Soar Mill Cove
A hidden gem on the South West Coast Path, offering a secluded beach, stunning views, and a luxurious hotel experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Soar Mill Cove
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem on the South West Coast Path, offering a secluded beach, stunning views, and a luxurious hotel experience.
"What a find! Warmly greeted by Becky on our arrival and shown to a gorgeous room with a stunning view!"
🚗 Park at Bolberry Down
Use the National Trust car park at Bolberry Down for access to the coast path leading to the cove.
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The path can be uneven; comfortable, supportive footwear is essential for the walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Secluded Beach
Soar Mill Cove
A pristine, unspoiled beach accessible only by foot, offering a true escape from the crowds.
South West Coast Path Views
Coastal path leading to Soar Mill Cove
Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the English Channel await on this iconic walking route.
Highland Cows
Near Soar Mill Cove
Friendly highland cows often roam the fields near the cove, adding a charming and unique element to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Soar Mill Cove
Best Time for a Peaceful Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Park at Bolberry Down
Use the National Trust car park at Bolberry Down for access to the coast path leading to the cove. 
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The path can be uneven; comfortable, supportive footwear is essential for the walk.
☀️ Pack for all weather
Devon weather can change quickly; bring layers, sun protection, and rain gear.
🐶 Dog-friendly hotel
The Soar Mill Cove Hotel welcomes dogs, even offering them a sausage at breakfast!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Park at Bolberry Down
Use the National Trust car park at Bolberry Down for access to the coast path leading to the cove.
🥾 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The path can be uneven; comfortable, supportive footwear is essential for the walk.
☀️ Pack for all weather
Devon weather can change quickly; bring layers, sun protection, and rain gear.
🐶 Dog-friendly hotel
The Soar Mill Cove Hotel welcomes dogs, even offering them a sausage at breakfast!
📸 Capture the views
The coastal scenery is stunning; bring your camera for unforgettable photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Soar Mill Cove is widely praised for its stunning location, unspoiled beach, and the exceptional dining and service at the hotel. Guests rave about the breathtaking views and the tranquil atmosphere. However, some visitors have noted issues with bed comfort and minor maintenance problems in rooms, alongside a confusing payment experience for one guest.
"What a find! Came across this on booking.com and decided to book direct for a last minute stop over on the way home from Cornwall back to London. Warmly greeted by Becky on our arrival and shown to a gorgeous room with a stunning view! Super comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. The food however was on another level! We ate on both nights of our stay because the food was so good on the first night! Well designed menu and not expensive for the quality of produce. The breakfast was lovely and fresh and good free range eggs too. With an onsite swimming pool and sauna this made a really nice retreat. Within a short drive to the lovely Salcombe it was the perfect stay for a short break. Thank you Soar Mill we will return. In times where the hospitality industry has taken a battering, you deserve to be successful."
Fiona's Pantry Catering
"My wife and I stayed just one night,and we thoroughly enjoyed it,all the staff were friendly and courteous. A good size heated salt water pool and all facilities spotlessly clean. We will definitely return"
Ian langham
"Long live Soar Mill Cove! We had a last minute escape to this dreamy place with our 2 girls this week and we fell in love. Such a wonderful place - peaceful, stunning views, amazing staff (especially the fabulous restaurant manager/waiter from Nottingham/waitress with long dark hair. Apologies for not knowing names!). We will be returning to this gem of a hotel as often as possible!"
Victoria Ridge
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Soar Mill Cove is by parking at the Bolberry Down National Trust Car Park and walking along the South West Coast Path. The walk is approximately 1-1.5 miles.
Yes, there is parking available at the Bolberry Down National Trust Car Park. From there, it's a scenic walk to the cove.
No, Soar Mill Cove beach is only accessible by foot via the coastal path, which adds to its unspoiled charm.
Soar Mill Cove is about a 3.5-mile walk from Salcombe South Sands beach along the coast path.
While direct public transport to the cove is limited, you can take a bus to nearby Salcombe or Hope Cove and then join the South West Coast Path.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Soar Mill Cove beach itself is free. If you park at the Bolberry Down National Trust Car Park, standard parking charges may apply.
Soar Mill Cove is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. The Soar Mill Cove Hotel has its own operating hours for its facilities.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, combining coastal walking with beach relaxation.
Yes, the Soar Mill Cove Hotel offers accommodation in bungalows with country and channel views.
The South West Coast Path is a public right of way and is free to access.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the cove and coastline.
You can capture stunning landscape shots of the beach, dramatic coastal cliffs, wildflowers, and even the local highland cows.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and National Trust guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife or distant details.
Yes, the hotel and its surroundings offer picturesque scenes, especially with its country and channel views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a dedicated cafe directly on the beach, the Soar Mill Cove Hotel offers dining options, including breakfast and dinner.
The hotel's restaurant features a well-designed menu with high-quality produce, often focusing on seafood.
It's best to contact the Soar Mill Cove Hotel directly to inquire about breakfast availability for non-guests.
Nearby Salcombe offers a variety of pubs, cafes, and restaurants if you're looking for more dining choices.
Reviews suggest the food is of high quality and reasonably priced for the standard offered.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Pack a picnic and enjoy the unspoiled beach, perfect for building sandcastles and paddling. The presence of friendly highland cows near the cove is often a highlight for younger visitors. Consider staying at the Soar Mill Cove Hotel for a family-friendly retreat. While the hotel offers a more upscale experience, its amenities like the swimming pool can be a hit with kids. The hotel's proximity to Salcombe also provides access to more family-oriented activities and dining options.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
+1 Plan your route, wear appropriate footwear, and be prepared for the varied terrain. Many hikers use Soar Mill Cove as a stop-off point for a picnic lunch or a refreshing break. The Soar Mill Cove Hotel is conveniently located nearby if you're looking for a more substantial meal or a place to rest after a long walk.
🐶 Dog Owners
While the beach itself is generally dog-friendly, it's always good practice to check local signage and be mindful of other visitors. The surrounding coastal paths offer ample space for dogs to explore and enjoy the stunning Devonshire scenery.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the South West Coast Path
+1When walking the path towards Soar Mill Cove, you'll encounter varied terrain, from well-trodden tracks to steeper ascents and descents. It's advisable to wear sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for changing weather conditions. The journey itself is as much a part of the experience as the destination, with opportunities to spot diverse flora and fauna, and perhaps even some local wildlife like the famous highland cows.
+1Many visitors choose to incorporate Soar Mill Cove into a longer hike, perhaps starting from Salcombe or Hope Cove. The path is well-signposted, but having a map or using a navigation app can be helpful. Remember to check tide times if your route involves any sections that might be affected by high water.
The Charm of Soar Mill Cove Beach
+1The cove itself is a beautiful stretch of sand, perfect for relaxing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the sound of the waves. The surrounding cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop, and the clear waters are inviting for a refreshing dip on a warm day. The 'hidden gem' quality of Soar Mill Cove is frequently highlighted by visitors, who appreciate its natural beauty and untouched feel.
+1While there are no facilities directly on the beach, the nearby Soar Mill Cove Hotel offers a convenient place to refresh or dine after your beach visit. The journey to the beach is part of its allure, offering a sense of discovery and reward upon arrival.
Soar Mill Cove Hotel Experience
Guests frequently praise the hotel's exceptional dining experience, with a focus on well-designed menus and high-quality produce. The restaurant manager and staff are often commended for their friendly and attentive service. The hotel also boasts amenities such as a swimming pool and spa, enhancing the overall relaxation experience.
Notably, the hotel is dog-friendly, with special touches like providing sausages for canine guests at breakfast, which is a unique selling point for pet owners. The hotel's location, a short drive from Salcombe, makes it a convenient base for exploring the wider South Devon area.
Social
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