Salcombe Beach Guide: Stunning Beaches to Explore

From sandy shores to secret coves – here’s your hit list for sun, sea, and sandcastle bliss!

Salcombe, a dreamy coastal town nestled in South Devon, is known for its sparkling waters, postcard-perfect scenery, and a beach for every kind of day. Whether you're here for the first time or just fancy discovering a new sandy spot, here’s our guide to some of the best beaches in and around Salcombe – including a hidden gem we absolutely love: Leasfoot Beach.

🌊 1. Leasfoot Beach, Thurlestone – Our Top Pick!

Tucked away near the village of Thurlestone, Leasfoot is a bit of a local secret and an absolute fave of ours. You reach it by driving through the Thurlestone Golf Club car park – signal can be patchy there, so it’s worth keeping a few coins handy for parking. The beach is a mix of golden sand and pebbles, perfect for swimming, rock pooling or just lounging while the kids run wild.

🚶‍♀️ Access is down a small set of steps, and in the summer season, there’s a fab mobile coffee and food truck parked right at the top – a total win for caffeine-deprived parents and post-swim snacks.

🏖 2. South Sands Beach

Just a hop from Salcombe town, South Sands is great for families and day trippers. Think calm water, soft sand, watersports hire, and a beachside café that does great coffee. You can even hop on the quirky sea tractor when the ferry’s running.

🏝 3. North Sands Beach

Shallow, gentle waves and plenty of space make North Sands ideal for younger children. There's parking, a café, and public loos – always a bonus. It’s also dog-friendly year-round.

🛶 4. East Portlemouth Beaches

Catch the ferry from Salcombe and discover a cluster of quieter, scenic beaches including Mill Bay, Fisherman’s Cove, and Sunny Cove. It’s a fab spot for paddling, and exploring the water over here is crystal clear perfect for soaking up those chilled Salcombe vibes.

🌊 5. Bantham Beach

A big sandy beach popular with surfers and bodyboarders. There are lifeguards in season, food trucks, a surf school, and views out to Burgh Island. A proper full-day-out kind of beach.

🏞 6. Soar Mill Cove

For something a bit wilder, Soar Mill Cove is a little off the beaten track – you'll need to walk down from the car park – but the secluded setting is worth the effort. Expect dramatic cliffs, peaceful vibes, and a real sense of escape.

🐚 7. Thurlestone Sands

Next to Leasfoot, Thurlestone Sands is more open and exposed – great for swimming and walking. There’s a little car park and beautiful views out to sea, with rock pools to explore and lovely sunset strolls.

🏄‍♀️ 8. Bigbury-on-Sea

A wide, flat beach with perfect conditions for paddleboarding and watersports. You can walk (or sea tractor!) across the sand to Burgh Island at low tide. It’s one of Devon’s most iconic beach spots.

🏖 9. Blackpool Sands

One of the most beautiful beaches on the South Devon coast. There's loads of parking, a cute café, beach shop, showers, and summer events like outdoor cinema nights.

Top Tips Before You Go

• 📱 Check tide times – some beaches get small fast at high tide!

• 💰 Always have coins for parking just in case

• ☕ Local cafés & pop-up trucks

• 🧺 Pack a picnic, beach toys, and shade – some beaches are more remote than others

• 🐶 Check dog rules – some beaches have seasonal restrictions