Around The Old Guard
A place of childhood dreams and memories, Hope Cove enjoys sheltered sandy beaches, safe bathing waters, and thatched cottages and the laid back, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a coastal escape. What was once a thriving fishing village, Hope Cove is now devoted to a relaxed style of tourism, and the area lies within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Regardless of whether you want to feast on sumptuous food, explore sandy beaches, navigate the coastline by water, or hike the South West Coast Path, there is something for everyone in this popular South Devon village.
Please take a look at the information below, if you would like any further tips or advice, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Watersports
Kayaking, Sup-ing, Sailing and Windsurfing are just a few of the popular water sports activities that can be enjoyed from Hope Cove and surrounding areas. Surfing and bodyboarding can also be enjoyed in the right conditions.
Local Hire:
– SUP Away
Local Produce
- Kingsbridge Farmers and Craft Producers Market is held on the first and third Saturday of the month on Kingsbridge Town Square at the head of the harbour. Local food and crafts are on sale and an array of stallholders regularly pitch up to this bustling gathering in the heart of the town. This popular market has been running for more than twenty years and takes place under gazebos whatever the weather. It’s the ideal place to pick up some delicious holiday treats or some sumptuous ingredients.
- Tucked away in the heart of the South Hams, between the hilltop village of Loddiswell and the bustling market town of Kingsbridge, Aune Valley continues to supply local communities with award-winning produce. This family-run business runs two shops while also keeping apace with its doorstep delivery service. A Taste of the West gold award winner, Aune Valley online shop has a butchery, delicatessen, farm shop, fruit and veg counter and pantry. Free delivery for orders more than £50 and a click and collect service is also available. Amongst the many goodies on offer is the Aune Valley Devon Cream Tea Hamper, perfect for all those planning a picnic in the beautiful South Devon countryside
- Ashby’s also support local farmers and provide top quality, wholesome produce. Found on the road between Malborough and Salcombe, Ashby’s works alongside the Salcombe Meat Company, its in-house butcher, and is handsomely stocked with meat grazed in local fields sold over the counter ready for your oven trays, flaming griddles and sizzling pans. This bumper store is the ideal place to go in preparation of your dinner parties and holiday soirées, perfect for all those seeking a true taste of the South Hams. It’s also an outlet for the local breweries.
- A well-known greengrocer found halfway up Kingsbridge Fore Street, Alan’s Apple is offering free deliveries within a ten mile radius. Visit the shop’s new website and fill in an order form choosing from a variety of readymade fruit and veg boxes packed with plenty of seasonal favourites. Alan’s Apple is striving to be plastic free and delivers its produce in reusable wooden crates.
Things to do
Burgh Island is an iconic South Devon landmark, located directly opposite Bigbury-on-sea. The island is accessible at low tide by a strip of sand which at high tide is completely covered, leaving a ride on the unique sea tractor as the only means of access.
As well as the sea tractor the island is famed for its links to Agatha Christie, the art-deco inspired hotel and as well as a one time haunt for pirates and smugglers.
Start Point is one of the South West peninsula’s most exposed headlands with views that stretch for miles across the sparkling waters of Start Bay. This prominent jut plays host to Start Point Lighthouse, built in 1836 to alert ships of the perilous sea rocks below.
Tucked away on the cliffs above Salcombe is this hidden paradise: a subtropical garden, bursting with colour, filled with exotic and rare plants and surprises round every corner, which surrounds the seaside home of scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck. The views from the garden over the estuary and coast are truly breathtaking.
Situated in an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, Thurlestone is a fantastic location to play golf and tennis.
The largest theme park in Devon, a fun filled family day out for everyone. From little kids to kid-ults there’s something for anyone and everyone! With one of the largest and best indoor play areas in the South West, amazing water rides, a zoo farm and much more, there’s fun to be had rain or shine. A great value family day out!
Stunning Salcombe has it all – harbour views, rugged walks, dog-friendly beaches, abundant sailing, and a wonderful array of boutiques, cafes, pubs and restaurants right on your doorstep.
Whilst the lively market town of Kingsbridge sits in a picturesque position in the heart of the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and also at the head of the stunning Kingsbridge/Salcombe Estuary.
Eating Out
- The Hope and Anchor is a family friendly establishment that has retained many traditional features in the original pub area, whilst the upstairs enjoys a contemporary design and a sun trap terrace / decking area that takes in spectacular coastal views.
- The Cove is a thriving beach cafe, also home to one of the UK’s best craft beer bars. Busy year round, regardless of time or day of the week, it’s a popular place amongst both the local community and visitors. The Cove is also a popular music venue, so head there for an evening boogie should the night prevail. Doesn’t take bookings.
- The Lobster Pod Bistro is relatively new to Hope Cove. Situated overlooking both the harbour and beach. Perhaps the most unusual, and arguably most popular, are the heated enclosed pods, within which is comfortable seating and tables. You can pre-book a pod, which is advisable, especially in the peak summer period. Takeaway meals are also available, as is the ability to purchase uncooked fish should you want to cook at home instead.
Further a field
- Bar & Brasserie – Dick and Wills, Salcombe
- Restaurant – The Winking Prawn, Salcombe
- Restaurant – The Crab Shed, Salcombe
- Restaurant – The Oyster Shack, Bigbury
- Beach House Dining – The Beach House, South Milton
- Pub – The Sloop, Bantham
- Restaurant – The Oyster Shack, Bigbury
- Pub – The Millbrook Inn, South Pool Kingsbridge
Beaches
Harbour Beach, just in front of The Old Guard enjoys views over Bolt Tail, and is backed by high cliffs providing almost direct access to the coastal path that leads up to Bolt Tail, and onwards to Salcombe. It’s a wide sandy beach, at low tide especially, and is perfect for rock pooling and sandcastle building. At high tide, we love to jump off the harbour wall – please don’t try this at any other time as the water is too shallow and could cause injury.
Boats are kept on Harbour Beach during the summer season, so expect to find trailers being pushed up and down the beach, and on calm days, sailing vessels of all shapes and sizes moor up and relax in the tranquil, sheltered bay.
Mouthwell Sands in Outer Hope, buzzes with holiday makers during the summer, and the mix of sand and rocky areas make it the perfect spot for sandcastles and sunbathing, as well as exploring the rockpools for sea life. What’s more, a stream runs down the beach, making it a popular spot for children who love spending hours building dams!
This stretch of the South Devon coastline is a paradise for beach lover’s and boasts a wealth of secluded coves and large sandy expanses. South Milton Sands, Bantham Beach and Soar Mill Cove are just a few of the popular destinations amongst those visiting the area, all of which are just a short distance away, by foot or by car.
Are the beaches dog friendly?
Harbour Beach is dog friendly all year – dogs must be kept on leads, and it is worth noting that this restriction is strictly monitored. Mouthwell Sands enforces a seasonal dog ban from May through until September, but outside of this period, they can explore freely off the lead.
Walks
Situated 50m from the South West Coast Path, The Old Guard and Hope Cove is a favourite destination for walkers, and enjoys direct access to both coast and countryside from the village itself. Within just a short walk you can reach the beaches of South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach, and in the opposite direction, the secluded Soar Mill Cove.
For something a little more arduous, navigate the coastal path from Hope Cove to Salcombe, a tough but equally rewarding journey. Should you want just a short stroll, Bolt Tail is a favourite of ours & great spot to stretch legs. The views of Hope Cove at the top are second to none!
OS Route Links:
Hope Cove Weekend
Every year, throughout the August bank holiday weekend, the village of Hope Cove curates a free festival, and this is one of South Devon’s most anticipated jamborees. Established in 1973, the whole concept of the event was to create a family friendly weekend that wasn’t too dear on parents pockets, so that both locals and visitors alike could enjoy the village and everything it brings!
A family friendly event, Hope Cove Weekend is jam packed with good old fashioned fun, so expect an itinerary of children’s races, sandcastle competitions, live music, street entertainment, treasure hunt, land and sea races, and much more! One of the highlights of the weekend are the fireworks on the Saturday night – something not to be missed.