Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
pioneered a machine called the Rejuvenator, which claimed to cure disease using electric
currents - one of these Heath Robinson-esque devices is on display.
Rooms are packed with Otto's quirky collections of stuffed animals, snuff boxes and
nautical bits and pieces. Look out for displays about the
Herzogin Cecilie
, a beautiful
four-masted barque that sank in 1936 at Starehole Bay, just a mile to the south; a dramatic
coast path leads to the spot.
You can drive to Overbeck's or walk the steep 2¼ miles from Salcombe; keep heading
south on Cliff Rd until you see the sign.
MUSEUM
Maritime Museum
(
www.salcombemuseum.org.uk
;
Market St; adult/child £1.50/50p; 10am-12.30pm & 2.30-4.30pm Apr-Oct)
Here
be treasure: the highlight haul of the local shipwrecks is the 500 glittering Moroccan gold
dinars from the Salcombe Canon site, dating from the 13th to the 17th centuries. There are
also evocative tools of the shipbuilders' trade: stretching hooks, caulking irons and draw-
ing knives. Models of the boats they helped build sit alongside.
Historic Salcombe
Today Salcombe is a smart holiday hotspot, but in the 17th century the town had a very
different trade. Salcombe's fishermen worked the Newfoundland Banks. By the 1800s
scores of shipyards built fast fruit schooners bound for the Azores. In those days the area
immediately around the central
Whitestrand Quay
contained four boat yards and streets full
of sail lofts, landing quays and warehouses. All competed for a precious section of shore,
resulting in the long, thin buildings, set side-on to the harbour. Many of these remain,
framed by incredibly narrow lanes; it's worth heading down a few to see where they lead.
The Maritime Museum sells an 1842 map of the town; or just hunt them out between Fore
St and the water, especially near Clifton Place and the Ferry Inn.
ARCHITECTURE
Activities
Boating
Sea Kayak & SUP Salcombe
KAYAKING, SAILING
