Salcombe

ChilliBob

Hey guys,

We are close to booking Salcombe, in November, for a UK Honeymoon (yeah, I know! Not what we originally had planned! We'll do a more exotic one next year all being well).

Has anyone been? My partner was looking over some stuff on Trip Advisor and said there were comments sbout it being a bit snobby in places?

I didn't think that would be a bit concern as I didn't intend to socialise with random people, just people serving in shops/restaurants etc.

Views most appreciated! For reference we regularly go go St Ives and love the place and the vibe. Not trying to duplicate it, but I felt it was important to have some kind of benchmark, as say St Ives and Newquay are pretty different etc. 

Cheers! 

peb

Um. I wasn't impressed with Salcombe but as you say it depends on what you are looking for. - plus we were only there for a morning.  Did feel a little snobby.  We stayed at Gara Rock which was incredible but we were self catering . It's a drive, in the dark, on winding roads to restaurants otherwise.  Gorgeous walking if that's your thing and incredible views.  It has been revamped since I was there so different options may be available.

ChilliBob

We've found a place right in the thick of it, but with lovely views, I think my partners already booked it! (But not paid deposit). 

I'm pretty sure we can walk to all places - I think the nighttime driving on winding roads would be an instant no for us!

Hmm, I guess we'll see then! I know when I went to Rock in Cornwall I wasn't impressed - but there you go!

Thanks for your reply @peb

Dark_Star

Didn’t feel there was much to do in Salcombe. Have a look at Kingsbridge & surrounding area. Kingsbridge has a large river so fairly scenic & sometimes you can get a ferry ( possibly to Salcombe). It has some interesting little independent shops & a small cinema plus places to eat. Market on some days.  Crab shell Inn particularly nice. It’s reasonably central so about 20-25 minutes from amazing beaches etc. 

ChilliBob

Thanks for those suggestions, it seems my partner has her heart set on it now and has found her perfect accommodation!.. I think I'm just going to roll with it, far safer than trying to find and suggest somewhere else only to go there and it be a bit naff!

I'll bear in mind those suggestions though, assuming it's not hideous driving conditions like St Ives is then there is scope for daytrips. 

MalMonroe

I have to say that I love Salcome and totally disagree with peb. It may indeed be a bit 'snobby' but then again, so am I, so I fit right in!

If you like St Ives, then I'm sure you will like Salcome. I love both - have to agree that there's not a lot to do in either place but the scenery is spectacular and you have a car so you'll be able to travel around.

Many congratulations by the way, I hope all goes well for you both     

ChilliBob

Thanks @MalMonroe, that sounds great! 

How is Salcombe for driving in and around? I know in St Ives we never drive, just to accommodation, and then we hope it's a bit on the edge of the town. The steep hills, narrow streets, one way system and pedestrians combine for a hair raising experience! 

Tescodealqueen

Going back a few years now but the ferry (think it was called the River Maid) travels routinely from Salcombe to Kingsbridge throughout the day so you could explore further afield using that . I loved Salcombe and I am Northern so know a bit about snobbish attitudes with my accent
Edited to add just noticed you are going in November so the ferry may not be quite as frequent but I think they operate a winter timetable

ChilliBob

Tescodealqueen said:

Going back a few years now but the ferry (think it was called the River Maid) travels routinely from Salcombe to Kingsbridge throughout the day so you could explore further afield using that . I loved Salcombe and I am Northern so know a bit about snobbish attitudes with my accent
Edited to add just noticed you are going in November so the ferry may not be quite as frequent but I think they operate a winter timetable

Cheers, I think they have something called a sea tractor, which my son (will be 4 by then) seemed excited by!

Good to know your views on the type of place  

ILoveSittingDown

I have been going to Salcombe on holiday for years. The sea tractor that you mention is at South Sands which is a beach about 2 miles away from Salcombe, you get the ferry there from the middle of Salcombe and at South Sands beach you are met in the water by the sea tractor which takes you onto the beach. There is also a small ferry that crosses the estuary from Salcombe to East Portlemouth where there is a number of beaches (there are no beaches in Salcombe itself). There is a larger ferry that goes to Kingsbridge.

The restaurants and shops can be quite expensive but I don't think they're particularly snobby.

One thing to be aware of though is that November is the low season for Salcombe so some of the restaurants and touristy shops will be open on reduced hours, or possibly closed. Also I would assume that the ferry timetables will be greatly reduced.

Driving around Salcombe can be tricky as some roads are tight. The main road that runs to Kingsbridge is a decent sized road and not particular windy, no problem driving on that at night. The back roads are your typical Devon roads where they are single track roads with high hedges on both sides, you may find yourself needing to reverse a lot to let people through. No problem for competent drivers but if you're a new/nervous driver or don't drive regularly, you may find it a little stressful. But if you just want to stay in Salcombe itself and/or travel to the larger towns in the area (Totnes is quite nice) then the roads are fine.

Hope this helps

ChilliBob

Thanks, that's really helpful. We don't go on holiday tonnes, and we don't tend to do three courses or drink tonnes so we're not too fussed about restaurant prices as long as its nice, I believe lots are

It certainly sounds like quite an adventure compared to just wandering down to the beach! Definitely not the time to forget something.

We'd fell into the category of frequent drivers, but used to city/suburbia and much less so country, hence we tend to park up and not move the car for the week!... That may change in November though!