Cottages in Salcombe

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a cottage in Salcombe?
• Cottages in Salcombe: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Salcombe: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Salcombe?

• Cottage styles: From modern waterfront cottages with balconies to traditional stone fishermen's cottages, options suit couples, families and groups, with dozens of pet-friendly stays near the coast path.
• Best areas: The town centre around Fore Street suits first-time visitors, whilst North Sands, South Sands, East Portlemouth and Hope Cove offer quieter, beach-focused bases.
• Guest reviews: Many Salcombe cottages receive exceptional scores, with guests praising estuary views, helpful local hosts and enclosed gardens that suit children after sandy beach days.
• Where to eat: Crab Shed Salcombe tops local ratings, joined by the Lobster Pod Bistro, the Victoria Inn and relaxed beachside spots like the Winking Prawn.
• Top activities: Wander subtropical Overbeck's Garden, kayak the Kingsbridge Estuary, take the ferry across to Mill Bay and finish with award-winning Salcombe Dairy ice cream.

Cottages in Salcombe range from sleek waterfront homes with balconies overlooking the estuary to traditional fishermen's cottages with thick stone walls and low beams, along with cosy rustic cabins with timeless appeal. Most cottages here come well equipped for a self-catering stay by the sea, with favourites including:

• Balconies and terraces with views over the estuary
• Enclosed gardens
• Reliable Wi-Fi
• Pet-friendly interiors
• Woodburners

If a cottage isn't quite right, browse the wide range of holiday homes in Salcombe to find what you're looking for.

What are the best areas to stay in Salcombe?

For most visitors, the town centre around Fore Street is the most convenient base, with the ferry steps, shops and restaurants a short stroll from the door. The table below details regions for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Cottage guests in Salcombe consistently rate their stays highly. Reviews frequently mention the estuary views, the short walk from cottage door to water, and how well hosts know the town — from where to park in August to which bakery sells out first. Families praise enclosed gardens and easy rock-pool access, whilst couples highlight quiet off-season weekends warmed by a wood-burner.

Salcombe sits at the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary in the South Hams, South Devon, on England's south coast — the county's southernmost town, framed by beaches and green headlands.

🥗Where to eat in Salcombe?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Crab Shed Salcombe is the best-rated restaurant in Salcombe. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Emma recommends Sailor V in Salcombe: 'Their Full English set us up for a whole day on the coast path — proper local café cooking, friendly staff, and the smoothies were a hit with the children after a swim.'

1. Wander the subtropical terraces of Overbeck's Garden
2. Kayak the Kingsbridge Estuary
3. Catch the ferry to East Portlemouth and Mill Bay
4. Sample award-winning ice cream at Salcombe Dairy
5. Sip handcrafted gin at Salcombe Distilling Co.
6. Step back in time at Cranch's Sweet Shop
7. Spend the day at North Sands beach

1. Wander the subtropical terraces of Overbeck's Garden

   High on the cliffs at Sharpitor, some 80 metres above the sea, Overbeck's Garden shelters palms, tree ferns and a Banana Garden that flourish in Salcombe's famously mild microclimate. Wander the terraced paths for views across the estuary, seek out the deep-pink Magnolia campbellii that has flowered here since 1901, and let younger visitors explore the sensory trails.

2. Kayak the Kingsbridge Estuary

   Salcombe's sheltered waters are made for messing about in boats. Hire a kayak or paddleboard with Salcombe Kayaks and paddle up the Kingsbridge Estuary towards South Pool and Frogmore, exploring quiet creeks, sandbars and wooded banks as you go. Guided trips help beginners gain confidence.

3. Catch the ferry to East Portlemouth and Mill Bay

   Board the passenger ferry across the estuary to East Portlemouth, the sunnier side of Salcombe, then follow the shore past Smalls Cove to Mill Bay — regularly named among Devon's most beautiful beaches. If you fancy stretching your legs further, carry on along the cliffs towards Prawle Point for one of the South Hams' finest stretches of coast path.

4. Sample award-winning ice cream at Salcombe Dairy

   After a stroll along Island Street, join the queue at Salcombe Dairy, whose natural, egg-free ice cream has collected more than 60 awards. The best-seller is the honeycomb, studded with crunchy golden pieces, though dulce de leche, salted caramel and stem ginger all have loyal fans.

5. Sip handcrafted gin at Salcombe Distilling Co.

   In the evening, head to Salcombe Distilling Co. on Island Street, where the town's maritime fruit-trading history inspired a citrus-led signature gin. Settle in at the waterside bar for exceptional handcrafted gin cocktails, or book ahead for a distillery experience and blend a bottle of your own.

6. Step back in time at Cranch's Sweet Shop

   You will spot Cranch's Sweet Shop from a distance thanks to its pink façade and pink-striped awnings on Fore Street. Devon's oldest confectionery shop, trading since 1869, its shelves groan with jars of colourful boiled sweets, fudge and childhood favourites.

7. Spend the day at North Sands beach

   A fifteen-minute walk from town along Cliff Road, North Sands is Salcombe's most accessible beach: a tree-fringed, family-friendly arc of sand with rock pools where children can hunt for crabs and anemones. The sheltered bay suits paddleboarding and kayaking, swimming is safe within the cove, and the beach-style Winking Prawn sits just behind for a long, lazy lunch by the sea.