‘Beautifully unspoilt’ Devon seaside town ranked among the UK’s best hidden gems
- UK Hidden Gems
- 17 hours ago
- 2 min read
Tucked away in Devon is one of the UK’s most underrated gems, home to a Jurassic coastline, charming seaside villages and lovely beaches.
Only 20 minutes from Sidmouth, this hidden gem has a long beach and is much quieter than its busier neighbour.
The seaside town is home to around 7,000 residents. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: “Great scenery, friendly people, always clean and perfect for families.” Another described it as “wonderfully unspoilt.”
Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, explained: “People often skip Budleigh Salterton as it sits between Exmouth and Sidmouth, which attract bigger crowds on sunny days.
“Budleigh Salterton is a true hidden gem, with a two-mile pebble beach, striking red sandstone cliffs that form part of the UNESCO Jurassic Coast, and a small town full of independent shops and businesses.”
There is plenty to do in Budleigh, from watersports like paddle-boarding and kayaking to scenic beach walks with cosy tea rooms and cafes nearby.
As with many traditional seaside towns, you’ll also find a great mix of independent shops.
“Budleigh Salterton is also fantastic for nature lovers. A walk along the beach takes you to the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a favourite spot for birdwatching,” Alex added.
“There are also simple walking routes with brilliant views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology.”
The area is full of wildlife, including beavers. Once extinct, they have returned thanks to a reintroduction scheme and are now thriving near the town.
Visitors will also find a good choice of places to stay.
“Because the town is small, everything is close by, and the beach is right on your doorstep,” Alex added.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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