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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Budleigh Salterton lies within an Area of Natural Beauty between Sidmouth and Exmouth. This as well as its proximity to the Jurassic Coast means holidaymakers can look forward to a full agenda whether day tripping, beach hopping or fossil hunting. Lovers of the outdoors have a bevy of scenic walks and cycle routes to choose from, most of which are along the South West Coast Path with one of the best to try being the 4 mile cliff top route towards Exmouth.
Otter River Estuary
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.
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.
Otters and Beavers
The River Otter which rises in the Blackdown Hills of Somerset, is the location of one of the most exciting conservation initiatives in England in recent times. From their sudden and unexpected first appearance in the river over 10 years ago, beavers have mysteriously re-introduced themselves to the area and there are now over ten family groups occupying the main river and tributaries of the catchment.
If you’d like to witness these amazing animals in their new habitat, they are more easily spotted during summer evenings, when they can be seen swimming, feeding and grooming on riverside paths. Dog owners will need to be wary and keep their canines out of the water though as adult beavers will actively defend their territory and kits from threats.
Lily Farm Vineyard
With its warm temperate climate, it’s unsurprising that Devon’s valleys yield some very good wine indeed, and the small family run award-winning boutique vineyard at Lily Farm is no stranger to world-class viticulture.
Situated in a vale at Knowle and surrounded by beautiful East Devon countryside, the farm is within easy walking distance of Budleigh Salterton so if you fancy sampling some of its latest vintage 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).
Please be aware that the vineyard slope is steep and may be unsuitable for anyone with limited mobility. No dogs are allowed either.
Fairlynch Museum
Fairlynch Museum is one of only a few thatched museums in the UK. Its beautiful architecture is instantly recognizable as one of Budleigh’s best known landmarks, and its wonderful costume collection, geological artefacts and art exhibitions will delight visitors of all ages.
Discover the story of the distinctive Budleigh Salterton pebbles (known locally as “Budleigh Buns”), and their long journey to locations as far away as Hastings, or the town’s most famous local historic figure Sir Walter Raleigh.
Fairlynch is open from 11:30 to 4:30 between 15th April -to 31st October 2022, Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is £2.50 per adult while children under 16 years go free. The house relies heavily on donations so please feel free to give generously when you visit.
Otterton Mill
With roots 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. A fantastic place for a day out 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.
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!
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.
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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