This is the Summer to Love Devon

Why 2026 could be the perfect year for a South Hams staycation

There’s something rather wonderful happening in Britain this summer. We’re looking up at blue skies, reaching for the sunglasses and suddenly wondering… why do we ever feel the need to fly anywhere else?

Because when summer decides to show off, Devon really does put on a spectacular display.

And if you’re looking for somewhere to escape this summer, there’s a very strong argument for staying right here in the UK. More specifically, heading south, following the road into Devon and discovering the glorious South Hams.

Think rolling green countryside, winding country lanes, wildflower-filled hedgerows, golden sandy beaches, hidden coves, sparkling blue water, dramatic cliffs and some of the most beautiful coastal walking in the country.

Then there’s Salcombe.

And Hope Cove.

And the South West Coast Path.

In other words… live the Devon dream.

THE SOUTH HAMS: DEVON AT ITS VERY BEST

The South Hams feels like the Devon you imagine before you arrive.

It’s rural without feeling remote, beautiful without being showy and wonderfully unhurried. One minute you can be driving through rolling countryside, surrounded by fields and ancient hedgerows; the next you’re looking out across the English Channel from a cliff top.

This is a landscape made for slowing down.

There are villages to explore, beaches to discover, country pubs to find and coastal paths that seem to invite you to simply keep walking.

And in summer, the South Hams comes alive.

The hedgerows are bursting with colour, the fields are golden-green, the beaches beckon and the long evenings seem to stretch on forever.

It’s the kind of place where breakfast can turn into a morning walk, a morning walk can turn into lunch by the sea and lunch can somehow become an afternoon on the beach.

That’s Devon time.

SALCOMBE: THE JEWEL OF DEVON

Then there is Salcombe.

Tucked around the beautiful Salcombe Estuary, this much-loved seaside town has earned its reputation as one of Devon’s most desirable destinations — and it’s not hard to see why.

There’s something almost Mediterranean about a sunny day in Salcombe. Boats bob gently on the water, the estuary glitters in the sunshine and the town spills down towards the harbour.

You can browse independent shops, enjoy a leisurely lunch, wander along the waterfront or simply find somewhere to sit and watch the world go by.

And then there are the beaches.

North Sands and South Sands are both beautiful in their own very different ways, while across the water, East Portlemouth opens up another world of beaches, coves and coastal walks.

The South West Coast Path around Salcombe offers spectacular walking, including routes towards Soar Mill Cove and the dramatic headlands beyond the town. (The South West Coast Path)

This is Salcombe at its best: sunshine, sea air, good food and nowhere else you need to be.

HOPE COVE: A LITTLE SLICE OF DEVON MAGIC

If Salcombe is the jewel, Hope Cove is one of the little treasures tucked into the South Hams coastline.

It’s smaller, quieter and wonderfully charming.

Two beaches, thatched cottages, colourful boats, coastal walks and a village atmosphere make Hope Cove somewhere you can happily lose a few hours.

Or an entire day.

Follow the South West Coast Path around Bolt Tail and Bolberry Down and you’ll discover breathtaking views across the coastline, wildflowers, wildlife and that wonderful feeling of being completely away from everyday life.

The Hope Cove, Bolt Tail and Bolberry Down circular walk is around 4.8 miles and takes in coastal and countryside paths, with views across this spectacular stretch of South Devon. (South West Coast Path)

And the best bit?

You can finish your walk with a drink, lunch or ice cream before wandering back towards the beach.

Because walking is always better when you know there’s a Devon treat waiting at the end.

WALK THE SOUTH WEST COAST PATH

If there is one thing you should do during a Devon staycation, it’s walk the South West Coast Path.

You don’t have to tackle the whole thing. In fact, you really shouldn’t feel that you need to.

Just choose a stretch.

Walk for an hour.

Walk for three.

Or make a day of it.

The South West Coast Path stretches for 630 miles around the South West and is the longest National Trail in England. (South West Coast Path)

And the section between Bigbury, Hope Cove and Salcombe is particularly spectacular.

The Coast Path Association describes the stretch between Hope Cove and Salcombe as one of the most beautiful sections of the entire trail — and when you’re standing high above the cliffs looking across the sparkling sea, it’s difficult to disagree. (South West Coast Path)

There are dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, rolling countryside, wildlife and enormous skies.

It’s invigorating.

It’s beautiful.

And, quite honestly, it’s good for the soul.

THE DEVON DREAM

Perhaps that’s what makes a Devon holiday so special.

It isn’t just about the places you visit.

It’s about how you feel while you’re here.

The pace slows down.

You breathe a little more deeply.

You walk a little further.

You sit outside for longer.

You eat local food, discover a new beach, watch the sun disappear over the water and realise that you haven’t checked the time for hours.

And perhaps that is exactly what a holiday should be.

You don’t necessarily need airport queues, passports and a flight to somewhere thousands of miles away.

Sometimes you just need a road south.

A beautiful place to stay.

A great breakfast.

A pair of walking shoes.

And the sea.

THIS YEAR, TAKE THE STAYCATION

So, if you’ve been wondering whether 2026 is the year to rediscover Britain, consider this your sign.

Come to Devon.

Come and explore the South Hams.

Come and discover Salcombe.

Walk to Hope Cove.

Follow the South West Coast Path.

Swim in the sea.

Eat fish and chips by the harbour.

Find a hidden cove.

Sit in the sunshine.

Have a cream tea.

Take the scenic route.

Do absolutely nothing for an afternoon.

Because sometimes the best holidays aren’t the ones that take you furthest away.

They’re the ones that remind you how beautiful home can be.

And right here in South Devon, we have something rather special.

The countryside.
The coast.
The beaches.
The villages.
The food.
The sunshine.
The sea.

The Devon dream is waiting.

COME TO DEVON.
COME TO THE SOUTH HAMS.
COME AND FALL IN LOVE WITH SALCOMBE.