One of the questions we’re asked most often is, “Where should I park?”
If you’re visiting the South Hams for the first time, parking can feel a little confusing. Different car parks use different payment apps, some have short stay limits during the summer, and mobile signal can be surprisingly unreliable once you reach the coast.
The good news? Once you know where to go, parking is straightforward.
As a local holiday letting company, we’ve put together our favourite tips to help you spend less time worrying about parking and more time enjoying your holiday.
Before You Leave Home
Before travelling, it is worth downloading any parking apps and setting up an account while you still have good Wi-Fi or mobile signal.
PayByPhone
Used in many South Hams District Council car parks, including Salcombe and Kingsbridge.
RingGo
Used by some privately managed car parks, including Hope Cove and the Thurlestone Golf Club car park for Leas Foot Beach.
JustPark
If your holiday cottage doesn’t include parking, JustPark is well worth a look. Local residents sometimes rent out private driveways and parking spaces by the day or week, which can work out cheaper than public car parks, especially in Salcombe where parking is limited.
Salcombe
Salcombe is one of Devon’s most popular destinations, but its narrow streets mean parking is carefully managed, particularly during the summer.
Shadycombe Car Park
Best for popping into town, shopping or lunch.
During peak season there are maximum stay restrictions of 3 hours, so it is not the best choice if you’re planning to spend the entire day exploring.
Our tip: If you’re heading out on the water or spending all day in Salcombe, choose Creek Car Park instead, if you can get a space.
Whitestrand Car Park
You won’t find a more convenient location, it is right on the waterfront.
However, convenience comes at a price. During the summer the maximum stay is very short, 1 hour, making it ideal for collecting fish and chips, or a quick wander around the shops, but not for a leisurely day in town.
Creek Car Park
If you’re spending the day in Salcombe, this is usually our recommendation.
Longer-stay parking is available and overnight parking is permitted, making it particularly useful if you’re staying nearby.
Bonfire Hill Park & Ride
During the busiest holiday periods, the Park & Ride bus runs into Salcombe.
Outside those dates, you can still park here you’ll simply need to walk into town.
The walk into Salcombe is downhill, which also means the walk back is uphill.
If you’re carrying paddleboards, beach equipment or travelling with young children, it is worth keeping this in mind.
Hope Cove
Hope Cove is one of our favourite places in the South Hams, but it catches out a lot of visitors.
The main village car park uses RingGo.
Clare’s Local Tip
Download RingGo and set it up before you arrive.
The mobile signal in Hope Cove can be unreliable, and although there is Wi-Fi near the payment machine, it does not always cooperate.
Whenever I am heading to Hope Cove, I usually start my parking session before driving into the village.
The RingGo location code is 16099.
It saves a lot of stress.
South Milton Sands
South Milton Sands is managed by the National Trust.
The car park uses ANPR, so there are no paper tickets.
Simply enter your vehicle registration at the payment terminal.
If you’re a National Trust member, scan your membership card.
If you’re not a member, simply pay by card.
Clare’s Local Tip
If you regularly visit National Trust beaches and beauty spots during your holiday, membership can quickly pay for itself.
Leas Foot Beach, Thurlestone
The closest parking for Leas Foot Beach is the upper grassy field managed by Thurlestone Golf Club.
This is privately managed rather than being a council car park.
Parking is available using RingGo.
Location code: 48036
There is also a pay-and-display machine on site.
Clare’s Local Tip
Download RingGo before travelling. Signal is not always reliable around the coast, so having everything ready makes life much easier.
Bantham Beach
Bantham is privately owned and has one of the best beaches in Devon.
Parking works a little differently here.
Rather than paying through an app, you will normally pay at the entrance kiosk when you arrive.
Parking is relatively expensive during the height of summer, but prices reduce later in the afternoon.
Clare’s Local Tip
If you’re planning an evening beach walk or sunset picnic, arriving later in the day can save you money.
Kingsbridge
Compared with Salcombe, parking in Kingsbridge is much easier.
There are several long-stay car parks within walking distance of the town centre, making it an excellent base for shopping, cafés and exploring the estuary.
Most council-operated car parks use PayByPhone.
National Trust Car Parks
Many of the South Hams’ most beautiful walks and beaches have National Trust car parks.
These include:
– South Milton Sands
– East Soar
– Mill Bay (East Portlemouth)
– Bolberry Down
– Snapes Point
– Start Point
If you’re planning several National Trust visits during your holiday, membership can represent excellent value.
Renting a holiday home without a Parking Space
Many of Salcombe’s beautiful cottages don’t include private parking.
If that’s the case, I would check Just Park.
JustPark allows homeowners to rent out driveways and private parking spaces by the day or week.
If you’re staying for several nights, it is often more convenient than moving your car between public car parks.
Our Top Tips
– Download your parking apps before travelling.
– Don’t rely on mobile signal in coastal villages.
– Always check the maximum stay before leaving your vehicle.
– National Trust membership can save you money if you’re visiting several beauty spots.
– If your accommodation doesn’t include parking, check JustPark before you arrive.
– During school holidays, arrive early, popular beach car parks fill quickly on sunny days.
A Final Word
Parking in the South Hams isn’t designed to make life difficult it helps protect our beautiful coastline, historic villages and narrow streets from becoming overwhelmed during the busiest months of the year.
With a little planning, you’ll spend less time searching for a parking space and much more time enjoying everything this wonderful corner of Devon has to offer.