salcombe Estuary – (13.6 miles) 35 min drive.
- Salcombe art galleries (13 miles) 30 min drive.
- Salcombe South Sands Beach – (12.5 miles) – 30 min drive.
- East Portlemouth – catch a ferry from Salcombe Ferry Landing (13.5 miles).
- North Sands Water Sports – (12.2 miles) 25 min drive.
- Overbeck’s Garden – (13.1 miles) 36 min drive.
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Stay with us
With plenty to do in Salcombe, you’ll need an equally incredible stay in a hotel nearby. One of the most famous hotels in Devon is the illustrious Burgh Island. Shrouded in history, this unique hotel still offers enchanting stays to remarkable guests.
Renowned for its extravagant Art Deco soirees, captivating decor, stunning island views, and the host of famous guests that have fallen in love with Burgh Island Hotel, you’re destined to have a truly magical stay admiring the island vistas. The hotel offers 25 gorgeously decorated and characterful rooms and suites, fitting the hotel’s extravagant Art Deco theme, a Grand Ballroom, breathtaking views of the coast, and a selection of exciting events that occur year-round. Be it a fabulous ball, a murder mystery event, or a family wedding, Burgh Island is the must visit location in Devon.
From morning til evening, you’ll be taken aback by the beauty and luxury of the island. With 3 delicious restaurants onsite, a captivating location, and the yellow sands and blue skies of Devon, your stay near Salcombe will enchant, delight and leave you excited for more!