coast WHAT’S ON
SU CARROLL rounds up the very best activities to do and things to see close to the coastline this month
1 PINCER MOVEMENTS
The Devon harbour of Salcombe celebrates a local hero with Crabfest – a one-day, annual extravaganza of crabthemed fun. Run entirely by volunteers, the event celebrates local fishing and tourism industries and the world-famous Salcombe brown crab.
With a beautiful location on the edge of the Salcombe estuary, there’s a line-up of fantastic chefs creating sensational crab-themed dishes. This year they include Freddy Bird and Devon chefs Jane Baxter and Ben Tonks.
A bustling street market takes over Island Street, pedestrianised for one day only, with children’s entertainment, local musicians, great food and drink and a wealth of tasty crab options. A free park and ride takes the pain out of parking. The event raises thousands of pounds for charity - £50,000 since 2016.
For more information on the event on April 30, go to salcombecrabfest.co.uk or turn to our UK seafood festivals feature on page 108.
♡ LOCALS LOVE
The National Trust’s Overbecks at Sharpitor has a spectacular view of the estuary and a garden packed with exotic plants that thrive in Devon’s microclimate. The house has fascinating collections of items from its time as a family home, a convalescent hospital for First World War soldiers and the home of inventor and art collector Otto Overbeck. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for opening times.
2 COASTAL ART
The picturesque harbour village of Emsworth on the south coast near Havant, plays host to a tight-knit community of artists and each spring it bursts into colourful life with the Emsworth Arts Trail.
With ceramicists, painters, printmakers, photographers, textile artists, sculptors and more, you can visit artists in their studios and community venues all within walking distance of the village centre. The 2022 exhibition involved 85 artists. Local businesses do their bit by ‘adopting’ an artist to support with window displays and promotion.
At various venues throughout Emsworth on April 22-23, 29-30 and May 1. Info online at emsworthartstrail.org.uk
♡ LOCALS LOVE
Taking a stroll around the millpond wall. At low tide keep a lookout for Fisherman’s Walk, the remains of a causeway used during Emsworth’s oyster industry heyday.
3 ARTISTIC INSPIRATION
Art galleries offer a great opportunity to see the work of artists from the past. At Penlee House in Penzance, they use their wonderful collections to inspire contemporary artists.
Penlee Inspired, now in its fifth year, invites professional artists, amateurs and total beginners to create works in a variety of media, including paintings, photographs, poetry and m
