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N estled above the picturesque Bigbury Bay, the Hope and Anchor is the perfect seaside mooring for discovering one of the country’s most stunning locations. We’re blessed with a variety of things to see and do on our doorstep. From exploring the outdoors, be it on foot or on the water, to visiting must-see local attractions, here’s a rundown of the essentials to check off during your stay.
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Hope Cove itself is simply breathtaking. Take a wander between Outer Hope and Inner Hope where you’ll discover cob, stone, and thatched cottages with pretty window boxes and doors so low, you’ll need to lower your head to enter.
There are two beaches to choose from. Looking for a dog-friendly beach in South Devon? Dogs on leads are allowed on Main Beach all year, while Small Beach is dog-free from May to September. Should the weather take a turn for the worst, the Hope & Anchor is a cosy retreat to batten down the hatches for a spot of dramatic storm watching.
Hope Cove has a long fishing history, and although the industry is substantially smaller than days gone by, there’s still a catch to be had from the breakwaters and rocks. If deep-sea fishing is more your thing, sea fishing trips leave daily from Salcombe. There is also freshwater fishing at Kingsbridge, Ermington and Sherford.
The Hope and Anchor is an ideal base camp for exploring the fantastic South Devon AONB. Prepare to be greeted by seemingly endless swathes of peaceful countryside, rolling hills, stunning coastlines, sandy beaches, and hidden coves. There’s plenty to keep you exploring for days.
This vibrant sailing town is just a few miles away from Hope Cove. Its extensive waterfront, secluded beaches, and quaint shops only add to its traditional Devon charm. The natural harbour makes this one of the South West’s favourite sailing spots. Day trips can be booked for both novices and experienced sailors alike.
East Portlemouth Beach is close by and well worth a day trip of its own. There are various hidden coves to explore, and endless rock pools for budding scientists to peruse. What’s more, it’s completely dog-friendly all year round, meaning you can bring Rover too.
Dartmoor National Park’s dramatic landscape draws visitors from across the globe, yet even in the height of summer, it never feels remotely crowded. Just an hour away from Hope Cove, you can explore iconic tors, wooded valleys, expanses of open moorland, and flowing rivers. There really is something for everyone; from walks for all abilities, horse-riding and cycling, to photography, geocaching, watersports, climbing, festivals and more.
Dartmoor is dog-friendly, and pooches even have their own dedicated section on the Visit Dartmoor webpage below.
Just across Bigbury Bay, Bigbury-on-Sea is home to a large sandy beach that is blessed with impressive waves pretty much all year round. The conditions are perfect for both learners and more experienced surfers. It’s also a great place for having a go at bodyboarding, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and more!
