If you’re thinking of visiting East Devon this spring, Budleigh Salterton, with its beach, charming town centre and nature reserve is a great place to set up base. Want to know more, here are some things you might not have known about Budleigh Salterton.
- Budleigh Salterton wasn’t always known by that name
There are some debates over the original name, but Budleigh Salterton was originally known as simply Salterton or Salterne – the name comes from the fact that it was a leading manufacturer of salt! Local monks at the nearby Otterton priory took charge of the salt makers and the pans used in the process were still in use up until the 18th century. - Budleigh forms part of Raleigh Country
Budleigh Salterton, along with Exmouth and other villages along the Exe Estuary towards Sidmouth form part of Raleigh Country, the heart of which is East Budleigh – the birth place of Sir Walter Raleigh. He was born on a farm and his father was the warden at the Church of All Saints, there is even a pew named for him there. Sir Walter Raleigh went on to great acclaim during the reign of Elizabeth I. - There are beavers living there!
Beavers were at one time extinct but thanks to a successful reintroduction programme on the River Otter, they are now thriving around Budleigh Salterton! They are most active at night, but you can still catch a glimpse of them if you walk along the river side in the early evening, especially in the summer months. - Budleigh is geologically important
Budleigh Salterton’s geology is incredibly important, not just to scientists but in general. The rocks along the beach are from the Triassic age and are over 250 million years old. It’s thought that at one time, the climate was similar to that in the Sahara Desert! - It hosts a literature festival every year
Budleigh Salterton Literature Festival is one of the UK’s best loved literary events and often brings world famous authors to the town. The late award winning author, Dame Hilary Mantel served as the festival’s president for several years after settling in the town.
Want to discover more from Budleigh? You can find more information below.
Budleigh's History and Heritage
As you might expect from a town set along the Jurassic Coast, Budleigh Salterton is full of history and you can find fossils dating back millennia along the beach.
See more from Budleigh Salterton
Top picnic sites in East Devon
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With the warmer weather on its way, it’s the perfect time to enjoy some time outside in the beautiful East Devon countryside with the family. So, pack your blankets and your favourite snacks and check out these popular picnic spots from around the region. Budleigh Salterton Beach The beach in…
Learn MoreThings to do in Budleigh over the Easter break
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It might still feel like 2025 has only just begun, but it will be Easter before you know it. If you’re planning a trip over the Easter break, why not spend some time in Budleigh Salterton? Here are some of our top suggestions of things to do over Easter while in town. Spend days at the beach…
Learn MoreDiscover Raleigh Country
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Raleigh Country is the name given to the area spreading from the Exe Estuary out towards Sidmouth and encompassing the town of Budleigh Salterton. The name comes from the privateer Sir Walter Raleigh, who was born in the East Budleigh area in 1552. Despite the similar name, East Budleigh is a small…
Learn MoreNational newspaper recognises Budleigh Salterton as one of the UK’s best hidden gems
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Budleigh Salterton has been described as “wonderfully unspoilt” by UK newspaper The Express. This comes after The Times ranked Budleigh Beach among the Top 10 in the South West. Both sites sang Budleigh’s praises, referring to it as “delightfully preserved” and notes that it is a great destination…
Learn MoreThings you should know about Budleigh Salterton
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Planning a visit to Budleigh Salterton this year? Why not brush up on your facts about the town before you get here? How many of these things did you already know? Budleigh sits along the Jurassic Coast, the cliffs date back to the Triassic and are over 240 million years old. The beach is famous…
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