A weekend in Salcombe

A chic sailing town on a sunny estuary, with sandy beaches and crab

Independent UK guide
Free to use
Affiliate links clearly labelled
Updated October 2026

Salcombe is a popular sailing town on the south Devon coast, at the mouth of a deep estuary lined with sandy beaches, creeks and steep green hills. It is known for its crab, its sailing and its smart waterfront houses, and is one of the most expensive places in Britain to buy a second home.

The beaches are excellent, ferries link the town to nearby sands, and the coast path leads to dramatic cliffs and viewpoints.

Best forBeach days, Food lovers, Families, Walkers

Best time to goJune to September for beaches and boats. Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper, with lovely coast walks.

Typical budget (2 people, 2 nights)£540–£970, excluding travel

Getting thereExeter: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

Check prices for a weekend in Salcombe

Plan your weekend in Salcombe

Top attractions in Salcombe

Salcombe harbour and the ferries

Small ferries cross the estuary to beaches and villages.

North Sands and South Sands

Two sandy beaches, with views across the estuary and cafes nearby.

Overbeck's

A National Trust house with subtropical gardens above the estuary.

Bolt Head and the coast path

Dramatic cliffs and sea views, a few miles from town.

Salcombe crab and seafood

Fresh crab and other local seafood in the town's pubs and restaurants.

Best things to do in Salcombe

Guides to the activities most people plan a weekend around.

Salcombe ferry and beaches

A small ferry runs across the Salcombe estuary to East Portlemouth, a quiet village with a long, sheltered beach, and another boat runs to South Sands, near Overbeck's. Allow half a day.

Camel Trail cycling

The Camel Trail is a flat, traffic-free path along a former railway line beside the Camel Estuary, running from Padstow to Wadebridge and on towards Bodmin. Allow 2 to 4 hours.

Seafood in Padstow

Padstow is one of Cornwall's best-known food towns, centred on a working fishing harbour. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Best areas to stay in Salcombe

The waterfront

Close to restaurants, shops and the harbour.

North Sands or South Sands

Beach stays with sea views.

East Portlemouth

A quiet village across the water, reached by ferry.

Best hotels in Salcombe

Prices for a double room in Salcombe typically fall around £180–£320 a night in this price band. Guesthouses and B&Bs are usually the best value, while boutique hotels and inns with rooms suit a treat. Read recent guest reviews and use the filters on the booking sites for the things that matter to you.

Compare places to stay in Salcombe

Prices change daily, so check a few sites. For dog-friendly or quiet stays, use the pet and review filters. These are affiliate links.

Best time to visit Salcombe

June to September for beaches and boats. Spring and autumn are quieter and cheaper, with lovely coast walks.

Seasons that suit Salcombe well: summer, spring, autumn.

Estimated budget for a weekend in Salcombe

Hotel or B&B, per night for two	£180–£320
Food and drink, per day for two	£75–£120
Activities and extras for the weekend	£30–£90
Estimated total, 2 people, 2 nights, excluding travel	£540–£970

Premium destination. These are rough 2026 estimates and vary by season and room type. Add the cost of getting there. For a personalised figure, use the BritBreaks finder.

Getting to Salcombe

From Exeter: About 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
From Plymouth: About 1 hour by car.
From London: About 3 hours 15 minutes by train to Totnes, then a bus or taxi.

Journey times are rough guides. Check live train and road times before you travel.

A sample weekend in Salcombe

Friday evening: Arrive, settle in and have dinner in The waterfront.
Saturday: Start with Salcombe harbour and the ferries, then North Sands and South Sands. In the afternoon, head to Overbeck's.
Sunday: Visit Bolt Head and the coast path or Salcombe crab and seafood, then head home.

Packing list for Salcombe

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Beach and coast gear Walking gear Wet-weather gear

Good to know

Accommodation is expensive in summer, so book early.
Roads into town are narrow, and parking is limited.
Check ferry times if you are crossing the estuary.

Salcombe weekend FAQs

Is Salcombe worth the cost?

Many visitors think so, for the scenery and the beaches, but it is pricey, especially in summer.

Can I get to Salcombe by train?

Not directly. Take a train to Totnes, then a bus or taxi.

More weekend ideas

DartmouthDevon

A historic harbour town on the River Dart, with a castle and steam railway

BrixhamDevon

A busy fishing port with a replica Golden Hind and cliff walks

DartmoorDevon

Granite tors, wild ponies and ancient woodland

TotnesDevon

A bohemian market town on the River Dart, with a Norman castle

Explore more: Best weekend breaks from London · Best coastal weekend breaks in the UK · Best dog-friendly weekend breaks in the UK · Best romantic weekend breaks in the UK

Browse popular weekend activities or use the BritBreaks finder to match a weekend to your budget and travel time.

Last reviewed October 2026. Please check opening times and prices with each attraction before you go. Report an error or share a tip.