Salcombe is the southernmost town of the South Hams of South Devon. It is situated near the mouth of the Kingsbridge estuary and the coastal and countryside scenery are designated an area of outstanding natural beauty. Salcombe was once had a small scale ship building industry, but todays it is a big boat / yachting centre with a variety of small yachts and other pleasure boats making use of its sheltered harbour.
It is also an ideal base to make use of the 5 sandy beaches that are with easy reach, some by foot and others by a short ride.
Salcombe Castle, also known as Fort Charles is situated close to Salcombe's North Beach. It is a stone artillery fortress built to protect the town from sea raids and was built during the reign of King Henry VIII. During the civil war it was rebuilt by Royalists fighting for King Charles who renamed it Fort Charles. After being besieged by the Parliamentarians, it finally surrendered and was later abandoned after they feared any further resistance. Other attractions nearby include Overbecks Museum, which is a delightful Edwardian House set in a tropical garden now maintained by the National Trust.
