This beautiful little village has been named as one of the most magical in Britain, with quaint cobbled streets and ornate cottages, it’s the perfect idyll for a peaceful break
Abandon your plans to travel half-way across the world, because this hidden UK gem nestled along the Devon coast looks like something straight out of a fairytale.
Located five miles west of Salcombe and five miles southwest of Kingsbridge, Hope Cove is a small seaside village in the South Hams district of Devon. Once known for its thriving fishing port, it now offers visitors a relaxing retreat surrounded by natural beauty and coastal charm. Interestingly, out of 343 properties in the area, 248 are holiday homes.
With its soft golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and welcoming atmosphere, Hope Cove has become a favourite destination. According to reports, it attracts around eight million visitors every year – and its beauty explains why. It has as rich maritime history that thrived in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its name comes from the Old Norse word hóp, which means ‘bay’ or ‘small inlet.’
A BuzzFeed article ranked Hope Cove third on the list of the most magical villages, stating: “Thatched roofs are a fairytale staple, right? Head to the old fishing village of Hope Cove where there are more than a few. The village sits across two beaches and is within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so it is safe to say that it is full of Mother Nature’s finest creations.”
There are plenty of things to do in Hope Cove, from exploring the sandy shores of Inner Hope and Outer Hope (also known as Mouthwell Beach) and Harbour Beach to taking scenic walks along the South West Coast Path towards South Milton and Thurlestone.
Other activities include watching breathtaking sunsets from the clifftops, where Hope Cove offers some of the most spectacular coastal views. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the rare green flash, an optical phenomenon caused by the dispersion of sunlight through the Earth’s atmosphere, visible for just a few seconds. For food lovers, Hope Cove is known for its fresh seafood, particularly lobster and crab. There are numerous local restaurants, pubs, and cafés just a short walk from the beach, offering a variety of options to satisfy every taste.
Getting to Hope Cove is easy. The nearest railway station is in Totnes, with regular trains from London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham, Wales, and the North. Travel times vary depending on your departure location, and once you arrive, you’ll need to book a taxi for the final leg of the journey. Alternatively, if you’re driving, Hope Cove is less than five hours from London, depending on traffic.
Hope Cove is the kind of place that despite its small size, there are plenty of things to see and do – and the best part is that it’s not too far from home!
