Discover Salcombe, a South Devon haven of beaches, sailing and coastal charm
Hotels in Salcombe offer maritime elegance and estuary charm, from boutique harbour-view properties overlooking sailing boats to luxury spa hotels on clifftops and contemporary retreats with sandy beach access. You’ll find everything from converted merchant houses to family-friendly resorts, all positioned in this upscale sailing town with access to sheltered beaches, coastal path walks, and the South Hams microclimate that makes Salcombe England’s warmest resort. Whether you’re here for sailing adventures, beach holidays, or simply enjoying Devon’s most exclusive waterside town, there’s a stay to match your visit.
Book your Salcombe hotel with easyStay and enjoy secure booking, competitive prices, and thousands of verified reviews.
Tranquil waters at Salcombe, South Devon
Where to Stay in Salcombe
Salcombe climbs steeply from its estuary with distinct areas from the bustling waterfront to hillside residential streets. Your choice shapes whether you wake to harbour views or easier parking access.
Fore Street and Town Centre – The main shopping street with boutiques, restaurants, pubs, and harbour proximity. Perfect for visitors wanting walkable convenience and sailing town atmosphere.
The Waterfront and Quays – Properties overlooking the estuary with yacht views, maritime character, and immediate water access. Ideal for sailing enthusiasts and romantics wanting harbour-front elegance.
Cliff Road and North Sands – Elevated areas with dramatic estuary views, beach access, and residential calm. Appeals to families and beach lovers seeking stunning vistas.
South Sands and Beach Areas – The beach neighbourhood with sandy shore, water taxi access, and seaside atmosphere. Suits families and beach holiday lovers wanting direct sand access.
East Portlemouth and Ferry – The opposite side of the estuary reached by passenger ferry with quieter beaches and rural character. Great for those wanting peaceful surroundings with Salcombe access.
Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe
Best Hotels in Salcombe
Salcombe’s hotel scene celebrates maritime luxury with harbour-view boutiques, clifftop spa retreats, and contemporary beach properties. Whether you’re after yacht-watching elegance, sandy beach proximity, or simply a refined Devon base near coastal paths, there’s a stay to suit every traveller and budget.
Best Luxury Hotels in Salcombe
Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa (4-star) – A contemporary clifftop hotel with sea-view spa, infinity pool, fine dining, and panoramic estuary vistas. Perfect for spa lovers and luxury seekers wanting sophisticated coastal retreat.
South Sands Hotel (4-star) – A beachfront boutique with direct beach access, terrace dining, contemporary design, and sandy shore location. Ideal for families and beach lovers wanting stylish seaside luxury.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel (4-star) – A secluded clifftop hotel in a private cove 5 kilometres away with outdoor pool, coastal walks, and peaceful Devon atmosphere. Suits couples seeking romantic seclusion.
Best Harbour View Hotels in Salcombe
The Marine Hotel (4-star) – A historic waterfront property with estuary views, restaurant, and harbour-front terrace. Great for sailing enthusiasts and traditional elegance seekers.
Tides Reach Hotel (4-star) – A family-run hotel near South Sands with estuary views, pools, spa, and comprehensive facilities. Perfect for families wanting full-service comfort.
Best Beach Hotels in Salcombe
South Sands Hotel (4-star) – Direct beach access with contemporary rooms, beach club atmosphere, and water taxi connections to town. Ideal for beach-focused holidays and water sports.
The Sloop Inn (3-star) – A traditional waterfront inn with harbour views, pub character, and nautical atmosphere. Perfect for sailors and authentic maritime stays.
Best Boutique Hotels in Salcombe
Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa (4-star) – Contemporary luxury with designer interiors, spa sanctuary, and modern Devon sophistication. Appeals to design lovers and wellness seekers.
Captain’s House (3-star) – A boutique guesthouse with harbour views, stylish rooms, and intimate character. Great for couples and romantic breaks.
Best Family Hotels in Salcombe
Tides Reach Hotel (4-star) – Family-friendly with pools, kids’ facilities, beach proximity, and comprehensive amenities. Perfect for multi-generational holidays wanting everything on-site.
South Sands Hotel (4-star) – Beach access, family rooms, and water activities make this ideal for active family beach holidays.
Best Budget Hotels in Salcombe
Bolt Head Hotel (2-star) – Simple accommodation near South Sands with basic comfort and beach proximity. Great for budget travellers prioritising location.
The Fortescue Inn (2-star) – A traditional pub with rooms near the estuary with basic comfort and affordable rates. Perfect for overnight stays and pub atmosphere.
Local guesthouses – Numerous B&Bs on hillside streets offer budget-friendly stays with South Devon hospitality and harbour views.
Top Things to Do in Salcombe
Salcombe Harbour and Sailing – A sheltered estuary perfect for sailing, yacht-watching, dinghy racing, and maritime atmosphere. A must for sailing enthusiasts and waterfront strollers.
South Sands Beach – A sheltered sandy beach with water sports, beach café, water taxi connections, and family-friendly atmosphere. Perfect for beach days and swimming.
Coastal Path Walks – Spectacular sections linking Salcombe to Bolt Head, Hope Cove, and beyond with clifftop views and dramatic Devon coastline. Ideal for walkers and vista seekers.
Passenger Ferry to East Portlemouth – Cross the estuary to quieter beaches including Mill Bay and access South West Coast Path sections. Great for exploring and beach variety.
Overbeck’s Museum and Garden – A National Trust clifftop property with subtropical gardens, maritime exhibits, and panoramic views. Appeals to garden lovers and heritage enthusiasts.
Salcombe Maritime Museum – A small museum exploring shipbuilding heritage, fruit schooner history, and local maritime traditions. Perfect for history buffs and rainy days.
East Portlemouth Ferry Jetty looking towards Salcombe
Getting to and Around Salcombe
By Car: Salcombe sits at the end of the A381 from Kingsbridge with narrow Devon lanes and limited parking. Arrive early in summer or use park-and-ride services.
By Bus: Limited bus services connect Salcombe to Kingsbridge, Plymouth, and Dartmouth with infrequent schedules making cars more practical for wider exploring.
By Ferry and Water Taxi: Passenger ferries and water taxis connect Salcombe to South Sands, East Portlemouth, and other estuary points throughout the day during season.
Getting Around: Salcombe’s steep streets are walkable though challenging, with water taxis offering scenic transport and parking extremely limited in the town centre.
When to Visit Salcombe
Spring (April to May) – Warming weather, blooming gardens, and moderate crowds make this ideal for exploring before summer peaks. Hotel prices are reasonable with comfortable sailing conditions.
Summer (June to August) – Peak season with warmest weather, busiest harbour, sailing weeks, and highest hotel rates. Expect premium pricing and crowds during Salcombe Regatta but classic Devon Riviera atmosphere.
Autumn (September to October) – Comfortable temperatures, golden light, thinning crowds, and excellent walking weather. Mid-range hotel prices with beautiful coastal conditions and still-warm seas.
Winter (November to February) – Cool, quiet months with storm-watching, lowest hotel rates, peaceful town, and many establishments closed. Perfect for budget travellers and dramatic coastal scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Salcombe so expensive?
Salcombe’s limited accommodation, sailing reputation, South Hams microclimate, exclusive atmosphere, and sheltered estuary location create high demand making it one of England’s priciest seaside towns.
Can you swim in Salcombe harbour?
Yes, several beaches around the estuary offer safe swimming including South Sands, North Sands, and Mill Bay with sheltered waters warmer than typical Devon coast.
Do I need a car in Salcombe?
Salcombe itself is walkable though steep, and water taxis serve beaches. A car helps for exploring South Devon though parking is extremely limited and expensive in town.
Is Salcombe beach suitable for families?
Yes, South Sands and North Sands offer sheltered sandy beaches with facilities, water sports, and gentle waters perfect for families with children.
Do Salcombe hotels have parking?
Most hotels offer limited parking though spaces are precious. Waterfront properties often direct guests to public car parks. Book early and confirm parking availability.
Can I book Salcombe hotels through easyStay with free cancellation?
Yes, most easyStay listings include flexible cancellation. Look for “Free Cancellation” before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in Salcombe Today
From harbour-front elegance to beachside luxury, hotels in Salcombe put you in Devon’s most exclusive coastal town. Whether you’re chasing sailing adventures, sandy beaches, or simply enjoying South Hams sophistication, there’s a perfect estuary base waiting.
Browse thousands of verified hotels and book with confidence via our trusted partner Booking.com.