Living in Salcombe

Community and local life in Salcombe centres around its maritime history and vibrant outdoor culture. The town’s calendar is filled with sailing regattas, charity events, and seasonal fairs that bring together residents and visitors alike. Community spaces such as the Salcombe Yacht Club and the local church hall host a range of classes, clubs, and social gatherings throughout the year.

Salcombe is surrounded by natural beauty, offering easy access to the South West Coast Path and National Trust-protected areas. The town’s harbour, beaches, and rural hinterland provide a playground for sailing, kayaking, walking, and fishing. Locals take great pride in maintaining the area’s cleanliness and environmental integrity, which contributes to a strong sense of belonging and shared responsibility among those who live here year-round.

Salcombe is generally regarded as a safe community with low crime rates, consistent with the wider South Hams district. Residents and visitors typically describe the area as peaceful, with crime largely limited to minor incidents that tend to occur during peak holiday periods when the town’s population swells.

The area benefits from a visible policing presence, particularly in the summer, and active engagement from local neighbourhood watch groups. Community safety initiatives, along with friendly local engagement, contribute to the sense of security. Salcombe’s reputation as a welcoming and tranquil destination is maintained through ongoing community efforts and good relationships with local law enforcement.

Parking in Salcombe is known to be a challenge, particularly during peak tourist season. On-street parking is limited in the town centre, and much of it is controlled by resident permits. There are several public car parks available, such as the Creek car park and Shadycombe car park, but these can fill quickly in summer months. Planning ahead is advisable, especially during weekends and holidays.

Road access to Salcombe is via narrow country lanes, with the main approach route being the A381, connecting to Kingsbridge and beyond. Traffic congestion is common at peak times, with bottlenecks occurring in both Salcombe and the nearby villages. Regular buses link the town to surrounding areas, but a car is often necessary for daily commuting.

Nearby towns and cities:

• Kingsbridge – approx. 15 minutes via A381 (7 miles)
• Totnes – approx. 40 minutes via A381 (20 miles)
• Plymouth – approx. 1 hour via A379 and A38 (25 miles)
• Exeter – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via A38 (50 miles)

Salcombe has a thriving food and drink scene, known for fresh local seafood and stunning waterfront dining experiences. The town centre features a range of restaurants and cafes, from casual spots serving crab sandwiches to establishments such as The Winking Prawn and Dick & Wills offering more upscale dining. For those seeking a classic pub atmosphere, The Ferry Inn and The Victoria Inn are well-regarded locally, with views over the estuary and hearty, locally-sourced fare.

In terms of nightlife, Salcombe is more about relaxed socialising and good company than late-night clubs. There are several welcoming bars and informal venues where locals and holidaymakers gather, offering a sociable but low-key ambience. Seasonal events and festivals, such as the annual Salcombe Regatta, also see the town come alive, providing further opportunities for entertainment and celebration late into the evening.

School quality: Salcombe and the surrounding area provide reputable primary and secondary schooling, with Kingsbridge Community College standing out for secondary education.

Parks and green space: The town is encircled by natural parks, sandy beaches, and abundant green spaces, offering families a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities.

Childcare: Childcare options are available locally, particularly for early years, and expanding choices can be found in Kingsbridge.

Safety: Low crime rates and a close-knit community promote a safe, reassuring environment for children and families.

Family activities: Families enjoy everything from crabbing on the quayside and ferry rides to beach days, coastal walks, and sailing lessons, ensuring diverse weekend and holiday adventures close to home.

Pet-friendly living in Salcombe is a highlight, with many local properties and businesses welcoming well-behaved dogs. Multiple beaches such as North Sands and South Sands offer dog-friendly hours for off-lead play, and the South West Coast Path provides countless walking routes with panoramic coastal views.

There are several veterinary practices and pet shops in Kingsbridge, ensuring pet needs are well-catered for. Numerous cafes and pubs feature outdoor seating areas that permit dogs, enhancing the social experience for both owners and their pets. The general ethos in Salcombe is very welcoming towards animals, contributing to a pet-loving atmosphere throughout the community.

Transport and accessibility in Salcombe present a mix of rural charm and thoughtful connectivity, tailored for both residents and holidaymakers. There is no train station in Salcombe itself, but nearby Totnes railway station, situated about 20 miles away, offers direct services to Exeter, Plymouth, and connections onto the national rail network, including London Paddington - which can be reached in around 3 hours.

Salcombe is served by a network of local buses linking it to Kingsbridge and other South Hams towns, and the scenic drive to Salcombe is along winding country lanes and the A381. For air travel, Exeter Airport is approximately 50 miles away, providing flights to major UK and European destinations. Plymouth is a similar distance, providing additional urban connections.

Approximate commute times:

• Totnes – 40 minutes by car (20 miles)
• Plymouth – 1 hour by car (25 miles)
• Exeter – 1 hour 20 minutes by car (50 miles)
• London – 3 hours 30 minutes by train, via Totnes

Primary Schools:

Salcombe Church of England Primary School serves as the primary educational institution within the town, known for its nurturing environment and strong community ethos. The school last received a 'Good' Ofsted rating in June 2017. For families willing to travel, nearby West Alvington Church of England Academy and Malborough with South Huish Church of England Primary School also offer primary education within a short drive.

Secondary Schools:

There are no secondary schools directly in Salcombe, but nearby towns offer accessible options. Kingsbridge Community College in Kingsbridge is the most popular choice, located approximately 7 miles away, and is well regarded locally, rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted in November 2022.

Colleges and Further Education:

South Devon College in Paignton is the largest provider of further education for the area and offers a comprehensive range of A-levels, apprenticeships, and vocational courses. Traveling here generally takes just under an hour by car or public transport, depending on the season.

Universities:

While Salcombe does not have its own university, the closest major universities are the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter, both commutable for occasional events but more typically considered for relocation or longer-term study. Both institutions enjoy good regional reputations and attract students from across the South West.