5 things you might not know about Budleigh Salterton

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.

1. 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 18^th century.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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!
5. 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.