Tiny seaside town that’s ‘quintessentially British’ and ‘peaceful’ in October

Summer is in its final days and the autumn is fast approaching.

Although you might not think of the seaside when you think about autumnal getaways, there are plenty of beautiful spots in the UK that are perfect for a cosy weekend away.

Just because they’re on the seaside doesn’t mean it all has to be sunbathing and sandcastles.

Hope Cove in South Devon is one of these picture perfect spots. 

Originally a fishing and smuggling village, Hope Cove thrived during the 18th and 19th centuries when its sheltered harbour provided refuge for fishing boats and merchant vessels.

Nowadays, this seaside village is packed out with holidaymakers in summer but as the weather cools and the tourists start to drift away it offers a more peaceful holiday with fewer crowds.

Its beaches are stunning and teeming with wildlife.

One of the popular things to do at Hope Cove is explore the craggy rock pools that lie at the edge of the tide, with all kinds of crabs, anemones and sea slugs living inside them.

However if this is on your itinerary make sure you leave the nets at home. Look, marvel but don’t touch!

These delicate species can be harmed by the edges of nets, and it’s important to leave them in their natural habitat to ensure they can continue their life cycles.

After you’ve had your fill of tidepooling, why not rug up warmly and head to Bolberry Down where a network of winding paths run along the cliff tops, giving walkers a perfect view of the ocean stretching out beneath them.

The National Trust, which maintains these paths, have ensured that some of them are accessible for wheelchairs and people with buggies.

Although they are cliff top walks, the paths are relatively flat so you won’t exhaust yourself trying to navigate them. 

Tourists who have spent time in Hope Cove have been flown away by its beauty and the peaceful nature of the village.

One wrote on Tripadvisor: “We visited in October and it was very quiet and peaceful. The cafe/coffee shop were open and the prices are very reasonable. You can catch a boat ferry from here that takes you back to Salcombe if you fancy it.”

Another said: “It’s a beautiful quintessentially British town. So tiny with a few great pubs, brisk cliff top walks and some quiet beach coves.”

A third shared that even in the depths of winter the beach was a perfect place to visit.

“We visited on a cold, wet and windy day. The waves crashing on the breakwater, throwing spume 30 feet in the air was spectacular.”