One of Devon's southernmost resorts, Salcombe is a smart seaside town opening out onto a sheltered estuary which is a haven for sailors. Salcombe town, with its chi-chi restaurants and boutiques, rises on the steep, western side of the estuary within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. So as well as sailors, Salcombe is a beautiful spot for walkers. There's a good selection of accommodation here and the best places to stay in Salcombe really depend on what you're looking for. From chic boutiques to luxury-stays, perfect for a romantic break or activity-packed family-friendly hotels.

As well as the beautiful hinterland, Salcombe is also right in the middle of a particularly beautiful stretch of coast, with several sandy beaches spreading out in each direction from the town. Some of the best ones are a bit of a hike by land, so visitors are afforded the added pleasure of spending a lot of time mucking about in open-topped motorboats.

Salcombe was once a great shipbuilding hub and sailing port and the coast of this part of Devon is littered with shipwrecks, including an ancient ship dating from the Bronze Age.

Devon is always popular, particularly in the summer months, so to be sure of a room in one the best places to stay in Salcombe we recommend booking early.

The Best Places to Stay in Salcombe

For sea views

• The Salcombe Harbour Hotel has a prime position right on the edge of postcard perfect Salcombe with charming views of the resort and of the estuary with all its sailing boats. There are fifty rooms, all with balconies and there are terraces and a seafood restaurant.
• The Soar Mill Cove Hotel has rooms with private outdoor hot tubs, if you book one of their Ocean View self catering units, plus generous rooms and suites. The food is delicious, with an emphasis on local produce, there are stunning sea views from private patios and the Devon Coast Path is right on the doorstep.

For families

• South Sands is a boutique hotel with modern, family-friendly design. There's great access to Salcombe's best watersports facilities and wonderful views over the estuary.

Prefer an apartment or cottage?

• If you're travelling with family or a group of friends it may be a better option to book a villa or apartment. For a wide range of properties for all tastes and budgets we recommend you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to either Plymouth City Airport or Exeter Airport. By train travel to either Totnes or Plymouth stations which are well connected to London.
• Salcombe is a beach and boating town, and busiest in the spring and summer, when people are more inclined to feel drawn towards the coastline. But there’s plenty to do in Salcombe year round, what with the sailing and the numerous National Trust properties.  Whenever you plan to visit there’s a decent chance you’ll see some rain - with more wet days in autumn and winter, so it’s definitely worth packing your waterproof gear, even if you’re visiting in the height of summer sunshine.  There are plenty of indoor activities in the region too.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• Browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Salcombe.
• Expand your search to include all our recommendations in Devon?
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.