Hope Cove (Mouthwell Sands)

The main sandy beach at the picturesque fishing village of Hope Cove, on the South Devon coast between Salcombe and Thurlestone — split between the sheltered inner harbour beach and the bigger Mouthwell Sands.

Beach & safety

Water quality: Good

Lifeguard: Not confirmed — no RNLI lifeguard patrol identified for this beach

Hazards: Generally sheltered; South West Water upgraded the Galmpton sewage works and Hope Cove pumping stations in 2023 after historic sewage pollution concerns here.

Amenities: toilets · cafe · car-park

Dogs

Official source: View the rule at source →

Family

Picturesque, sheltered village beach with rock pools and a slipway — good for families, though parking in the village is limited in peak season.

Fishing

Rocky ledges and mixed ground produce bass, pollack, wrasse, mackerel, garfish, scad, pouting and dogfish. The best fishing is generally outside the central family sand and harbour activity.

Species reported: Bass, Pollack, Ballan wrasse, Mackerel, Garfish, Scad, Pouting, Lesser-spotted dogfish

Crabbing

unknown

Access & parking

Village car park with a short walk to the beach; slipway at the inner Harbour Beach. Sat-nav: TQ7 3HH. Get directions →