Leisure-activities-things to do

Things to do in and around Budleigh Salterton

Birdwatching

Over 120 species of bird have been recorded along the River Otter estuary which is a nature reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest SSSI. The estuary contains a wide range of salt marsh communities, which together with additional areas of reed bed, tall herb and scrub, support high numbers of breeding and overwintering bird species.

River Otter wildlife

Walking

Budleigh Salterton beach is right on The South West Coast Path which joins the beach at the West end then runs alongside the Otter Estuary to the East.

Accessible trails are all around the area where you can discover wildlife, history and culture along the way: level paths, breathtaking views and perfect for families.

discover walking trails

Cycling

The National Cycle Network Route 2 passes through the town and travels along the off road cycle path from Exmouth to Budleigh which follows the old railway line.

The Pebblebed Heaths support an amazing array of short and longer trails for mountain bikers to explore.
PEBBLEBED BIKE CODE

National cycle network

Experiences & tours

From immersive and challenging escape room fun at EXCAPE in Exmouth, to wildlife tours organised by the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and East Devon Wildlife Tours, to organised walks by the Otter Valley Association, to vineyard tours at Lily Farm in Knowle, there is something for everyone!

Sea and river fishing

Fine fishing from the beach or boat, and good fly fishing on the River Otter and local reservoirs. National and local byelaws apply.

Cricket

Budleigh Salterton has an active Cricket Club. Their final season at Ottermouth is in 2022 and are moving to new facilities in 2023. The Club welcomes and encourages visitors.

Croquet

Fun for all ages. Budleigh is one of the premier Croquet Clubs in europe. Situated in a beautiful location with spectacular views overlooking Lyme Bay and the town. Try for FREE at their Open Days on 26 April and 4 June 2022.

Bowls and tennis

Budleigh Games Club in Cricketfield Lane are two excellent organisations much appreciated both by residents and visitors. The two clubs offer between them Bowls and Tennis.

Golf

The East Devon Golf Club has a splendid 18-hole course laid out on the high land to the west of the town. Visiting club members are welcome. Woodbury Park Golf & Country Club also nearby offers both 9 and 18 hole courses.

Football

The Budleigh Salterton Football Club resides in Greenway Lane with an excellent pitch and licensed recreational club.

Horse riding

Horse riding off road on the Commons is a delight. Budleigh Riding Stables are highly recommended and are based on Dalditch Lane through Knowle village. They offer lessons and pony trekking on the Commons / Pebblebed Heaths. Bookable in advance.

Skatepark

Refurbished in 2019, the new skatepark located at Lime Kiln Car park features a unique combined teardrop volcano, spine and a hipped flatbank.

Llama walking

Walk with Lamas along the Jurassic Coast at Peak Hill Llamas for a truly enjoyable and memorable experience, and to unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Sea & river cruises

View Budleigh and the Jurassic Coastline from the sea. Stuart Line Cruises offer all weather, family-friendly and dog-friendly coastal* and river cruises from Exmouth throughout the year. A great value for money experience with boat trips accessible for wheelchair users. *Summer only for coastal cruises.

Excape

EXCAPE, bring the Escape Room phenomenon to Exmouth! Escape Rooms are a unique type of entertainment, immersing you in a fun, challenging scenario, bring the story to life. Whether you are solving a detective case, escaping a mad scientist or breaking into a bank, you have 60 minutes to decipher the clues, crack the codes, solve the puzzles and EXCAPE!

Waterski and Wakebaording

Located directly on the water in the River Exe Estuary near Exmouth, on their floating HQ, Exewake offers lessons and sessions in calm waters surrounded by the stunning scenery.

Windsurfing

Exmouth Watersports offer windsurfing lessons an hire on the River Exe Estuary. Learn, get fit, have fun and enjoy the wonderful outdoors with their experienced instructors.

Kite surfing

Exmouth has some of the best spots in the UK for Kite Surfing and Wingsurfing. Intro lessons and equipment hire all available from Edge Water Sports at the seafront in Exmouth on Queen’s Drive.

Theme & adventure parks

Crealy: Award-winning theme park & resort with over 60 rides & attractions.
World of Country Life: Indoor/outdoor park featuring a farming museum, animals to feed, vintage vehicles.
Escot: Animals, magnificent maze, outdoor and indoor play, traversing walls, drop-slide and a 40 meter zip line.
Go Ape Haldon: The gateway to fun and adventure on the moors.

Indoor karting

Race World, just 15-20 minutes drive from Budleigh, is the South West's premier indoor karting circuit. With a 400m track, state-of-the-art equipment and viewing area, drivers over the age of 11 years* can enjoy the experience of driving an industry-leading 200cc RiMO EVO kart capable of reaching speeds of around 40mph. *Height restrictions apply.

Indoor play areas

There are many indoor play areas in the surrounding area of Budleigh Salterton. A few to mention are:
Bicton Botanical Gardens* - Bicton near East Budleigh
Mrs Snuggles Play Sensory Cafe Experience 0-5yrs - Exmouth
Ocean Large soft play area for 0-11yrs - Exmouth
World of Country life* - Exmouth
Crealy Adventure park* - Clyst St Mary
Wildwood Escot* - Ottery St Mary. *Entrance fees apply to the main attractions.

Climbing walls

At LED's Exmouth Leisure Centre there is an indoor children's climbing wall, VertExe. Interactive and challenging climbs that takes being active to new dizzy heights!
With 11 x 6 meter high walls, each climbing sessions run for an hour and includes a full briefing.

There is also a larger climbing centre in Exeter on the Quay.

Swimming pools

Swimming pools in the area:

INDOOR
Ladram Bay Holiday park -
Day entry fee applies for non-residents
LED Exmouth Leisure Centre
LED Sidmouth Swimming Pool

OUTDOOR
Topsham Pool - Heated 25m outdoor swimming pool open from April to September.

Swimming lessons

Swim Devon provide swimming lessons for every age and ability at locations at St Peter’s School, Budleigh, Ottery St Mary, Exmouth and Lympstone.

Swimming lessons also available at LED Exmouth Leisure Centre
and LED Sidmouth Swimming Pools.

Ten pin bowling

Ocean Bowl in Exmouth has a 12 lane bowling alley where you can put your skills to the test! Booking recommended.

Further afield, there is a bowling alley in Exeter, near the Quay.

FootGolf

There is an 18 hole Football Golf course, situated in Exton opposite the Royal Marine Camp, easily reached from Budleigh at FootGolf on the eXe. It's crazy golf with a football! Perfect fun for everyone!

A very 'addictive' sport - the beauty of the game lies in your ability to strategically combine power and precision every time you play, enjoyed by all age groups and abilities.

Paddle boarding SUPs and kayaking

Stand up Paddle Boarding SUPing and Sea Kayaking is very popular at Budleigh beach. Kayak and SUP hire available on the beach in season. Also available at Exmouth beach from Exmouth Watersports. Weather dependant.

Drama and music

For that bit of culture, Budleigh can be considered quite prolific throughout the year. From regular amateur dramatics by our very own Salterton Drama Club, two visits a year from Imperial Productions and their ever popular musicals, to our annual music and literature festivals and smaller live music events at Brook Kitchen, Otterton Mill and The Feathers. Keep an eye out for upcoming events on our events calendar.

LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS