Travel Guide: Salcombe, Devon

I have just returned from a rather lovely break in Salcombe, Devon.  It was a complete wash out with lots of rainy days which prompted many a log fire burning in our barn in the chilly evenings!  Not what you really expect in June, but hey ho, we made the most of it.  Therefore, I cannot give you a run down of all the stunning beaches as I only managed to visit a mere few!

North Sands, Salcombe

North Sands is a rustic cove with a small beach which was full of surfers when I visited.  It has a great beach front cafe called The Winking Prawn, this casual eatery is a must if you like a good quality summer BBQ.  


Blackpool Sands was by far my most favourite of beaches in the area.  With the countryside literally rolling in to the sea, and thatched cottages along the coast line (one was painted in pink and was the most stunning beach retreat imaginable), it was idyllic to say the least.  It was cold, drizzling and windy when I stood on this pebbly beach at dusk, yet it was still breathtakingly gorgeous and peaceful.  I just wanted to stumble back to one of the cottages all windswept to light a fire.   

Blackpool Sands, Devon.  In the sunshine!

It in intermittent dry spells, we managed to do a bit of shopping in Salcombe, where there are some great home ware shops and lots of interesting boutiques.  The Salcombe Trading Company has some great finds if you like a nautical look in your home.  Also, Jack Wills first ever shop was, and still is, in Salcombe along with lots of other boaty brands like Crew, Musto and Henry Lloyd.  The array of shops certainly kept myself, and my credit card, occupied for many hours, and was a great distraction from the rain! 

We also went on a few boat rides, which are a must in Salcombe to get you from place to place to avoid an extremely long-winded car journey.  I was completely surprised that my little westie Maggie loved the sea air and being on board - she is known as being a complete wimp, so you could imagine our surprise!

Dartmouth, Devon

Of course lots of eating was carried out...cream teas, hot chocolates and crab sandwiches.  When in Rome and all that! 

Take Away Chips and Thai Fish Cakes 

The Salcombe Sands Boutique Hotel has just had a refurb and is in the tranquil setting of South Sands, which is just a short boat trip to the buzz of Salcombe town.  It has a great restaurant and afternoon tea selection.  I highly recommend a visit and a sit on these fabulous Lloyd Loom chairs...and what a view from the restaurant!  When the sun shines you could easily feel like you are on the Cotes d'Azur. 

The Crabshell Inn, Kingsbridge, Devon. 


My favourite restaurant that we visited on my trip was The Crabshell Inn in Kingsbridge.  I fabulously relaxed quayside bar, come restaurant, with incredible views.  Unfortunately for us it was (of course) raining so we couldn't take advantage of the outdoor restaurant, but instead managed second best with a table by the window with amazing views over the water.  I was in a complete daydream with the idyllic setting, imagining living in the perfect water front house which was just in my line of sight.  It was a nautical themed white and blue cottage, and rather dreamily had a matching white and blue boat moored on the bank.  Bliss!  

View from the restaurant - the perfect water front house with nautical blue and white theme

Matching boats

Now, to the food!  The menu had a vast array of seafood dishes as you would expect, but also accommodated the non fish lovers too.  I opted for the mussels in a white wine sauce, which were divine, with crusty warm bread and of course an obligatory side order of very thin fries!   

Mussels at The Crabshell Inn

The interior is simple, wooden tables, minimal accessories, definitely beach shack chic!  The music was a fantastic mix, and really complemented the evening perfectly. 


I definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area.  


If you have any recommendations of things to see, places to go, restaurants to visit in the Salcombe area please let us know, as I'm sure I'll be going back soon for more south coast adventures.  

Maritime Fun - Add A Coastal Air To Your Home

I'm off to a not so sunny Salcombe in Devon on Friday for a mini break with my family.  We are all heading down in convoy, lots of adults, two under 5's and a crazy Westie called Maggie, who can't wait to play in the sea.  

Salcombe is England's destination for the 'boaty' crowd, so I'm thinking that the sailing course I took when I was eleven might come in handy!  Although, I don't think that sailing will be a factor, instead, as per usual, I'm thinking about food and eating lots of fresh fish and super fresh oysters, and of course playing in the rock pools with my adorable nephews.  However, as Butterfly Lane has a distinctive coastal vibe at the moment, I've been looking in to lots of nautical looks to create the perfect beach house.  Or if you don't have a beach house, like the majority of us, I have found some gorgeous maritime accessories to add elements of summer, beachy fun in to your home.  

Nautical chic with classic navy and white combination

Now, I admit it, I am keen on a maritime look or two, not only for homeware but also in fashion too.  Who says you need to own a yacht to dress nautical!  I until recently worked for Sir Paul Smith HQ and was often ridiculed by colleagues about my 'admirals' outfits (as they fondly called them), that appeared in late spring, year in, year out.  However, I think navy and white, especially in a stripe, is such a clean, crisp and timeless combination for summer time dressing and living, and don't forget to throw in the odd anchor emblem for good measure!  Every year the catwalk collections showcase some variation on the trend, which reiterates my point of its timeless charm. 

YSL showing nautical chic

Back to interiors...

The classic blue and white colour combination screams nautical, and looks so clean and fresh.  Adding elements of this style in to your home is easy, and it works best with a neutral backdrop, especially with white walls and furniture, then adding accents of blue.  The blue panelling on the walls below, breaks up the crisp whiteness and adds warmth.

Alternatively, smaller statements can be just as effective.  Keep the decor white and add design features such as white washed furniture, lanterns and a navy and white striped rug or throw.

Helen Turkington 'Life's A Beach' Image

For an all out nautical look I couldn't resist including this image of a bedroom for lots of guests.  It is so fun and so perfect for any beach retreat. 

I have fallen in love with these gorgeous tasselled cushions by The White Company.  They are perfect for inside or outside.  Also, this wooden white deck chair is so stunning for your outside space, whether it's on the beach or not!  And remember lanterns give a great coastal vibe and are so versatile, use on your dining/kitchen table as a feature, on a side board or outside in your garden.  I recommend that you invest!

I hope you are inspired for some maritime fun...


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