Salcombe is one of those places where the moment you arrive, you just know you’re going to have a good day. The views are beautiful, the water is calm, and the whole place feels like it’s been designed for families to potter about by the water. Victoria Quay is the crabbing hotspot here, and it’s easy to see why.
Shore crabs — up to 60 reported in a high tide
Creek Car Park (flat, big, EV chargers)
Smaller children — low wall at parts of the quay
Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream — est. 1979
🎣 The Crabbing Itself
Victoria Quay sits right in the heart of Salcombe, tucked into the estuary. The water here is sheltered, so it’s perfect for younger kids or anyone who’s a bit nervous about being too close to waves or currents — there’s a small wall at parts of the quay, which makes it a good choice if you’ve got smaller children with you. You can drop a crab line straight over the edge and there’s usually a steady stream of shore crabs to keep things interesting. We’ve had sessions here where the bucket was full within half an hour. One reader reported 60 crabs in a single high tide — think you can beat that?
🪱 Where to Get Bait and Gear
If you’ve forgotten anything, the little shops dotted around the quay sell everything from crab lines and buckets to pre-packed bacon bags, and there are convenience stores and gift shops nearby too if you want to stock up before settling in.
🚗 Parking
Head for Creek Car Park — it’s flat, big, close to the quay, and has electric car charging points. It does get full in summer though, so go early on sunny days. Pricing: £2.60 for 1 hour, £4.20 for 2 hours, £6.30 for 3 hours, or £10.50 for the full day.
If that’s full, Shadycombe Car Park is the alternative, with a 30-minute short-stay option at £1.60 alongside the same hourly rates as Creek.
🍦 Nearby Facilities & Food
There are pubs, cafés, and ice cream shops just steps from the quay. Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream is a traditional hut that’s been serving since 1979 — queues get long in summer, but it’s worth the wait. For something more substantial, the Crab Shed is right by the car park, and the Pasty Shack is just past the RNLI Lifeboat station. Public toilets are also within walking distance.
🦺 Safety & Accessibility
Victoria Quay is flat and has a wide paved edge, making it accessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There’s no barrier between you and the water in most places, so keep kids within arm’s reach — the drop is straight into the estuary.
📝 Final Thoughts
Crabbing at Salcombe’s Victoria Quay is exactly what a seaside day should be — easy, fun, and full of those little moments you’ll remember long after the buckets are emptied. If you fancy exploring further, Dartmouth is close by and makes a great second crabbing spot to pair with your visit.