Secret Beaches Near Salcombe

South Devon is famous for its beautiful, sandy beaches, and nowhere more so than the golden coves that surround the seaside town of Salcombe.

Scattered along both sides of the estuary mouth, lapped by sparkling turquoise waters, can be found some of the most idyllic shores in the region.

Mr Toad has picked out a selection of these gorgeous and lesser-known beaches for you to discover… essential reading for all those planning a beach holiday in sunny South Devon.

North Sands Beach

Below the ruins of Fort Charles Castle and flanked by steep wooded hillsides, lies the soft, golden shores of North Sands. The calm waters that lap this secluded cove make it ideal for swimming and young children looking to enjoy a paddle. At low tide, the beach is a lovely place for sunbathers to catch some rays with ample space for beach games. There is a car park and toilet facilities nearby, plus a popular beach café which opens for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The pretty seaside town of Salcombe is only a short stroll away along the scenic Cliff Road while spectacular headland views lie in store for all those who follow the coastal path past Starehole Bay and up to Bolt Head. Dogs are welcome on this beach all year round.

South Sands Beach

Over the wooded hillside from North Sands you’ll find another of Salcombe’s secluded coves. The dreamy white shoreline and crystal-clear waters of South Sands beach are truly idyllic. Sheltered by the Bolt Head peninsula and with sparkling views past Salcombe Bar, this beautiful inlet delights all those who discover it. There’s limited parking available and water sports equipment for hire from Sea Kayak Salcombe, an adventure paddling company housed in the old lifeboat station. Day trippers often travel to the beach by way of the South Sands Ferryboat – a seasonal passenger ferry that runs to and from the beach and Salcombe’s Whitestrand Quay. The subtropical clifftop gardens of Overbeck’s are also within easy walking distance. Dogs are allowed on the beach.

Small’s Cove

Across the Salcombe Harbour waters, a stone’s throw from East Portlemouth, are a series of enchanting coves and golden stretches. Small’s Cove is a quiet, sandy inlet nestled below the wooded hillside. This scenic spot and sailor’s mooring is the perfect place to enjoy the summer sunshine – the sugar-soft sands ideal for beach games and sandcastle building, and the gentle waters inviting for wild swimming. Many beach-goers travel to East Portlemouth’s famously sparkling shores courtesy of a seasonal ferryboat that chugs back and forth from the old ferry boat steps off Salcombe’s Fore Street (look for the narrow alley by The Ferry Inn). Small’s remains a favourite for all those looking to escape Salcombe’s hearty bustle, a lovely setting to while away the afternoon.

Ditchend Cove

At the mouth of South Pool Creek, with breathtaking views towards Snapes Point and Batson Creek, lies Ditchend Cove. This secret setting makes an irresistible picnic spot, the rest of East Portlemouth’s neighbouring beaches only a sandy stroll away. Sit back and enjoy the estuary’s many comings and goings, whether that be the wading birds scouting the foreshore or the sailing boats catching the breeze. Follow the Millbay Road to the Venus Café (just off the slipway) for some exceptional gourmet grub and explore the coast path as it weaves its way round The Hipples rocks and on to the impressive views of Portlemouth Down.

Mill Bay

Another of East Portlemouth’s pristine shores, Mill Bay is a much-loved beach famous for its turquoise waters and coral-white sands. There are plenty of rocky crags to explore and lots of space to set up your own beach camps and bivouacs. Mill Bay’s gentle ebbs and flows and slow shelf make it one of South Devon’s most cherished family beaches – it also receives five stars for its water quality. Many visitors park up at Salcombe’s Shadycombe Car Park, on Batson Creek, and catch the East Portlemouth ferry over to Mill Bay and make a proper day of it. Wayfarers love to wander the coast path as it undulates towards Prawle Point (Devon’s southernmost tip), discovering the many fishermen’s haunts and smugglers’ coves along the way.

Gara Rock Beach

Follow the coastal path in an easterly direction, along Portlemouth Down, and you’ll eventually reach Deckler’s Cliff. Here, you’ll see evidence of ancient field systems bounded by low stone walls and grassy banks, once farmed during prehistoric times. The views are incredible, sweeping as far as Gammon Head and Prawle Point, with the rugged sheers of Bolt Head to the west. Gara Rock beach is a secluded inlet, sheltered by rocky scarps and backed by rolling, green pastures. Discover the golden sands that lie hidden behind the scattered rocks, great for rock-pooling and exploring with a net and bucket. Perched above the beach is the Gara Rock hotel and spa, where you can enjoy lunch or light bites. This remote and romantic setting remains far away from the madding crowd.

Moor Sands

Also known as Venerick’s Cove, Moor Sands (or Moorsand) is a lesser-known shore half-a-mile east of Gara Rock. The beach is mainly made up of smooth pebbles, although there is a sandy strand below the high-water mark. You’ll not be far from the characterful coastal village of East Prawle and its renowned Pigs Nose Inn, a popular pub set on the village green famous for its music nights. The views from this secret South Hams cove are wonderful and you’ll rarely see another soul. A delightful and remote location ideal for all those who enjoy stepping off the beaten track.