Salcombe is a popular resort town in the South Hams district of Devon, South West of the UK. The town is close to the mouth of the Kingsbridge Estuary, mostly built on the steep west side of the estuary.

• The town is also home to a traditional shellfish fishing industry.
• Kingsbridge Estuary lies between Bolt Head and Sharpitor on the west and Portlemouth Down on the east, and runs inland for some 8.6 kilometres (5.3 mi).
• The estuary was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in February 1987 and is also a Local Nature Reserve.
• Many of Salcombe Victorian houses were built by shipowners and masters.
• For 70 years, from 1893 to 1963, there was a train that went from Totnes to Kingsbridge but the growth in the popularity of the motorcar meant it was eventually shut down. There was even a plan to open a line from Kingsbridge to Salcombe! The terminal was to be at Snapes Point with a ferry taking people from the peninsular of land over to the main town!
• In 1764, the first holiday home, The Moult, was built in Salcombe.
• Salcombe has seahorse nurseries in the rare eelgrass beds.
• A lifeboat station was established by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in 1869.

Until about 100 years ago the people of Salcombe earned their living from the estuary and the sea. Fishing, seafaring, boat and later shipbuilding were the main occupations, but smuggling and even piracy meant that settlements were not built at the water’s edge but further inland. Today, Salcombe is still a thriving harbour, but without the pirates.

• During the English civil war, the town sided with the Royalists and held out against the Roundheads. The ruins of Fort Charles remain towards the south of the town near North Sands.

• Airbnb, from £76 a night for a private room, there seem to be only a few to choose from though.
• Camping, There are a few farms that offer camping on the outskirts of town, Ilton, Alston or Higher Rew farms.
• Hostel, No hostel in Salcombe.
• B&B & Guest Houses from £64 – £150 per night.
• Hotels, Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa or South Sands Hotel from £185  -£306 per night.

Tip: £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.

• Crabfest (April/May)

I found walking around was fairly easy, it was a bit of a trek to get to North Sands area, but easy enough with only a slight incline following the road.

• Car, Salcombe is tight with limited spaces.
• Bus, The route travels the Devon Road to Shadycombe car park, from here it’s just a short walk down the hill into town.
• Bike, You can hire from Salcombe bike hire.
• Taxi, This can be the best option if you want to get somewhere fairly quickly.
• Walking, Once in the town center most locations in Salcombe are reasonably easy to walk.

Salcombe, Devon, TQ8 8DE. We travelled from Paignton on the Gold bus to Kingsbridge with a change in Totnes behind the Royal Seven stars to the 164. Once in Kingsbridge it was a 10-15 minute walk on the level just past the Crabshell Inn to catch the River Maid ferry to the Ferry Inn Steps Salcombe. Alternatively you could catch the 606 bus into Salcombe.

• Car,  There is a short stay car park in the center, but spaces are limited and the roads a very tight to get there. Failing that try long stay Shadycombe Creek Car Park or the seasonal park and ride car park.
• Bus,
  • The 606 from Kingsbridge travels into Salcombe on the Devon Road to Shadycombe car park, from here it’s just a short walk down the hill into town.

  • Tally Ho! coaches operate an hourly (approx.) 606 bus service between Kingsbridge and Salcombe (Mon-Sat) if you miss the ferry. Click here for bus times.

• Ferry, The River Maid ferry from Kingsbridge that takes 35 minutes, £10 single – £16 return (Cash Only). Disabled access is often possible but always governed by the daily tides. Note that the ferry landing at Salcombe is at the bottom of some steep steps and the Kingsbridge landing is not always on the level.
• Taxi, you should expect to pay around £40 one way into Salcombe from Totnes station.
  • 24/7 Taxis 07946 322824
  • Salcombe Taxis 07938 470600
  • One 2 One Taxis 07766 406129
  • Road Runer Taxis 01803 732834
  • South Hams Taxis 01548 852545
  • Taxi Mike (Salcombe and District Taxi Company) 07714 512516

• Walking around was fairly easy, it was a bit of a trek to get to North Sands area, but easy enough with only a slight incline following the road.
• The ferry landing at Salcombe is at the bottom of some steep steps.
• Look out for dolphins, seals and even basking sharks! One dolphin has been named Danny and has his own Facebook page!
• Taxi numbers,
  • 24/7 Taxis 07946 322824
  • Salcombe Taxis 07938 470600
  • One 2 One Taxis 07766 406129
  • Road Runer Taxis 01803 732834
  • South Hams Taxis 01548 852545
  • Taxi Mike (Salcombe and District Taxi Company) 07714 512516
• Tip: £25 off your first Airbnb trip of £55 or more click here.
• For more info check out salcombeinformation.co.uk