Saturday, July 5, 2025
Strategically located between touristy seaside resorts of Exmouth and Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton in Devon is Britain’s best-kept secret. Being just a 20-minute drive away from Sidmouth itself, this tranquil town offers tourists a peaceful alternative to its touristy neighbors. Through having only around 7,000 people in it, Budleigh Salterton is a tranquil and unspoiled town which offers refuge to tourists seeking to get away from it all.
Whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing beachside retreat, Budleigh Salterton is most definitely worth your consideration. It is a destination which has remained wonderfully unspoilt and yet is steeped in old-fashioned seaside charm while having plenty to explore for those in-the-know.
A Stunning Pebble Beach with Iconic Views
One of the main attractions of Budleigh Salterton is its two-and-a-half-mile-long pebble beach. Unlike many beaches along the South West coast, Budleigh Salterton’s beach is far from overcrowded, even during the summer months. This makes it an ideal location for visitors seeking a more laid-back experience by the sea.
The beach is also known for its breathtaking views of the famous red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast. These dramatic cliffs, stretching across the coastline, offer stunning vistas and are a prime spot for photography, hiking, and geology enthusiasts. The cliffs represent millions of years of natural history, and exploring them provides a glimpse into the fascinating prehistoric past of the area.
Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, notes that Budleigh Salterton is often overlooked by visitors heading to Exmouth or Sidmouth. However, this works in the town’s favor, preserving its authentic charm and reducing the crowds typically associated with more popular seaside towns.
A Town Filled with Local Charm
Beyond its natural beauty, Budleigh Salterton is home to a thriving community and a range of independent businesses that add to the town’s appeal. Visitors can enjoy exploring local shops, cafes, and tea rooms, which line the town’s peaceful streets. The area is known for its welcoming atmosphere, with many businesses offering a personal touch that larger tourist hubs often lack.
For nature lovers, there’s plenty to enjoy. A visit to the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, located just off the beach, is a must. This reserve offers excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife spotting, with an abundance of species to discover, including migratory birds and local fauna. The estuary is also home to beavers, which were reintroduced to the area in recent years and have since flourished, further adding to the town’s natural appeal.
The surrounding landscape is perfect for hiking and walking, with a variety of trails that provide access to some of the most spectacular views in Devon. One popular trail leads up to the Triassic sandstone cliffs, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and learn about the area’s rich geological history.
A Great Place for Watersports and Outdoor Activities
Budleigh Salterton is not just a destination for relaxation; it also offers a range of outdoor activities for those looking to get more active. The beach is an ideal spot for watersports enthusiasts, with opportunities for paddle-boarding, kayaking, and even wild swimming. The waters off the coast of Budleigh Salterton are considered some of the cleanest in the region, with the beach recently rated as having ‘excellent’ bathing water quality in the UK Government’s Bathing Water Classifications for 2024.
The quiet and less commercialized beach offers a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can unwind, take a swim, or try their hand at watersports without the crowds typically found at other tourist-heavy beaches. If you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of the coast while staying active, Budleigh Salterton is the perfect location.
Cultural and Historical Insights
While Budleigh Salterton’s appeal is largely based on its natural beauty, the town also has a fascinating history. It is deeply connected to the famous explorer Sir Walter Raleigh, who was born nearby. His legacy is part of the town’s charm, and history buffs can learn more about his life and achievements through various local exhibitions and landmarks.
The town’s name itself is tied to the region’s salt-panning industry, a key historical feature of the area. For those interested in history, a visit to the local museum or a guided walking tour through the town will reveal fascinating stories about its past and how it has evolved over time.
Budleigh Salterton is also home to one of the UK’s best-loved literary festivals, the Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival. Held annually in March and September, the festival attracts notable writers, thinkers, and speakers. It’s a great event for literature lovers, providing a platform for both emerging and established authors to engage with audiences and share their insights. The festival is a highlight of the town’s cultural calendar and adds an intellectual flair to its otherwise relaxing atmosphere.
A Top-Rated Beach Destination
Budleigh Salterton’s beach is consistently rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the South West, according to The Times and Sunday Times. Its cleanliness, the stunning surrounding cliffs, and its peaceful, less-commercialized environment make it a top choice for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more tourist-centric spots.
With its relatively low number of visitors compared to nearby beaches, it is possible to find a quiet, private spot to relax, making it perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful beach experience. Whether you’re looking to lounge on the pebbles, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters, or stroll along the shore, Budleigh Salterton offers an idyllic beach experience without the overcrowding.
A Great Base for Exploring Devon
Given its location, Budleigh Salterton is a fantastic base for exploring the wider Devon region. Its proximity to Sidmouth, Exmouth, and the beautiful East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty means that visitors can easily access other popular attractions in the region. Whether you want to visit the nearby seaside towns or explore the rolling hills and coastline, Budleigh Salterton is perfectly placed for a diverse Devon holiday.
For those looking for accommodation, there are several great options in and around the town. Whether you prefer a quaint bed-and-breakfast, a cozy cottage, or a charming hotel, Budleigh Salterton has something to suit every traveler’s needs.
Conclusion: A Sparkling Seaside Retreat
Budleigh Salterton is not nearly so famous as some of Devon’s better-established seaside resorts, but precisely for that reason it’s unique. Its pretty beach, historic background, outdoor activities, and personal shops offer a unique experience for tourists looking for a relaxed, unspoilt retreat. Whether it’s for the beauty of nature of it, or for its culture, or for simply sitting by the water and doing nothing, it is a treasure of Devon and an ideal place for someone looking for a quieter, less touristy seaside experience.
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