Whether you are planning a day trip, a short break or are lucky enough to be a resident, you’ll find plenty to occupy you in Budleigh Salterton. A hidden gem that is off the beaten track, Budleigh Salterton is just as perfect for those who want to relax and recharge as those who want a touch of adventure. In Budleigh Salterton you can immerse yourself in a host of activities from riding to paddleboarding, running or cycling or why not take a day trip to one of the local nature reserves or historic gardens?
Reconnect with nature
Wildlife watchers and lovers of the great outdoors will find their haven here. As the only town in East Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, there is no better base for exploring. Trek the South West Coast Path, stroll up the River Otter, or spot the local birds. The estuary, salt marsh and reed bed ecosystems support over 120 species of birds providing 365 year-round interest including many varieties of gulls, kingfishers, egrets and herons. More common farmland and hedgerow birds can be seen together with Reed Bunting, Shelduck, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Cetti’s warbler which are more often heard than seen. On late winter afternoons, you may even be lucky to see the stunning starling murmurations over the reed beds.
As Mother Nature’s playground, Budleigh also has resident otters and beavers. The beavers are a unique population in the UK being the first beavers since Elizabethan times to live wild in this country. Although they can be elusive, if you walk the path from Budleigh to Otterton you can’t miss the evidence of them in the form of felled or partially felled trees with distinctive beaver teeth marks. Beavers can help to restore wetland habitats and boost other species, managing waterflows and helping to curb flooding, making them a splendorous and eco-friendly resident of the town.
Let nature be your compass and explore the nurturing sights and sounds by various means. Study the beauty closely by foot, cycle and take in the views, or contact one of the local riding schools and take a hack across Woodbury Common and the Pebblebed Heath to unlock a treasure trove of wildlife.
The whole town is very walkable with several accessible circular walks and a long stretch of beach to explore.
It isn’t just walkers that will love visits to Budleigh Salterton, there are miles of cycle routes too and, as you would expect from a coastal town, plenty of opportunities to get out on the water. Paddleboarding, kayaking and wild swimming are all popular and you can hire boards and kayaks from the limekilns at the end of the beach during the summer months. Other sports to get involved in during your visit include golf, tennis, croquet and bowling, all of which offer casual and competitive games. The town skatepark is also a huge draw, with an annual Skatepark Jam taking place in the summer.
