10 beautiful beaches to visit near Salcombe

Part of the beauty of staying at Gara Rock is that it is set in one of the most gorgeous locations in the UK. Situated on the stunning South Devon coast in Salcombe, which is known for its spectacular crystal clear coastline and magnificent sandy beaches. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, hiking and even a romantic beach picnic while watching the sunset. And you can take the short ferry journey from Salcombe to East Portlemouth for even more stunning beaches. Here are the top 10 best beaches near Gara Rock that you need to visit as part of your stay.

 

Best beaches near Salcombe

South Sands Beach

South Sands Beach is a popular South Deven beach with calm waters, making it the perfect family beach day out. You can enjoy plenty of swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sunbathing. The beach also has cafes and water sports equipment that you can rent. The beach is easily accessible by car and foot, with plenty of parking places. All you need to do is take the short ferry journey from Salcombe to South Sands.

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North Sands Beach

Just a few minutes' walk from Salcombe is the stunning North Sands Beach. This is another family-friendly spot with beautiful sand and rock pools for children to explore. It is perfect for swimming, rock pooling, and dining at the nearby Winking Prawn café.

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Mill Bay

Located on the East Portlemouth side of the estuary, Mill Bay has fantastic golden sands and clear waters, the perfect setting for a relaxed beach day. You can enjoy picnics, swimming, and exploring the surrounding National Trust trails.
The beach is easily accessible by foot; you only need to take the short ferry from Salcombe.

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Gara Rock Beach

At Gara Rock, you can enjoy this secluded beach just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. The beach is nestled among dramatic cliffs and is known for its natural beauty and tranquillity. It is the ideal place to take a stroll along the Southwest coastal path while enjoying the scenic views.

Sunny Cove

This small, peaceful beach provides the perfect romantic, quiet escape. It is the ideal setting for relaxing, swimming, and sunbathing. The beach is only accessible by foot and is a short walk from East Portlemouth.

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Moor Sand

Moor Sands is the perfect hidden gem, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene environment. It is also the perfect beach day adventure. To reach the beach, you need to walk along the Southwest Coastal Path for 2 miles from Prawle Point. Along the route, you see spectacular views of the dramatic cliffs and sea.

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Soar Mill Cove

More for the adventurous explorers, Soar Mill is a sheltered cove surrounded by stunning, dramatic, rugged cliffs. It offers a picturesque and peaceful setting, making it the perfect place for a lovely coastal walk. Soar Mill Cove is about a two-mile walk from Bolberry Down car park.

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Hope Cove

This charming Devonshire village has two beaches, Inner Hope and Outer Hope, both of which have stunning sandy shores and clear waters. The beaches are the perfect family day out, as you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, rock pooling, and water sports. The beaches are easily accessible by car, and the village has plenty of parking.

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Thurlestone Beach

Thurlestone Beach is known for its distinctive rock arch and extensive sandy shore. It is also the perfect place for a family day out, with plenty of things to do, including windsurfing, paddleboarding, swimming, and exploring rock pools. The beach is easily accessible by car, and plenty of parking is available.

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Bantham Beach

Bantham Beach is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions and stunning views of Burgh Island. This blue flag sandy beach is ideal for surfing, bodyboarding, swimming, and beach games. It is also accessible by car with lots of parking spaces.

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Each of these beaches offers a unique experience, catering to different preferences, from lively, family-friendly environments to secluded, peaceful retreats. Whether you're looking for water sports, scenic walks, or just a place to relax and enjoy the sun, the beaches near Salcombe have something for everyone.

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