FollowWelcome to the charming seaside town of Salcombe!
It’s said that Salcombe may be one of the prettiest harbor towns in the world. That’s may be a tall order but it really is quite possible. Being a girl from New England, driving through this part of England was like a small taste of home. With towns like Falmouth, Plymouth and Truro, it feels a bit like heading to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. As you drive through Devon to get to its most southerly tip – Salcombe, you’ll pass fields of green, pastures of cows & old stone churches. Finally, you will find hills that literally tumble down to the sea.
Salcombe is a destination known for its seaside sports like sailing, fishing and diving. With their own Regatta spanning two weeks, it’s easy to see why! BUT there’s plenty to do for the landlubbers too. The quaint village is filled with cafes, pubs, local shops and high-end boutiques. Home to storefronts that are ‘typically English’ like Cath Kidston, the original Jack Wills and The Salcombe Trading Company, Salcombe has the perfect blend of UK & coastal style. Since my personal home decor style is also seaside inspired, I always like to shop in destinations such as Salcombe.
Speaking of ‘coastal style’, never were there two better words to describe South Sands Hotel, just minutes from Salcombe’s town center by car. South Sands, a luxury boutique hotel with only 22 rooms and 5 beach suites, is understated beach chic. Perched on a horseshoe bay, South Sands Hotel draws its decor inspiration from Salcombe’s maritime history and its own seaside backdrop. You will find simple touches of beach and sailing life in the driftwood & beach stones scattered throughout as well as the recycled sailcloth furnishings and port-hole features in the bathrooms. Carrying this subtle theme all the way through, South Sands Hotel’s room levels are named after classic yachts. SO FUN! Beach suites can accommodate up to six guests (perfect for friends or family travel) and have fully-equiped kitchens, large dining & living spaces and, best of all, balconies or private terraces. One of my favorite features of South Sands Hotel, is its proud sense of place by supporting local craftsmen and artists to add to the decor of this fantastic property. You will see, for example, local photography by Explosures Salcombe and seascapes by Gallery 5.
Another example of utilizing local resources can be found at Beachside Restaurant, South Sands Hotel’s waterfront restaurant. Beachside sources much of its seafood from Salcombe Crab Traders and, nearby town, Brixham. All of the meat products come from within a 10 mile radius as well. Of course, seasonal, local produce & products is quite the trend these days but what counts is what you do with it. Beachside has already earned a reputation of being one of the best restaurants in the country! I can attest that my meal at Beachside Restaurant was one of my most favorites of late. I enjoyed delicious seaside fare that was presented in an effortless way. It pairs well with the rest of South Sands in being wonderfully understated chic.
Important things to note:
- Rooms at South Sands Hotel start at £150 and breakfast is included.
- Activities available are things like sailing, surfing, stand up paddle board and kayaking as well as horse riding, golf, in-room massages and more.
- The nearest train station is Totnes – 40 minutes away by car and 3 hours journey from London’s Paddington Station.
- While the Summer season is high season, Spring & Autumn are also popular. Spring brings a wide display of wildflowers and bird watching while Autumn welcomes a different array of vibrant colors, cider and a more peaceful harbor. The holiday season in Salcombe is also quite festive.
- While the shopping is good in Salcombe, you should prepare to pack what you’d like to wear. It was unseasonably warm when I visited and the shops were all having their sales. You might find a deal but there will be little in the way of beachwear. Another alternative is to stop along the way at a nearby Debenhams, many are along the route to Salcombe.
A big THANK YOU to South Sands Hotel for hosting my stay. I loved it so much that I would definitely choose to stay there again and possibly NEVER leave! As you must know, if I didn’t love it, I wouldn’t ‘Lola Approve’ it. The views here are mine!
Looks like a nice coastal getaway in England. I’ve only been to the coast along the North Sea (my mother in law is from East Anglia), and we’ve spent our share of day trips to the sea. I really want to get out to the south of England and experience some of its beauty, maybe even sneak into Wales.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…Memphis: Food, Music and History (Non-Elvis Edition)
i want to see more of the English coast now too! this trip really made me fall in love with England.
So pleased we got to enjoy Salcombe on a sunny day! South sands was fab!
you are a STAR Ana for driving there and showing me such a lovely part of the world.
I absolutely love South Sands… Salcombe is definitely one of the world’s prettiest harbours!
i agree. totally in LOVE with South Sands. perfect hotel for this beach loving gal.
This place looks so cute. I can’t believes I’ve never been to Salcombe, I’ll have to head down x
Scarlett recently posted…Smartphone Problems
you really do need to head there at some point. x
Definitely, Salcombe has an interesting history about its attractions and natural beauty. and also the south sands hotel looking beautiful in the both exterior and interior areas.
such a very useful article for the tourists….
Mast Holiday recently posted…Matchless Mauritius: wants to visit again
Salcombe is far more lovely than i expected!
love!
Hogga recently posted…My Friend Made a Travel Book
me too!
Love all the activities they have…beautiful place and so much to do…my kind of property!
Anita Mac recently posted…Monday Morning Series: Pink Balls of Montreal
i wasn’t there long enough to try any of the activities but i fully intend to return to Salcombe and stay at South Sands again!
I would love to stay there as well. So many things to do around the place, and the food looks delicious!
Freya Renders recently posted…Exploring Isabela Island Galapagos
Hi Freya,
it was really FAB. and the food was truly wonderful too!
Lovely! Been searching on where I can possibly bring my mom and brother this summer break (in the UK now). Want to bring them to the seaside hehe looking forward to reading the rest of your UK adventures 😀
Micamyx|Senyorita recently posted…Celebrating My Birthday in Tagaytay City
thank you so much! you will not be disappointed if you go to Salcombe and South Sands.
Love the adventure opportunities with the kayaking and the SUP. Interesting that it reminded you of places in New England. I guess that is why it has its name.
Traveling Ted recently posted…When the elements make for no adventure
hahaha it’s like England but it’s NEW 😉
You hit the nail on the head when you said it reminds you of New England. I’ve only been to a few seaside towns near Boston, but Salcombe was reminiscent of those places.
Leah Travels recently posted…Luxury and Leisure at Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani
Salcombe makes me think of a lot of the little beach towns right near where i live.
this coastal England intrigues… I must admit… thanks for sharing. and bloody hell, I love the Lola Approved Logo… #awesome
stay lolafied, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted…Sunset Sunday – Luang Prabang, Laos and The Mekong River
ooo lala – glad you like my ‘Lola Approved’ logo MR. #StayAdventurous
I love England but haven’t been to this region. Looks absolutely lovely and relaxing.
Jenna recently posted…Traveler of the Week: Mark of Migrationology
it was lovely and relaxing. wish i were back there right now.
Haven’t been to Devon for a few years but you’ve just reminded me I need to go again soon 🙂
Becky Padmore recently posted…10 places you can’t miss in Rome: a local’s guide
go go GO! and have fun.
Salcombe does seem like a nice harbor town! How did I miss it??
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted…Four Decades of the Panama Canal
no clue. i wouldn’t have known to check it out. i can thank Mr. & Mrs. O for introducing me to Salcombe!!
SO charming!! I really need to get myself over to that corner of the world…
Wow, such a beautiful seaside town..I’m in love with seaside towns…Cape May was wonderful in New Jersey! Come and visit 🙂
Charu recently posted…Hotels Where No Two Rooms Look Alike
You are making me miss home and reminisce about my childhood visiting the Isle of Wight!
Joshua recently posted…My #ManlyMoments Bucket List for #Movember
This looks so gorgeous! I’m going to be staying here later this month and I can’t wait!
Any recommendations for things to do in the area?
Monica recently posted…Skiing in Spain for scardy cat skiers