The Village of Hope Cove has a long and interesting history. At Bolt Tail are the remains of the ramparts of a fort built in the Iron Age c.,600,BC; this proves the area was setled by the Celts in 600, BC if not even earlier. The village nestles snugly in Bolt Tail protected by the curve of Bigbury Bay. We first get mention of the village in 1281, Then Hope comprises of two small Fishing villages Inner Hope and Outer Hope, the villages were linked by both a footpath, and road. Hope has the distinction of being the only place in the country Hope Cove where Spaniards came ashore during the reign of Queen Elisabeth Ist. In the summer of 1588, thousands of excited and no-doubt worried people gathered at Hope Cove and Bolt Tail to watch the 140; majestic and powerful ships of the Spanish Armada: as they moved in a great seemingly invincible crescent formation up the English Channel. The Spanish fleet was subjected to a fierce attack by ships of the English navy commanded by Sir Francis Drake. In the resulting chaos the Spanish galleon, St. Peter the Great, one of the foremost ships of the Spanish Armada was wrecked on the Shippen Rock. ( It is a historical fact that more of the Spanish fleet came to grief on the rugged coast of Britain than were actually destroyed in the battle. ) From the wreck local's took timber which were use in building Cottages, and today St Peter the Great; lives on in an number of buildings in the South Devon area. Yes many a ship has floundered on this coast , in 1760, HMS Ramilies came to grief on the rocks of Bolt Tail and 700 people lost their lives.more. On 23 April 1936, a Finnish training ship the Herzogin Cecilie was arrested because of the collision with the German trawler Rastede, but was released the following day against a bail of £ 2500, she then sailed for  Ipswich to discharge the cargo. However this unfortunate ship an 334 foot four masted Barque ran aground on the Ham Stone on the 25th April, 1936.

In the 1800, the village's main industry fishing, was supplemented by a little smuggling: no not a little an lot!!! for smuggling was so prevalent on the coast of the South West, it was practically a cottage industry. Hope Cove also provided shelter from the fierce westerlies, that battered this exposed coast yes an awful lot of the ships that ploughed these watersv were thankful for the shelter Hope Cove provided The Village has a sheltered, sandy beach which is within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and is very popular with families. The beach is backed by rocky cliffs and the villages of Inner and Outer Hope, these three things combine to make the beach not only an sun trap but shelter it. Close to the beach there are various small shops and café's giving the holiday maker an choice of places to eat. Unfortunately for people who like to take their pets on holiday too, no dogs are allowed during the busy summer months May-Sept. However on small cove; dogs on leads are allowed on the main beach.

The countryside around Hope Cove is as we stated earlier in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Ornithologist's can see the Kestrel hunting in the short  rough grassland, on the clifft tops are breedin pairs of Yellowhammers, and that rare bird the Dartford Warbler can be found amongst the Skylarks, Meadow Pipits and Cirl Buntings. Wakers are well catered for with some beautiful clift top walks providing interesting walks to secluded coves and spectacular viewpoints,yes awesome views of this majestic coast. The area is also renowned for its unique flora and fauna, which makes this area a great place to visit in Autum for the colours are truely amazing as the flora prepares for Winter, For lovers of nature a visit to the nature reserve at Slapton Ley,is a must. An added bonus is the lovely old sailing town of Salcombe is only a few minutes away. .

The village is still a little fising port, although the fishing is not as large scale as in the 16th, 17, 18, and 19th centuries, and Hope boats set out in search of pilchards ( better know as sardines ) which although once fished out now seem to be plentiful again. But what the fishermen are maily after are the Lobster and Crab who's quality has made Hope Cove Lobsters and crabs famous, and much sought after by fine restaurants in the Country.
Yes given its history, and location in the South Hams, when coupled with the fact that Plymouth Sound; is just 12 nautical miles away and the cities of Plymouth and Exeter, plus the resorts of Torbay and the wild expanses of Dartmoor are only about an hours drive away and within easy reach. For the angler fishing is available from the breakwater and rocks, or from a boat, and scuba divers can visit the many sunken wrecks that litter the sea bed, and if you bring your own boat there is a handy slipway at Inner Cove. Oh yes in the evenig you can enjoy a drink and watch the sun go down for there are some pretty spectacular sunsets, on the coast of the South West. All this I think you will agree makes Hope Cove a wonderful place to holiday

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