Living in Salcombe, Devon
If you dream of living on the stunning Devon coast, find out how living in Salcombe could be perfect for you.
Salcombe, located in Devon’s South Hams district in the south west of England, is a beautiful harbour town nestled near the Kingsbridge Estuary.
With its own microclimate, deep, wooded valleys, rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and pretty harbour, Salcombe is truly a little piece of paradise!
Situated within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it is no wonder that Salcombe and its extensive waterfront has been recognised as one of the UK’s most desirable holiday destinations – it’s an idyllic place to look for waterfront property.
When you add in the vibrant harbourside, independent shops, and eateries, you can see why living in Salcombe appeals to the well-heeled – and why the town is often dubbed “Chelsea-on-Sea”.
Here’s what you need to know if you are considering living in Salcombe.
What types of property are in Salcombe, Devon?
Salcombe has a diverse range of property types, from manor houses with their substantial grounds and gardens, to apartments with communal swimming pools; and from cute, colour-washed houses and Fisherman’s cottages (often located on the waterfront) to traditional semi-detached and terraced family homes.
Many properties in Salcombe are exceptionally well-located, providing unobstructed, expansive sea views thanks to the area’s elevated areas.
In the town centre, historical homes and cottages reflect Salcombe’s heritage as a bustling fishing village.
Schools in Salcombe
Salcombe is a small town and has just one primary school and no secondary school, but there are several good options – both public and state – in the area. Further education is available within the county at several places including the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth.
Primary Schools in and around Salcombe
- Salcombe Church of England Primary School – this school is part of the First Federation Trust, a mixed multi-academy trust for children aged 2 -11;
- Malborough with South Huish C of E Primary School – located just outside Salcombe, this school provides a community-focused education for students aged 4 – 11;
- West Alvington Church of England Academy – a nearby co-educational school for students aged 2 – 11;
Secondary Schools in and around Salcombe
- Kingsbridge Academy – located in nearby Kingsbridge, this mixed academy caters to students aged 11-18;
- Kingsbridge Community College – also situated in Kingsbridge, this is a co-educational secondary school and sixth form with academy status for students aged 11-18;
- Ivybridge Community College – a little further afield, Ivybridge Community College is a co-educational establishment taking students aged 11-18 from the surrounding 100 square miles of South Hams;
Independent Schools near Salcombe
- South Devon Steiner School – situated in Totnes, this is a co-educational school for students aged 11-19;
- Totnes Independent School – a non-denominational co-educational school for students aged 11 – 16;
- Plymouth College – a co-educational, day and boarding, independent school for pupils aged 3 – 18.
Green spaces in Salcombe
Living in Salcombe positions you perfectly for outdoor exploration. Located in an AONB, there are lots of amazing open spaces to explore from rugged coastlines, estuaries, geological formations, sweeping views, traditional agricultural landscapes, and dark skies ideal for stargazing.
There are water sports galore (paddleboarding, sea kayaking, windsurfing, and powerboating) as well as ferry and boat trips to enjoy.
Overbeck’s Garden
Overbeck’s Garden is a stunning subtropical paradise perched on cliffs overlooking the Salcombe Estuary. Known for its exotic and diverse plant collection, the garden thrives in its sheltered microclimate.
You can explore various thematic areas, including the Banana Garden, and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline.
The garden also houses a historic Edwardian home with intriguing collections. Overbeck’s offers a tranquil retreat where you can immerse yourself in lush greenery and vibrant floral displays while soaking up panoramic sea views.
Hope Cove
Nestled within the South Devon National Landscape between Salcombe and Thurlestone, Hope Cove features two sandy beaches, Inner Hope and Outer Hope (also called Mouthwell Sands). These tranquil beaches are accessible via a scenic walk along the South West Coast Path or a short drive from Kingsbridge.
Outer Hope is great for families and water sports enthusiasts for its mix of sandy and rocky areas, ideal for swimming, sandcastle building, and exploring rock pools.
Inner Hope offers a more secluded atmosphere with its sheltered, golden sands gently sloping into azure waters, perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
Both beaches boast excellent water quality, seasonal lifeguards, and are close to village amenities. Facilities include toilets, beachside dining, and shops for beach essentials.
South Devon National Landscape
If you are looking for lovely walks in the open air, then the South Devon National Landscape, extending from Torbay to the outskirts of Plymouth, ticks all the boxes.
With its varied geography, encompassing cliffs, sandy coves, peaceful countryside, and picturesque villages, the area features a 96km (around 60 mile) stretch of the South West Coast Path, 68 diverse beaches, and five unique estuaries.
Great for walking, bike rides, and wildlife watching, there is plenty to do and see.
You can stop along the way at one of the several quaint village pubs for refreshments or, choose your own quiet spot with a picnic.
Salcombe, Devon transport links
Salcombe is secluded but still well-connected.
It’s 25 miles from Plymouth to the west, which leads into Cornwall, and northwards to Totnes, connecting to the A38 Devon Expressway towards Exeter and the broader national motorway network.
Central London is just over 220 miles away, a drive of around four and a half hours.
The nearest train station is in Totnes, 19 miles north, where Great Western Railway runs regular services to London, Paddington, reaching the capital in just under three hours.
Exeter International Airport, about 49 miles from Salcombe and just over an hour away by road, provides quick flights to major hubs like London’s Heathrow and Gatwick, as well as various destinations in Europe and North America.
Places to eat, drink, and shop in Salcombe
Despite its small size, Salcombe boasts a comprehensive range of shops, including recognisable names such as Boots, Joules, and Fat Face.
A leisurely walk down the renowned Fore Street reveals a variety of independent shops that offer everything from high-end fashion and gourmet food to homeware and beach essentials – making it an ideal spot for retail therapy.
Explore the quaint side streets to uncover hidden treasures and local favourites, including cosy bookshops, elegant jewellery stores, a sweet shop, and stylish beachwear boutiques.
Salcombe (home to the famous Salcombe Crab) boasts a vibrant dining scene that caters to every palate, from seafood enthusiasts to dessert lovers. Salcombe offers a range of restaurants – some overlooking the Salcombe Estuary – that specialise in fresh local ingredients, each providing a unique dining experience.
From traditional pub fare to African food, or pizza to fine dining, Salcombe has it all.
There are lots of lively bars – where you can try out local Salcombe Gin – as well as cute coffee shops and beach cafes where you can sit waterside, soak up the sun and people watch.
Are you considering living in Salcombe?
Salcombe is an idyllic place to live, with a rich maritime history and a stunning natural beauty featuring craggy cliffs, scenic beaches, and lush countryside.
There are a range of property types to suit your needs, from sprawling mansions and homes with clifftop views to quaint cottages and modern apartments.
The vibrant and safe community provides high-quality amenities, including boutique shops and excellent dining options.
Living in Salcombe you can enjoy a tranquil yet accessible lifestyle with good transport links to major cities.
If you want to find out more about living in Salcombe, then please contact us today to see how Garrington Property Finders can help.
