Mill Bay East Portlemouth
A secluded golden sand beach in East Portlemouth, offering clear waters and stunning estuary views, accessible via ferry or scenic coastal paths.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Mill Bay East Portlemouth
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A secluded golden sand beach in East Portlemouth, offering clear waters and stunning estuary views, accessible via ferry or scenic coastal paths.
"The sea here is lovely and the beach clean and golden, so much so that it was easy to believe we had some how travelled abroad."
🚗 Ferry is Key!
Take the passenger ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth for easy access and great views.
🅿️ Parking Patience
Beach parking fills fast. Consider the ferry or alternative parking a mile away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mill Bay Beach
East Portlemouth
Golden sands, clear waters, and a secluded feel. Perfect for swimming and beachcombing.
South West Coast Path
From Mill Bay
Scenic walks with breathtaking views of the Salcombe estuary and coastline.
Passenger Ferry to East Portlemouth
Salcombe to East Portlemouth
An iconic journey offering stunning estuary vistas and easy access to Mill Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Mill Bay: Plan Your Journey
Best Times to Visit for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ferry is Key!
Take the passenger ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth for easy access and great views. +1
🅿️ Parking Patience
Beach parking fills fast. Consider the ferry or alternative parking a mile away.
🥾 Coastal Path Adventures
Explore the South West Coast Path for stunning estuary and sea views. +1
🏊♀️ Wild Swimming Spot
The clear waters are perfect for a refreshing dip, especially on warmer days.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ferry is Key!
Take the passenger ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth for easy access and great views. +1
🅿️ Parking Patience
Beach parking fills fast. Consider the ferry or alternative parking a mile away.
🥾 Coastal Path Adventures
Explore the South West Coast Path for stunning estuary and sea views. +1
🏊♀️ Wild Swimming Spot
The clear waters are perfect for a refreshing dip, especially on warmer days.
🍦 Summer Gelato Soon!
A new Surfing Cow gelato spot opens summer 2025 – perfect for a treat!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mill Bay is a stunning, secluded beach praised for its golden sands and clear waters, often compared to overseas destinations. While the journey can be challenging via narrow roads, the passenger ferry from Salcombe offers a delightful alternative. It's a beloved spot for families and walkers, though parking is limited and fills quickly.
"Gorgeous secluded beach but it is a nightmare to get to."
tracey edwards
"Took the pedestrian ferry from Salcombe to Mill Bay and enjoyed our walk on the South West Coast Path out to Gara Rock and looped back on an inland public path, about five miles in all. Beautiful ocean views and sandy beaches on a gorgeous day in early October. Great way to spend a morning or afternoon."
Rich Mahoney
"Man a childhood spent here, took our own kids to introduce them to the beach. They also loved it!"
Tom Milsom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive via narrow, single-track roads, but parking is limited and fills quickly. The most recommended way is to take the passenger ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth, then walk for about 10 minutes to Mill Bay. +1
Yes, the roads leading to Mill Bay are very narrow and winding, often described as a 'drive not for the faint-hearted.' Patience is key if you choose to drive.
The iconic passenger ferry from Salcombe is a popular and scenic option. It drops you off near East Portlemouth, with a short walk to Mill Bay.
There is National Trust parking a short walk from the beach, but it fills up very quickly. An alternative is parking about a mile away for a small fee, followed by a 20-minute walk.
While there isn't direct public transport to the beach itself, the ferry from Salcombe is a key part of the journey for many visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mill Bay beach itself is free to access. However, there may be parking fees if you drive, and the passenger ferry from Salcombe has a small fare.
Mill Bay is a natural beach and is accessible at all times. However, facilities like cafes or parking may have specific operating hours.
No, Mill Bay beach does not have an entrance fee. It's a public beach for everyone to enjoy.
The passenger ferry from Salcombe to East Portlemouth typically operates on a hop-on, hop-off basis and does not require advance booking.
Parking at the National Trust car park near the beach can fill up. Alternative parking a mile away costs around £5 per day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy swimming in the clear waters, sunbathing on the golden sands, beachcombing, and exploring the South West Coast Path. It's also a great spot for a picnic. +1
Yes, it's a family-friendly beach with a gentle stream where children often play. The calm waters are suitable for younger swimmers.
While the beach is natural, there are cafes nearby like Village Farm Cafe and Surfing Cow (opening summer 2025) for refreshments.
Absolutely! The sea at Mill Bay is known for being lovely and clear, making it a popular spot for swimming and wild swimming.
Mill Bay features golden sandy beaches. The walk from the ferry is relatively easy, but the coastal path can be steep in places.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Village Farm Cafe in East Portlemouth offers drinks and food with stunning views. Surfing Cow gelato will also be available from summer 2025.
Definitely! Mill Bay is a perfect spot for a picnic, with beautiful scenery to enjoy your food.
The Village Farm Cafe offers drinks and light meals, ideal for a post-beach or coastal walk refuel.
Yes, Surfing Cow is opening a second location at Mill Bay in summer 2025, serving award-winning gelato, coffee, and snacks.
There are no restaurants directly on the sand, but the nearby Village Farm Cafe and the upcoming Surfing Cow provide convenient options.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and the iconic view back towards Salcombe from the East Portlemouth side. The coastal path offers panoramic vistas.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful light. Midday can be great for capturing the vibrant blues of the water.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastal views. A polarizing filter can enhance the sea and sky.
Photograph the passenger ferry crossing the estuary, the charming coves nearby, and the dramatic coastline along the South West Coast Path.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and National Trust guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The clear, calm waters are also suitable for younger swimmers, making it a great spot for a family beach day. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, or visit the nearby Village Farm Cafe for refreshments. 🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
+1 Be prepared for some steep sections, but the rewarding vistas are well worth the effort. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes and water!🏖️ Beach Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating to Mill Bay: The Scenic Route
+2Once you arrive in East Portlemouth via ferry, Mill Bay is just a short, pleasant walk away. This method bypasses the parking woes often associated with the beach itself. If you do choose to drive, be prepared for limited parking at the beach, which fills up rapidly. An alternative is to park about a mile away and enjoy a brief walk to the shore.
Key takeaway: For a smoother and more scenic experience, prioritize the ferry. It’s a quintessential part of the Mill Bay visit and avoids the stress of navigating tight country lanes and searching for parking.
Exploring the South West Coast Path from Mill Bay
Walkers can head towards Gara Rock for a rewarding loop, or simply enjoy shorter sections with stunning viewpoints. The terrain can be steep in places, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Along the way, you might discover hidden coves and enjoy the fresh sea air.
+1Don't miss: The panoramic views back towards Salcombe from the East Portlemouth side are particularly memorable. This stretch of coastline is a photographer's dream and a walker's paradise.
+1Mill Bay: A Gem for Beach Lovers
Beyond swimming, the beach is perfect for a leisurely day of sunbathing, building sandcastles, or simply relaxing by the shore. Beachcombers will find delight in searching for seashells and other treasures washed ashore. The gentle stream running alongside the beach is also a hit with children, providing a safe and fun area to play.
+1Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the upcoming Surfing Cow gelato shop, set to open in summer 2025, adding a sweet treat to your beach experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit