South Sands Beach, Salcombe
Discover one of South Devon’s most unspoilt beaches, tucked away at the mouth of the Salcombe Estuary. South Sands Beach is a sheltered, golden-sand cove in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and coastal adventures.
South Sands offers:
Soft golden sand and clear turquoise waters
A sheltered cove, ideal for families or anyone looking to relax - a sun trap protected from coastal winds
Plan your visit → Ferry Times | How to Get Here
Food & Drink
Refuel without leaving the beach:
Bo’s Beach Café – family-friendly, sea-view café serving coffee, breakfast, and seaside favourites (bosbeachcafe.co.uk)
South Sands Hotel – boutique hotel with restaurant and bar overlooking the beach (southsands.com)
Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa – contemporary hotel with spa, restaurant, and bar (harbourhotels.co.uk)
Activities & Adventures
South Sands is perfect for active visitors:
Watersports hire – canoeing, paddleboarding, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving
Powerboat and sailing courses – for beginners and enthusiasts
South Sands Ferry – our colourful passenger ferry from Whitestrand Quay, Salcombe town centre using the famous Sea Tractor to bring visitors ashore
Coastal walks – join the South West Coast Path on a 3-mile circular walk to Bolt Head for spectacular coastal views
Explore the coast → Coastal Walks
Nearby Attractions
Overbeck’s Garden – a subtropical National Trust garden tucked into the cliffs above Salcombe, with exotic plants, cafe, museum and coastal views. Visit the website National Trust
Seasonal opening times apply.
Facilities
South Sands has everything for a comfortable day out:
Public toilets (including disabled access)
Beach access ramps for visitors with mobility restrictions
Limited on-site parking
Café and restaurants by the water
Watersports hire and equipment rental
Accessibility: The ramp and Sea Tractor landing make the beach accessible to most visitors.
Where to Go From South Sands
Take the ferry to Salcombe for shops, galleries, and harbour-side dining
Walk the South West Coast Path toward North Sands, Overbeck’s Garden, or further to Bolt Head
Explore the South Hams coastline and inland countryside
Plan Your Visit
Whether you arrive on foot, by ferry, or by car, South Sands is perfect for:
Relaxing on the sand
Enjoying watersports or scenic walks
Sampling local food and drink
Check ferry times → Ferry Schedule
See how to get there → Directions
