Salcombe must be one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the world. Situated in the South Hams, at Devon's most southerly tip, Salcombe attracts visitors from all over the world at all times of year to enjoy many coast and country activities. Famous as a centre for sailing, diving and fishing the estuary has many sheltered, sandy beaches and is a base for walkers and others with a love of nature.
The Salcombe harbour is a safe haven for visiting yachts and is a centre for sailors of all ages and abilities. The Town and Yacht Club hold Regatta weeks for many types of sailing craft and there are a number of opportunities for boat hire and tuition. Please see information on the Salcombe Tourist Information site www.salcombeinformation.co.uk
The estuary also acts as home to a fleet of fishing boats which catch crab and lobster in local waters. Boats and shore anglers have also caught mullet, bass, pollack, dab, flounder, plaice, wrasse, freshwater and sand eel, coley, turbot, whiting and salmon. Sometimes the arrival of dolphins and seals in the estuary generates excitement. Divers can explore the submerged wrecks which dot the coastline and provide a natural habitat for a multitude of fish. The estuary is designated a bass nursery area but is also a site of Special Scientific Interest and a Local Nature Reserve.
This provides added interest to walkers who use Salcombe as a base for beaches, creeks and the spectacular cliff paths from which can be seen many species of flora and fauna. Dartmoor and Slapton Ley with its Field Centre are within easy striking distance.
The area is an ornithologist's paradise. Kittiwakes are among the numerous gulls and the area is also home to greenshank, golden eye duck, great crested grebe, dartford warbler, cirl bunting, swan, heron, egret, redshank, tern, curlew, oyster catcher, ringed plover, dunlin, avocet, sanderling, willow warbler, tree pipit and many more.
Spring and autumn in Salcombe and surrounding area are very special. The spring brings the most wonderful display of wild flowers, particularly down the narrow lanes where the hedgerows are a mass of primroses, violets, bluebells and campions, which continue the display into summer. Autumn brings beautiful colours, cider and a totally different harbour, for most of the pleasure boats have disappeared, giving the waters of the estuary back to the fishermen. The streets of Salcombe again become quiet and peaceful, a tranquility which continues into the winter months.
Christmas in Salcombe is a magical time. The town in brightly decorated with coloured lights and the illuminated cross on the church is silhouetted against the water. At New Year most of the townspeople and visitors congregate in the central quay area to welcome the New Year.