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Budleigh Salterton: A Scenic Retreat in Devon

Located to the west of Sidmouth towards Exeter, Budleigh Salterton is a picturesque yet peaceful town that attracts numerous visitors. The unspoilt nature of the area, coupled with its beautiful setting, is a major draw for tourists. The town is conveniently located near the beach, with many houses vying for space along the compact beachside region.

Beaches in Budleigh Salterton

The local beach, comprised of pebbles and quite steep, extends eastward from the town for approximately 2 miles. Dominating the beach's backdrop are red sandstone cliffs, part of the Jurassic Coast Heritage Site. Visitors should be aware that the beach directly under the cliff (to the right when facing the sea) is a nudist beach, and there are signs indicating as such. A sandy, gently sloping beach can be found at Littleham Cove, which is a pleasant walk away over the cliff path towards Exmouth.

Budleigh Salterton's History and Attractions

The town's name is derived from the ancient trade of salt panning that used to be prevalent in the area. Adding to the town's fame is the fact that Sir Walter Raleigh was born nearby at Hayes Barton. The foreshore was the setting for the famous painting 'The Boyhood of Raleigh', which adorns the walls of the Tate Gallery.

The South West Coast Path runs through here, offering an excellent cliff top walk to Exmouth, located around four miles to the west. A small fishing fleet operates from the beach. Visitors can enjoy delightful beachside cafes and an excellent ice cream shop, The Creamery, located just off the seafront. A well-signposted path up the cliff towards Exmouth, forming part of the South West Coast Path route, can be accessed from the town.

Local Tourist Spots

Map of Budleigh Salterton

View a larger map of Budleigh Salterton to explore the area in detail.

Other Points of Interest

There are other sections of this guide that you might find interesting, including:

We continuously bring you feature articles about the coastline and news items about life in the coastal area. Contributions to this section are welcome.