Budleigh Salterton is a small seaside town on the East Devon coast in South West England, about fifteen miles southeast of Exeter and five miles east of Exmouth. Budleigh Salterton occupies a prime position within the East Devon National Landscape that forms part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Known for its long pebble beach, red cliffs, Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and relaxed charm, Budleigh is one of the most peaceful coastal towns in Devon.
The town is set between high red sandstone cliffs to the west and the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve to the east. Its beach, made up entirely of rounded pebbles, runs for nearly two miles in a sweeping arc, backed by pastel-coloured houses, beach huts, and a promenade. Inland, the landscape quickly rises to rolling countryside dotted with farms, villages like Otterton, woodland plantations and Woodbury Common.
The South West Coast Path passes through Budleigh along the seafront, giving walkers easy access in both directions: west toward Exmouth and Orcombe Point, or east toward Sidmouth and Ladram Bay. A converted railway line provides a level walking and cycling route inland, linking Budleigh with Exmouth and beyond.
Budleigh Salterton is one of the quieter seaside towns in Devon and a good base for exploring the East Devon coast.
Budleigh Salterton at a glance
Budleigh Salterton is a quiet seaside town on the East Devon coast, known for its long pebble beach, red cliffs and the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve.
It has a more relaxed feel than many Devon resorts, with a traditional high street, coastal walks and easy access to the South West Coast Path.
Best for: coastal walking, nature and wildlife, quieter beach days, exploring the Otter Estuary and relaxed seaside breaks.
Popular year-round, especially with walkers and those looking for a calmer alternative to busier nearby towns.
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- Map of Budleigh Salterton, England
- The History of Budleigh Salterton, Devon: From Salt Trade to Seaside Town
- Things to do in Budleigh Salterton, Devon
- Budleigh Salterton Town Centre: Shops, Cafés and Local Shopping
- What's on in Budleigh Salterton, Devon: Events and Local Highlights
- How to Get to Budleigh Salterton and Travel Around
- Where to Eat and Drink in Budleigh Salterton
- Where to Stay in Budleigh Salterton, Devon
- Weather in Budleigh Salterton, Devon: When to Visit
- Practical Information for Visiting Budleigh Salterton
- Budleigh Salterton FAQs
- Is Budleigh Salterton Worth Visiting?
Map of Budleigh Salterton, England
The History of Budleigh Salterton, Devon: From Salt Trade to Seaside Town
Although Budleigh today is best known as a quiet and genteel holiday resort, its history stretches back centuries. As the name itself hints at its origins, “Salterton” is derived from the salt-making that once took place near the River Otter estuary. In medieval times, sea salt was a highly valued commodity, and the salt pans along this stretch of coast gave the settlement its distinct identity.
Fishing
Fishing also played a central role. Small boats launched from the pebble beach to catch mackerel and other local fish, supporting a modest but stable community. Budleigh never grew into a major port like Exmouth or Brixham, but its fishing heritage helped shape the town’s early feel.
As for navigation, the lower River Otter was historically more tidal and less confined than it is today. Before embankments, weirs, and later flood-defence works altered the channel, shallow-draft boats could use spring tides to move upstream. Local records indicate that craft could once reach as far as Otterton, transporting coal and other supplies, and returning with farm produce and timber. Progressive silting, river engineering and the construction of weirs made such passages increasingly impractical by the 19th century, and navigation beyond the estuary effectively ceased.
Tourism
The Victorian and Edwardian periods transformed the town of Budleigh Salterton. With the rise of seaside holidays, visitors from Exeter and beyond were drawn by its mild climate, attractive coastline, and reputation for tranquillity. Unlike some neighbouring resorts that embraced amusement arcades and large hotels, Budleigh cultivated a genteel image. Villas, terraces, and public buildings from this period still line the town centre and seafront, giving Budleigh much of its architectural charm today.
Even older is the story told by the cliffs and pebbles. The Budleigh Pebble Beds, exposed in cliffs east of town, date back over 250 million years to the Triassic period. These pebbles were once part of vast river systems flowing through deserts. Over time, they were rounded into smooth shapes and became embedded in sandstone. Erosion now releases them onto the beach, creating Budleigh’s unique shoreline.
In the twentieth century, Budleigh retained its reputation as a refined, slightly quieter destination compared to larger seaside resorts. That quality remains today: a place of sea air, gentle shopping streets, cliff walks, and nature watching. Its history is one of continuity rather than dramatic upheaval, which is precisely why many people like it so much.
Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds
The Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds (Triassic, about 245 to 250 million years old) are the famous pink, red and purple shingle that defines Budleigh’s beach. Laid down by powerful braided rivers that crossed a desert, they are packed with hard, rounded quartzite pebbles, many washed down long ago from the Armorican highlands in Brittany, and set in a distinctive iron rich red matrix. You can see textbook exposures along the beach and low cliffs toward the Otter Estuary and on the South West Coast Path toward Exmouth. They form part of the Sherwood Sandstone Group within the UNESCO listed Jurassic Coast.
Do enjoy the geology from safe, signed areas. The cliffs are actively eroding, rockfalls do happen, and tides can cut off sections of beach. The shoreline is protected as an SSSI and by local byelaws, so please leave pebbles where they are. Photographs make the best souvenirs.
Things to do in Budleigh Salterton, Devon
Budleigh Salterton may be compact, but it offers a variety of experiences that combine natural beauty, history, and relaxation.
The Pebble Beach and Red Cliffs
The town’s most outstanding feature is its sweeping beach of rounded pebbles. Stretching for over a mile, it’s a place for walking, paddling, launching a kayak, or simply sitting and watching the waves. Unlike sandy beaches, Budleigh’s pebbles create a distinctive sound as they shift underfoot and under the surf. Children enjoy skimming stones, while photographers capture the contrast between blue water and red cliffs.
The cliffs themselves are striking. Rich in iron oxide, they glow deep red in low light, especially at sunrise or sunset. These rocks, part of the Triassic sequence, are among the oldest visible along the Jurassic Coast.
The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve
At the eastern end of Budleigh’s beach, the River Otter widens into a tidal estuary of creeks, reedbeds and salt marsh. It’s a year-round wildlife magnet: in winter, look for avocet, teal and wigeon; at lower tides, you’ll often see curlew and redshank probing the mud, little egrets hunting in the shallows, and mixed flocks of waders lifting and settling as the tide turns. Summer brings swallows over the marsh, warblers in the reeds and flowering salt marsh plants such as sea aster.
Lower Otter Restoration Project
Much of what you see today is the result of the Lower Otter Restoration Project, a recent “managed realignment” that reconnected the river to its floodplain, created new intertidal habitats, and future-proofed the valley against sea-level rise.
As part of the work, sections of raised path and new footbridges now link both banks, and the South West Coast Path has been rerouted across the restored wetland. Level paths run along the embankments with multiple viewing points, making it easy for prams, most wheelchairs and walkers. Please check on-site notices: Very high spring tides can briefly cover some low-lying areas. Dogs should be kept on leads near livestock and during the bird-breeding season.
Beaver Trial
This valley is also famous for England’s first successful wild beaver trial. After a multi-year study, the resident beavers were allowed to remain, and their dams and ponds upstream now help slow flows, trap sediment, and boost biodiversity. You’re most likely to spot beavers (or just their signs, gnawed willow, slides and small dams) at dawn or dusk along the quieter stretches north of White Bridge and around Otterton.
For a lovely, low-effort walk, start from Lime Kiln car park in Budleigh Salterton and follow the west-bank path upstream. Cross at White Bridge to return on the east bank, or carry on to Otterton (about 2 miles one way) for refreshments at Otterton Mill or at the Kings Arms before looping back. The whole Budleigh, White Bridge, Otterton circuit is broadly flat and scenic, with benches and interpretation boards along the way. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Otterton Mill
Just a short distance inland, Otterton Mill combines heritage and hospitality. Recorded in the Domesday Book, the mill still turns by waterpower and now operates as a working mill, café, bakery, shop, and gallery. Visitors can see the machinery in action on demonstration days, pick up stoneground flour and fresh bread, enjoy meals made with local produce on the riverside terrace, and browse changing displays of crafts and artwork. Opening hours and milling times vary throughout the year, so it is advisable to check before you visit.
The mill sits at the edge of Otterton, one of East Devon’s prettiest villages. Expect thatched cottages, narrow lanes, and a handsome parish church. There is a friendly pub and a community-run shop and post office, which together keep Otterton feeling lived-in rather than purely for visitors. The village makes an excellent base for exploring the lower River Otter and the nearby coast at Ladram Bay.
Walking the South West Coast Path
Budleigh is perfectly positioned for walkers. The South West Coast Path runs directly along the seafront so that you can step onto it with no preparation!
Head west, and you’ll climb the cliffs, first through a wooded area before then reaching open fields with wide views along the coast each way. You then descend to Sandy Bay and Devon Cliffs Holiday Park (refreshments in season) before continuing onwards towards Exmouth. This route includes Orcombe Point, marked by the Geoneedle sculpture that commemorates the start of the Jurassic Coast.
Head east, initially following a path inland and across the River Otter, and the path climbs steeply out of town toward Ladram Bay and Sidmouth. This section is more challenging but offers dramatic cliff-top views and glimpses of sea stacks and coves. We enjoy walking this way to Ladram Bay, then inland to Otterton and back to Budleigh by the river.
Fairlynch Museum and Arts Centre
For those interested in heritage, the Fairlynch Museum is a must-visit. Housed in a whitewashed thatched cottage from around 1811, it’s one of the few thatched museums in England. Inside, exhibits cover geology, local history, and costume collections. Displays include geological samples from the cliffs, fishing tools from Budleigh’s past, and Victorian artefacts. The museum also hosts art exhibitions and community events. Check the website for opening hours and entrance fees (currently around £2.50)
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
Bicton Park Gardens are situated three miles inland from Budleigh, making for an easy half-day visit. First laid out in the early 1700s for the Rolle family, the estate evolved through the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian eras, featuring long, formal avenues and axial views, Italianate terraces and water features, and later a Victorian passion for specimen trees. The elegant cast-iron and glass Palm House dates back to the early 19th century and is often cited as one of the earliest of its kind in Britain.
Today, you’ll find those historic layers alongside lakes, a pinetum, and colourful borders through spring, summer, and autumn. It’s also very family-friendly, featuring the Bicton Woodland Railway, play areas, a small countryside museum, and a café. Paths are mostly level with signed accessible routes, though there are some slopes. Do check current opening hours and any dog policies before you go.
Rolle Family in East Devon
The Rolles were one of Devon’s leading landed families from the late medieval period into the nineteenth century, with main seats at Stevenstone and later Bicton. Their estates shaped Budleigh Salterton, Otterton, and the lower Otter valley. Notable figures include Sir Henry Rolle, a prominent jurist, and John Rolle, 1st Baron Rolle (1750 to 1842), a major benefactor who backed roads and the Rolle Canal and became a well known figure at Queen Victoria’s coronation. Denys Rolle (1725 to 1797) consolidated the East Devon holdings and anchored the family at Bicton.
After Baron Rolle died without direct heirs, the estates passed to his nephew Mark Trefusis, who took the name Mark Rolle. In Victorian times he rebuilt churches and cottages, planted vast numbers of trees, and refined the landscape at Bicton. In the twentieth century much of the heritage passed into Clinton Devon Estates. Bicton House became an agricultural college and the formal gardens opened to visitors as Bicton Park Botanical Gardens, where the avenues, lakes, and elegant Palm House still reflect the Rolle legacy.
Budleigh Salterton Town Centre: Shops, Cafés and Local Shopping
The town centre of Budleigh Salterton is small but distinctive. The High Street runs parallel to the seafront and contains a variety of independent shops, cafés, and galleries. Unlike many towns where chains dominate, Budleigh has retained its local character.
Whilst there are a couple of major convenience stores, you will mostly find local stores. Delicatessens selling regional produce, bakeries with fresh bread and pastries, and butchers and greengrocers for everyday supplies. Galleries showcase local artists inspired by the coastline and countryside, while gift shops sell crafts, jewellery, and homewares. A handful of clothing, bookshops and charity shops complete the mix.
This makes Budleigh ideal for leisurely browsing.
What’s on in Budleigh Salterton, Devon: Events and Local Highlights
Looking for what’s on in Budleigh Salterton? Events take place throughout the year, from traditional village celebrations to cultural festivals and seasonal highlights across the town and nearby Exe Estuary.
Spring brings a mix of local traditions and early-season events. The East Devon coast and its beaches begin to feel busier as the season starts.
Summer is the main events season. The Budleigh Salterton Music Festival, typically held in late June and early July, brings a programme of classical concerts to venues including St Peter’s Church, attracting both established performers and emerging talent. During this period, the wider area also hosts larger events such as Exmouth Festival and the River Exe Regatta, which extend the range of things to do across the estuary.
Autumn sees a move towards culture and community. The Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival, usually held in September, attracts well-known authors, speakers and audiences for a programme of talks and readings across the town. The Budleigh Salterton Carnival, typically held in early October, adds a more traditional seaside celebration, with a procession, stalls and family-focused activities.
In the surrounding area, events such as the Taste East Devon Festival bring a focus on food and local produce, with tastings, workshops and dining experiences taking place across multiple locations from the coast to the countryside.
Event dates and formats can vary from year to year, so it is always sensible to check current listings before planning your visit. For the latest updates and a wider selection of events across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, see our regularly updated guide to What’s on in South West England.
How to Get to Budleigh Salterton and Travel Around
Budleigh Salterton is accessible but remains slightly off the main routes, which helps preserve its character.
By road, it is reached via the A3052, which runs east–west along the coast between Exeter and Sidmouth. From the A3052, local roads drop into the town. You can arrive from Exmouth by crossing Woodbury Common or from Newton Poppleford. Car parking is available at the Lime Kiln car park near the seafront and in smaller car parks around town. In the summer, spaces can fill up quickly, so it’s advisable to arrive early.
By train, the nearest station is Exmouth, five miles away. Exmouth is directly connected to Exeter via the Avocet Line, with trains running approximately every half hour. From Exmouth Railway Station, you can take a taxi or bus (see the electronic information board located just outside the station).
By bus, services connect Budleigh with Exmouth, Sidmouth, and Exeter. Buses are reasonably frequent in summer but less so on Sundays or in winter, so check timetables before planning a trip.
Within Budleigh, everything is walkable. The town centre, beach, and estuary are all close together, and walking is the best way to explore. Cycling is also popular, especially on the old railway path, which is part of National Cycle Network Route 2.
Budleigh to Exmouth Railway Cycle Path
This route mixes quiet residential streets with sections of the old Budleigh Salterton Railway trackbed. From Budleigh you leave Lime Kiln car park or Station Road and use low-traffic roads through town before picking up the former railway. The old line gives a sheltered, mostly level path with tarmac and compacted gravel surfaces.
The approach into Exmouth is similar. You leave the traffic-free railway section near Littleham and use quiet streets to reach the seafront, the town centre or the station. In total, expect roughly half the journey on roads and half on the old trackbed. Because of those on-road stretches, cycling the full route may not suit all ages. Families often choose only the traffic-free parts or pair the railway path with the Exe Estuary Trail.
You are riding along National Cycle Network Route 2. The corridor is greener than you might expect, with hedges, embankments and birds along the way, and short detours to the River Otter and Otterton available from the Budleigh end. Carry a bell and lights for shaded sections, watch for pedestrians, keep dogs close, and take care at road crossings and junctions. A simple plan is to ride Budleigh to Exmouth for lunch by the beach, then return on the same path or loop back on signed lanes.
Where to Eat and Drink in Budleigh Salterton
Food and drink in Budleigh reflect the town’s balance of tradition and modern tastes.
Right on the seafront, the Rockfish Seafood Cafe provides meals and refreshments with beach views (booking recommended), while smaller kiosks sell ice creams, drinks, and snacks during the summer. These are perfect for casual seaside dining.
In the town centre, cafés like the Cosy Teapot serve traditional cream teas and homemade cakes. Just a few minutes from the beach, pubs such as the Salterton Arms or The Feathers offer local beers and cider, pub food and a friendly atmosphere. A range of small restaurants, takeaways, and delis provide further options.
For those seeking something more unusual, Otterton Mill nearby offers freshly baked bread, regional produce, and meals made with local ingredients. On the other side of the River Otter, but just a short walk or drive away, you will find Pyne’s Farm Shop and lots of fresh local produce. For something different, try a vineyard tour at nearby Lily Farm.
The emphasis in Budleigh is on fresh, local, and independent, fitting for a town that prides itself on character rather than mass tourism.
Where to Stay in Budleigh Salterton, Devon
Budleigh Salterton offers a range of places to stay that reflect the character of the town: smaller-scale, comfortable and often family-run, rather than large resort-style hotels.
Bed and breakfasts are a big part of Budleigh, many in Victorian and Edwardian houses near the seafront. Places such as The Lawns B&B and Stoneborough House B&B offer a friendly welcome, good breakfasts and helpful local knowledge.
There are also a number of small hotels and guest houses, including The Long Range Hotel, which provides a slightly larger base while still keeping the quieter feel that suits Budleigh.
Self-catering is widely available and popular, particularly for families and longer stays. Search for Budleigh Salterton on sites such as Booking.com, and you will find everything from period cottages with character to modern apartments, some with sea views or easy access to the beach. Across Budleigh Salterton and the East Devon area, there is a huge selection of self-catering options.
Just outside the town, camping and caravan sites offer another way to stay close to the coast. Nearby options include Pooh Cottage Holiday Park, as well as larger holiday parks such as Devon Cliffs Holiday Park at Sandy Bay and Ladram Bay, both a short drive away or reachable on foot via the South West Coast Path.
For a traditional pub stay, The King’s Arms in nearby Otterton is a good option, combining accommodation with food and a village setting a short distance from Budleigh.
Larger hotels are limited in Budleigh Salterton, but that is part of the attraction. The focus is on smaller places to stay that match the town’s relaxed pace and coastal setting.
Weather in Budleigh Salterton, Devon: When to Visit
Budleigh enjoys a mild climate thanks to its south coast position.
Summers are generally warm but not extreme, with average highs around 20–22°C in July and August. Sunshine is common, but sea breezes can make it feel cooler, so a light jacket is advisable in the evenings.
Spring and autumn bring moderate temperatures, often ideal for walking. Expect highs in the low to mid-teens Celsius, with changeable conditions. These seasons are excellent for those who prefer quieter paths and fewer crowds.
Winters are relatively mild compared to inland Devon, with average highs of 8–10°C. However, Atlantic storms can bring strong winds and heavy rain, which can occasionally cause cliff erosion or path closures. Winter visitors should dress for wet weather and check walking routes in advance.
Before you set out, check tides, wind and the Budleigh live cam for real-time sea and beach conditions: the Met Office or BBC for Budleigh Salterton weather.
Practical Information for Visiting Budleigh Salterton
- 🛍️ Shops & Supermarkets – A good mix of independent shops, cafés, galleries and small supermarkets along High Street and Fore Street. There’s a Co-op Food for groceries plus smaller convenience stores.
- 🏥 Nearest Hospital – Minor Injuries Unit at Exmouth Hospital, Claremont Grove, Exmouth EX8 2JN (around 5 miles). Nearest A&E is Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Wonford, Barrack Road, Exeter EX2 5DW.
- 🚔 Police – Devon & Cornwall Police (nearest station in Exmouth, North Street EX8 1JZ). Emergencies 999/112; non-emergency 101.
- 💊 Pharmacies – Budleigh Salterton Pharmacy, 7 High Street EX9 6LQ.
- ✈️ Nearest Airport – Exeter International Airport (around 10–12 miles).
- 🚆 Railway Stations – Budleigh no longer has a station. The nearest is Exmouth (about 5 miles) with services to Exeter and national connections. Honiton Station on the London Waterloo line is about 15 miles away.
- 🚌 Bus Services – Stagecoach 157 (Exmouth–Budleigh–Sidmouth) plus connections to Exeter via 9/9A and local routes. Main stops are on High Street and Station Road.
- 🅿️ Car Parks – Lime Kiln (seafront EX9 6JD). Check tariffs and seasonal restrictions.
- ⛽ Petrol & EV Charging – Nearest petrol at Littleham, Exmouth (Budleigh Road EX8 2NX). EV charging points at Lime Kiln car park (subject to change).
- 💵 Banks & ATMs – No banks in town but several ATMs on High Street including at the Co-op.
- 📮 Post Office – Budleigh Salterton Post Office, 4 High Street EX9 6LD.
- 🚻 Public Toilets – Station Road (Town Hall), on the beach near Lime Kiln car park, above the beach at 1 Cliff Terrace.
- 🚶 Tourist Information Centre – 14 High Street, EX9 6NG near the seafront. Friendly volunteers provide maps, walking guides and local tips.
Other Helpful Links
- Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
- Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
- Expedia – good for flights and packages.
- Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
- Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
- MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
- National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
- Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
- Rental Cars – to search out and book hire cars.
- Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
- Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
- Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
- Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
- Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
- TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
- Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.
Budleigh Salterton FAQs
Where is Budleigh Salterton?
Budleigh Salterton is a small seaside town on the East Devon coast in South West England. It lies between Exmouth and Sidmouth and sits within the East Devon National Landscape, making it a popular spot for coastal walks and relaxed holidays.
Is Budleigh Salterton good for a holiday?
Yes. Budleigh Salterton is known for its peaceful atmosphere, clean pebble beach, scenic walks, and traditional high street. It’s ideal for families, walkers, and anyone looking for a quieter coastal break. Its location makes it a good base for exploring East Devon and the Jurassic Coast.
How do you get to Budleigh Salterton?
Budleigh Salterton is around 15 miles from Exeter and is easy to reach by car via the A376 and B3178. The nearest railway station is in Exmouth, around 5 miles away, with frequent buses (Stagecoach 157) linking the two. Exeter Airport is about 10–12 miles from the town.
Does Budleigh Salterton have a sandy beach?
Budleigh Salterton’s beach is mainly made up of smooth, colourful pebbles, famous for their beauty. It shelves gently into the sea and is popular for swimming, paddling and kayaking. Sandy beaches can be found nearby at Exmouth.
Are there public toilets and car parks in Budleigh Salterton?
Yes. Public toilets are available on the seafront by Lime Kiln car park and on the cliff path and by the town hall. The main car park, Lime Kiln, is at the east end of the beach. Charges and seasonal restrictions may apply.
Can you walk the South West Coast Path from Budleigh Salterton?
Yes. Budleigh Salterton sits directly on the South West Coast Path. You can walk west towards Exmouth via Sandy Bay and Devon Cliffs, or east towards Sidmouth through the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve and Ladram Bay. Both sections offer stunning coastal scenery.
Are there places to eat and drink in Budleigh Salterton?
Budleigh has a good range of cafés, pubs and small restaurants along High Street and the seafront. Popular options include traditional tearooms, pubs such as The Feathers, and local bakeries. Many venues have outdoor seating in summer.
Where can I find tourist information in Budleigh Salterton?
The Budleigh Information Centre is in the main street (14 High Street). Volunteers offer free maps, walking leaflets and local advice. Opening hours are usually spring to autumn, with reduced winter hours.
Is Budleigh Salterton Worth Visiting?
Yes. For us, Budleigh Salterton is all about the Otter Estuary and its nature reserve. It’s peaceful, dog-friendly and ideal for easy, scenic walks that give you space to breathe.
One of our favourite routes follows the coast path east towards Brandy Head or Ladram Bay, then turns inland to Otterton for a stop at the pub or Otterton Mill before walking back along the river. At around seven miles, it takes in some of the best views and countryside in East Devon.
If you’re staying longer, there’s plenty to explore. The walk from Budleigh to Sandy Bay and on to Exmouth is another favourite, steeper in places but manageable, with wide views across Lyme Bay.
For food, Rockfish is a good choice for the seafront setting, while Budleigh Fish and Chips does the classics well.
Budleigh is worth visiting year-round, and has a real buzz in summer, but for us it’s particularly good on bright winter days, when the light is clear, and the town is quieter.
Relaxed and refined, Budleigh Salterton suits a gentler kind of seaside holiday, whether you’re walking the coast, exploring the estuary, or simply spending time by the sea.
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