I don't know what you get in the UK, but in the states salt water taffy is a soft multi-flavored cylindrical shaped taffy that are individually wrapped in wax type paper that is twisted at both ends link
"It doesn't sound too good..."
They don't sound so great the way I described them, but they are actually very good. (I'm not sure if there really is salt water in them, if there is you can't taste it)
Salt water taffy is nothing unless it's covered in chocolate.
Yum...I wonder if any of the places down in Ocean City, NJ is open yet. I'd be willing to make the trip there tomorrow.