A walk along Budleigh Salterton’s historic promenade is an uplifting experience, whatever the season. The famous pebbled beach, with its small fishing boats and quirky, colourful beach huts, stretches along Lyme Bay for about two miles, leading to an iconic view – beloved of artists and photographers alike – of the red cliffs and majestic Scots pines at the mouth of the river Otter. This small, charming seaside town has a timeless old-world quality and is one of Devon’s quieter resorts, even in mid-summer. The fact that it is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, as well as being on the South West Coastal Path, makes this a very special place.
The Otter Estuary is a large nature reserve, home to an abundance of wildlife, and especially important for kingfishers, sand martins, otters and the recently re-introduced beavers. If you are a bird watcher, a number of easily accessible hides along the riverbank offer an abundance of opportunities to study the wide variety of seasonal species.
Leisure
Whatever your age or interests, you’ll be sure to find just what you are looking for. Do you enjoy an invigorating swim in the sea or a leisurely walk along the Otter Estuary and seashore? Or there are many other excellent local facilities, including tennis, football, cricket, bowls and croquet clubs. But the jewel in Budleigh’s crown must be the prestigious East Devon Golf Club, with its panoramic coastal views. Drop into the town’s library to explore the wide range of other clubs and societies on offer, including a very active art club and amateur dramatics. You’ll find the town hall offers a regular programme of shows, dances, film society presentations and art exhibitions. To find out about Budleigh’s history, be sure to visit the pretty, thatched Fairlynch Museum, home to a collection of fascinating exhibits. Top of the local spectator sports is rugby’s 2020 European and Premiership champions, Exeter Chiefs, or there’s Exeter City football club, county cricket at Taunton and regular horse racing at Exeter, Newton Abbott and Taunton.
Health
Comprehensive facilities are provided by the local medical practice and dental practices. In addition, Exmouth Hospital has a minor injuries unit and the Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust (RD&E) provides integrated health and care services across Exeter, East and Mid Devon. The nearest private hospital is the Nuffield in Exeter (14 miles).
Transport & Commuting
There are excellent transport links with the M5 (junction 30) only 10 miles north-west of Budleigh Salterton, which provides access north towards Taunton (55 minutes), Weston-Super-Mare (one hour 30 minutes), Bristol (one hour 50 minutes), Cheltenham (two hours 15 minutes) and Birmingham (three hours). It also connects with the M4 for journeys to London (four hours) or into Wales. London can also be accessed via the A303/M3 (three hours 40 minutes). The cathedral city of Exeter takes about 30 minutes by road. South West Devon can be reached via the A38. An hour’s drive brings you to the historic city of Plymouth and its cross-channel ferry port to Roscoff in Brittany.
The nearest train station is located in Exmouth (15 minutes’ drive). Services are provided by Great Western Railway and connect to other national services at Exeter St. David’s and Exeter Central, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Known as the Avocet Line, this is one of England’s prettiest train journeys, along the edge of the beautiful Exe Estuary. Connections at Exeter serve direct lines to London Paddington or Waterloo stations, with a journey times from two and a quarter hours.
Regular bus services are provided by Stagecoach, which serves various bus stops around Budleigh Salterton as well as the surrounding communities in Exmouth, East Budleigh, Otterton, Sidmouth and Exeter.
Exeter Airport is less than half an hour away by road (11 miles). For more choice, including some direct international flights, Bristol Airport is an hour and a half away (74 miles).
Shopping
The town’s picturesque high street, with its gently flowing brook and flower-filled summer planters, has a traditional array of mainly independent shops, including butchers, bakers, greengrocers, delicatessens, two small supermarkets and chemists, as well as an art gallery, plus several boutique gift and fashion shops. Freshly-caught fish can be bought on Budleigh beach from the local fishermen most days of the week (look out for the pirate flag!). Farm shops are also conveniently located nearby: Pynes Farm (1.5 miles), Darts Farm (8 miles) and Greendale Farm (10 miles). Main high street outlets can be found in the historic cathedral city of Exeter (14 miles).
Food
Budleigh Salterton has more than its fair share of quaint, welcoming cafes and coffee shops in the town itself, with a further three cafes situated right on the sea front – perfect for enjoying your Devon cream tea or fresh crab sandwich. Traditional local pubs serving locally produced food and beer from local breweries can be found in the town and in the nearby villages of East Budleigh and Otterton. Or what’s your favourite takeaway? Fish and chips, Indian or Chinese?
Education
There is one local primary school (St Peter’s Church of England Primary School), while Exmouth Community College serves Budleigh Salterton as the secondary school. Post 16 education is available at Exmouth Community College and also at the nearby Exeter College. The new £10.5 million Deaf Academy is Exmouth’s most recent educational addition. The University of Exeter offers a wide range of higher education degree courses. Alternative private, independent schools can be found at St Peter’s Preparatory school (Lympstone), The Maynards School (Exeter) and Exeter School.
Events
Annual community events include Gala Week, with fun events for all the family (May/June), a Music Festival with many classical performances (July), a Literary Festival with visiting authors and workshops for all ages (September) and the ever-popular Budleigh Christmas Day swim for the brave, but you can stay warm and watch.
As you see, Budleigh Salterton is an unspoilt, peaceful and friendly seaside town with a unique beach of Triassic pebbles (100 million years older than Jurassic) and so much to offer.