A Luxury Couple’s Guide to Salcombe

An elegant, insider’s guide for a truly romantic coastal escape.

There are some places that simply lend themselves to romance — and Salcombe is one of them. With its quiet coves, soft light, and that unmistakable South Devon stillness, it’s the sort of place where you exhale the moment you arrive.

Whether you’re escaping for a much-needed weekend together, celebrating a birthday, or planning something a little more meaningful, Salcombe has a way of making time slow down. As someone who’s spent years helping couples find their perfect hideaway, I’ve gathered the most thoughtful experiences, prettiest corners, and genuinely lovely things to do — the ones that feel just a little special.

This is Salcombe, the grown-up, indulgent, quietly luxurious way.

Hytti, Sleeps 2

1. 🌅 Slow, Beautiful Mornings Together

Mornings in Salcombe feel soft — as if the whole town is still waking up.There’s sea air, a hint of warm pastry drifting from town, and the gentle sway of boats in the harbour.

Here are a few ways to ease into your day:

✨ Stroll to The Bake House for something warm and flaky

✨ Take your coffee down by the water — it feels like therapy

✨ Wander early to North Sands, when it’s peaceful and almost empty

✨ Or simply stay in, open the balcony doors and savour a long, unhurried morning together.

The best couples’ holidays always begin without a schedule — just time.

See the waterside home we always recommend for couples.

Hygge, sleeps 4

2. 🏖️ Salcombe’s Most Romantic Beaches

Salcombe rewards those who explore beyond the obvious. Yes, the main beaches are lovely — but the magic often happens in the quieter spots, the ones you stumble upon at just the right moment the and feel like they belong to you for the afternoon..

Here are the beaches couples love for all the right reasons:

✨ Sunny Cove. Reached by a pretty path through the woods, Sunny Cove sits right at the mouth of the estuary. With its golden sand, gentle waves and uninterrupted views out to sea, it feels rugged, untouched and wonderfully peaceful.Perfect for couples who want a beach that feels quietly cinematic — dramatic but still intimate.

Sunny Cove at Sunset

✨ Smalls. Only accessible at low tide or b

y boat, it has a wonderfully exclusive atmosphere — the kind of place you reach and think, “I can’t believe this is ours for the next hour.” Bring something simple to sip, stay until the tide starts its slow return.

✨ Ditch End. Set further into the estuary, Ditchend has a very “Swallows and Amazons” feel — untouched, nostalgic, and slightly adventurous. It catches the last of the setting sun behind Salcombe, making it a beautiful early-evening spot for couples who love those warm, lingering golden-hour moments.

✨ Splats Cove. A tiny, utterly charming beach only accessible by boat.Quiet, secluded, and perfectly sized for two, it feels wonderfully private — almost like your own little island for the afternoon. A dreamy escape for couples who prefer somewhere exclusive and deeply peaceful.

See our full guide to Salcombe's beaches here.

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3. 🍽️ Restaurants Perfect for Two

Salcombe’s dining scene is stylish in that relaxed, quietly confident way — ideal for couples who enjoy good food without unnecessary fuss. Here are the restaurants that create atmosphere effortlessly:

South Sands Restaurant

✨Dick & Wills. A classic choice for a proper “grown-up” dinner.The balcony tables are beautiful in the evening — soft light, estuary views and that feeling of being exactly where you want to be.

✨The Crab Shed. Beautifully fresh, unfussy seafood served waterside.It’s chic but grounded, perfect for a slow, elegant dinner together.

✨The Jetty. Modern, polished and consistently excellent — all framed by floor-to-ceiling views of the estuary.A touch more glamorous, in all the right ways.

✨South Sands Hotel Restaurant. Stylish, welcoming and unmistakably coastal.Arrive a little early and wander along the shoreline before dinner — it’s a lovely way to begin the evening.

✨The Rockfish. Relaxed in atmosphere but undeniably high-end.Fresh, beautifully cooked seafood served waterside, with a modern, quietly luxurious feel. Ideal for couples who want excellent food without the formality.

✨ The Millbrook. A beloved country pub with a refined edge — cosy, characterful and quietly luxurious. Tucked away in South Pool, it’s perfect for couples who enjoy excellent food in a gently rustic, romantic setting. A lovely excuse for a pretty drive or a scenic walk.

See our full guide to Salcombe's best restaurants here.

South Sands

4. 🚤 Experiences That Make Your Trip Feel Extraordinary

Salcombe shines when you lean into the experiences that feel rich, indulgent and a little bit unexpected.

Here are the ones couples rave about:

✨Private Boat Hire. If you do just one thing, make it this.Take a bottle of something cold, explore hidden coves, and create the sort of afternoon you’ll talk about for years.

✨Champagne Picnic on the Beach. Wonderfully simple and incredibly romantic. Sunny Cove is perfect for this.

✨Surf Lessons + Steamy Sauna. For couples who enjoy something a little more spirited.Book a private surf lesson at Bantham or Bigbury, then warm up afterwards in a wood-fired, steamy sauna. It’s invigorating, intimate and makes you feel deliciously alive.

✨Massage — Either at Your Holiday Home or a Local Spa. For slower, softer days. Let us book you a therapist to come directly to your holiday home or visit a local spa for a calming treatment. There’s something deeply luxurious about stepping out of a massage and straight onto your balcony with a cup of tea.

✨Paddleboarding for Two. A fun, light-hearted way to spend an hour or two — and surprisingly romantic in the quiet of early morning.

✨Overbecks Gardens. Lush, botanical and unexpectedly tropical.A slow wander here feels like entering a different world.

✨Private Chef at Home. Dress up, stay in and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your home.Perfect for anniversaries, mini-moons or quiet birthday evenings.

Salcombe’s luxury is understated — the kind that feels sincere rather than showy.

See more of our favourite things to do in Salcombe.

🛍️ Boutique Shopping (Little Luxuries & Beautiful Finds)

Salcombe has a wonderfully curated mix of independent shops — the sort you wander into “just to browse” and inevitably leave with something you love. Everything feels thoughtful, coastal, and beautifully presented.

Here are the places I always recommend to couples:

✨Will Bees. A Salcombe classic.Beautifully crafted bags and accessories, many of which can be personalised. Ideal for a memorable keepsake.

✨Nika. Effortlessly stylish clothing and accessories.Soft, natural fabrics and pieces that feel quietly luxurious — perfect for holiday dressing.

✨Brocante. Homeware with charm and character. Think elegant coastal touches, textures, candles, ceramics — pieces that subtly elevate your home.

✨Tonic Gallery. A lovely spot for contemporary art and coastal pieces.The kind of place where you find a print that brings the whole room together.

✨Jam Industries. Laid-back, cool and unmistakably Salcombe.Great for relaxed, high-quality clothing with a surf-inspired edge.

These shops are perfect for slow browsing, thoughtful gifts, and the sort of holiday purchases that remind you actually want to take home.

See our full guide to shopping Salcombe here.

6. 🍃 Walks Made for Hand-in-Hand Moments

Salcombe is filled with scenic routes perfect for couples seeking calm, conversation and breathtaking views.

View to Bolt Head

✨Bolt Head. Wild, dramatic and entirely worth the effort.Take your time — the scenery deserves it.

✨East Portlemouth Ferry + Coastal Path. A picturesque blend of ferries, beaches and peaceful viewpoints. A gentle, scenic walk with beautiful viewpoints and quiet beaches along the way. Perfect paired with a stop at the luxurious Gara Rock Hotel for a drink or lunch — or a secluded hour on the tucked-away beach just below.

✨South Sands to North Sands. Short, scenic and beautiful at golden hour. A lovely pre-dinner stroll.

7. 🏡 Where to Stay — Homes That Feel Like an Escape

Accommodation sets the tone for your entire trip — and nowhere more so than in Salcombe.

Hytti, Sleeps 2

Taylor Made Salcombe curates a collection of romantic, design-led homes perfect for couples seeking comfort, privacy and quiet luxury:

• Waterside balconies made for slow breakfasts.

• Private terraces for sunset drinks.

• Beautifully designed interiors.

• Luxurious bedding and toiletries.

• Peaceful, tucked-away locations

• Beautiful kitchens for intimate dinners at home

• Thoughtful details that make a stay feel special

Hygge, Sleeps 4

If you’re planning a romantic Salcombe escape, choose a home that feels as special as the place itself. Our carefully curated collection is designed with couples in mind — luxurious, peaceful and beautifully cared for.

👉 Explore our properties

👉 Find your perfect couples’ escape

👉 Book direct for a boutique, personal experience

If you own a beautiful Salcombe home and would like to work with us, you can find out more here.