The less well-known
- Jamie Crocker
- Sep 15
- 6 min read
Words by Jamie Crocker
Discover secret coves and walks that are all within easy reach of some stunning stays.
Exploring places that spark curiosity and stir the spirit of adventure is a rare pleasure, especially when you stumble upon a corner of Devon that still feels gloriously undiscovered.
Away from the guidebooks and well-trodden paths lie secret coves, winding footpaths and ancient byways that reveal the quieter beauty of the county. These are landscapes best savoured slowly, on foot and with time to linger. Finest Stays offers a collection of remarkable properties that not only place you within reach of these hidden corners but also give you space to reset and unwind.
Sea Shimmer and Sands Edge are two properties that will give you the perfect starting points from which to head out and explore beyond Salcombe. Begin your adventure by boarding the passenger ferry across the estuary to East Portlemouth, a gentle crossing that’s as much a part of the experience as the walk itself. From the slipway, follow the signs toward Mill Bay, then join the South West Coast Path heading southwest. After about ten minutes along this stretch, you’ll find a sloping path down to Sunny Cove. Sheltered and sandy, this little inlet feels worlds away from the bustle of town. Do note that if you’re taking the beach route, it’s tidal, completely disappearing at high tide, so check timings before you set off. Dogs are welcome year-round.
Those wanting to extend their day can continue along the coast path towards Gara Rock, with the promise of lunch at the hotel and more hidden beaches to discover along the way.
If you prefer a sea route, Sunny Cove can also be reached by boat, kayak, or paddleboard, making it perfect for those keen to explore the estuary from the water.
For a longer adventure, try the Bolt Head circular walk. Starting from South Sands, the route climbs gently along the coast path, revealing far-reaching sea views and the occasional gull wheeling overhead. Pause at Soar Mill Cove, a peaceful, sandy bay accessible only on foot or by boat, before looping back inland through rolling pastureland. The full circuit is around 5.5 miles (8.8km) and takes roughly two and a half to three hours. The terrain can be uneven, but is manageable for most walkers.
Back in Salcombe, refuel at The Pantry on Fore Street, a welcoming, family-run café now overseen by Tom Bateman, where vegan and vegetarian breakfast options sit alongside warm, just-baked pastries. For something sweeter, stop by The Bakehouse. For lunch or dinner, seek out The Crab Shed, tucked away by the Fish Quay and prized for its fresh, hand-picked Salcombe crab. And for those craving something more familiar, Rockfish has recently opened nearby, bringing its coastal classics to town.
If you fancy retreating to Hope Cove, then Huckleberry Cottage and The Lanterns are the ideal bases from which to familiarise yourself with this part of the county.
Tucked away just below Thurlestone, Hope Cove quietly holds its own as one of South Devon’s most characterful spots. With two distinct beaches, Inner and Outer Hope, this small coastal village offers a surprising amount of variety. Inner Hope is the more sheltered of the two: a sandy cove ideal for gentle swims and family paddles. Outer Hope, just around the corner, feels wilder and more open, perfect for exploring rock pools or simply stretching out with a book and a view.
A short walk along the coast path leads towards South Milton Sands, a route that reveals a series of lesser-known inlets and peaceful coves.
If you’re up for a longer walk, the route from Hope Cove to Bantham is a rewarding stretch of the South West Coast Path. Skirting along clifftops and through green pastureland, the path eventually dips down to Bantham Beach, a favourite with surfers and locals alike. The Gastrobus is parked here throughout the season, offering hearty food and fresh coffee with one of the best beachside views around. From Bantham, you can also hop aboard the sea tractor if the tide is in, for a quirky crossing to Burgh Island for a drink at the Pichard Inn, otherwise you can walk along the spit of sand.
Back in Hope Cove, the food scene is quietly thriving. The Cove café-bar is a go-to for laid-back eating and local beer, often accompanied by live music in the warmer months. There’s a grown-up, Ibiza-at-sunset vibe here, perfect for relaxed evenings. For something more refined, Hope Cove House Hotel is fast gaining a reputation, praised in The Telegraph for its thoughtful, high-end dining. And for great coffee, The Curator is the newest addition to the village, a stylish stop-in with a contemporary feel and a menu that rewards repeat visits.
South Devon reveals its gentler side in the stretch between Strete and Dartmouth, a landscape of shingle bays, clifftop paths and salt-laced air. It’s here you’ll find The Lodge, a sleek, contemporary hideaway tucked above the coast with far-reaching views across Start Bay. Just a short drive away, 2 Dart Marina offers a smart, waterside alternative in Dartmouth itself.
For those in search of space and quiet, turning left onto Strete Gate Beach is a rewarding discovery. Set at the far eastern end of Slapton Sands, this unspoilt sweep of shingle looks out across the bay and rarely draws a crowd. The shallow waters and soft sloping beach make it a favourite for wild swimmers and early-morning walkers, with the nature reserve just inland adding a sense of stillness. A little further along the coast, Beesands brings a different flavour, a working fishing village with a windswept beach and a laid-back charm, while Hallsands, a near-lost village part-reclaimed by the sea, offers haunting reminders of nature’s power.
To experience the area on foot, the Little Dartmouth circular walk is among the most scenic in the region. Starting just outside Dartmouth, the loop traces the coast path past the secluded Castle Cove and on to Compass Cove and Sugary Cove – tiny, hidden beaches tucked beneath the cliffs near Dartmouth Castle. The route winds through ancient woodland and opens onto wide views of Start Bay. For a longer day out, continue upriver along the Dart towards Greenway, once the holiday home of Agatha Christie.
Back in the Dartmouth area, the food scene is both lively and evolving. Start the day at the Blackpool Sands Beach Café & Lounge, a relaxed, glass-fronted spot known for its fresh salads, seafood and smoothies. For a more traditional experience, take the passenger ferry across the river to Dittisham, where the Ferry Boat Inn serves crab sandwiches and pints just feet from the water. Come evening, book a table at The Seahorse, an independent restaurant on Dartmouth’s South Embankment. Founded by chef Mitch Tonks, it’s a place where South Devon crab and hand-dived scallops are cooked over a wood fire and the Mediterranean influence is subtle but assured.
Set above the Yealm Estuary, Riverdale is a beautifully positioned property offering the best of both coast and countryside, with sweeping views across the treetops and water below.
Just south of Noss Mayo, Cellar Beach, also known as Cellars Cove, is a well-held secret. Tucked beneath wooded cliffs and accessible only on foot or by boat, the beach is a sheltered mix of shingle and sand, with clear water that’s perfect for a quiet swim. The path from Stoke Point winds through dappled woodland, giving the sense of arriving somewhere hidden.
Walkers will find plenty to explore here, not least on the Revelstoke Park Coast Path Circular, a lesser-known but captivating route that loops from Noss Mayo out along the clifftops. Originally built as a 19th-century carriage drive for Lord Revelstoke, the path meanders past wildflower meadows, disused lookouts and shaded woodland, with panoramic views at Stoke Point and steep descents into Cellar and Netton Beaches. Returning inland through quiet fields and tree-lined tracks, the circuit feels as removed from the modern world as you could wish for.
Back in the twin villages of Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo, there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink well. In Newton Ferrers, The Dolphin Inn serves classic pub favourites with generous portions and estuary views. Across the water, The Ship Inn is perched right on the waterfront, making for an idyllic spot for seasonal seafood and an evening drink as the tide rises beneath the terrace. For something a little more under-the-radar, The Noss Beer Works Taproom is tucked away from the shoreline. This small-batch brewery offers laid-back pop-ups, house-brewed ales and a warm welcome.
