Explore Hope Cove

About Hope Cove

As you arrive at Hope Cove, you’ll be awed by the dramatic beauty of the craggy cliffs, sandy beaches and azure-blue sea, with pretty cottages clustered on the slopes that lead down to the harbour. Many hundreds of years ago, the village developed around small-scale fishing, and some of Hope Cove’s cottages – in whitewashed stone, with thick walls and small windows to provide shelter from the elements – date back to those times.

This stretch of the coast was especially dangerous for passing ships, and in 1588 the San Pedro el Mayor, a hospital ship from the Spanish Armada, was wrecked just offshore, its cargo removed by villagers before the authorities could get to it. Another dramatic shipwreck took place in 1936, when the loss of the tall ship Herzogin Cecilie, one of the fastest of her time, caused an international sensation. In the 18^th and early 19^th centuries, Hope Cove became infamous for smuggling, its secluded coast with hidden inlets and clifftop paths making it possible for fishermen to land contraband from nearby Brittany and conceal it from customs officers.

In 1896, the Earl of Devon built himself a holiday home in Hope Cove, which he named Hope Cottage, in a bid to encourage tourism. It worked! Today, the village is popular with local people and visitors alike, enjoying its golden sandy beaches, clear waters, awe-inspiring views and variety of pubs, cafes and restaurants. Meanwhile, fishing boats launch from the slip as they have done for centuries, and evidence of the village’s long and fascinating past mingles with its vibrant present, making this a timeless retreat for anyone looking to escape the everyday and recharge in one of South Devon’s most appealing beauty spots.

Things to do in Hope Cove

There’s plenty to do in Hope Cove, especially if you love nature, wildlife and the great outdoors. First, head to the beach – or beaches, we should say, as there are actually two in the village. Get out your buckets and spades and build sandcastles with the little ones, help them build a dam across the small stream, play rounders or explore rockpools at low tide. Swim or snorkel in the clear waters, perhaps try your hand at surfing (it’s great for beginners, but don’t expect lots of big waves), or head out on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the secret coves, inlets and beaches of this stunning coastline. From sea or land, look out for grey seals and even dolphins playing in the waves, or look up to see kestrels and peregrine falcons hovering above.

Mile upon mile of exhilarating walks can be accessed directly from Hope Cove, including strolls up to the Bolt Tail headland for a visit to an Iron-Age cliff fort and incredible views over the beaches and sea, and a 2-mile inland hike to the dog-friendly Royal Oak in Marlborough. The flower-strewn South West Coast Path takes you to Soar Mill Cove, South Milton Sands and Thurlestone Beach, all within 3 miles, or more experienced walkers may want to follow the path all the way round to Salcombe, an 8-mile adventure. 

Venturing out of Hope Cove, golfers can play a round at Thurlestone Golf Club, while garden lovers will enjoy the National Trust’s Overbeck’s Garden, just outside Salcombe. For a family day out, Woodlands Family Theme Park, Dartmouth Castle and Paignton Zoo are all within 25 miles. 

And if you’re in Hope Cove over the August bank holiday, the much-loved annual Hope Cove Weekend includes activities for everyone, many of them free, including beach games, live music, craft stalls, fireworks and a hoe down. 

Hope Cove beaches

There are two beautiful sandy beaches in Hope Cove, which are joined at low tide. 

Inner Hope (which is also known as Harbour Beach) is a wide beach backed by cliffs. It has fabulous views of the Bolt Tail headland, and is popular with dog walkers – though dogs must be kept on a lead – and ramblers in general. In summer, lots of small boats are moored on the beach, and this is a great place to watch their comings and goings, as well as those of local fishermen who haul in their crab and lobster pots.  

Outer Hope (also known as Mouthwell Sands), is another golden, sandy, sheltered beach, with a gentle stream and rock pools, making it very family-friendly, even though it’s the smaller of the two Hope Cove beaches. The RNLI provides lifeguard patrols during the day in the high summer, and it’s a great place for swimming, snorkelling and even surfing; you can hire kayaks and paddle boards, too. Outer Hope welcomes dogs from October to April, but they are banned in the summer months. For day visitors, there’s a very small car park just above the beach.

Eating in Hope Cove

Food lovers will be impressed by the small but varied choice of places to eat and drink in Hope Cove, and whether you prefer upmarket dining, pub grub, a traditional cream tea or a freshly caught lobster, there really is something for everyone, and all with a backdrop of incredible views. Buy a takeaway pasty or ice cream at the local store, or head to The Curator, a little hut by the car park, for a wood-roasted coffee, a pastry or a focaccia sandwich.

At the Lobster Pod Bistro you can enjoy locally caught, sustainable seafood, including Hope Cove lobsters, in unique see-through pods or a rustic cabin. The restaurant at Hope Cove House (advance booking is essential) offers superb dining, plus an excellent wine list, in a chic interior, while The Cottage Hotel & Restaurant is renowned for its traditional English cuisine, including cream teas and five-course dinners. The Cove is a popular bar/restaurant that was voted the UK’s best craft beer bar in 2018 and offers live music and multi-screen sports alongside its fresh, home-cooked food and extensive choice of drinks. Finally, the Hope & Anchor is a welcoming pub, restaurant and beach bar where you’ll be served pub classics alongside contemporary twists.

Stay in Hope Cove

Ready to escape to the South Devon seaside? Discover your perfect Hope Cove hideaway today. Click below to book your holiday cottage and start counting down the days to your special getaway.