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Scottish Sun
05-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Wonderfully unspoilt' seaside town in Devon is one of the UK's best hidden spots
Plus, the hidden English beach that's the 'most beautiful place in the world' to close until next year SAND-SATIONAL 'Wonderfully unspoilt' seaside town in Devon is one of the UK's best hidden spots Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NESTLED in Devon is one of the UK's best hidden gems that is home to a Jurassic coastline, quaint seaside villages and pretty beaches. Budleigh Salterton is a "wonderfully unspoilt" seaside town in Devon, according to Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Budleigh Salterton is a "wonderfully unspoilt" seaside town in Devon Credit: Alamy 4 It features a long-stretching clean beach and is about 20-minutes from Sidmouth Credit: Alamy Located just 20-minutes from Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton is home to a huge beach and has fewer crowds than its popular neighbour. Just 7,000 people live in the seaside town. One person said in a Tripadvisor review: "Great scenery, friendly community, always clean, and great for the family." Another added that it is "wonderfully unspoilt". Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays said: "People often miss out on a visit to Budleigh Salterton because it is nestled between more popular destinations like Exmouth and Sidmouth which draw big crowds on a nice day. "Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore." There are plenty of things to do in the town including watersports such as paddle-boarding and kayaking, and there is a number of beach walks with local tea rooms and cafes. And as usual with quaint seaside towns - there is a great range of independent shops too. "Budleigh Salterton is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching," added Alex. "There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology." The perfect Haven holiday park for a kid-friendly break - with direct beach access, indoor waterpark and neighbouring seaside theme park In fact, the whole region is bursting with wildlife including beavers - which were once extinct but thanks to a reintroduction programme, they are now thriving around the town. As for places to stay, there are also a good amount of options. "[Because the town isn't too big, everything is easily accessible, and the beach is right on your doorstep," she continued. What makes the destination even better is that Budleigh Salterton's beach is one of the top 10 beaches in the South West, according to The Times and Sunday Times. The waters have been rated as 'excellent' in the Bathing Water Classifications 2024 - so it is a great spot if you want to take a dip. 4 There are plenty of things to do in the town including water sports such as paddle-boarding and kayaking or beach walks with local tea rooms and cafes Credit: Alamy And if you are worried about the beach being busy - it stretches 2.5miles long, so you are bound to find a spot. If you happen to be in the town during March or September, you can also attend the Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival which is one of the UK's best loved literary events, according to Visit Devon. The town also has an interesting history with connections to Sir Walter Raleigh - who was born nearby - and the region's salt-panning industry contributing the name 'Salterton'. Devon is also home to a Victorian English seaside town with no arcades or loud rides that has one of the UK's best beaches and it is loved by celebs. Plus, the hidden English beach that's the 'most beautiful place in the world' to close until next year.
Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'Charming' UK seaside town ignored by posh resort just six miles away
This charming UK seaside town, with a population of just 7,000, is a true melting pot of lush countryside, rugged mountains, and turquoise waters - but most tourists don't even know it exists One of the UK's most beautiful seaside towns remains a true 'hidden gem' - despite being a stone's throw away from two popular resorts. Tucked away on Devon's stunning Jurassic coastline and surrounded by rolling countryside lies the quaint town of Budleigh Salterton. Enveloped in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this overlooked resort is perfect for those who are after a weekend of peace and quiet. With two miles of picturesque beaches, crystal-clear waters that have become a hotspot for kayaking and paddle-boarding, and a distinct lack of crowds - this charming resort needs to be on your bucket list. Described as 'wonderfully unspoilt' and the UK's 'best kept secret' by travellers, you'd think Budleigh Salterton would have become riddled with UK holidaymakers by now. But, in a statement sent to the Mirror, Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, warned that people often 'miss out' on a visit to Budleigh Salterton due to it being sandwiched in between Sidmouth and Exmouth - both of which draw in 'big crowds' of tourists. "Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore," she added. "The town is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching. There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology." Located just over 200 miles from London, driving to Budleigh Salterton takes around four hours in the car. Alternatively, Brits living in the Big Smoke can get the train over to Exmouth, and then take a 21-minute bus from the Savoy Cinema stop over to the seaside town. This route, which usually includes a change at Exeter St David's, takes two hours and 44 minutes. If you're flexible with dates, single adult fares can be bought for £50 - or even cheaper if you have a rail card. There is a range of accommodation types in Budleigh Salterton depending on your budget. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, July 11-13) at Heathgate will only set you back £220. This is based on two adults sharing a Deluxe One-Bedroom Apartment with a Garden View. However, for those looking for something a little more extra - check out Mackerel Cottage. This spacious holiday home, which has its own kitchen and three bedrooms, costs a whopping £2,172 on the exact same nights. But if you're splitting the cost with a large group, the price doesn't seem so bad. *Prices based on Trainline and listings at the time of writing.
