Discover one of South Devon’s most unspoilt beaches, tucked away at the mouth of the Salcombe Estuary. South Sands Beach is a sheltered, golden-sand cove in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and coastal adventures.
South Sands offers:
- Soft golden sand and clear turquoise waters
- A sheltered cove, ideal for families or anyone looking to relax - a sun trap protected from coastal winds
Plan your visit → Ferry Times | How to Get Here
Food & Drink
Refuel without leaving the beach:
- Bo’s Beach Café – family-friendly, sea-view café serving coffee, breakfast, and seaside favourites (bosbeachcafe.co.uk)
- South Sands Hotel – boutique hotel with restaurant and bar overlooking the beach (southsands.com)
- Harbour Beach Club Hotel & Spa – contemporary hotel with spa, restaurant, and bar (harbourhotels.co.uk)
Activities & Adventures
South Sands is perfect for active visitors:
- Watersports hire – canoeing, paddleboarding, dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving
- Powerboat and sailing courses – for beginners and enthusiasts
- South Sands Ferry – our colourful passenger ferry from Whitestrand Quay, Salcombe town centre using the famous Sea Tractor to bring visitors ashore
- Coastal walks – join the South West Coast Path on a 3-mile circular walk to Bolt Head for spectacular coastal views
Explore the coast → Coastal Walks
Nearby Attractions
- Overbeck’s Garden – a subtropical National Trust garden tucked into the cliffs above Salcombe, with exotic plants, cafe, museum and coastal views (nationaltrust.org.uk)
Seasonal opening: closed from 31 October 2024 – 2 March 2025
Facilities
South Sands has everything for a comfortable day out:
- Public toilets (including disabled access)
- Beach access ramps for visitors with mobility restrictions
- Limited on-site parking
- Café and restaurants by the water
- Watersports hire and equipment rental
Accessibility: The ramp and Sea Tractor landing make the beach accessible to most visitors.
Where to Go From South Sands
- Take the ferry to Salcombe for shops, galleries, and harbour-side dining
- Walk the South West Coast Path toward North Sands, Overbeck’s Garden, or further to Bolt Head
- Explore the South Hams coastline and inland countryside
Plan Your Visit
Whether you arrive on foot, by ferry, or by car, South Sands is perfect for:
- Relaxing on the sand
- Enjoying watersports or scenic walks
- Sampling local food and drink
Check ferry times → Ferry Schedule
See how to get there → Directions