This summer, I visited what's often described as the UK's "most expensive seaside town". It's a favourite among the super-rich, with plenty setting up shop to buy a second home, and celebrities are huge fans too.
The likes of Rod Stewart, Gordon Ramsay and Mary Berry have all been spotted in 'Chelsea-on-sea', and it's easy to see why, with its pretty waterside restaurants, crystal blue water, and boutique shops along narrow pedestrianised streets. It has become so popular that Rightmove shows the average house price reached £816,303 over the last year.
However, it's precisely why I went to Salcombe feeling dubious. For me, the ideal British seaside holiday is quiet, hidden and slightly obscure, so you're not shoulder to shoulder with other people.
But Salcombe is so well known that locals said it can become a struggle to live there in summer, when the number of tourists reaches its maximum.
Despite all expectations that I would dislike Salcombe, it surprised me. I thought it would be absolutely rammed and chaotic, packed with cars, and full of influencers in the wild.
There was a buzz about the place, granted, but it was far quieter than I expected. I visited during the shoulder seasons, so it was easy to walk around, and it felt relaxing.
There were no influencers in sight, and we talked to many locals going about their business, whether that was serving up local seafood, brewing beer, working in a gin distillery, or selling handmade jewellery.
It wasn't an imprint of another seaside town, and nearly all of the shops sold locally produced goods. I have also not seen water that blue in many places in the UK. It's far from a revelation; people have known this for years, hence why it's so popular.
But what surprised me is that I left thinking I'd definitely go back. Yes, it felt posh and overpriced, but it wasn't as showy as I imagined, and off-season, you could still move around the tight roads.
Admittedly, it wasn't my favourite place in Devon-I still preferred Kingswear-but you cannot argue with its beauty. Salcombe is stunning. I would definitely go back, I'd just make sure it's in off-season.
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