Tucked on Devon’s southern coast, Salcombe is a chic seaside town with sweeping estuary views and a buzzing sailing scene. It’s the perfect mix of coastal charm and style, with boutique shops and waterside dining right in the heart of town. Hotel choices here are just as varied – think laid-back budget spots for walkers, sleek design hotels for a romantic escape, or luxury stays overlooking the water. Families often head closer to North Sands for space, beaches and easy-going vibes.

Salcombe sits in the heart of a gorgeous stretch of coastline, where sandy beaches fan out on either side of the town. Some are tucked far enough away to make getting there an adventure in itself, often best reached by hopping into a little open-topped motorboat and enjoying the ride. The area’s maritime history adds another layer of charm—this was once a bustling shipbuilding hub, and the waters still hold the remnants of shipwrecks, some dating as far back as the Bronze Age.

The Best Places to Stay in Salcombe

For sea views

• Salcombe Harbour Hotel has a prime position right on the edge of postcard perfect Salcombe with charming views of the resort and of the estuary with all its sailing boats. There are fifty rooms, all with balconies and there are terraces and a seafood restaurant.
• Soar Mill Cove Hotel has rooms with private outdoor hot tubs, if you book one of their Ocean View self catering units, plus generous rooms and suites. The food is delicious, with an emphasis on local produce, there are stunning sea views from private patios and the Devon Coast Path is right on the doorstep.
• Perched on South Devon’s dramatic coast, Harbour Beach Club Hotel is a boutique hideaway that pairs modern style with relaxed seaside charm. Sea-view spa treatments, watersports, and fresh seafood dining make it the ultimate ocean escape.

For families

• South Sands is a boutique, family-friendly hotel with modern design, estuary views, and easy access to Salcombe’s top watersports—perfect for adventures together and relaxing stays that parents and kids will love.

Prefer an apartment or cottage?

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to either Plymouth City Airport or Exeter Airport. By train travel to either Totnes or Plymouth stations which are well connected to London.
• Salcombe is a beach and boating town, and busiest in the spring and summer, when people are more inclined to feel drawn towards the coastline. But there’s plenty to do in Salcombe year round, what with the sailing and the numerous National Trust properties.  Whenever you plan to visit there’s a decent chance you’ll see some rain - with more wet days in autumn and winter, so it’s definitely worth packing your waterproof gear, even if you’re visiting in the height of summer sunshine.  There are plenty of indoor activities in the region too.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include all our recommendations for the best places to stay in Devon,
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.