A picturesque seaside town nestled on Devon’s Jurassic Coast has been celebrated as one of Britain’s most underrated treasures.
Budleigh Salterton, a charming town positioned between Exmouth and Sidmouth, remains one of the area’s most overlooked destinations, yet it’s one of the most beautiful, with miles of untouched shores. It’s found at the beginning of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Jurassic Coast, famed for its dramatic cliffs and winding coastal paths, but the town is noteworthy in its own right.
Alex Gwillim, a regional specialist from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, was full of enthusiasm when describing Budleigh Salterton. He explained: « Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore. »
He also observed that « people often miss out on a visit to Budleigh Salterton » because of its position between the well-known holiday hotspots of Exmouth and Sidmouth, « which draw big crowds on a nice day. »
The Times even included Budleigh Salterton’s shore in its Top 10 Beaches in the South West last year, thanks to its sweeping shoreline. Additionally, the Bathing Water Classifications 2024 awarded its waters an « excellent » status, making them ideal for swimming and aquatic activities.
For adventure enthusiasts, Alex emphasised the superb range of water sports available in Budleigh Salterton, with stand-up paddleboards and kayaks to hire during the warmer months, allowing visitors to discover the breathtaking coastline from the water. For those seeking a peaceful retreat, there’s an array of highlights to enjoy, from leisurely strolls along the beach to indulging in the local cafes and cosy tea rooms.
Alex offered some additional tips for those looking to visit: « Budleigh Salterton is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching.
« There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology. »
If you’re looking to book a staycation in Budleigh Salterton, there’s no shortage of quaint cottages, B&Bs and hotels available. Thanks to the town’s compact size, you’ll practically have the beach on your doorstep, no matter where you choose to stay.
Visitors to Budleigh Salterton have left rave reviews about the beach on TripAdvisor. One satisfied tourist shared: « We loved this beach. It was nice and quiet. People were swimming and paddleboarding, and it was perfect as the sea was so calm. It was nice and quiet despite it being a sunny June Sunday. »
Another visitor praised the area and said: « It has a lovely walk along the well-kept promenade. Plenty of benches to rest a while and take in the view. Also well served with places to get a coffee, ice cream and lunch, etc. No awful arcades just wonderfully unspoilt. »
Meanwhile, a third noted: « Fabulous place to go for a walk. One can walk to Exmouth and be back in less than 4 hours. The whole walk was relaxing and the fabulous scenery. »
« Great scenery, friendly community, always clean and great for the family, there is a great relaxing walk across the seafront which is accessible for everyone, » another enthusiast shared.
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