Salcombe, Devon

Where Devon Meets the Sea

Barefoot bliss and boundless estuary views on Salcombe's most coveted shore.

There are hotels with sea views, and then there is South Sands — a place where the beach doesn't merely feature in the backdrop but becomes the entire point of existence. Tucked into the golden shoreline of Salcombe's celebrated estuary in South Devon, this utterly charming beachfront retreat earns its near-perfect 4.9/5 rating with effortless grace. Rooms invite you to throw open the windows and breathe in the briny air, while the turquoise waters lap close enough that sand between your toes is less an aspiration than an inevitability. It is, in the most literal and lovely sense, a hotel on the beach.

Life here surrenders happily to a slower rhythm. Mornings begin with coffee on the sun-warmed terrace as the estuary stirs to life; afternoons drift past over chilled rosé and a seafood-laden menu served with the tide as backdrop. Come evening, an open fire and a warming nightcap conspire to make leaving feel faintly unthinkable. Four-legged guests are welcomed with dedicated rooms and thoughtful arrival packs — a detail that speaks volumes about the warmth woven into every corner of this place.

For the adventurous, the South West Coast Path runs directly past the hotel, and the iconic South Sands Ferry — boarded via a gloriously eccentric sea tractor that wades straight into the water — whisks guests into Salcombe town with a sense of theatre that delights children and adults alike. Whether you come for the coastal walking, the watersports, or simply to do absolutely nothing at all in the most beautiful possible setting, South Sands delivers something increasingly rare: a British seaside escape that genuinely exceeds expectation.

Notable Features

What Sets It Apart

4.9/5 rating
Outstanding views
Beachfront

Gallery

Inside & Out

South Sands Hotel — interior and exterior view 1

South Sands Hotel — interior and exterior view 2

South Sands Hotel — interior and exterior view 3

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South Sands Hotel — interior and exterior view 18

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South Sands Hotel — interior and exterior view 25

Guest Voices

What They Say

“Lovely hotel in a fantastic location overlooking South sands beach, Salcombe. The hotel is well appointed, with friendly staff, and they made us feel very welcome with our 5 month old puppy. The restaurant serves excellent breakfast, and we also enjoyed dinner on both nights of our stay. Parking is free to guests, and just across the road. Salcombe is a very scenic parts of South Devon, situated on an estuary, with plenty of boating and water activities, along with lovely coastal walks. This is our third stay, and we hope to return again.”

Adrian Farmer5/5

“We had a wonderful first time trip to Salcombe & our stay at South Sands made it that much more comfortable. A beautiful location and very attentive, friendly staff. Our room was very well kitted out and we were very well looked after. We had breakfast included and the view from the terrace in the morning was great to wake up to. I will definitely make an opportunity to come back soon!”

Andrew Cairns5/5

“Had restaurant meal here based on reviews (staying at hotel opposite). Our hotel restaurant not rated highly, so thought we would try this one. Calamari a bit rubbery but not too bad. Seafood stew very average . Butternut squash tortellini very bland and tasted a bit odd - my wife left it. Service not bad.”

Maurice Nesbeth3/5

“Had a lovely fish special. Really fresh sea bass and samphire and amazing views of the sea. Slightly slow service for drinks but the food and views made go for it!”

Simmie4/5

“We stayed one night recently to mark my wife's 80th birthday. It's a very comfortable hotel in a lovely location, with extremely helpful and supportive staff. But the real highlight for me was the wonderful food. Among many gems, I'd recommend the whole baked plaice and (at breakfast) the scrambled egg - both were exquisitely cooked. Many thanks to all the staff there. Jonathan Ashe”

Jonathan Ashe5/5