Hope Cove Information, History, Listings and more

Where once smugglers plied their illicit trade, travelers may now enjoy an enchanting holiday destination. The village of Hope Cove is in fact two villages- Outer Hope and Inner Hope. It is located in the South Hams, just 12 miles from Plymouth Sound and rests in the protective sanctuary of Bolt Tail in the arc of Bigbury Bay. Its pristine sandy beaches, picturesque thatched cottages and it’s laid back and welcoming atmosphere make Hope Cove an excellent venue for a holiday idyll.

Inner Hope, has survived mostly untouched over the years as can be seen in the village centre, a square of thatched cottages surrounding the Hope and Anchor pub. The 30 shipwrecks in the area and the crystal clear water of the local beaches attracts many diving parties. Once a small but thriving fishing and crabbing village, it is still celebrated for its crabs and lobsters but the days in which thousands of mackerel and pilchard would be landed in one day are long past. In present times the slip is often used for leisure craft making Hope Cove an excellent location from which to sail your own boat

From Hope cove one can explore the Heritage Coastline with its many bays and rocky headlands, making sure to enjoy the unique local fauna and stunning views. One should also make sure to visit the nature reserve at Slapton Ley.

If your holiday is in the last weekend in August you can partake in the hearty traditional fun of the barbequed feasts and concerts of the Hope Cove weekend. The festivities occur on the beach and also spill out onto the harbour. A good time is to be had by one and all.

Hope Cope has the dubious honour of being the only place in England where Spaniards made landfall during the reign of Elizabeth the first. Many building in the area still bare the hallmarks of this visit, as numerous homes are built with beams taken from the St Peter the Great; a Spanish Galleon that foundered on the Shippen Rock in 1588.

Other famous wrecks include HMS Ramilles wrecked on rocks at Bolt Tail in 1760 in which tragically 700 people were lost at sea. In April 1936 the 334 foot four masted Finish Barque: Herzogin Cecile, ran aground on the Ham Stone.