Roughly halfway between the old naval port of Plymouth and historic Dartmouth, nestling on a hillside by an estuary at the most southerly point of Devon’s coast is the little town of Salcombe. But this magnificent countryside is only a pretty backdrop for the people at Salcombe because here the focus of interest is centred on the water.

Sailing in the estuary	Salcombe Regatta fireworks night

In summer the narrow streets throng with sailing enthusiasts and life revolves around the sea. Chandlers shops, boat repair yards, dinghy hire, and if you want to learn to sail one of the UK’s foremost sailing schools, the Island Cruising Club, has its operational HQ in the heart of the town.

Even the transport is water based - with ferries plying to and fro between the jetties and the sandy golden beaches dotted around the estuary.

Generally, the climate here is exceptionally mild so spring comes early and autumn arrives late. Life is altogether quieter out of season but the ferry still crosses the water every day and there is a strong year round resident community.

Well known for its excellent sea food restaurants, fashionable bistros, informal wine bars, with views across the bay, Salcombe on a summer’s night is busy, fashionable and distinctly cosmopolitan in atmosphere. However, you can still enjoy a quiet drink with the old sea salts in one of the pubs which offer real ale and real pub grub.

The town comes alive