I know it’s probably been said before but I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather holiday than Devon in the sunshine. And there lies the big caveat! I mean seriously, where is the sun this year?

We have recently returned from two weeks down near Salcombe and I love it just as much as ever. Even if it did rain. Pretty much every day.

I am incredibly lucky that my Aunty has a holiday cottage in East Portlemouth, over the estuary from Salcombe, and as such I have gone almost every year of my life. It is quite possibly my favourite place in the world. I love that my girls are now getting to have the same holiday I had and we are creating new holiday memories with them. So much hasn’t changed that we get to do all the same things I did as a little girl. Nothing can beat it.

We tend to go out of peak holidays as it can get a little bit chaotic around this area. I’m dreading next year when we have to make the trip during July and August. It’s going to be mayhem!

Given that I now know the area pretty well I thought I would share some of my favourite things to do in Salcombe and the surrounding area for any of you planning a little holiday over the coming months.

Beaches

Beaches are the main draw around this area. They are beautiful and even when it is drizzly we can normally be found sporting a bucket and spade for a bit of digging action. We stay in a little place called East Portlemouth which is across the estuary from Salcombe meaning we have to get the little two minute ferry over to Salcombe if we want to go. The plus side is it’s where all the nice beaches are. Around the area there are a vast array of beaches and far too many to mention here. They are ALL gorgeous.

Along the front in East Portlemouth there are three main beaches that we visit. The first we know as the Ferry Beach. This is the one directly when you get off the ferry from Salcombe. It’s a narrow beach which is great for keeping an eye on the little ones but beware the tide coming in!!

Just a little further along the road is family favourite Mill Bay. This was our ultimate beach as kids. A huge sandy beach and a stream ideal for damming. We had some good dam wars there as kids. The sea is also super clear and blue.

From Mill Bay take the cliff path round to Sunny Cove. It is exactly what you would imagine. A gorgeous little cove that is so sheltered. The sea is just towards the edge of the estuary so you get a few more waves than at Mill Bay and at certain points there is an amazing sand bar that comes out for the more adventurous children.

Over in Salcombe you have a choice of North or South Sands. Both lovely beaches that are just the right size for playing and paddling. You can get the ferry from the centre of salcombe to South Sands as it can be quite a walk and the littles will adore it at the other end when the sea tractor comes to fetch you.

If you want uninterrupted sea views then head to Gara Rock around the coast. You can walk it from sunny cove along the cliff path or there is a little car park there too. This is a very steep hill down to the beach but is a great secluded beach with a fresh water stream running down the hill and creating a little pool on the beach for the littles. It also has some great waves if the kids fancy a spot of body boarding and wonderful rocks for rock pooling.

Other beaches worth a visit are Hope Cove and Blackpool Sands as well as Lanacombe if rock pooling is your thing. Beware the road down to Lanacombe though. It’s a killer!

Days Out

There are so many days out around the area if you need to keep the little ones entertained. Normally once we are there I’m content to stay put and now understand why our parents used to protest so much at our pleas to go to the Woodland Leisure park! Although nowhere is far mileage wise it just takes forever with all the single track roads.

The Woodland Leisure Park is a must have visit for kids of all ages. It has developed from when we were kids and is now a vast farm park with multiple woodland activities and play parks as well as the largest soft play you have seen in your life! The bigger kids will be kept amused on the toboggan run and waterslides and there is plenty to keep you entertained for a full day out.

Pennywell Farm is another gorgeous little farm park ideal for toddlers with lots to see and do. The miniature piglets are a big hit.

When Molly was little we visited the Otter Sanctuary and Butterfly Farm which she loved. She stood for ages watching the Otters swim around. The South Devon Steam Railway also goes from here if you wanted to make more of a day of it.

If you aren’t animaled out the Steam Train also stops by the Totnes Rare Breeds Park where little’s can see everything from Red Squirrels to Pygmy Goats.

If exploring gardens and tropical wonderlands is more your cup of tea then head to Overbecks in Salcombe. A National Trust property with most beautiful grounds to roam and explore.

Activities

Paper Bird Island in Salcombe is like Molly’s idea of heaven. I only wish it had been there where we were kids. A craft extravaganza where kids can go and make all manner of wonderful creations. We spent a good rainy hour colouring and painting a hanging bird mobile which then got covered in glitter. The kids are encouraged to get creative (and a touch messy) but it’s lots of fun.

Hop on the Kingsbridge Ferry and head down the estuary. This is a lovely little journey that the kids will love.

You’ll always find lots of little one’s crabbing on the side of Salcombe harbour. Normally accompanied by an ice cream and a bag of chips. It’s definitely a fun way to spend an hour. The best spot is by the Lifeboat and the girls always love seeing the ‘Big orange boat’. Just keep an eye on the very little ones, it’s a big drop!

Damming on Mill Bay is a pastime that most kids seem to remember. Pack a bucket and spade and get battling to create the best dam in the stream. Hours of fun to be had.

If the little’s are still able to go in a carrier then the cliff walks are stunning. Unfortunately Molly wouldn’t make it that far I don’t think and I’m pretty confident I couldn’t do it with a child on my back!!

Now not technically for the little ones but if you are able to escape the kiddies for a few hours you could have some Mummy pampering time at the Salcombe Harbour Hotel. It has a beautiful spa and you are sure to feel relaxed at the end of it. Also, check out their Roof Top Yoga. AMAZING.

Cafes

This year we discovered the fabulous Kidz & Co cafe in Salcombe. Tucked away down Island Street it is a great cafe for little ones as it has a soft play area and copious toys. It’s only a small soft play (ball pool and a few climbing things) but there is then a huge area with all manner of toys and dressing up. Molly was in her element. You pay a small fee for them to go and play and you get to relax with a cuppa. The food is great and they serve wonderful lunches for parents and kids.

In Kingsbridge there is a similar place called Bumble at the top of the high street. It also doubles as a childrens hairdressers but they get to sit in cars and diggers to have their hair cut so if you struggle this may be the place for you!

If you have made the trip to Gara Rock beach then reward yourself for that big climb back up by stopping at Cafe Ode. Quite possibly the best views around. Nothing beats them. They are kiddy friendly and you can even take your dogs if your furry friends have joined them. They have a great varied menu of healthy food (plus the odd burger!) and will make mini sized kids portions on request. The cream teas and cakes are worth a look too.

Just outside of Kingsbridge is the lovely Avon Mill. This is a garden centre but the cafe does quite possibly some of the best cream teas around. They also have a savoury version with cheese scones, cream cheese and chilli jam. I was converted. There is also a vast selection of kids options, lunches and epic breakfasts. Oh, and whilst you are there it would be rude not to check out Moss – an amazing florists/interiors store that was brimming with so many things I just had to buy. Honest, I really did need them all.

No trip to Salcombe is complete without a Salcombe Dairy ice cream (or three or four!). Honeycomb is a favourite in our family. You will find them all over the place or you can visit the little cafe at the end of Island Street.

Eating Out

There is a plethora of eating options down there and most are more than happy to welcome kids.

A particular favourite of ours is Start Bay Inn in Slapton which does THE best fish and chips. I’m not even kidding. Get there early to avoid the queues.

In Salcombe there are multiple restaurants and cafes. The Victoria Inn on the high street is great for pub food and has a nice play park in the garden for the little ones. Captain Flints is a good family restaurant with a focus on kiddies menus.

The Winking Prawn down near North Sands beach is a bit of a Salcombe Institution. Open all day it has fabulous seafood on offer in a beachside location.

Head out to the tiny fishing village of Beesands and you will have a choice of the Cricket Inn or Britannia at the Beach. Both are excellent. Britannia is a teeny little family run place with tables outside and a few under cover. I’d advise booking as they only have five tables. The seafood platter is immense and they also come up with amazing dishes like the Monkfish Thai Curry which was divine.

The Church House Inn in Stockenham is a family favourite of ours with good pub food at reasonable prices. They have a nice kids menu too with lots of options.

Shopping

Now I know shopping isn’t high on the agenda of most children but I do try to fit in a spot whilst I am down there. Unsurprisingly for the children. I love supporting the little local shops and there are so many lovely independent stores.

In Kingsbridge we always pay a visit to Nonsuch at the bottom of the highstreet where you can buy wonderful toys and gifts as well as clothing from brands such as Frugi. This year we got lots of birthday and Christmas present for the girls.

Totnes is the cutest little town with the most gorgeous shops, each unique. This is the town that campaigned to stop Costa opening and I love it for that. It’s packed with independents and wonderful small cafes. Have a peek at our guide over on Rock My Style for more things to do in Totnes. At the top of the hill is the lovely Gazebo which is a tiny store full of lovely toys. I always stock up on my favourite Maileg mice when I’m here.

For those with a sweet tooth you have to visit the Salcombe institution that is Cranchs Sweet Shop. You won’t miss the pink and white stripey bags clasped by most children over there! Opposite is Roly’s Fudge Pantry. Immense. That is all I am saying.
 
Is anyone else planning a trip down to Salcombe this summer? Is it your first time visiting or do you have any family favourites from previous visits to share?