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Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Paradise' town on the real Salt Path has dolphins and hidden coves
Salcombe in Devon is one of the many pretty seaside towns that sit on the South West Coast Path, which runs from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset Gillian Anderson's new film The Salt Path has shone a spotlight on a particularly scenic part of the country. On May 30, the flick hits the cinemas. It features the Sex Education star lining up alongside White Lotus's catatonic father of three, Jason Isaacs, in what looks to be a heartwarming British classic. The movie tells the real-life story of Raynor and Moth Winn, a couple who lost their home before discovering one of them has a terminal illness. They attempt to come to terms with their new financial and medical status while embarking on a year-long coastal trek on the South West Coast Path. The South West Coast Path is England's longest waymarked long-distance footpath and a National Trail, stretching as it does for 630 miles (1,014 km) from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset. The walk is considered to be particularly difficult as the path rises and falls at every river mouth, leading walkers who complete the route to scale 35,031 metres - close to four times the height of Mount Everest. If you are considering taking on the whole of or a stretch of the South West Coast Path, then you could do worse than stopping off in Salcombe. The Devonshire seaside settlement was recently called a ' paradise town ' and has earned the nickname 'Chelsea by the sea'. If you do make it there, here's an idea of what you can do, where you can stay and the best places to eat. What to do Dolphin watching Bottlenose dolphins are known for their friendly and playful nature. They are characterised by a robust body, a short beak, and a curved dorsal fin. These dolphins are frequently seen in coastal waters around Devon, especially near Salcombe, Torbay, and Exmouth. They often approach boats, and you might even see them bow-riding and performing acrobatic leaps. Burgh Island Famous for its links to Agatha Christie, the sea tractor and as a former haunt for pirates and smugglers, this island is a short drive away from Salcome around the headland. Walk around the island and explore the remains of the chapel. Spot the wildlife that lives on its shores. Stop for a baguette or pint on the shoreline. Paddle Boarding Salcombe Paddleboarding is on hand for equipment hire, guided tours of the estuary and one-on-one tuition. It is basd at Port Waterhouse which is walkable from Gara Rock, or a five minute drive. Whitestand Boat Hire Explore the beautiful Salcombe Estuary by water. Hire a self-drive boat with Whitestrand Boat Hire. They'll show you the ropes, so you don't need any experience to take the wheel. If you'd rather leave the piloting to someone else, the company also offers mackerel fishing trips. It's a popular attraction, so you'll need to book in advance. Overbeck's Garden Escape to a sight of vast trees, bright skies, and a boat or two bobbing on the estuary. Overbeck's Garden is a hidden paradise of subtropical gardens. Filled with exotic and rare plants, you'll think you've stepped into a wonderland. Gara Rock Beach This secluded beach is nestled among dramatic cliffs and is known for its natural beauty and tranquillity. It is the ideal place to take a stroll along the coastal path while enjoying the scenic views. Maceley Cove This secret cove is a 20 minute walk from Prawle Point car park but if it's a remote spot you're after, it's perfect. Spend a day on the soft sand, go for a swim in the clear water or pack your snorkelling gear and explore the world beneath the surface. It's dog friendly too. Elender Cove Snuggled between rugged cliffs, Elender Cove is the hidden gem of Sam Hams. Be prepared for steep access but don't let that put you off. It's well worth it for the turquoise sea and lovely sandy beach. Some say it's one of the prettiest beaches on this section of the coast. Check the tides as the sand all but disappears at high tide. Moor Sand Moor Sands is the perfect hidden gem, known for its crystal-clear waters and serene environment. It is also the perfect beach day adventure. To reach the beach, you need to walk along the Southwest Coastal Path for 2 miles from Prawle Point. Along the route, you see spectacular views of the dramatic cliffs and sea. North Sands Beach Just a few minutes' walk from Salcombe is the stunning North Sands Beach. This is another family-friendly spot with beautiful sand and rock pools for children to explore. It is perfect for swimming, rock pooling, and dining at the nearby Winking Prawn café. Prehistoric caves Step back in time to the Stone Age as you explore the labyrinth of caverns at Kents Cavern. Home to Britain's earliest humans and Ice Age beasts. This all-weather attraction offers plenty to do outside of the caves too, from woodland trails to family activities. Where to stay Gara Rock Hotel Gara Rock, perched on a seaside cliff top in East Portlemouth near Salcombe, offers a unique escape for those seeking indulgence, tranquility, and natural beauty. Guests can choose from carefully designed rooms, suites, and self-catering residences. Gara Rock also has a gin bar which is located in its residents lounge, as well as a 12 seater, dog friendly cinema room. Where to eat Crab Shed The Crab Shed offers a relaxed ambience with great views. Delight in seafood and coastal delicacies, capturing the essence of the sea. It's an idyllic spot to immerse yourself in Salcombe's maritime charm while savouring delicious flavours from the ocean. The Winking Prawn The Winking Prawn is a beloved coastal eatery in Salcombe that exudes laid-back charm and seaside vibes. Indulge in fresh seafood and classic beachside fare while soaking up the sun on the sandy terrace. Where to drink The Ferry Inn The Ferry Inn is Salcombe's oldest pub and is highly regarded as one of the best pubs in the town. Enjoy hearty pub classics and local ales amidst panoramic waterfront views. Unwind in the cosy atmosphere, where Devonian hospitality shines through every dish and drink. The Victoria Inn The Victoria Inn in Salcombe is a warm, historic pub with a traditional bar serving locally sourced ales and classic dishes on the menu. It's a perfect spot to relax and experience genuine Devonian hospitality. The Crabshell The Crabshell in Salcombe offers a modern waterfront dining experience with excellent estuary views. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes, local produce, and a diverse drinks menu in a relaxed, coastal atmosphere. Perfect for any occasion.
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Daniel Mays' guide to Salcombe, Devon: Boat trips, fishing and celeb-spotting
From messing about on boats, to where serves the best posh fish and chips, here's how to make the most of a staycation in the British Riviera hotspot. Salcombe in Devon. It was first introduced to me by my wife who used to holiday down there as a child. Before I'd been completely oblivious to it. She suggested it about 10 years ago, so we threw everything in the car and drove, and I fell in love with it instantly. Some people call it Chelsea on Sea, but when the weather is amazing down there it's like the English Riviera. We try to go every year for a couple of weeks to recharge. It's a place I feel so connected to. With the hectic life of an actor in London and everything else going on, I get there and I feel instantly more relaxed and chilled. It's like a spiritual home for us. My wife Lou[ise Burton] and our two kids, Milo, who is 19, and Dixie who has just turned 12. They've grown up going down there. We love how it has a very quaint village feel to it and the locals are incredibly welcoming. We've really got in with the boating community at Whitestrand Boat Hire. You can get a boat and go beach hopping up and down the estuary, which is what we love to do. Over time we've got a bit more adventurous and anchor the boat and go from North Sands to South Sands, over the other side to East Portlemouth. We like to hire a cottage so it's private and make day trips out to Kingsbridge on a boat. There are two places we really adore: The Winking Prawn, which is near North Sands Beach. We're very friendly with the owners now and it's just a lovely spot, marooned in a sort of small valley where the beach is. And over at East Portlemouth you can take the coastal walk around the peninsula, which takes you all the way to the rather zhuzhed-up restaurant at Gara Rock, which is a five-star spa retreat hotel. You can do about an hour's walk and then go there for some really stand-out food. Some prawn linguine or good old-fashioned fish and chips at Gara Rock. Going from pub to pub down the estuary on a boat. Just cruise down and tie the boat up and then go and have a pub lunch. My son and I have got really into it and got taught by an expert. We have licenses to manage a small vessel now. You can also go seal watching and be taken out to sea and all the way around the coast. There's a guy down there called Squirrel, go and find him and his boat Anglo Dawn to go out on a fishing trip. He'll set up the rods for you. I've got this great picture of Milo who caught this really long eel and as we came back into the harbor — there's a great pub called The Ferry Inn — and he held up the eel and the whole beer garden got up and gave him a massive clap. There's some jaw-dropping properties. The higher up in town the better. There's one house which was designed by a pair of architects that was on This Morning and takes in views of the whole of Salcombe. The Ferry Inn is good for youngsters! There's a lot of celebs you can end up spotting in Salcombe. David Tennant goes down there with his wife Georgia. Patricia Hodge has a gaff down there. I've seen Anton Du Beke. And there's a huge house over on the East Portlemouth side which is pink, and Liam Gallagher stayed there one year when we were there. I didn't say hello, but I've met him in Highgate Woods. People love it for a bit of calm and feeling like you've gone back in time. The tranquility is hypnotic. I've got an amazing print which I'm looking at right now on my wall — it's quite a famous photograph taken in the late afternoon and all the boats are moored up. To me it's the quintessential English Riviera. I bought it from a framers in Salcombe. Well the boating community will be out there in their jackets and moccasins, but I don't really go in for all that! When we first went boating in the Salcombe Estuary I jumped in off the boat to anchor it — like a complete townie — and the water basically came all the way up to my waist. I'd forgotten that my mobile phone was in the pocket of my shorts. So that was it! I proceeded to put it in a box of rice, which of course didn't work. Once I'd gotten over my tantrum ('There's the irate Londoner who's lost his phone!') it was pretty beneficial to be without it! But now whenever I go beach hopping I always make sure that my mobile is in the top pocket of my jacket. Your crab catching kit! You can buy bait from the local butcher. The kids used to love it. I'd have to say 'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers. As told to Hayley Spencer
