Motorhoming the Salcombe Peninsula

In this article, we present a detailed 5-day itinerary, local highlights, safety reminders (especially for towing), and up-to-date statistics to lend context to touring life in South Devon.

Tourism & Caravan Industry in Context

To understand the scale and significance of touring holidays in Devon, here are a few figures:

• The South Hams district’s tourism sector is valued at around £266 million per year, supporting about 4,500 jobs locally.

• In the UK as a whole, the touring caravan, motorhome and holiday home industry contributes more than £6 billion annually (through retail, holiday expenditure, services).

• The same source estimates that there are about 555,000 touring caravans and 225,000 motorhomes currently in use in Britain.

• In Devon’s short-term rental market, occupancy levels have reached about 78 %, reflecting strong domestic travel demand.

These numbers show that touring and caravanning are central to Devon’s visitor economy—and choosing a beautiful, less crowded place like the Salcombe Peninsula gives you the best of both worlds: attractive scenery and a share of that economic benefit.

5-Day Caravan Itinerary — Salcombe Peninsula & Surrounds

Here’s a suggested route—with places to stay, things to see, and tips to savour the region at a relaxed pace.

Day	Base / Route	Highlights & Activities
Day 1	Arrive and settle in at Ilton Farm or a local touring park	Relax, walk into Salcombe, enjoy a waterfront dinner, and glimpse the harbour sunset
Day 2	Ferry to East Portlemouth → Mill Bay walk	Cross via ferry, hike coastal path, picnic in coves, return via inland lanes
Day 3	Drive to Prawle Point & Start Bay	Explore the southern tip, stop in East Prawle, and walk or cycle nearby lanes
Day 4	Waterborne day from Salcombe	Boat service to South Sands / North Sands, beach time, paddleboarding, or kayaking
Day 5	Local walk & departure	Gentle morning walk, pack up, detour via Kingsbridge or Mothecombe on the way home

Table 2. Suggested Caravan Campsites & Touring Parks

Campsite / Park	Location & Notes	Facilities / Suitability
Ilton Farm Campsite	Deep in the South Hams, just over a mile from Salcombe	Generous pitches, good for peaceful anchoring
Karrageen Caravan & Camping Park	Near Salcombe, sea views	Electric hookups, family-friendly layout
Oakdown Touring Park	South Devon region	Well-managed, tourist/camping hybrid
Cofton Holidays (further afield)	Dawlish area	Example of a 5-star facility with hard standings

Before you commit, always check for pitch sizes, access roads, waste disposal, and local restrictions (some parks may have height or length limits).

Caravan Safety, Towing & Tyre Best Practices

While the scenery and pace of touring in South Devon are relaxing, towing a caravan demands careful preparation. Among the most critical safety checks is tyre condition. According to onlinecarparts.co.uk the tyre tread depth should be maintained to legal standards — and when towing a caravan, the safety margin is even more important.

In UK law, the legal minimum tyre tread depth for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around the full circumference. Before each leg of your journey:

1. Check tyre pressures on both your towing vehicle and caravan, factoring in added weight.

2. Measure tread depth at multiple points using a gauge (or coin test as a rough indicator).

3. Inspect wheel nuts, hitch coupling, lights, cables & brakes.

4. Drive deliberately, avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, especially on narrow Devon lanes.

5. Plan your route in advance to avoid low bridges, extremely tight bends, or unsuitable tracks.

Given the rural roads of the Peninsula, even small mistakes in handling or tyre grip can escalate. But with proper preparation, your drive becomes part of the pleasure, not the risk.

Scenic Highlights & Hidden Gems

• East Portlemouth & Mill Bay: Accessed by ferry, these beaches are quieter than the main Salcombe front, and the walks linking them offer sweeping estuary views.

• Prawle Point: The southern extremity of the peninsula is especially rugged and dramatic — excellent for exploring away from the crowds.

• Start Bay: Views across Start Point to the open sea, often wind-blown and wild in the afternoons.

• Salcombe to South Sands / North Sands by boat: A relaxed way to reach beautifully framed beaches without navigating narrow lanes.

• Kingsbridge & Mothecombe: Perfect for stopping en route home — local cafés, estuary walks, scenic viewpoints.

Take time to dine in local pubs, pick up supplies from farm shops, and immerse yourself in the slower rhythm of South Devon life.

Final Reflections & Practical Tips

Touring the Salcombe Peninsula by motorhome or caravan offers a fulfilling mix of natural beauty, restful nights, and enough variety to keep each day fresh. It aligns perfectly with the ethos of VisitSouthDevon: unhurried exploration, hidden corners, and authentic maritime landscapes.

To summarise:

• Book your pitch ahead, especially in summer.

• Mind tidal schedules and ferry timings if you plan to cross estuaries.

• Stay mindful of local parking and access charges — Salcombe has recently raised parking fees for visitors, drawing criticism and concern about the impact on tourism.

• Keep your caravan rig well-maintained— safety first.

• Plan your route carefully and drive patiently — on narrow lanes, every inch counts.

With proper attention to safety and a spirit of discovery, your Salcombe Peninsula caravan adventure can become a standout memory: waking to estuary views, exploring hidden coves, and leaving with a deeper connection to South Devon’s charm.

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