Devon


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/salcombe-sands.jpg" alt="South Sands Salcombe " class="wp-image-75430" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/salcombe-sands.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/salcombe-sands-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/salcombe-sands-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/salcombe-sands-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Turquoise water, sailing boats bobbing in the estuary and seafood so fresh it was likely swimming this morning. Welcome to Salcombe, the South Hams’ most glam harbour town. Serving Riviera energy without the passport.</p>



<p>In summer it’s a proper scene. Yes, it’s polished but also wonderfully laid back. And once you’ve watched the sun dip over the estuary with a drink in hand, you’ll understand the hype.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="739" height="881" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/winking-prawn2.jpeg" alt="Winking Prawn Salcombe" class="wp-image-66577" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/winking-prawn2.jpeg 739w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/winking-prawn2-671x800.jpeg 671w" sizes="(max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Winking Prawn dressed up in Hollywood style for <em>The Roses</em> movie</figcaption></figure>



<p>You can’t come to Salcombe and not eat the seafood. <a href="https://www.crabshed.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Crab Shed</a> is the place for locally landed lobster. Simple, fresh and absolutely delicious. <a href="https://winkingprawn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Winking Prawn</a> at North Sands Beach is a Salcombe classic. Think relaxed beach cafe vibes while you wait out the tide, and it enjoyed a star turn in the recent Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch film, <em>The Roses</em>. </p>



<p>For waterside dining,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="http://www.dickandwills.co.uk/">Dick &amp; Wills Waterside Grill</a>&nbsp;is a lovely spot for lunch or a sunset supper, while&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.theferryinnsalcombe.com/">The Ferry Inn</a>&nbsp;is perfect for cosy pub classics and a cheeky pint.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://therockfish.co.uk/pages/salcombe-seafood-restaurant?srsltid=AfmBOop4BI56HhyjOioZhnLECDkv-AB7j6ZKeVQOnFaAzrs2I9yQ3AuL" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rockfish</a> opened its doors last summer, bringing its much loved seafood menu to the town and beer lovers unite at <a href="https://salcombebrewery.com/taphouse/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salcombe Brewery’s Tap House</a> on Island Street which opened last May. Might I also suggest giving <a href="https://www.caldoandfred.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caldo &amp; Fred</a> the once over whilst you’re on the same street, for its ten flavours of gelato. Because holiday calories absolutely do not count. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-oats.jpg" alt="Wild Oats Salcombe " class="wp-image-84231" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-oats.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-oats-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-oats-768x614.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Breakfast worth detouring for</strong>: On the road in &#8211; or out &#8211; of Salcombe, do not blink and miss <a href="https://www.wildoatskitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Oats Kitchen</a>, tucked beside the Gulf petrol station. This tiny family-run granola house opened last June and has already built a loyal following thanks to its award winning recipe, which scooped a prize at the 2024 Nourish Awards. The menu is small but dangerously tempting: smoothie bowls topped with their signature granola, protein shakes, classic smoothies and grazing or salad boxes for lunch. Honestly, I could happily order everything, so make sure it’s on your Salcombe hit list.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="600" height="712" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/08/beachhouse_img1.png" alt="The Beachouse Salcombe " class="wp-image-78566" /></figure>



<p><strong>Worth the short drive</strong>: Just out Salcombe at South Milton Beach, <a href="https://beachhousedevon.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Beachhouse</a> has made a brilliant comeback after last years fire. The team reopened by August as a relaxed pop-up just yards from the sand. And honestly? The setting alone is worth the trip. Laid back vibes, beautiful views and seafood that pairs perfectly with the sunset drinks. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drink">DRINK </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/salcombe-gin2.jpg" alt="Salcombe Gin Distillery" class="wp-image-66488" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/salcombe-gin2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/salcombe-gin2-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/salcombe-gin2-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/salcombe-gin2-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/salcombe-gin2-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For coffee, seek out&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.thewardroom.uk/">The Wardroom</a>, a hidden cafe with a dreamy waterside terrace, reached through Crew Clothing Company. Or if you prefer your caffeine with sand between the toes,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.bosbeachcafe.co.uk/">Bo’s Beach Cafe</a>&nbsp;at South Sands is hard to beat. When evening rolls around Fore Street comes alive with cosy pubs and buzzy little bars but no visit to Salcombe is complete without stopping at the&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://salcombegin.com/">Salcombe Distilling Company</a>&nbsp;overlooking the estuary. Order a Salcombe Gin or better yet, book their Gin School and make your own.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1350" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/harbour-loungers.jpg" alt="Salcombe Harbour Hotel sun loungers" class="wp-image-77383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/harbour-loungers.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/harbour-loungers-640x800.jpg 640w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/harbour-loungers-800x1000.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/harbour-loungers-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>If you’re staying the night (highly recommended) Salcombe has some gorgeous options. <a href="https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/devon/harbour-beach-club-hotel-spa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Salcombe Harbour Beach Club Hotel</a> (above) on South Sands is a standout. Boutique luxury with spa, watersports and a buzzy restaurant overlooking the water. For a holiday that feels almost Mediterranean, <a href="https://thurlestone.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thurlestone Hotel</a> delivers with its outdoor pool, spa and excellent restaurant. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/soar-millcove.jpg" alt="Soar Mill Cove" class="wp-image-66728" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/soar-millcove.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/soar-millcove-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/soar-millcove-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/soar-millcove-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/soar-millcove-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For something more secluded, <a href="https://soarmillcove.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Soar Mill Cove Hotel</a> is magical, tucked beside its own little cove and perfect for families wanting their own slice of coastline. </p>



<p>Travelling with kids (and the dog?) <a href="https://www.gararock.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gara Rock Hotel</a> balances family friendly with seriously stylish, complete with indoor pool and lovely restaurant. Or go full beach mode at <a href="https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=south+sands+hotel&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Sands Hotel </a>where spacious suites and a beachside brasserie make it a fave for water-sports fans. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walk">WALK </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/bolthead-walk.jpg" alt="Bolt Head Salcombe " class="wp-image-75420" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/bolthead-walk.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/bolthead-walk-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/bolthead-walk-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/bolthead-walk-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Walkers are seriously spoilt here. Directly on the South West Coast Path (yes, <em>Salt Path </em>territory) you can join routes from Bolt Head to the west and East Portlemouth (via ferry) to the east. The dramatic cliffs give serious Mordor vibes, and cut across to East soar down to the secluded Soar Mill Cove for that refreshing sea dip. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="900" height="525" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/busby-and-fox-exeter.jpg" alt="Busby and Fox " class="wp-image-18358" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/busby-and-fox-exeter.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/busby-and-fox-exeter-300x175.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/busby-and-fox-exeter-768x448.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/busby-and-fox-exeter-720x420.jpg 720w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></figure>



<p>Start with <a href="https://cranchssweetshop.co.uk/shop-4/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cranch’s</a>, Devons oldest sweetshop famed for its bright pink exterior and insane selection of treats for the sweet toothed among us. Wander along Fore Street to <a href="https://www.busbyandfox.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Busby &amp; Fox</a> (above), an independent Devon founded womenswear brand and a fave for stylish garbs. Salcombe also gained a chic new addition last April when <a href="https://www.withnothingunderneath.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WNU</a> (With Nothing Underneath) opened its first store outside London and the place to shop for beautifully tailored shirts designed specifically for women. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/will-bees-james-marshall-720x480.jpg" alt="Will Bees Bespoke wit owners Will Bees and James Marshall " class="wp-image-26800" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/will-bees-james-marshall-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/will-bees-james-marshall-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/will-bees-james-marshall-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/will-bees-james-marshall-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2020/11/will-bees-james-marshall.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>Quickly becoming the towns coolest creative hub, Island Street is home to <a href="https://willbeesbespoke.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Will Bees Bespoke</a> (above), where you can have a beautiful handbag personalised as you browse, whilst <a href="https://susiewatsondesigns.co.uk/pages/salcombe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Susie Watson Designs</a> is a dream for cottagecore lovers with its pretty printed cushions, furniture and linens. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="993" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-1.jpg" alt="POSH Salcombe " class="wp-image-84238" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-1-800x530.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-1-1000x662.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/posh-1-768x508.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Want to take a taste of the South West home with you? <a href="https://www.poshhampers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">POSH</a> (above, Piece of Salcombe Heaven) Hamper Co should be firmly on your radar. This charming shop specialises in beautifully curated hampers packed with premium treats from Salcombe and the wider region. Choose from ready-made selections or create your own bespoke hamper filled with local chocolates, artisan snacks and other delicious souvenirs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-play">PLAY </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/08/salcombe-1000x750-1.jpg" alt="Salcombe sea tractor " class="wp-image-84235" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/08/salcombe-1000x750-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/08/salcombe-1000x750-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/08/salcombe-1000x750-1-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Beyond the beach and feeling creative? Book a pottery class at <a href="https://kittywardpottery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kitty Ward’s Pottery</a> and try your hand at crafting your own ceramics. For something different explore the subtropical National Trust’s <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/overbecks-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overbeck’s Garden</a>, a hidden paradise of subtropical gardens with Salcombe estuary views. Adventure lovers should head to <a href="https://www.adventuresouth.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adventure South </a>for anything from coasteering to mega paddle-boarding or join Devons growing sauna trend at <a href="https://www.saunasbythesea.co.uk/north-sands-salcombe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sauna By The Sea’s </a>latest opening at North Sands. Warm up with ocean views before plunging into the sea, then reward yourself at The Winking Prawn next door. To get from town to beach hop on the <a href="https://www.southsandsferry.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Sands Ferry.</a> The 15-minute trip includes the added fun of the famous sea tractor which ferries passenger from boat to shore through the water. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT </h2>



<p>Salcombe might have a rep for harbourside glamour, and yes, there are chic boutiques and excellent seafood; but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find wild coastal walks, secret coves and sunsets that stop you in your tracks. Come for a weekend and chances are you’ll leave plotting your return. Possibly with a hamper, a bottle of gin and a soft spot for this rather special slice of Devon. </p>



<p><em>Updated March 2026</em></p>


Welcome to Salcombe! Ultimate insider guide

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