Spending time in Budleigh Salterton this half term? Here are our suggestions of fun things to do that won’t cost the earth and will give you a chance to explore this charming seaside town.
Visit the beach
Budleigh beach is huge! Plus, it is mostly pebbles, so no need to worry about getting sand in all those hard to reach places. Though the beach gets busier in the warmer months, it is significantly quieter than nearby beaches, like Sidmouth and Seaton, so might be a better option for families or anyone who wants to avoid crowds.
The beach is generally known to be safe and you’ll often find people swimming (regardless of the temperature!), paddleboarding and taking part in other watersports. During the school holidays, especially during the peak season, you can find companies offering tuition and equipment to hire, so if the weather is nice – join in!
Explore the high street
Like many of the places in East Devon, Budleigh Salterton’s high street is full of independent gems offering unique products you won’t find anywhere else! It’s a great place to find alternative gifts for those back home or to browse. There are also a selection of eateries, so you can grab some refreshments too.
Follow the South West Coast Path
As the longest national trail in England, the South West Coast Path brings visitors from all over the country. The path spans over 600 miles from Somerset through to Dorset and there are plenty of spots you can pick up the path and routes to follow to suit a wide range of ages and abilities. Because Budleigh is along the Jurassic Coast, walking parts of the South West Coast Path is a great way to see this UNESCO World Heritage site from a different angle and because you can easily tailor the route to your liking, you can fit in a wander around the path and a trip to the beach all in the same day.
Get on your bike
If you like the idea of being outdoors, hire or bring your bikes with you and get out into countryside. There is a hugely popular cycle route that follows the former railway line between Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth that is flat and easy to navigate for little ones and adults alike.
See if you can spot any beavers
They’re usually most active in the evenings but as the days get longer, you can easily take a gentle stroll along the River Otter and see if you can spot any of the beavers. After being virtually extinct in the area and a successful reintroduction, they have been happily living along the river since 2013. You might also be lucky enough to spot an otter or two, who also live along the River Otter.
Explore the River Otter Estuary
While we’re talking about riverside walks along the River Otter, we also need to mention the River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve which is home to around 120 species of bird and provides plenty of space to explore.
Looking for more ideas for a visit to Budleigh Salterton over May half term? You can find out more here.