Getting to know the Coast, from The Hideaway, Salcombe.

The coastline around Salcombe is best understood on foot. From The Hideaway, you are moments from the estuary, but within minutes you can be climbing onto the South West Coast Path, where the views open wide and the air sharpens. Walk west towards Bolt Head for dramatic cliff scenery and expansive sea views — a proper stretch with reward at every turn. On clear days, the light feels endless and the coastline almost theatrical.

For swimming close to home, North Sands is a favourite — sheltered, swimmable and ideal early in the morning before the day gathers pace. A little further along, South Sands offers a broader sweep of beach and a sense of space, particularly beautiful at low tide when the sand stretches wide. Both are easily reached on foot, making them perfect for unhurried afternoons.

Cross the estuary by ferry to East Portlemouth and the atmosphere shifts immediately. Here you’ll find quieter beaches — Sunny Cove, Fisherman’s Cove, and Mill Bay — each offering clear water and a more secluded feel. Pack lightly, bring something to sit on, and allow time; these are places to linger rather than rush.

For those wanting a longer coastal day, drive a short distance to Hope Cove, where twin sandy beaches sit beneath low cliffs and whitewashed cottages. Further along the coast, Bantham Beach offers wide sands and rolling surf, popular with swimmers and paddleboarders alike. Both reward an early start in peak season.

If you prefer walking without sand, follow the estuary path toward Snapes Point for panoramic views back across Salcombe and the water. The terrain is gentler than the open cliff path but equally rewarding, especially as the sun lowers and the estuary turns silver.

The key to this coastline is rhythm. Walk in the morning when the air is clear, swim before lunch, and return as the light softens. From The Hideaway, the coast is not something you visit — it becomes part of the day.