Bigbury-on-Sea | South Devon Beach Bible
The village of Bigbury-on-Sea is situated on South Devon’s west coast, overlooking Bigbury Bay, South Devon’s largest sandy beach,...
Widely regarded as one South Devon‘s most beautiful coastal gems, the fishing village of Hope Cove has it all; stunning sandy beaches, fantastic eateries and fascinating history in abundance.
We’re delighted to share hints and tips from our knowledgeable team, in this local’s guide packed full of information.
Looking for something specific? Use our quick links below or read on for our full village guide to Hope Cove:
Hope Cove is a small seaside village on the South Devon coastline, resting at the base of iconic Bolt Tail, within the arc of Bigbury Bay.
A place of childhood dreams, Hope Cove enjoys sheltered sandy beaches, safe bathing waters, and thatched cottages dressed in pastel hues. Formerly a smuggler’s haunt, visitors to the village can expect tales of shipwrecks and plundered treasure aplenty. Fortunately, nowadays the laid back, welcoming atmosphere makes it the perfect place for a coastal escape.
Once a thriving fishing village, Hope Cove is in a National Landscape, and is now devoted to a relaxed style of tourism. Whether you want to feast on sumptuous food, explore sandy beaches, navigate the coastline by water, or hike the South West Coast Path, there is something for everyone in this popular South Devon village.
This popular South Devon village is nestled between Salcombe to the east, and Thurlestone to the west. For sat nav users, the postcode TQ7 3HJ takes you to the largest car park adjacent to the beach in Outer Hope.
Hope Cove consists of two ‘villages’, Inner Hope, where the old lifeboat station and slipway provide boat access to the beach, and Outer Hope, which provides access to Harbour Beach and Mouthwell Sands.
As such, there are two wonderful Hope Cove beaches to enjoy. Both are just a short walkable distance from each other and are easily accessible, so it’s well worth exploring everywhere if you can.
With seasonal lifeguards and water quality designated as excellent by the Environment Agency, Hope Cove’s beaches are great for families to visit for a safe swim or paddle…
Harbour Beach enjoys views over Bolt Tail, and is backed by high cliffs providing almost direct access to the coastal path, leading east towards Salcombe. It’s a wide sandy beach, at low tide especially, and is perfect for rock pooling and sandcastle building. At high tide, children (and adults!) love to jump off the harbour wall. There is a handy ladder to assist with getting out, but please don’t try this at low tide as the water is too shallow, which could cause injury.
Boats are kept on Harbour Beach during the summer season, so expect to find trailers being pushed up and down the beach. Often a hive of activity, this is a great place to sit and watch the world go by. On calm days, sailing vessels of all shapes and sizes moor up in the tranquil, sheltered bay.
Mouthwell Sands buzzes with holiday makers during the summer, and the mix of sand and rocky areas make it the perfect spot for sandcastles and sunbathing, as well as exploring the rockpools for sea life.
What’s more, a stream runs down the beach, making it a popular spot for children who love building dams! Mouthwell Sands is extremely sheltered, providing a great swimming area, and the car park is just a stone’s throw from the slipway that leads onto the beach.
Hope Cove is a popular spot for those with canine companions, not just because of the large beaches but also because of the direct access to the South West Coast Path. Harbour Beach is dog friendly all year – dogs must be kept on leads, and it is worth noting that this restriction is closely monitored.
Mouthwell Sands enforces a seasonal dog ban from May through until September, but outside of this period, they can explore freely off the lead. For more information on the best beaches for you and your four legged friend to explore, read our guide to dog friendly beaches in South Devon.
Hope Cove boasts excellent facilities, and modestly nestled between the village beaches you will find a small, well-stocked beach shop.
Open daily from 8am, it has a bakery section, a selection of food, and best of all, an excellent array of locally made ice cream! You will find everything you need for a day out, so there’s no need to worry if you run low on supplies or decide to opt for a picnic tea on the beach.
For the creative souls, the village is also home to the small and quirky Hope Cove Gallery, showcasing art from all over Devon, with a particular focus on work produced in the South.
A cream tea at The Cottage Hotel
You’re well and truly spoilt for places to eat and drink in Hope Cove. As you would expect, the food is always fresh, locally sourced and the menus heavily focus on the daily catch and seafood special.
Naturally, lobster, crab and fresh fish frequent, as do the favourite British seaside staple of fish and chips. Many of the establishments also offer a takeaway service, which is handy if you want to stay on the sandy shores.
Below (in no particular order!) we’ve detailed a selection of our favourite pubs and restaurants in Hope Cove…
The Hope and Anchor is a family-friendly establishment that has retained many traditional features in the original pub area. Upstairs enjoys a more contemporary design and a sun trap terrace / decking that takes in spectacular coastal views. Mussels, devilled whitebait and fresh lobster or crab feature on the menu, and are pulled fresh from the sea, just metres away!
Situated just 50 yards from the beach, The Cove is a thriving beach cafe, also home to one of the UK’s best craft beer bars. Busy year round, regardless of the time or day of the week, it’s a popular place amongst both the local community and visitors.
In summer, watch the sunset on the top deck, and in winter, get cosy in front of the log burner and tuck into sumptuous food. There is a big emphasis on fresh food at The Cove, and signature dishes include Devon red moules, sizzling fajitas and their renowned fresh seafood platter.
The Cove is also a popular music venue, so head there for an evening boogie should the night prevail.
The Cottage Hotel is arguably Hope Cove’s most traditional food establishment, so expect old-fashioned service, comfortable lounges taking in the sea views and delicious food.
The hotel has been run by the Ireland family since 1973, and they pride themselves on a personal service remaining key to everything they do. From five course dinners to a Devon cream tea (the proper way!), there is something for everyone.
The Hope Cove Lobster Pod Bistro is situated overlooking both the harbour and beach. Expect to enjoy mesmerising views across Bigbury Bay from the comfort of both indoor and outdoor seating.
Perhaps the most unusual, and arguably most popular, are the heated enclosed pods, within which you’ll find comfortable seating and tables. These are perfect on a summer evening, and equally so on wild and windy days, when mother nature can stir up a spectacle in the water.
You can pre-book a private pod, which is advisable, especially in the peak summer period. Takeaway meals are also available, as is uncooked fish, should you want to cook at home instead.
A small, boutique hotel by the beach, Hope Cove House is situated in Inner Hope and enjoys far reaching views over Bolt Tail. Family run, this establishment always provides a warm welcome and is a great spot to hunker down after a day at the beach, or a blustery walk on the clifftops.
Sandy toes are more than welcome at any time of the year, children and canine companions included. There are few places where you will find a basket of toys, and a selection of wellies and flip flops on the doorstep, making everyone feel welcome! Booking is advised.
Regardless of your preferred beachside pastime, you certainly won’t find yourself short of things to do in Hope Cove.
For water based enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate playground, with the calm, crystal clear waters providing the perfect environment for sea swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding. There is also a slipway situated at Inner Hope, should you want to launch a boat.
The coastline surrounding Hope Cove is spectacular, and is peppered with secluded coves and thriving wildlife, best seen when exploring from the water. You may even meet the resident family of seals on your adventures. When conditions allow, there are small surfable waves to be found at both of the Hope Cove beaches.
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, Hope Cove is a haven for wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled, especially at sunrise and sunset, for pods of dolphins dancing in the waves. Hope Cove provides a safe and spacious environment for the classic seaside activities, so expect to find sandcastle building, rockpooling, dam building and family games in abundance.
Just a short drive away are the bustling harbour towns of Dartmouth and Salcombe, both popular options for those who would like to spend a little time exploring further afield. For more inspiration, download our comprehensive guide on Things to do in South Devon.
Every year, throughout the August bank holiday weekend, the village of Hope Cove holds a free festival, which is one of South Devon’s most anticipated celebrations. Established in 1973, Hope Cove Weekend is jam packed with good old fashioned fun for visitors and locals alike to enjoy.
Expect an itinerary of children’s races, sandcastle competitions, live music, street entertainment, a treasure hunt, land and sea races, and much more! One of the highlights of the weekend are the fireworks on the Saturday night – something not to be missed.
Situated on the South West Coast Path, Hope Cove is a favourite destination for walkers, and enjoys direct access to both coast and countryside from the village itself.
With a short walk you can reach the beaches of South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach, and oppositely, the secluded Soar Mill Cove.
For something a little more challenging, navigate the coastal path from Hope Cove to Salcombe, a tough but equally rewarding journey.
Should you want just a short stroll, Bolt Tail is a great spot to stretch legs, and the views of Hope Cove at the top are second to none.
From Hope Cove, you can enjoy miles of footpaths, from spectacular coastline routes to woodland trails and riverside rambles. We love walking so much, we at Coast & Country Cottages have created a comprehensive South Devon walking guide, which you can read for more inspiration.
This stretch of the South Devon coastline is a paradise for beach lover’s, boasting a wealth of secluded coves and large sandy expanses.
South Milton Sands, Bantham Beach and Soar Mill Cove are just a few of the popular destinations amongst those visiting the area, all of which are just a short distance away, by foot or by car.
Further afield, the shingle shores of Hallsands, Beesands and Slapton Sands offer a different experience entirely.
Not sure which beach to visit? At Coast & Country Cottages, we’ve compiled a guide that covers all of South Devon’s beaches, bays and coves. Read through our South Devon Beach Guide for the full lowdown.
For a small fishing village, the parking facilities are substantial, meaning day visitors looking to explore the Hope Cove beaches are well-catered for.
You will find a large car park by Mouthwell Sands, and council run layby parking at Inner Hope. Charges apply to both car parks, year round.
Additional road parking is found throughout the village, and should you choose to use this, please do so with respect to the residents and other road users.
Our Hope Cove holiday cottages are ideally located to maximise the coastal lifestyle. From traditional coastal cottages just a stone’s throw from the beach, to large properties boasting sweeping sea views, our Hope Cove holiday cottages suit every size, taste and budget.
What’s more, we have a number of dog friendly properties in the village, so you can easily bring your four legged friend on your break.
Book your Hope Cove holiday cottage today
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