Salcombe hotels and self catering cottage accommodation in Salcombe

Devon » Salcombe accommodation

Now a retirement spot partly due to its very mild weather, Salcombe was once known as a place where ships brought in exotic fruits from the West Indies. Today, some of that remains in the form of foreign vegetation such as orange trees, lemon trees and palms, which abound in waterfront terraced gardens.

Inside the Custom House Quay lies the Museum of Maritime and Local History, which details the trading past of this town in a very interesting exhibit. Also of interest, beyond North Sands, is the Overbecks Museum, filled with unusual plants, an exotic garden and marvellous views. Henry VIII built a defence not far from here, of which some remains can still be seen.

Boat trips are very popular in Salcombe, as well as the renting of yachts and motor boats. Various ferry trips across the estuary are also available, like the Rivermaid Ferry and the East Portlemouth Ferry. The water is surprisingly clear, making for a great place to scuba dive, exploring shipwrecks and hoping to see a dolphin or a seal. Spotless beaches, complete with secure pools for kids and availability of water sports complete the scene.

Taking the South Devon Coastal Path, you will not only come across some amazing views of the bay, but also reach Thurlestone Sands, an ample beach accompanied by a natural reserve. A little further away, six miles from Salcombe is Hope Cove, a charming fishing town at the bottom of a small valley, untouched by time, and full of pubs, restaurants, fishing spots and places to stay at.

Salcombe also offers a number of galleries, cafés and restaurants, in which you can try some of the local seafood, and perhaps attend Regatta Week, Dragon-Boat Race Day or the local Festival.