What makes holidays in Budleigh Salterton holiday cottages so special? With its period architecture, russet cliffs and two-mile stretch of pebble beach it certainly fulfils the ‘beauty brief’ for pretty coastal getaways. But there’s more to this charming coastal town than good looks and Georgian glamour.

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A local’s guide to holidays in Budleigh Salterton…

 

What to do in Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton lies on the Jurassic Coast within an Area of Natural Beauty between Sidmouth and Exmouth. A sought-after holiday destination, it is perfectly suited to those who love the outdoors whether for walking along the South West Coast Path, lazing on the beach or fossil hunting.

Budleigh Beach

Budleigh Salton Beach is a 2.5 mile pebble stretch with calm water that’s ‘ideal for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. The scenery is tunning, so if you fancy simple relaxation why not hire a beach hut and enjoy your own private space. Beach huts can be rented for a weekday, weekend day or a full weekend.

Outdoor Escapades

Adjacent to the town is the 33-hectare Otter River Estuary which is home to over 120 species of bird. On days where you’re not exploring the coast or sunbathing on the beach, you can walk the two footpaths on either side of the estuary where its two viewing platforms (one to the west and a bird hide to the east) make excellent vantage points over the salt marsh.

Golf at East Devon Golf Club

Rated in the top 100 golf courses in England, East Devon Golf Club sits on the cliffs above Budleigh, with sweeping views across the Jurassic Coast. Visitors and non-members are welcome, with buggy and equipment hire available, as well as a restaurant and terrace for post-game refreshments.

Beachside Dining

A handful of small beachside cafes dot the seafront and these are excellent places for a light bite. You’ll be able to tuck into a pint of shell-on prawns at The Longboat, Fifty Degrees North and West End Kiosk, or if you fancy a mooch, you can wander into town where you’ll discover a handful of good restaurants, shops and galleries.

Spot Otter & Beavers in Budleigh

The banks of the nearby River Otter are a lovely place for nature walks. Here visitors are likely to spot resident otters and beavers who are active on summer evenings, when they can be seen swimming, feeding and grooming on riverside paths. Those with dogs in tow will need to keep them out of the water though, as adult beavers will actively defend their territory and kits from threats.

Visit a Devon Vineyard

A warm temperate climate enables Devon’s valleys to yield top quality grapes which is why you’ll find several excellent vineyards in the region.

The small, family-run Lily Farm Vineyard is a 5 minute drive from Budleigh Salterton town so if you fancy sampling some of its award-winning wines with a cheeseboard and vineyard views, we highly recommend you do so.

The vineyard and shop are open Thursday to Saturday 10.30 am to 4.00 pm with guided tours available between 26 May and 24 September 2022 at 2.00 pm. The tours are priced at £15 per person and include a tasting of four of their award-winning still and sparkling wines (allow 90 minutes).

 

 

Attractions in Budleigh Salterton

Explore the Exe Estuary

Those who enjoy a visit to a National Trust site have the uniquely designed A La Ronde house and its estate, on the doorstep. Explore the accessible Parminter walk through the surrounding meadow and view the fascinating seashell collection which the house is most famous for.

Visit Otterton Mill

Dating back as far as 1086 (with a mill in a similar locale recorded in the Domesday Book) this historic working watermill was gifted along with its manor house, to the nuns at Syon Abbey by King Henry V.

In more recent times however it has been delighting visitors from all over the world with its bakery, cafe/restaurant, local food shop, gift and craft shop, art gallery, live music, and other events. The walk from Otterton Mill to Budleigh takes about 40 minutes and is mostly flat along the river, so for families with younger children, it’s really quite perfect.

Day trips from Budleigh Salterton

Based in Exmouth, Stuart Lines Cruises which is an all-weather, family-friendly and dog-friendly experience offers stunning views of the landscape including East Devon’s iconic red rocks, and regularly takes in Budleigh Salterton and its neighbouring Otterton Point.

Their vessel is suitable for manual wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility, so if you’re looking for a lovely vantage point from which to take in Budleigh’s dramatic coastline and scenery this is the way to do it!

48 Hours in Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton is a beautiful town on the coast of the Jurassic Coast in East Devon – an idyllic spot for a seaside sojourn. From your holiday cottage you’ll discover a shingle shore lapped by calm water, the River Otter and its nature reserve, and a lovely selection of shops, restaurants and galleries to enjoy. Our weekend itinerary is a taste of life in Budleigh, designed to help you make the most of your time in this pretty part of the county.

LC Loves Local Budleigh Salterton Itinerary

FAQ’s about Budleigh Salterton

  • What are holidays in Budleigh Salterton like?

    Budleigh Salterton is a truly beautiful destination. The beach is simply stunning and perfect for long walks and relaxation by the sea, and the town itself is charming. Long stays and short breaks are equally special, with the area offering a variety of places to explore and activities to experience. Our 48 Hours In Budleigh Salterton guide is a handy tool to help you plan your trip.

  • Are dogs allowed on Budleigh Salterton Beach?

    Yes, dogs are allowed on Budleigh Salterton Beach, however there are some restrictions. During the peak summer season, from May 1st to September 30th, dogs aren’t allowed on the main beach area between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Outside of these hours and during the rest of the year, dogs can enjoy the beach freely. The beach is generally dog-friendly, with plenty of space for them to run and play outside the restricted times.

     

     

  • Where is Budleigh?

    This charming seaside town is in East Devon along the Jurassic Coast. It lies between the towns of Exmouth and Sidmouth, roughly 35 minutes’ drive from Exeter. The town has a lovely pebble beach and showcases stunning views across the coast and cliffs, with a traditional English seaside atmosphere

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