Where?

Salcombe, Devon.

Why now?

Located on Devon’s southern coast, the sunny seaside town of
Salcombe sits at the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary. With its
soothing landscape of rolling hills, gin-clear waters and a
postcard-pretty high street, it’s no surprise that this place is
staycation central in the warmer months. But it’s in the autumn
that we suggest visiting, when the secluded coves are no longer
cluttered with buckets and spades, the streets are uncrowded and
the weather begins to lend itself to cosy afternoons spent snuggled
by an open fire.

A major shipping hub for the region’s fruit and vegetable trade
in the 19th century, the town’s calm waters are today home to a
small but active shell fishing fleet, and are a playground for
activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking and sailing. Active
travellers will want to check out sandy hotspots such as Sunny
Cove, Mill Bay and Cable Cove, which are accessed either by boat or
via a hearty hike across steep hills. Later, dip into seafood
shacks serving top-notch local fare, then bed down at a sublime spa
hotel. Ready to dive in? Read on for our round-up of Salcombe’s
best bits.

Don’t miss

You don’t need to be a gin drinker to have heard about how
sensational Salcombe Gin is. Join one of Salcombe Distilling Co’s
regular tasting tours to see where the magic happens, or opt for a
course where you can create your own product. From bottling your
bespoke concoction to choosing suitable garnishings and tonics,
this hands-on class makes for a great date-night idea. Both
sessions are available from Tuesday to Friday.

Lobster pots and local catch sales, left, and fishing boats
at shore. | Photo credit: Tim Edwards & Rob Wicks /
Unsplash.com / Shutterstock.com

Where to stay?

We’re basing ourselves at the newly opened Harbour Beach Club. Set just a pebble’s throw from
South Sands beach, the three-storey glass and cedarwood property is
backed by verdant valleys and craggy cliffs. All 50 rooms and
suites share an airy, minimalist feel, softened by half-moon wicker
headboards, plush cushions and tactile throws. Start your day with
a fresh juice and flaky pastry from the breakfast banquet, then
slip into the slick spa for a session in the sauna, steam room and
indoor pool. Special occasion? Treat yourself to the spa’s
signature marine massage – the top-to-toe polish and exfoliation
followed by a mud wrap provides a whole new level of relaxation.
When you get peckish, the in-house restaurant has you covered. Pull
up a chair and go to town on the likes of tiger prawns, peppery
squid and creamy burrata.

Where to go for dinner?

Fore Street is brimming with stellar eateries. Whether you’re
after street-food nibbles or a full five-course meal, this is the
place to come. The Crab Shed gets our vote for its ridiculously
delicious prawn salads, crab linguine and pan-seared scallops. The
wooden shack might not be known for its decor, but the homey vibe
is all part of the charm. Aim to arrive in time to enjoy
spectacular sunset views as you graze on sharing platters laden
with caught-that-day seafood. For relaxed all-day dining, make a
beeline to The Winking Prawn, where bunting-clad beams,
flower-topped tables and blanket-draped chairs draw crowds on a
drizzly afternoon. The laid-back Bo’s Beach
Café, meanwhile, is a great spot for wood-fired pizzas and
singalong tunes.

And for a drink…

A trip to Salcombe wouldn’t be complete without an evening spent
sipping cocktails at the town’s oldest watering hole, The Ferry
Inn, which has been in business since 1842. The water-facing
terrace is where you’ll find the cool kids on a Friday night.

A cosy suite corner at Harbour Beach Club, left, and a pot
of fresh mussels at the hotel’s in-house restaurant.

Who to take with you?

That friend who prefers a rainy countryside getaway to a balmy
beach escape. They’ll appreciate wrapping up warm and taking a
blustery coastal walk.

Essentials to pack

There’s a reason that every Londoner has at least four pairs of
Vejas lurking on their shoe rack. Pack these Veja white leather trainers to stomp around
Salcombe’s hills in style.

How to get there

From London, it’s a five-hour drive via the M4. Alternatively,
catch the train from Paddington Station to Totnes, from where
Salcombe is just a 45-minute drive. There are also regular buses
that run from the station’s forecourt to the town.