Plan a 3-Day Family Itinerary in South Hams
19 September 2026
Table of Contents
- Why South Hams Works for a 3-Day Family Break
- Day One: Beaches and Coastal Exploration
- Day Two: National Trust Sites and Countryside Activities
- Day Three: Hidden Gems and Relaxation
- Family-Friendly Activities in South Hams
- Essential First Aid Kit for Family Hiking
- Practical Tips for Your 3-Day Family Itinerary
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: September 18, 2026
Why South Hams Works for a 3-Day Family Break
Planning a 3 day family itinerary South Hams is straightforward because the region packs beaches, countryside, and adventure into a compact area. You won't waste hours driving between attractions. Everything is close enough that you can relax between activities.
South Hams sits in South Devon, between Salcombe and Dartmouth. The region combines dramatic coastline, National Trust properties, and quiet villages. Families find it manageable because distances are short and activities suit all ages.
At Spring Barn at Bolberry Court, we've hosted families planning exactly this kind of break. The location near Bolberry gives you a peaceful base with direct access to the South West Coast Path and local beaches. A fully enclosed garden means children can play safely while you plan your days.
The best 3-day family itinerary in South Hams balances beach time, outdoor walks, and indoor backup options. Weather in South Devon changes quickly, so flexibility matters.
Day One: Beaches and Coastal Exploration
Start your first day with beaches. South Hams has several family-friendly options within 20 minutes of most accommodation.
Bantham Beach is excellent for families. The beach faces south, so it catches sun most of the day. Rock pools form at low tide, perfect for children to explore. The beach has a car park and basic facilities. Arrive early in summer to secure parking.
Thurlestone Beach offers a different experience. A sandbar appears at low tide, creating a natural swimming area. The beach is less crowded than Bantham. Facilities include a café and toilets. Check tide times before visiting, the sandbar only appears at specific times.
Spend your afternoon on the South West Coast Path. The walk from Bolberry Down to Salcombe offers dramatic views but isn't flat. Younger children manage shorter sections better. The path has dramatic views but isn't flat. Younger children manage shorter sections better.
Pack a picnic for the beach or path. Local shops in Salcombe sell sandwiches and snacks if you'd rather not prepare food. Bring sun cream, hats, and extra layers, coastal wind cools quickly.
Day Two: National Trust Sites and Countryside Activities
Your second day focuses on countryside and National Trust properties. These sites offer structured activities and indoor spaces if weather turns.
Bolberry Down, managed by the National Trust, sits near your base. The site has open grassland, coastal views, and walking trails. Children enjoy exploring the open space. The walk to the cliff edge takes 30 minutes. No facilities are on-site, so bring water and snacks.
Overbecks Museum and Garden, also National Trust, lies near Salcombe. The garden has terraced paths, exotic plants, and sea views. Children enjoy exploring the gardens more than the museum itself. The museum has narrow stairs, so younger children may struggle. Entry fees apply.
Consider a visit to Dartmouth. The town sits 20 minutes north and has a castle, river walks, and ice cream shops. The castle has open spaces for children to run. River walks are flat and manageable. Parking can be tight in summer.
An afternoon activity could include visiting a local farm or animal attraction. These vary seasonally, so check ahead. Many close during winter months.
Day Three: Hidden Gems and Relaxation
Your final day balances activity with relaxation. By day three, children often tire from packed schedules.
Explore Salcombe's town centre. The high street has independent shops, cafés, and an ice cream parlour. A walk along the waterfront takes 20 minutes. The town is compact, so you won't spend hours walking.
Visit Sharpitor Beach, a quieter alternative to busier spots. The beach is smaller and less crowded. Access involves a short walk from the car park. Facilities are minimal, but the peace makes it worthwhile.
Spend your afternoon at your accommodation. Spring Barn at Bolberry Court's fully enclosed garden gives children space to play safely. The property has a log burner for cooler evenings and underfloor heating for comfort. Prepare a simple dinner and relax as a family.
If energy remains, a final coastal walk on the South West Coast Path offers gentle movement. Choose a flat section rather than steep climbs. The path near Bolberry has manageable sections suitable for all fitness levels.
Family-Friendly Activities in South Hams
Beyond your daily itinerary, South Hams offers several activities worth considering.
Beach time remains the highlight for most families. Rock pooling, sandcastle building, and paddling occupy children for hours. Bring buckets and spades. Tide times determine what you'll find, check before visiting.
Walking is central to South Hams. The South West Coast Path offers sections for all abilities. Shorter walks suit younger children. Longer walks work for older kids and adults. Bring proper footwear, paths can be muddy even when dry elsewhere.
Local shops and cafés provide breaks between activities. Salcombe has independent ice cream shops, bakeries, and restaurants. Supporting local businesses adds character to your trip.
National Trust properties combine history with outdoor space. Bolberry Down and Overbecks offer different experiences. Both have walking trails and views worth the visit.
Rainy day options include village halls with soft play, small museums, and indoor swimming pools in nearby towns. Plan these as backup activities rather than main attractions.
| Activity | Best For | Duration | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach visits | All ages | 2-4 hours | Year-round |
| Coast Path walks | Ages 5+ | 1-3 hours | Spring-autumn |
| National Trust sites | All ages | 2-3 hours | Year-round |
| Salcombe town | All ages | 1-2 hours | Year-round |
| Rock pooling | Ages 3-10 | 1-2 hours | Low tide periods |
Essential First Aid Kit for Family Hiking
Hiking in South Hams requires basic first aid supplies. The South West Coast Path can be remote, so carrying essentials matters.
Pack a small rucksack with these items:
- Plasters in multiple sizes for blisters and cuts
- Antiseptic wipes for cleaning minor wounds
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain relief
- Antihistamine cream for insect bites
- Blister treatment pads for foot problems
- Elastic bandage for minor sprains
- Tweezers for splinters
- Sun cream for skin protection
- Insect repellent for midges
- Waterproof plasters for wet conditions
Include a small notepad and pen. Write emergency contact numbers and your accommodation details. Mobile signal is patchy on some sections of the coast path.
Bring water and snacks. Dehydration causes many hiking problems. Energy bars help maintain stamina. Stop regularly, especially with young children.
Wear proper footwear. Trainers work for flat sections. Walking boots suit steeper paths. Wet grass and mud demand grip. Blisters often result from poor footwear choices.
Know your route before starting. Download maps or carry printed versions. The South West Coast Path is well-marked, but sections can be confusing.
Check weather before leaving. Coastal weather changes rapidly. Wind cools quickly, so bring extra layers. Rain comes without warning, so pack a waterproof.
Practical Tips for Your 3-Day Family Itinerary
These tips help your 3 day family itinerary South Hams run smoothly.
Book accommodation early. Summer holidays fill quickly. Spring Barn at Bolberry Court offers spacious accommodation for families and groups. The fully enclosed garden suits families with young children. Underfloor heating and a log burner provide comfort in cooler months. Book directly through the website to secure your dates.
Plan around tide times. Many South Hams beaches change dramatically with tides. Rock pools appear at low tide. Sandbars form at specific times. Check tide tables before visiting beaches.
Drive early to beaches. Summer car parks fill by 11am. Arrive before 10am to secure parking. Quieter beaches like Sharpitor have smaller car parks. Early arrivals mean less crowded beaches and better weather.
Bring layers. Coastal weather is unpredictable. Mornings feel cold; afternoons warm up. Wind cools quickly despite sunshine. Pack jumpers, waterproofs, and hats. Children lose heat faster than adults.
Use local knowledge. Shop owners and café staff know current conditions. Ask about tide times, weather forecasts, and quieter spots. Local recommendations often beat guidebooks.
Plan rest days. Three days of activities tire families. Build in downtime. Your accommodation base matters, choose somewhere comfortable where children can play safely. Spring Barn at Bolberry Court's garden provides space for children to decompress between outings.
Check opening hours. National Trust sites and attractions have seasonal hours. Summer hours differ from winter. Check before planning your day. Some attractions close on certain days.
Prepare for weather changes. Rain stops quickly on the coast but arrives suddenly. Bring waterproofs. Windy days make beaches uncomfortable despite sunshine. Flexible plans work better than rigid schedules.
Keep food simple. Picnics work better than restaurant hunting with children. Pack sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Local shops sell ready-made options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly beaches in the South Hams?
Thurlestone Beach offers shallow waters ideal for young children, with rock pools. Bantham Beach suits families who enjoy coastal walks and has a river estuary to explore. Each offers different advantages depending on your children's ages and interests, making them all suitable stops during your 3-day family itinerary in South Hams.
Is the South Hams suitable for a short family break?
Yes, absolutely. The South Hams is compact and family-friendly, with beaches, National Trust sites, and coastal walks all within short driving distances. A 3-day break gives families enough time to explore multiple attractions without feeling rushed. The region's varied activities suit different ages, from toddler-friendly beaches to more challenging hikes for older children. Spring Barn at Bolberry Court provides an ideal base with spacious accommodation for up to 10 people, a fully enclosed garden for children's safety, and convenient access to all major attractions.
What should I pack in an essential first aid kit for family hiking?
Include plasters in various sizes, antiseptic wipes, pain relief suitable for children, antihistamine cream for insect bites, tweezers for splinters, elastic bandages for sprains, and blister treatment. Add sun cream, insect repellent, and any prescribed medications. Pack items in a waterproof bag and keep it easily accessible. For coastal path walks in South Hams, bring extra water for hydration during longer hikes.
How do I know a holiday home has enough space for my whole family?
Look for properties that clearly state bedroom and bathroom numbers, ideally with photos of each room. Spring Barn at Bolberry Court accommodates up to 10 people across multiple bedrooms. Request a detailed floor plan or virtual tour before booking. Ask the owner about storage space for luggage, living areas where everyone can gather comfortably, and outdoor space for children to play safely. This prevents the cramped feeling common in properties that overstate their capacity.