Devon's most southerly town is the picturesque holiday resort of Salcombe. The town with its mild climate and sheltered waterways, is a splendid sight during the summer months. The gentle, emerald green slopes of the South Hams hills form a spectacular backdrop to the crescent shaped estuary which is brought spectacularly to life by the myriad of white sails that wind their way too and fro across it. Pockets of golden sand form sheltered coves around the periphery - perfect for family days on the beach.

The town has something for everyone, beaches, watersports, coastal walking, tiny side streets with varied shops and a wide choice of restaurants and public houses. Salcombe due to the large sheltered bay has become one of the largest yachting centres in England. The town is dominated by the boating fraternity during the main holiday season, with visitors outnumbering the locals by almost ten to one.

Salcombe was the home port for a fleet of fast yacht-like clipper schooners. The fleet's pace enabled them to get the first of the seasons fruits, such as oranges from the Azores and Pineapples from the West Indies, to the markets ahead of the competition. The areas links to its maritime past and local trades are portrayed in the Museum of Maritime and Local History at Custom Quay in Salcombe and the nearby Overbecks Museum in Overbeck's House at Sharp tor.