Salcombe
Devon
The harbour town of Salcombe was once a thriving shipbuilding port but is now one of the South Hams' biggest tourist destinations. The picturesque harbour is bustling with visiting sail and pleasure boats, and the best way to see the estuary is to hire a boat and get out on the water. Wander the streets around the harbour and browse the many galleries, gift and clothes shops – despite the proliferation of (albeit funky) chain clothes shops (Joules, Sea Salt, Fat Face, White Stuff), there are still a good few independents and the whole place retains its charm. Pick up some local fish straight from the sea at Salcombe Fishmongers (you can hire a boat from them too), or treat yourself to fish and chips on the quay. Kids love fishing for crabs off the harbour wall, and in high summer getting their hair braided by the town quay car park. The sandy beaches are a mile or two outside town, at North and South Sands, where you’ll also find good seafood at the South Sands Hotel and Winking Prawn.
