8 top things to do in Hope Cove, Devon
Situated on a sheltered stretch of the South Devon coast, Hope Cove is a small and secluded village with a huge maritime history.
You’ll find Hope Cove hidden away amongst the windblown headlands of the South Devon National Landscape, not far from its larger and far better publicised neighbour, Salcombe.
Home to two sandy beaches and a working harbour, you’ll see barnacle encrusted lobster pots stacked along the seafront, while small fishing boats brave the waves of the English Channel as they have for millenia.
Indeed, it often seems like little has changed here in centuries, and you’ll find a rich maritime heritage packed with tales of smuggling and shipwrecks as you explore Hope Cove.
If you’re planning a coastal getaway in South Devon, here are the top things to do in Hope Cove.
Things to do in Hope Cove
Visit Outer Hope Beach (Mouthwell Sands)
The name ‘Hope’ might not have the meaning you think it does. In fact, the name ‘Hope’ is thought to derive from an old Norse word meaning ‘Bay’ or possibly ‘Inlet’. This Norse etymology highlights South Devon’s long seafaring connections, while on the ground itself, you’ll see how there are in fact two ‘Hopes’, or bays, side by side.
Start your Hope Cove experience with a visit to Outer Hope Beach, a stretch of sandy coastline the locals also refer to as Mouthwell Sands. Outer Hope Beach is located on the northern side of the village (the ‘Outer’ village), where you’ll find a sheltered bay lined with golden sands and rock pools.
The sea here is more exposed to the elements than other beaches, so take care when swimming, snorkelling or rock pooling. In summer, there’s a seasonal lifeguard service at Outer Hope Beach.
Bask in the sand at Inner Hope Beach (Harbour Beach)
Take a short stroll south through narrow lanes lined with fishing cottages, and you’ll soon come to Inner Hope, which sits at the heart of the village’s maritime history. Inner Hope Beach, or Harbour Beach, is where Hope Cove’s small but hardy fishing fleet has sheltered for millenia.
Inner Hope Beach has calmer waters than Outer Hope Beach, with the natural cove protected from prevailing south westerly winds by the rugged cliffs.
Fishermen still land their catch directly on the sandy beach, but these days, there’s as many recreational craft as there are fishing vessels.
On a sunny day, it’s the perfect spot for a dip in the English Channel, or you might prefer just to bask on the sands and watch the fishers haul their catch ashore.
Hike the South West Coast Path to Bolt Tail
From Inner Hope, the South West Coast Path climbs steadily towards Bolt Tail, one of South Devon’s most prominent headlands. As you leave the shelter of the harbour behind, you’ll begin to understand how exposed the coastline here is as you see waves crashing into the rocks below.
This short walk offers a fantastic taste of the South West Coast Path, as you follow a well defined trail above the cliffs. Once you reach Bolt Tail, about a mile south of Hope Cove, turn around for spectacular views of the village and harbour.
Hike to Soar Mill Cove via Bolberry Down
From Bolt Tail, the South West Coast Path continues across Bolberry Down to Soar Mill Cove, a more secluded section of South Devon coastline offering a chance to escape the summer crowds.
This is a longer hike, and you can expect to walk approximately 3-4 miles each way, with a mix of gradual climbs and steep descents as you follow the cliff’s undulating contours.
After leaving Bolt Tail behind you, the route takes you across the grassy top of Bolberry Down, across more open headlands, and down into a narrow valley leading to Soar Mill Cove.
Explore Soar Mill Cove, then return to Hope Cove along the South West Coast Path, or loop back inland via Bolberry.
Paddleboard or Sea Kayak to hidden coves
The coastline around Hope Cove is well suited to paddleboarding and sea kayaking, particularly in calmer conditions. Its sheltered harbour creates stretches of relatively calm water, especially within the bay itself, while still allowing access to more exposed sections further along the coast.
From Inner Hope, it’s possible to launch directly into the water and follow the shoreline towards Bolt Tail or further afield to South Milton Sands.
Along the way, a series of small coves and inlets become accessible, many of which are difficult to reach on foot due to steep cliffs and limited paths. In times past, it’s these same hidden coves and inlets that were once rife with smuggling along the South Devon coast.
Explore South Milton Sands and South Huish Wetland Reserve
Directly to the north of Hope Cove, you’ll find South Milton Sands, a stretch of coastline backed by the South Huish Wetland Reserve. The beach faces out towards the iconic Thurlestone Rock Arch, offering wonderful views along the rocky coastline.
Behind the beach, the wetland reserve occupies a low-lying area of marsh and reedbed formed where streams meet the sea. This creates a mix of freshwater and saline habitats, where you’re likely to spot a wide range of bird life, including waders and migratory species, throughout the year.
The area is largely protected as a conservation zone, with footpaths providing access to the beach, wetlands and surrounding countryside.
Go snorkelling in Hope Cove
For snorkelling, Hope Cove’s underwater world offers a surprising escape from the surface. The waters around the village are packed with shallow reefs, rocky outcrops and even a few shipwrecks, with walk-in access available from the beaches themselves.
This is the UK, so visibility can vary drastically, but on a clear, calm day, you’re likely to spot crabs, lobsters, wrasse and perhaps even cuttlefish.
Dine on Fish and Chips at the Hope & Anchor
Finally, there’s no better way to end your day than a cold beer and traditional pub grub at the Hope & Anchor. Located along Hope Cove’s harbourfront, the Hope & Anchor is a local institution, serving up some of the freshest seafood, straight from the fishers themselves.
Gorge on Devon mussels, catch of the day, or just dig into a classic plate of fish and chips. In summer, you can enjoy al fresco drinks with a view of the harbour, while in winter, this historic pub is the perfect place to cozy up after a hike on the South West Coast Path.
How to get to Hope Cove
Hope Cove is found approximately 5 miles from Kingsbridge and 4 miles from Salcombe. Its relative isolation is part of the appeal, so be prepared to navigate narrow country lanes on the way in, and slightly claustrophobic streets when you arrive in the village itself.
Driving is the only real way to get here, unless you’re prepared for a long hike from Salcombe, which is doable on the South West Coast Path. There are two main car parks in both Inner Hope and Outer Hope, offering access to the seafront. In peak season, arrive early, or you might find all the spaces taken by late morning.
The nearest train station is Totnes, where buses only run as far as Kingsbridge. From there, you’d need to take a taxi (if available) or hike all the way to Hope Cove.
