A spotlight on Budleigh Salterton

Elegant Victorian architecture, a sweeping pebble beach and a wonderfully welcoming community give this coastal gem its unmistakable character - and once experienced, it’s easy to see why so many visitors can’t help but return, time and time again.

A world-class coastal setting

Budleigh Salterton enjoys an enviable position on the iconic Jurassic Coast - England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, ninety-five million years of geological history unfold in dramatic red cliffs and sweeping coastal vistas. The town also sits within the protected East Devon National Landscape, ensuring the countryside that surrounds it remains as breathtaking as ever.

We’re sure you’ll agree; Budleigh Salterton’s beach is simply stunning. A long, tranquil stretch of pebbles meets clear waters, offering space to breathe, stroll and unwind. It’s little surprise that both The Times and The Express have ranked Budleigh amongst the South West’s top coastal hot spots in recent years - a testament to its unspoilt beauty and peaceful atmosphere.

Budleigh’s gently shelving shoreline also makes it ideal for the more adventurous visitor. Water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding and sea swimming are all popular here, with calm days offering crystal-clear conditions for exploring the coastline from a different perspective.

Although those of a more delicate disposition may wish to avoid the west end of the beach past the Steamer Steps, which has been officially designated as a naturist beach…

Embrace the outdoors

For those who love the great outdoors, the South West Coast Path also passes right through town. Whether you’re heading east towards Sidmouth’s dramatic cliffs or west towards the sandy beaches of Exmouth, every step rewards you with spectacular views.

Budleigh Salterton sits on The Otter Estuary, a haven for wildlife and walkers alike. Meandering riverside paths offer gentle, scenic strolls with opportunities to spot wading birds and perhaps even the beavers that have famously made their home here. Follow the river inland and you’ll reach the picturesque village of Otterton, where a visit to Otterton Mill - with its charming working water mill, artisan bakery and café - makes for a perfect day out.

A town that tastes as good as it looks

Budleigh Salterton’s independent spirit shines through its delightful selection of shops, cafés, and restaurants, too.

Start your morning at Milena’s for artisan coffee and delicious handmade treats (the Basque cheesecake is not to be missed!), enjoy relaxed dining at Brook Kitchen - where your four-legged friends are also welcome - or savour Mediterranean flavours at Marco’s (leaving room for some of that famous gelato, of course!). For unbeatable sea views paired with sustainably sourced seafood and fresh local produce, Rockfish Café and Fifty Degrees North on the beach are also firm favourites.

Appetite sated, check out Budleigh’s impressive range of independent retailers. The Treasury offers a carefully curated collection of gifts and homewares, perfect for finding something special to take home, while Budleigh Unwrapped champions sustainable, plastic-free living with beautifully displayed, refillable essentials. For lovers of unique gifts and coastal-inspired treasures, The Rowan Tree offers an enticing mix of toys, homeware and keepsakes, and Pobble specialises in premium preloved clothing and accessories, helping visitors and locals revamp their wardrobes sustainably. Newbie on the block, Communally Curative Creatives, adds an artistic touch, offering workshops and shared studio space for makers of all ages.

A vibrant local community

Community certainly lies at the heart of Budleigh life. The annual Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival draws acclaimed authors and enthusiastic audiences each Spring and Autumn, while the Budleigh Salterton Music Festival fills the town with exceptional classical performances each summer and May’s Gala Week always draws the crowds.

Locals also enjoy the popular Budleigh Film Society, Salterton Drama Club and The Community Workshop at the former Fire Station, which provides a vibrant hub for classes, exhibitions and hands-on experience – all a testament to the town’s thriving artistic spirit and visitors are always welcome.

Sport, too, plays a proud part in town life. Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, with its pitch overlooking the River Otter and rolling countryside beyond, must surely be one of the most scenic cricket grounds in Devon. On match days, the sound of leather on willow drifts across the valley - a quintessentially English summer scene. Enjoy a Pimm’s or a pint on the terrace courtesy of The Holt.

Perched at the top of town and offering an equally impressive, birds eye view is Budleigh Salterton Croquet Club - one of the oldest croquet clubs in the country - which continues a genteel (if highly competitive!) tradition on immaculately kept lawns, while East Devon Golf Club offers spectacular views across Lyme Bay from a course ranked among the Top 100 in England.

Discover Budleigh for yourself

With its stunning coastal setting, vibrant cultural calendar and strong sense of community, it’s no surprise Budleigh Salterton is considered one of the most desirable places to live in the UK, with many visitors deciding to relocate to this sought-after stretch of Devon coast.

Whether you come for a bracing coastal walk, a literary afternoon, a scenic seafood supper, or simply a moment of stillness by the water’s edge, Budleigh Salterton has a way of capturing hearts.

It’s not just a destination - it’s a lifestyle. And once you’ve experienced it, you may find yourself planning your return before you’ve even left.

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