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Map of SALCOMBE click here
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.
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.
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