North Sands, Salcombe in 360º - Ash Blagdon 360º Photography

North Sands Beach in 360º

Enjoy a 360 virtual tour of North Sands Beach nestled along the west side of the Salcombe Estuary and surrounded by plush green hillside.

Location/Facts Potential Hazards History Accommodation Things To Do Where To Eat & Drink Getting Around Getting There Helpful Tips Weather Water Quality Sunrise & Sunset Tide Times Destinations

North Sands Beach is just a short 15 minute level walk from the picturesque town centre of Salcombe along Cliff Road. It’s a large sandy beach with shallow waters making this a safe spot for paddling and swimming in the naturally protected bay, a real summertime haven. There are many rock pools for exploring and dogs are welcome all year round, but the sand is almost all submerged at high tide so do check the tide times.

The beach has stunning views of the Kingsbridge Estuary, Sunny Cove on the East Portlemouth side and out to sea past Wolf Rock. It has everything you need to have a great day out at the beach. With clean toilets, plenty of parking, easy access and the Winking Prawn just a stone’s throw from the shore. I came here for a breakfast wrap £4.95 which was delicious though I was slightly confusion at first as they brought an empty wrap to the table, I thought ‘do they bring the contents over separately?’ Hmmm…

No, it turns out it’s a breakfast buffet and all I had to do was go and help myself from the back room, they just forgot to tell us that bit

You can just help yourself, so you can have as much as you like, needless to say my wrap was more like a plate, so all’s forgiven.

Next time i’m here I will walk further around to South Sands, where you can get a ride back to Salcombe on the South Sands passenger ferry.

Location/Facts

North Sands beach is in Salcombe, South Hams part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on the south coast of Devon, UK.

The ruined fortification known as Fort Charles (or Salcombe Castle) was built during Henry VIII’s reign to defend the Estuary from French and Spanish pirates. It was eventually “slighted” (ruined) on the orders of Parliament following the Civil War.
Salcombe Estuary Local Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is important for marine wildlife and wildfowl.
Salcombe has seahorse nurseries in the rare eelgrass beds.

Potential Hazards

Strong currents
Tidal cut-off
Strong winds

History

During the English civil war, the town sided with the Royalists and held out against the Roundheads. The ruins of Fort Charles remain towards the south of the town near North Sands.

Accommodation

Airbnb, from £76 a night for a private room, there seem to be only a few to choose from though.
Camping, There are a few farms that offer camping on the outskirts of town, Ilton, Alston or Higher Rew farms.
Hostel, No hostel in Salcombe.
B&B & Guest Houses from £64 – £150 per night.
Hotels, Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa or South Sands Hotel from £185 -£306 per night.

Tip: Get £50 off your first Airbnb trip click here.

Things To Do

Adventure South
Bodyboarding
Kayaking
Paddle boarding
Rock pooling
South Sands and ferry back
South West Coastal Path
Yoga, Simply Soulful and BlueDog Yoga

Where To Eat & Drink

Bo’s Beach Café
The Winking Prawn

Getting Around

Easy access to the beach including disabled access with a ramp to the beach. Parking is very close by and the Winking Prawn cafe is a stones throw to the beach. I’d say this was probably one of the best accessed beaches with facilities of any of the beaches in Devon.

Getting There

TQ8 8LD, car park located directly opposite the beach owned by South Hams District Council and operated by RingGo parking.

Bus, The nearest bus stop is Shadycombe Road in Salcombe, just over a mile from the beach. The Tally Ho 606 service runs from Kingsbridge to Salcombe from Monday to Saturday.
Car, There is a car park, but despite having around 80 spaces, it can fill up very quickly.
Walking, Just over a mile south of Salcombe town centre, easy 15 minute walk and well signposted. From Fore Street, walk south. Stay on this road, which will become Cliff Road and keep going until you arrive at the beach. North Sands will be on your left and it’s part of walk the coastal path.