Budleigh Salterton

For details of places to stay and things to do in Budleigh Salterton, please try the links on the left.

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON was originally named Salterne, because salt was once manufactured in large salt pans situated at the mouth of the picturesque River Otter. Owned by the monks of the priory at the nearby village of Otterton, the salt was carried by packhorses to the towns and villages situated along the river.

The main street of Budleigh Salterton is now a conservation area featuring many outstanding buildings, an abundance of interesting shops and a wide range of eating places.

The pebbly beach extends for about 2 miles and runs in line with The Parade, a promenade with plenty of strategically placed seating to enable visitors to make the most of the views.

Budleigh Salterton was made famous by Sir John Everett Millais as his painting 'The Boyhood of Raleigh' was painted from the Octagon, situated in Fore Street. Marked by a blue plaque the ancient wall featured in the background on the painting still stands today.

Almost opposite the wall is the thatched Fairlynch Museum, which has a permanent display on local history, costume and lace as well as many fascinating temporary exhibitions.

Nearby is Bicton Park Gardens, one of the most beautiful of Britain's world-renowned historic gardens. The Grade 1 listed gardens originated in the 1730s and offer a mass of colour throughout the year. Their splendour can be enjoyed with a ride aboard the 18-inch gauge Bicton Woodland Railway, which makes its way over two miles of track.

The pretty village of Otterton lies just a few miles from Budleigh Salterton and is well worth a visit. Otterton Mill is a centuries-old working water mill, which also has a famous bakery and shop stocked full of mouth-watering local produce, a restaurant serving delicious food and a gallery with some of the best art and crafts in the area.