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Mill Bay East Portlemouth

4.7

·269 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

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Mill Bay East Portlemouth

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

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.

4.7

(269 reviews)

"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."

TIP

🚗 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.

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 269 reviews

Type

Beach

Address

Mill Bay, 2 Devon Rd, Salcombe TQ8 8PU, UK

Website

nationaltrust.org.uk/mill-bay

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing Mill Bay: Plan Your Journey

Getting to Mill Bay involves navigating narrow, winding single-track roads or taking the scenic passenger ferry from Salcombe. Parking at the beach fills up fast, so consider the ferry for a stress-free arrival and stunning estuary views.

Best Times to Visit for Serenity

To avoid crowds, aim for weekdays outside of peak summer. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more tranquil experience, especially during shoulder seasons like spring or autumn.

Best Times

When

Weekday mornings

Why

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Crowd

Low

When

Late afternoons

Why

Golden hour light, tranquil vibes

Crowd

Medium

When

Autumn/Spring

Why

Mild weather, fewer visitors

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🌞 COMING SOON... Can you guess where we’re heading this summer? 👀 We’re opening a second Surfing Cow location at the stunning Mill Bay Beach, East Portlemouth – taking over for summer 2025 from the lovely Paloozas! 🏖️ Get ready for award-winning gelato, freshly brewed coffee, light lunches, and tasty snacks, all served with unbeatable sea views. 🍦☕🥪🌊 The Team can’t wait for the summer of a life...

surfingcowgelato

170 likes • 4.3K views

🚗 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.

E A S T P O R T L E M O U T H - We are thrilled to launch Bay House in East Portlemouth. A generous detached home set in over 2 acres and occupying an elevated position overlooking Mill Bay beach and the Salcombe estuary. The property sits in what is arguably one of the most sought-after waterfront locations in the UK. Surrounded by the stunning scenery of South Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natura...

chrisclifford_swproperty

28 likes • 1K views

We love our little Devon life 🌿🌊✨ 📍Mill Bay, East Portlemouth #Wild swimming #devonwalkers #devonlife #autumn #love #life #staycation #holiday #glamping #Salcombe #Kingsbridge

lower_coombe_royal

17 likes • 373 views

🥾 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. +2

Not sure if I’m on East Portlemouth beach or Mill Bay - either way I’ve been in for a swim already and I’m in love! 😍🥰 so lucky to live near here #salcombe #britishseaside #devonseaside #eastportlemouth #millbay #devon #seaswim

harrys_mum_devon

23 likes • 462 views

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. +2

🍦 Summer Gelato Soon!

A new Surfing Cow gelato spot opens summer 2025 – perfect for a treat!

What Travellers Say

4.7

(269 reviews)

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

Gorgeous secluded beach

Clear golden sands

Scenic coastal walks

What People Dislike

Difficult to access roads

Limited parking

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. +1

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. +1

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. +1

Mill Bay features golden sandy beaches. The walk from the ferry is relatively easy, but the coastal path can be steep in places. +1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. +2

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. +1

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and National Trust guidelines before flying a drone in the area.