Our award winning Budleigh beach is a 2.5 mile pebble beach bordered by large red sandstone cliffs dating back to the Triassic Period, giving it the name 'The Red Coast'. It is the start of Devon’s Jurassic Coast and forms part of the South West Coast Path. 

The River Otter Estuary is at the eastern end of the beach, which is a 57 acre nature reserve of SSSI status. This area is rich in wildlife, including otters and beavers and home to many migrating birds. There are 2 viewing platforms along a footpath easily accessible from the beach. At the western end of the beach is an area clearly signposted as clothing optional.

Budleigh is a popular place for bathing and has been awarded a clean beach flag. Due to the fact that there is no lifeguard it cannot qualify for a blue flag. In calm waters the beach is very safe to swim in and is a popular venue for paddle boarders, wind surfers, kite surfers, kayakers and sea canoeing. The bay is a safe anchorage for yachts and small motor craft and in the summer there are many visiting boats. 

Paddle boards and kayaks can be hired from the Limekiln end of the beach in the summer, or, for the more adventurous, Budleigh has a wild swimming group called the ‘Salty Ones’ who enjoy the waters at all time of year. 

Every year there is the traditional Budleigh Christmas Day Swim, supported by the RNLI who supervise the event in case of emergency.

There is a reef near to the beach that is an attraction for divers  and snorkelling enthusiasts, displaying a rich environment of sea life. The beach is also a popular venue for mackerel and bass fishing from the shore.

Locally caught fish, prawns, crab and lobster is available to buy directly from the fishermen who land their catch on the shore and sell direct to the public on the beach at certain times of the week. This is a tradition that has been lost in many other West Country seaside towns but is still thriving in Budleigh Salterton.

From April to October the beach has a number of beach huts that are available for private lease via East Devon District Council or 12 huts available from the Budleigh Information Centre for weekly or daily hire. Our rental huts were brand new in 2022 and are equipped with 2 deck chairs, situated close to a water supply, toilets and shower and the Longboat Café.

Facilities

PARKING

​Parking

At Lime Kiln there is a large 320 space pay and display car park (RingGo) for long and short stay. There is further short term pay and display parking along Marine Parade and pay and display parking available in the Rolle Car Park (45 spaces) which is a short distance from the West end of the beach. ​
FOOD AND DRINK

Food & drink 

The 3 cafes along the beach provide hot and cold drinks, snacks, ice creams and food. Fresh Budleigh Salterton crab is often on the menu. For greater choice, such as fish and chips and other take away food and drink, the beach is also close to all the amenities of the town.
CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND AND SKATEPARK

Children’s playground and skatepark

Both are at the rear of Lime Kiln car park.
BBQ AND PICNIC AREA

Barbecue and picnic area

Next to the playground.​
DOG FRIENDLY WITH SEASONAL CHANGES

Dog friendly with seasonal changes 

At either end of the beach, east from Lime Kiln car park, and west from the  west end of the prom ONLY, dogs are allowed all year round. PLEASE NOTE Dogs are banned from the centre portion of the beach between May 1 and September 30.
PROMENADE

Promenade

From Marine Parade to Lime Kiln car park.
ACCESS TO THE SW COAST PATH

Access to the South West Coastal Path 

At both ends of the beach. West end: follow the footpath up the hill, East end, pick up the footpath at the back end of Lime Kiln that takes you along the edge of the River Otter.
BEACH HUTS FOR HIRE

Beach huts for hire

Beach huts for hire Available weekly and daily from us during the summer season. FIND OUT MORE.
PADDLE BOARDS AND KAYAKS

Paddle boards and kayaks

 If you do not have your own, these are available to hire from the beach near the Lime Kiln car park during the summer season, weather dependant. PLEASE NOTE There is no life guard service.
SEATING

Seating 

There are 154 benches along the seafront to enjoy the spectacular views as well as two shelters along the end of Marine Parade, East end.
TOILETS

Toilets 

At both ends of the beach, Steamer Steps West end, and along the promenade near Lime Kiln car park, East end.
WATER TAPS / REFILL POINTS

Water taps and refill points 

At various points along the end of Marine Parade, East end footpath to Lime Kiln car park.
OUTSIDE SHOWER

Outside shower 

At the toilets near Lime Kiln car park.
BOAT STORAGE AND WINCH FACILITIES

Boat storage and winch facilities 

In the working areas of the beach. ​
DEFIBRILLATORS

Defibrillators 

There are two, sited on the outside wall of the toilets at Steamer Steps and near Lime Kiln car park.

Points to note

No lifeguard service.
Please observe the safe disposal of BBQ coals.
Dogs are banned from the centre portion of the beach between May 1 and September 30.
​Powered craft are restricted to 8 knots between the yellow buoys and the shore line to promote safety. ​
​*The western end is subject to erosion and cliff falls so the public are advised to stay away from the cliff edge for their own safety.