Our local guide to family-friendly beach cafés, country pubs and countryside cafés where little ones are welcome.
Finding somewhere lovely to eat with children can make all the difference to a family holiday. Somewhere with good food, a relaxed atmosphere and, ideally, a little space for the children to play while you finish your coffee.
Luckily, Salcombe, Hope Cove and the surrounding South Hams have some wonderful options. From breakfast beside the sea to countryside lunches with play areas, there are plenty of places where the whole family can feel at home.
Here are some of our favourite family-friendly places to eat, along with a few local tips to help you choose.
Breakfast and brunch with the kids
Bo's Beach Café – South Sands, Salcombe
There's something rather special about starting the day with breakfast overlooking the sea, and Bo's Beach Café is one of our favourite spots.
Set in the old lifeboat house right on South Sands Beach, Bo's has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy breakfast and coffee while watching the boats come and go across the estuary.
The beach is right beside the café, making it a lovely place to combine breakfast with a morning of sandcastle building, paddling or simply exploring the shoreline.
Why families love it: Beachside location, relaxed atmosphere and plenty to keep children entertained before or after breakfast.
Our local tip: Make a little adventure of it and take the seasonal South Sands Ferry from Salcombe. The sea tractor ride onto the beach is often as exciting for children as the ferry itself!
The Winking Prawn – North Sands, Salcombe
A Salcombe favourite for generations, The Winking Prawn sits just across the road from beautiful North Sands Beach.
It's colourful, informal and wonderfully family-friendly, with indoor seating and a spacious garden area.
Whether you're stopping for breakfast, coffee and cake or a leisurely lunch, it's the sort of place where sandy feet and excited children are very much part of the atmosphere.
North Sands is particularly lovely for younger children at low tide, when there's plenty of room for digging, exploring and playing.
Why families love it: Relaxed beachside dining, a spacious outdoor area and the beach just across the road.
Our local tip: Check the tide times before visiting. At low tide, North Sands becomes a wonderful natural playground.
Beachside lunches in Hope Cove, Salcombe and beyond
The Cove – Hope Cove
If you're spending the day exploring Hope Cove, The Cove is a great place to stop for lunch.
Just moments from the beach, this laid-back café-bar offers food and drinks in a relaxed coastal setting.
It's particularly convenient for families who want to spend the morning on the sand before stopping for something to eat.
Hope Cove itself is a lovely place for children, with sheltered beaches, rock pools and plenty of opportunities for seaside adventures.
Why families love it: Casual dining, beautiful coastal surroundings and easy access to the beach.
Our local tip: Explore both sides of Hope Cove. The village has two lovely beaches, each with its own character.
Hope & Anchor – Hope Cove
Right in the heart of Hope Cove, the Hope & Anchor is a lovely option for a family pub lunch with a sea view.
Its position overlooking the beach makes it an especially appealing choice after a morning exploring the cove.
It's a traditional coastal pub with a welcoming atmosphere, and a great place to settle in for a meal while enjoying the views.
Why families love it: A proper pub meal just steps from the beach.
The Beach House – South Milton Sands
South Milton Sands is one of our favourite beaches for a family day out, and The Beach House makes it easy to turn a beach trip into a lovely lunch outing.
Set beside the beach, it's a wonderful spot for enjoying food with views across the bay towards Thurlestone Rock.
Children can spend hours exploring the sand and rock pools, while the surrounding coastline is beautiful for a family walk.
Why families love it: A stunning beach setting and the chance to combine lunch with a proper seaside adventure.
Blackpool Sands Beach Café – Blackpool Sands, near Dartmouth
If you're looking for somewhere to enjoy lunch with the children right beside the beach, Blackpool Sands is a wonderful choice.
Set on one of South Devon's most beautiful sheltered bays, the beach café is perfect for a relaxed breakfast, coffee or lunch with lovely views across the water.
The beach itself is a brilliant place for a family day out, with clear water, plenty of space to play and beautiful woodland surrounding the bay.
It's a shingle beach rather than sand, so beach shoes can be handy for little feet!
Why families love it: A beachside café, beautiful sheltered bay and everything you need for a relaxed family beach day.
Country cafés with play areas
Aune Valley – Valley View Café, Loddiswell
For a family breakfast or lunch away from the beach, Valley View Café at Aune Valley is a lovely choice.
Part of the Aune Valley farm shop, the café is known for its generous food, welcoming atmosphere and countryside setting.
There's an outdoor play area for younger children, with seating nearby, making it particularly appealing for families who want to enjoy a meal without feeling rushed.
The farm shop is also worth exploring, with plenty of local produce to take back to your holiday cottage.
Why families love it: A dedicated outdoor play area, relaxed café atmosphere and delicious local food.
Our local tip: It's a great option for a leisurely weekend breakfast or lunch, particularly if you're exploring the countryside around Kingsbridge.
Rusty Tractor Farm Café – Ivybridge
If you're happy to venture a little further afield, the Rusty Tractor Farm Café is a brilliant option for families.
Located near Ivybridge, it combines a spacious outdoor play area with farm animals, plenty of seating and a welcoming café.
Children can meet farm animals, making the visit feel more like a little outing than simply stopping for lunch.
There may also be sheltered play facilities, although these should be checked before visiting.
Why families love it: Outdoor playground, farm animals and plenty of space to explore.
Our local tip: This is a particularly good choice if the children need to burn off some energy.
Relaxed pubs and waterside lunches
The Sportsman's Arms – Blackawton
Sometimes all you want is a proper country pub lunch, somewhere welcoming and relaxed where the children don't have to sit perfectly still for two hours.
The Sportsman's Arms near Blackawton is a traditional family-friendly pub, particularly popular for its hearty food and Sunday carvery.
It's a good option for families exploring the countryside towards Dartmouth or looking for a relaxed Sunday lunch away from the busier coastal towns.
Why families love it: Informal country pub atmosphere and an outdoor playground.
The Crabshell Inn – Kingsbridge
Overlooking the Kingsbridge Estuary, The Crabshell Inn is a popular choice for relaxed family dining.
There's plenty to watch on the water, particularly during the warmer months when boats and paddleboarders are coming and going.
The waterside setting and informal atmosphere make it a good choice for families looking for lunch or an early evening meal.
Why families love it: Estuary views, relaxed dining and plenty of activity on the water to keep curious little ones interested.
Our local tip: On a sunny day, try to get a table outside and enjoy the estuary views.
A few tips for eating out with children in the South Hams
Check the tides. Beaches such as North Sands and South Milton offer much more space for playing and rock pooling at low tide.
Book ahead during school holidays. Popular pubs and restaurants can fill up quickly, particularly on Sundays and during the summer.
Check seasonal opening times. Some beach cafés and restaurants operate reduced hours or close during the winter.
Pack a change of clothes. Even if you're only popping out for lunch, little ones have a remarkable ability to end up in the sea!
Choose your venue around the weather. Beachside cafés are wonderful on sunny days, while country cafés with indoor seating or play facilities can be a better choice when the weather turns.
Stay and explore the South Hams with Quay Holiday Lettings
One of the best things about a family holiday in South Devon is discovering all the little places that make the area special.
From mornings on the beach to leisurely pub lunches and countryside adventures, there's so much to enjoy beyond the beautiful coastline.
At Quay Holiday Lettings, we offer a handpicked collection of holiday homes in Salcombe, Hope Cove and the surrounding South Hams, giving you the perfect base to explore.
Whether you're planning a summer family holiday, a half-term escape or a weekend by the sea, we'd love to help you find somewhere special to stay.
Explore our holiday homes at www.quaylets.co.uk.