Family Friendly Pubs in Salcombe With Somewhere for Kids to Play

Short answer: The Victoria Inn is the family pub in Salcombe — a large terraced beer garden climbing up behind Fore Street, children's meals, and staff who will make room for a pram. The beaches across the water on the ferry are where the actual playing happens.

A word on what to expect. Devon coastal pubs very rarely have playgrounds in the way inland family pubs do — the buildings are old, the sites are small and the land is expensive. What they have instead is a beer garden, a beach or a public play area within sight. That is usually enough, but it is worth knowing before you drive somewhere expecting a climbing frame.

The Victoria Inn

The clear answer here. On Fore Street, with a large terraced beer garden climbing up behind the street and tables overlooking the water. Reviewers describe visiting as a large family group with a young baby, pre-ordering meals to speed service, and their request to have the pram beside the table accommodated without any problem.

Children's meals are on the menu, though one reviewer notes the portions favour chips over the main item. The kitchen gets stretched in season — pre-ordering or expecting a wait is the sensible approach.

The Fortescue Inn

Away from the waterfront, open from eight in the morning until midnight, and reviewers consistently describe the friendliest welcome in town. Mussels, well-rated fish and chips, and takeaway pizzas — the last of which is genuinely useful if you want to eat on a beach rather than at a table.

The Ferry Inn

The beer garden hangs over the water and is the best drinking spot in Salcombe. Two caveats with children: it is down steps from street level, and the food is average and priced for the view. Go for a drink and the estuary, eat elsewhere.

Where the actual play is

The ferry. Take it across to Mill Bay, where there is golden sand, sheltered shallow water and — the real attraction — a stream running down beside the beach. Reviewers describe the stream as sure to entertain children for a while, which undersells it; running water and a bucket outlast any playground.

Sunny Cove next door is quieter still, linked by a wooded path. North Sands on the town side has rock pools and a good café opposite.

Practical

• Bring coins — the North Sands parking machine does not take cards and the signal is poor.
• The Pantry seats about seven people; treat it as a takeaway.
• Salcombe is steep. Fore Street along the water is the flat ground.
• Book. Salcombe fills, and this is the most expensive town in the guide.