48 Hours in ... SALCOMBE

Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit

- Paul Critcher

THE CREAM AND JAM in South Devon’s delicious scone, the delightful seaside town of Salcombe is well known for its beautiful beaches and scenic estuary.

It is also hugely popular with the sailing and yachting community and has a long maritime history; indeed, it was once a significant port with trading links across the world (particularly in the fruit trade) and a centre for shipbuilding.

Today, it continues to maintain its shellfishing industry, which is renowned for the high quality of its crab.

These days, tourism is the town’s major industry, which is not surprising given its beautiful estuary location within the South Devon National Landscape.

With glorious beaches on either side of the estuary, a sheltered harbour and a huge choice of good bars and restaurants, it has understandable pulling power.

In recent years, house prices here have rocketed, putting it in the premier league of coastal real estate, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Sandbanks and Padstow.

Nevertheless, Salcombe retains a distinctly old-school charm and remains popular with generations of returning holidaymakers.

DAY 1

9.30am Waterfront shopping

Kick off your first day with a hit of coffee on the waterfront at The Salcombe Yawl, where the delicious sourdough toasties are a popular speciality.

From here, it’s an easy stroll to Fore Street, where you can enjoy a spot of retail therapy in the town’s independent shops.

Try the Salcombe Clothing Company for authentic nautical fashion, or photography specialists Explosures for visual mementos.