Holiday rentals in Salcombe

With their turquoise waters and silky golden sands, the beaches and former smugglers’ coves at Salcombe are some of the most idyllic southwest England has to offer. Located on the Kingsbridge estuary — a marine reserve, fed by myriad small rivers and streams — this former fishing and shipbuilding village has a proud sailing tradition. It’s become a paradise for a wide range of watersports, and a chic place to shop and dine, thanks to a thriving foodie culture (it was once a major port for fruit and produce). Along its dramatic cliffs, a particularly stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path connects with charming villages like East Prawle and South Pool, and the thatched-cottage settlements of Inner and Outer Hope. It is surrounded to the north by the rolling hillsides of the outstandingly beautiful South Hams region, including the nearby Overbeck’s estate and gardens.

The South Devon coast is one of the warmest places in the UK, with a microclimate so unique that it’s one of the few places on the mainland you can grow subtropical plants, from oranges and lemons to bananas. The maritime climate and prevailing southwesterly winds keep the winters mild (temperatures rarely drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit), and the summers can hit highs in the mid-80s, although average temperatures are closer to 70 degrees. The water is at its warmest in August, when it reaches around 60 degrees; and it’s rainiest in the fall. Still, wet weather is never entirely unexpected, so it’s worth packing a waterproof jacket along with your bathing suit.

South Sands

The 30-minute walk from Salcombe to this family beach takes you past the gentle surfing beach of North Sands, as well as a former English Civil War fort. But you can also make the journey on Salcombe’s quirky Sea ractor, a unique transport experience you’ll want to try at least once.

East Portlemouth

Sitting opposite Salcombe, this pretty, quiet village is a five-minute ferry ride across the water. Its position on the southern end of the estuary means that its white-sand beach gets more sunshine than its neighbors. East Portlemouth also offers access to a number of gems along the South West Coast Path, including Small’s Cove, Fisherman’s Cove, and Mill Bay, all of which are dog-friendly.

Start Point Lighthouse

A great place for seal- and dolphin-spotting, this elegant turreted lighthouse, built in 1836, stands at the end of a dramatic mile-long promontory at the western end of Start Bay. The walk along the South West Coast Path from Salcombe takes a couple of hours — and is well worth it for the epic scenery — or you can drive out to it in 40 minutes.