February Half Term in Salcombe

A Family Escape by the Sea

By the time February half term arrives, you can feel the season beginning to shift.

The sharpness of winter starts to soften. The days stretch a little longer. There’s that familiar urge to throw open the doors, pull on wellies and get outside — properly outside. Salcombe at this time of year feels wonderfully restorative; fresh sea air, wide beaches and space for children to roam without agenda.

Here, they can run ahead along the sand, climb rocks, build improbable dens and come home windswept and glowing. There’s freedom in it — and a certain relief for parents too. No schedules, no queues, just long walks, harbour mornings and time together in its simplest form.

February in Salcombe isn’t about grand plans. It’s about being outdoors, breathing deeply and remembering how good the simple things can feel.

Harbour Mornings

Crabbing on the quay remains one of those small Salcombe rituals that never loses its appeal. A line, a net and a scrap of bacon — and suddenly the harbour wall becomes the most important place in town.

There’s something reassuringly unchanged about it. Children leaning over the edge, grown-ups offering advice, buckets carefully inspected before each crab is returned. It fills an hour or two in the most uncomplicated way.

Afterwards, Fore Street lends itself to an easy wander — a coffee, something warm from the bakery, perhaps a look around the shops. Nothing rushed, nowhere urgent to be.

Beach Days (With Extra Layers)

South Sands & North Sands in February feels wide and open, the sand firm underfoot and the sea often that deep winter blue. Across the water, East Portlemouth beaches are usually quieter still — just the sound of the tide and the occasional dog tearing happily along the shoreline.

Children seem to settle quickly into their own worlds here. Skimming stones. Clambering over rocks. Collecting shells that will inevitably make it home in coat pockets. It’s the sort of day that ends with cold hands and very good appetites.

Out on the Estuary

If the weather behaves, time on the water is always worthwhile. The estuary in winter has a stillness to it — wooded banks reflected in the tide, the town looking smaller from a distance.

Older children may relish a mackerel fishing trip; it adds a little excitement to the week and usually guarantees stories at supper.

Coastal Walks

The coast path never disappoints. A stretch towards Bolt Head if you’re feeling energetic, or Snapes Point for something gentler. You don’t need to go far to feel the benefit.

February light here is particularly flattering; soft, silvery and endlessly photogenic.

Eating Out in Salcombe

Salcombe does family dining without fuss.

The Kings Arms is a reliable choice on Fore Street — relaxed, friendly and ideal after a windy walk.

The Winking Prawn at North Sands remains a half term staple; easy, cheerful and right by the sea.

The Victoria Inn, on the high street, offers cosy familiarity and generous plates.

And Rockfish, sitting directly on the harbour, serves beautifully fresh local seafood in an effortlessly stylish setting.

You’ll find these — along with more of our personal favourites — in our full guide to eating in Salcombe here.

Why It Works

Salcombe out of season feels more like itself. There’s space to pause, to notice things — the shifting tide, the changing sky, the comfort of returning to a warm house after a long walk.

At Taylor Made Salcombe, we’ve always believed the right house makes all the difference. Somewhere welcoming, thoughtfully prepared and genuinely comfortable. February evenings are made for slow suppers, board games and early nights after plenty of fresh air.

Half term here isn’t elaborate. It’s simply good — and sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed.

If you’re thinking of escaping to Salcombe this February, we’d be very pleased to help you find somewhere that feels just right.

View our Salcombe Holiday Home for February Half Term here