There is a beautiful cove where few people go which is just five miles away from a bustling Devon resort. Soar Mill Cove in the South Hams region of the county lies at the bottom of the National Trust’s craggy headland, Bolt Head.
A “tiny, sandy inlet”, Soar Mill Cove is accessible on foot via the South West Coast Path or from Soar Mill Cove Hotel, which may account for its tranqulity.
Visitors can also paddle a canoe or sail a boat to the cove if they don’t want to brave the daunting descent to this idyllic haven, according to Visit South Devon. Open to the public all year round, Soar Mill Cove is a “beautifully uncrowded beach” and home to a family run hotel of the same name.
The Good Hotel Guide recommends a cove-facing room for a “wonderful” view, describing its look as “contemporary and unfussy” with extras such as books and board games. Soar Mill Hotel is also regularly named as a perfect venue for a summer staycation and top place to stay for hikers.
Soar Mill Cove offers a quiet contrast to nearby Salcombe, hailed by Visit South Devon as one of the area’s “prettiest”. In the South Devon Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty, the town is known for its “outstanding” coastal views and the rolling countryside which surrounds it.
Situated on the banks of the Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe is also a centre for sailing and haven for watersports. The town offers a range of accommodation, from hotels to guesthouses, caravan and camping sites.
Visit South Devon’s website lists scores of options, including guesthouse 22 Courtenay Street, Huccombe Farmhouse, Sea Quest beach house and Salcombe Harbour Hotel.
Salcombe and the south Devon region boast a few eateries, including Venus Café in East Portlemouth, The Trevilder Restaurant at Thurlestone Hotel near Kingsbridge and Valley View Café & Aune Valley Meat Farmshop.
Rum lovers might also want to head to Devon Rum Company to try their golden, spiced, honey, and black spiced rums crafted at their Blending House in Salcombe.
Staff there blend Caribbean rums with Devon spring water, aromatic spices and fresh, natural ingredients.
Soar Mill Cove is a 13 minute drive from Salcombe. Follow Salcombe Road through the village of Marlborough and onto Soar Road until you reach Soar Mill Cove Road. The beach is a short walk away.
One visitor, who stayed at the Soar Mill Cove Hotel, said: The staff are very helpful and pleasant. “The room would have been better if the outside area was closed off as they accept dogs and we had to keep him on the lead all of the time, but generally very dog friendly. Fantastic views, of sea, hills and wild Deer in a close field. All services are excellent, especially the hot stone treatment. I want to go again.”
To get to Salcombe, from the M5, Join the A38 signposted for Plymouth. Take the A3121 exit signposted towards Modbury/Kingsbridge and follow signs for Salcombe.
Trains leave regularly from London Paddington and London Waterloo to Totnes train station. The journey should take just over three hours from London Paddington, but is slightly longer from Waterloo. Salcombe is a 30-40 minute taxi ride from Totnes train station.