Why You Should Visit Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton is a quiet, pleasant, small sea-side town in East Devon and is situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
Originally the town was named Salterne, as salt was once a thriving industry operated by the monks at the nearby priory in Otterton. The landscape contains a tremendous diversity of natural habitats, which support a wealth of flora and fauna; as Budleigh Salterton is situated amid farmland, woodland, and is in close proximity to fertile river valleys in addition to being on the Jurassic Coast, the first natural World Heritage Site in England. The magnificent red cliffs on either side of the town are formed of Red Devonian Sandstone, while the beach consists of large pebbles (Budleigh Salterton Pebble Beds). The Triassic era is represented by the Bunter Sandstone as well as its nodules of vanadium and uranium in red marl at Littleham Cove, where one should take care when investigating the nodules. Interestingly, the East Devon Council introduced bylaws under the 1949 Coastal Protection Act to stop people from taking large pebbles from the beach, as it had become fashionable to decorate home gardens with the large beach pebbles.
There is a small museum in the town located in a listed thatched building called Fairlynch Museum which contains a permanent display on local history, costume, lace and information regarding the fascinating geology of the region as well as a local archive for the curious visitor. The geology of the region offers much for tourism, as the town lies at the mouth of the River Otter, where the estuary forms reed beds and marsh land for migratory birds, which has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The heath areas are also a haven for butterflies and dragonflies, with thirty-eight recorded species of butterfly.
East Budleigh is commonly known as the heart of Raleigh Country, as the famed Elizabethan Sir Walter Raleigh was born here in the farm known as Hayes Barton. His family settled here in 1537, and his father was warden of the Church of All Saints where the Raleigh pew stands on the left side of the knave with the date 1537. Budleigh Salterton was made famous by a painting by Sir John Everett Millais called 'The Boyhood of Raleigh' which was painted from the Octagon, in Fore Street, an ancient wall that is featured in the painting's background. Today this ancient wall bears a blue plaque to commemorate the place captured by the artist.
Nearby Bicton Park, a privately owned historic garden with a restaurant, railway, and nature trails is one of the most beautiful of Britain's world-renowned historic gardens. This is a Grade 1 listed garden which originated in the 1730s and offers a mass of colour throughout the year. And, for a bit of local history, stop by the Salem Chapel in East Budleigh, which is an old Dissenters Chapel that was built in 1719 on the edge of the village. Its colourful history includes smuggling, primarily run by Samuel Leat; the minister from 1768 to 1807 who is reputed to have made a wealthy man by this alternate profession. The roof of the chapel is of archaeological interest, as the unique construction allowed storage of smuggled goods in its massive attic, as well as a hidden vantage point for those looking out for the Revenue Men.
Budleigh Salterton's main street is a conservation area featuring Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian buildings with a plethora of interesting shops. If you stroll down the High Street, with its small stream, you can enjoy the lovely quaint town houses and their beautifully tended gardens, or walk along the esplanade out alongside the Otter Estuary. Many walk along the South West Coast Path, as Budleigh Salterton has immediate access to this popular walking route. Due to this convenient access, many people each year use the town as an overnight stay when making a long distance walk.
Whether looking for bathing in the sea, sports, walking or just enjoying the leisure in this quiet sea-side town, you are certain to appreciate its scenic charm. For the sports enthusiast there is an active croquet club in town, with a history going back over 130 years. The famous literary giant, Noel Coward, wrote a comedy Blythe Spirit, that refers to Budleigh Salterton in a somewhat ironic manner as his character states that it is not a place for glamour and music. However, how mistaken Elvira was, as Budleigh Salterton also plays host to the Festival of Music and Drama, an annual August event; Bedstock, a one-day festival featuring local bands; and the Imperial College Operatic Society, which usually performs for two weeks during July and August. Now that is truly ironic.
Where is Budleigh Salterton?Budleigh Salterton is located along the Devon coast between Exmouth and Sidmouth. The nearest populated areas include Exmouth to the west and East Budleigh and Otterton to the north.
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