UK beach holidays are the substance of dreams and finding that coastal idyll with direct beach access often feels like you've struck the gold in the golden sand.
In South Devon, we offer visitors some of the finest coastal scenery in the British Isles just a short walk from The Cottage Hotel with its sunset terrace, restaurant dining room and generously appointed rooms offering incredible sea views.
Just a stone's throw from the seaside town of Salcombe is the lesser known and keen beach seeker's secret Hope Cove. It's a place where time has passed but things haven't changed that much. Where a traditional coastal holiday can be found. Bucket and spade, ice cream parlours, fresh fish for sale, sand to relax on, rocks to jump off, a shoreline to explore.
Has the British seaside ever been more appealing in the summer months than now? With a renewed sense of purpose in our post-covid age families return to Hope Cove year after year to simply be near the sea.
Where sail boats glide in the gentle breeze, a friendly dog splashes in the swash, a family picnics in the sunshine and the older children curl themselves into summersaults off the harbour wall into the refreshing water below.
To observe this seaside story is to holiday in the best way.
For today's tide times see our Hope Cove Tide Times page.
Rock Pooling in Hope Cove
One of the most charming and timeless seaside pastimes, rock pooling is alive and well in Hope Cove. When the tide slips out, it reveals a miniature world of wonder—natural rock pools teeming with marine life just waiting to be discovered.
Families and curious explorers of all ages gather with nets and buckets in hand, ready to uncover limpets clinging to the rocks, darting shrimps, shy crabs hiding in the shadows, and delicate sea anemones waving gently in the shallows. It’s a gentle, slow-paced adventure that brings you face to face with the natural rhythm of the tides.
At low tide, the rocky outcrops between the beaches in Inner and Outer Hope provide the perfect habitat for rock pooling. The pools are easily accessible on foot, just steps from the sand, and there’s plenty of space to explore safely under the watchful eye of a grown-up or two.
No special equipment is needed—just a keen eye, a sense of wonder, and perhaps a little plastic net and bucket (available in the village shop). It’s a peaceful way to spend an hour or two before lunch, and for many visitors, it becomes a cherished memory from their time in Hope Cove.
Please remember to leave the creatures where you found them and return any discoveries gently to their pool. This way, the magic of rock pooling can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Coastal Holidays With Direct Beach Access
Come to The Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove for that instant beach access direct from your hotel accommodation. Barely a short walk, the hotel offers direct beach access through the front garden, around 30 metres.
Stay with us for a week or a short coastal break in the idyllic location that is Hope Cove. Dine, have a cream tea or drinks on the sunset terrace to experience panoramic views views of the South Devon coastline. Its the beach holiday you wanted with all the home comforts of a friendly hotel within walking distance.
The Two Beaches of Hope Cove
Hope Cove is blessed with not one, but two distinct beaches, each offering its own charm and character. These are Mouthwell Sands and Harbour Beach, and they sit side by side, separated by a rocky headland yet easily walkable from each other within a couple of minutes.
Mouthwell Sands
Located on the northern side of the village, Mouthwell Sands is the smaller of the two but a favourite for families. This sandy beach is easily accessed via a sloped pathway from the road, with a few steps down to the beach itself.
At low tide, it reveals a wide expanse of golden sand, perfect for sandcastles, sunbathing, and paddling. The shallow waters are ideal for little ones, and the nearby rock pools offer hours of natural entertainment.
Harbour Beach
To the south, nestled against the protective curve of the harbour wall, lies Harbour Beach, also known as Inner Hope Beach. This is the larger of the two and enjoys a backdrop of traditional thatched cottages and the slipway where boats launch.
It’s more sheltered, with calm waters making it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. At high tide, the sea comes close to the village; at low tide, the beach stretches out to reveal a patchwork of sand, pebbles, and rocks perfect for exploring.
Accessing the Beaches
Both beaches are directly accessible from the heart of the village. Guests at The Cottage Hotel can walk just a few paces through the garden to reach the beach path, which brings you down near the harbour. Public parking is available nearby, and amenities like cafés, toilets, and shops are all within easy reach.
These family friendly facilities are essential for your uk beach holiday.
Each beach has its own rhythm — one more open and sun-drenched, the other cosy and steeped in village life. Together, they offer a perfect seaside pairing, whether you’re after a lively family day out, a gentle sea swim, or a quiet moment by the shore.
Information for Dog Owners
Hope Cove has dog friendly beaches so if you want to invite your four legged friends on your coastal holiday to South Devon - do. At Harbour Beach (Inner Hope) dogs are allowed all year round, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
At Mouthwell Sands No dogs are allowed between 1 May and 30 September, 10am–7pm (peak season ban). However, dogs are allowed (usually on leads/out of peak hours) from 1 October to 30 April.
For more information about these beaches, please visit the South Devon National Landscape website.
For information on RNLI and beach safety, please visit the RNLI's website page on Hope Cove Beach.
Coastal Walks Nearby
Along the coast either East or West, the hiker will find a variety of beaches and wonderful sea views as you make your way out along the cliffs. Headlands, inlets, clifftop flowers, and the sound of seabirds provide a backdrop to some of the finest walking in the country.
To the west, follow the South West Coast Path towards Thurlestone and Bantham. The trail winds past dramatic rock formations and quiet coves, with views over Bigbury Bay and Burgh Island on the horizon. It’s a gently undulating walk with ample opportunities to stop, picnic, and take in the scenery.
To the east, the path leads you towards Bolt Tail and onwards to Salcombe, with steep climbs rewarded by staggering vistas across the English Channel. Along the way, you'll pass secret beaches, wartime ruins, and wildflower-strewn meadows—especially beautiful in spring and early summer.
Whether you're a seasoned rambler or just in search of a stroll before supper, the coastal walks from Hope Cove are an unforgettable part of the experience. Just lace up your boots and head for the horizon.
Places to Stay in Hope Cove
Naturally, your UK beach holiday experience starts with choosing the right place to stay. Hope Cove offers a variety of options, from coastal cottages tucked into the hillside to beach huts that open straight onto the sand. Whether you're after self-catering charm or full hotel comfort, there's something for every type of traveller.
While many visitors book into holiday parks or rental properties in the wider South Hams area, not all accommodation offers the unique benefit of direct beach access. That’s where The Cottage Hotel stands out.
Set above the shoreline with panoramic sea views, The Cottage Hotel offers guests the rare luxury of stepping from the hotel garden straight onto the beach—no roads to cross, no car required. It’s a dream setting for true beach holidays, with the coast quite literally on your doorstep.
Guests can enjoy home-cooked meals, a cream tea on the sunset terrace, and restful nights in rooms overlooking the bay. While we don’t have a swimming pool, we like to think the two-mile stretch of sea and sand just outside is even better. Children can paddle, adults can take a dip, and everyone can unwind to the sound of the surf.
Some summer evenings we also offer evening entertainment on the terrace from local music groups.
So whether you're visiting with family, walking the coast path, or simply seeking that peaceful seaside escape, there’s no better place to stay in Hope Cove than The Cottage Hotel—where your UK beach holiday begins with direct beach access and ends with salt in your hair and sand between your toes.
Watersports
No uk beach holiday is complete without a little seaside adventure. Hope Cove is naturally sheltered from the wind so is a relatively safe place to have a play (please be mindful that watersports are inherently risky and take care).
Kayaking and Canoeing
Hope Cove is a superb location for kayaking and canoeing, with calm, sheltered waters and a stunning coastline to explore. Visitors can hire single or double kayaks and canoes directly from Hope Cove Watersports, located right on Harbour Beach. Rentals are available by the hour or for the day, and all necessary safety equipment is included, making it a hassle-free way to get out on the water.
Another local favourite is Hope Cove Kayaks, which offers tandem “Tootega” kayak hire with convenient day rates and beachside pick-up from Harbour Beach. It’s perfect for couples or families looking to explore the bay at their own pace.
If you’re bringing your own kayak or canoe, you can launch easily from the slipway beside the old lifeboat station in Inner Hope. Just be sure to pay the small harbour due—it’s a simple step that also gives you that satisfying feeling of joining in with the local boating tradition.
From the moment you set off, the experience is captivating. Paddle around the quiet waters of the inner bay or, for the more adventurous, venture west toward Bolt Tail, where you’ll discover rocky outcrops and intriguing sea caves. Just keep an eye on the tides and be aware of changing currents and submerged reefs as you explore.
Sailing and Dinghies
Hope Cove is a delightful spot for small-boat sailing, particularly for those bringing their own dinghies or day sailers. Inner Hope Beach, with its gently sloping shore and slipway, offers a convenient launch point, making it easy to get your boat into the water. B
efore setting sail, it’s important to check the local tide times and familiarise yourself with safe anchorage spots, as the coastline has its fair share of rocky features and shifting sands. Harbour dues apply for all private vessels, with a typical charge of around £10 per day, which contributes to the upkeep of the slipway and facilities.
Once you’re afloat, the possibilities are wide open. You can sail leisurely around the bay, hug the rugged coastline past Bolt Tail, or venture farther to nearby Thurlestone Sands and the iconic Burgh Island—both easily reachable in fair weather.
The area offers both gentle cruising and the scenic joy of discovering hidden coves, all backed by the rich green hills of South Devon. For experienced sailors, Hope Cove provides that rare mix of beauty and freedom—true escapism on the open sea.
Sea Swimming & Snorkelling
Hope Cove is a wonderful place for sea swimming, with sheltered waters, gentle tides, and clean, clear conditions that make it ideal for swimmers of all ages.
The calm bay at Harbour Beach offers easy access from the sand, and at high tide the water laps gently against the harbour wall, making it perfect for an early morning dip or a family paddle in the afternoon sun.
In the warmer months, the sea reaches comfortable temperatures and can be surprisingly inviting—especially after a walk on the coast path or a cream tea on the terrace.
Snorkelling is also popular here, particularly at low tide, when the rock formations and shallow reefs come into view. A mask and snorkel are all you need to discover an underwater world of sea anemones, small crabs, darting sand eels, and, if you're lucky, the occasional curious seal.
The natural clarity of the water in Hope Cove—especially after calm weather—makes it one of the better spots in South Devon for casual snorkelling right off the beach.
Diving & Wreck Exploration
For those with a sense of deeper adventure, Hope Cove and the surrounding coastline offer intriguing diving opportunities. The waters around Bolt Tail and further out into Bigbury Bay conceal a number of historic shipwrecks and rocky reefs, making this stretch of coastline a magnet for experienced divers. From old fishing boats to rumoured Napoleonic-era wrecks, the underwater landscape is rich with stories.
While there are no dive shops or centres directly in Hope Cove, experienced divers often bring their own gear and launch from Inner Hope, taking care to plan dives around tides and visibility. As always, safety is paramount—diving should only be undertaken with proper certification, equipment, and local knowledge. But for those prepared, the combination of marine life, fascinating topography, and historical interest makes diving off Hope Cove a thrilling and memorable experience.
A Seaside Escape To Remember
Hope Cove is more than just a postcard-perfect destination—it’s a place where the timeless charm of the British seaside lives on. With direct beach access, traditional seaside activities, invigorating coastal walks, and a host of water sportsfor all ages, it offers a true escape from the everyday.
Whether you're exploring rock pools with a bucket and net, launching a kayak into calm waters, or simply watching the sun set from The Cottage Hotel’s terrace, every moment here is steeped in salt air and seaside nostalgia. This is a village where holidays slow down and memories linger.
For your next UK beach holiday, choose Hope Cove—where coastal beauty, friendly hospitality, and the gentle rhythm of the tides come together in perfect harmony. And for the full experience, let The Cottage Hotel be your home by the sea.