A charming seaside village in South Devon has been hailed as a 'fairytale' destination, boasting picturesque thatched cottages and crystal-clear waters that resemble tropical beaches. Hope Cove, situated within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers visitors a tranquil escape with its two sandy beaches, Harbour Beach and Mouthwell Sands.
Originally a thriving fishing port and notorious smuggling hub, the village transformed into a tourist spot after the Earl of Devon built a holiday home there in the 1890s. Today, Harbour Beach is lined with traditional fishermen's cottages, while Mouthwell Sands is backed by cliffs and has lifeguard supervision. The water quality is rated excellent and was named a 2022 Marine Conservation Society Recommended beach.
The village gained viral attention on TikTok last year, with a video caption praising the 'tropical' water and the post office's pasties. The clip earned over 5,000 likes, and a BuzzFeed article ranked Hope Cove third in a list of 18 UK places belonging in a fairytale, highlighting its thatched roofs and natural beauty.
Nearby, visitors can explore coastal walks to Salcombe or Bantham beach, with views of Burgh Island and its art deco hotel, once frequented by Agatha Christie and Noël Coward. The island is accessible via a unique sea tractor at low tide. Throughout the year, Hope Cove hosts events celebrating maritime heritage and local crafts, fostering a strong sense of community.
