Challaborough Beach | South Devon Beach Bible
Situated on a stunning stretch of the South West Coast Path, Challaborough Beach is a picturesque little sandy cove,...
by Maria Makepeace / Beaches
South Sands proximity to Salcombe only partly explains its popularity. The rest of it is down to its beautiful surroundings, crystal-clear waters and excellent facilities.
Access to the level beach is via a concrete ramp or small set of steps, making South Sands one of the more accessible beaches in the South Devon area.
If you’re staying in central Salcombe, hop on board the South Sands Ferry. This will take you directly from Whitestrand Quay to the beach. A fun and picturesque experience for all the family…
Looking for something specific? Use our quick links below or read on for our comprehensive guide to South Sands, Salcombe.
There is limited parking (privately owned) at South Sands. However, there is a National Trust car park nearby (about five minutes on foot).
As parking is limited, if you’re visiting in the summer, consider leaving your car in Salcombe and either walking or taking the passenger ferry from Whitestrand Quay. North Sands Car Park (managed by South Hams District Council) is half a mile away along Cliff Road.
Sat nav users, use the postcode TQ8 8LH for South Sands
South Sands is 1.5 miles from Salcombe town centre.
Dartmouth is a little over 20 miles from South Sands.
The nearest bus stop is Shadycombe Road in Salcombe, around 1.5 miles from South Sands. The Tally Ho 606 service runs from Kingsbridge to Salcombe from Monday to Saturday.
Once in Salcombe, either head to Whitestrand Quay to board the seasonal South Sands ferry or walk.
South Sands is easily walkable from Salcombe town centre. It is about 1.5 miles from Fore Street. Continue south down Fore Street until it becomes Cliff Road, and follow this winding coastal road until you pass North Sands on your left. Follow the road around to the right, following the sign for South Sands and Overbecks.
The road will then wind back on itself as you climb the hill. Stay on Cliff Road until you come back down the hill and see South Sands beach appear in front of you.
Make the journey part of a fun day at South Sands by travelling from Whitestrand Quay on the colourful passenger ferry.
Children under 3: Free
Children 3 to 16 years old: £2.90
Adults: £3.90
In 2019, the ferry will run from Saturday 30th March to the 2nd November 2019 (subject to sea and weather conditions). The first trip from Salcombe is at 9:45 am and then every 30 minutes until 5.15 pm (except at 1.15 pm).
Departing South Sands, the first ferry leaves at 10 am then sails every half hour until 5.30 pm (except 1.30 pm).
The exceptions are:
For full details visit their website
Rent a boat from Whitestrand Boat hire, based in central Salcombe, to explore the estuary and visit South Sands beach. Choose from a Cap 400, Cap 4700, Krüger Cuddy or Fishercraft, which you can hire for one hour, four hours, by the day or on a week-long basis.
Visit the Whitestrand Boat Hire website to find out more.
Yes, dogs are welcome seasonally from November to March.
At only a few hundred metres long, you’ll be surprised at the range of activities provided.
South Sands’ golden beach and clear waters make this stretch of coastline ideal for traditional family beach activities like sandcastle-building and swimming.
If you would like to take to the water, Sea Kayak Salcombe, based at South Sands, offer watersports equipment for hire as well as guided kayak tours and lessons to explore Salcombe Estuary.
Want to raise your adrenaline and add a thrilling experience to your holiday agenda?
Adventure South offer group activities, such as coasteering, high-speed rib rides and donut rides that are perfect for a birthday bash in South Devon. Or, if you would prefer to keep your feet on land then tackle their outdoor team challenge ‘Escape The Hills’. Think escape room in a scenic countryside setting just behind the beach at South Sands.
Visit their website to find out more.
Once the old Salcombe life boat house and now a bustling relaxed beach café serving delicious coffee, tea, cakes and light lunches. Bo’s Beach Café is the ideal place for a seaside lunch.
Pick up a crab sandwich, warm panini, pizza or ice cream and enjoy the fantastic scenery.
The local area is a haven for freshly picked foraged goods, with each season offering a range of delicious wild produce.
At the South Sands Hotel, these tasty ingredients such as wild garlic and rock samphire, are cherished in their elegantly crafted dishes. Situated on the waterfront, why not try famous local seafood as you enjoy the coastal view?
Sea air and salty hair, toes nestled in the sand, and the sun blanketing over you… well, we can’t blame you for wanting to spend every second in beach bliss!
Don’t worry about packing up your beach towels, relax on the sand and feed rumbling tums with a delicious South Devon picnic.
Jamie Rogers is an esteemed chef in the local area, who you may recognise from Masterchef: The Professionals. After working for famous chefs such as Michael Caines, and some of the most popular eateries in South Devon. He now has his own restaurant in Kingsbridge named ‘Twenty Seven’.
So, when we found out that Jamie was launching Picnics by Jamie at Salcombe Crabfest, we were thrilled! They offer a range of picnic spreads, that are boxed and delivered to your holiday home in Salcombe.
It’s safe to say that you need to be adding a crab pasty to your picnic, and where better to treat yourself to tasty shellfish treats than on the beach.
Follow Picnics by Jamie on Facebook
The Salcombe Delicatessen is the perfect place to prepare a feast of delicious local products.
Located at the top of Fore Street in Salcombe, why not stop-off on route to South Sands if you’re staying in the town centre? From salads to sandwiches, nibbles and pasties, and all the added extras to make your lunch a real hit. You can find everything you could need at this popular deli… including ice cream to eat on your way to the beach!
We highly recommend that no matter what you choose, to purchase a jar of the South Devon Chilli Farm’s chilli jam. Not only does it go with almost everything in the deli, but you’ll be left wondering why you’ve never had it before. Yes, it’s that good!
Visit The Salcombe Delicatessen website.
There are so many fantastic places to walk to from South Sands. Including The Winking Prawn at North Sands, tropical gardens at Overbeck’s, a secluded walkers hut at East Soar Farm, restaurants on clifftops at Gara Rock and Bolberry, lobster pods at Hope Cove. Plus there are secret bays dotted all around the coast path.
Exploring the area by foot, you’ll come across so many beautiful hidden places that you wouldn’t find by car. That’s why we love walking the South West Coast Path.
To make sure you can fit in plenty of adventures on your holiday, our team have put together a selection of guided walking routes. You can find some of our favourite ‘local loves’ around the area…
Download our South Devon Walking Guide for detailed trails around the local area.
North Sands is a similarly popular and unspoilt sandy cove, situated half a mile north towards Salcombe.
You can eat at The Winking prawn, a fun-filled family restaurant. East Portlemouth beach, which faces Salcombe across the estuary, is slightly quieter but similarly beautiful, and served by a popular Venus Takeaway.
To find out more read our North Sands Beach Bible.
Sitting happily on the clifftops at South Sands, 4 Bolt Head boasts elevated views of the stunning Salcombe Estuary.
This two bedroom property benefits from a light and airy open-plan kitchen, dining and living room, with French doors that lead out to a beautiful balcony.
Start and end your day relaxing in the enviable outdoor area, where the beautiful vista inspires you to have a coastal adventure! After salt-licked days spent on the sea, enjoy relaxing with loved ones in the comfort of your holiday home.
Explore our range of Bolt Head properties
Treetops is ideally located within a five-minute walk of South Sands beach, perfect for dogs!
Featuring an extensive garden, your four-legged friend can have lots of fun running around the grounds. Decorated with traditional interiors, including a warming wood-burning stove, this large property doesn’t compromise on cosy finishings. Perfect after a brisk beach walk!
View more properties in Salcombe
by Maria Makepeace / Beaches
I love the South West and ensuring visitors to the region have the best experience possible. That's why I love sharing local tips ...
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