It’s certainly beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Budleigh!
The town hosted its annual Christmas Late Night Shopping event on Friday 28th November, with shops staying open until late and lots of entertainment on offer during the evening.

The High Street sparkled with the town’s new Christmas lights, and we even had some snow -  thanks to the snow machine outside the Old Post Office!  Many thanks to the shopkeepers for their lovely Christmas window displays and the warm welcome they gave the crowds who swarmed into Budleigh to enjoy the event.  We really are very lucky to have such a wonderful array of independent shops and businesses in our beautiful town.

The Christmas Parade at 6 pm officially opened the event.  Headed by the amazing Honiton Twirlstar Majorettes and joined by Santa and his helpers, the Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Gina Woodcraft, the Children of St Peter’s School and the Exeter Morris Dancers.  The parade made its way to the Temple Methodist church where a carol service was held, organised by the church groups and St Peter’s School.

It was a great night with a wonderful atmosphere full of Christmas spirit. Santa took time off from his busy schedule to join us in his grotto, and singers and entertainers brought seasonal joy to the street.

Thank you to all those that came along to support the event, and to Santa and the shopkeepers, entertainers, organisers and volunteers who make it all possible.

Merry Christmas to you all!

Entertainers:  Honiton Twirlstar Majorettes, Exmouth Town Crier, Exmouth Ladies A Cappella Group, Woodbury Whalers, Exeter Morris Dancers, Budleigh Ukulele Group, Singer Charlotte, Opera Singer Cheryl, Children’s Entertainer, Santa and his Elves.
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Organisers and Volunteers:  Shop Budleigh, Love Budleigh, Budleigh shopkeepers, St Peter’s School and Church groups, Bicton students, road stewards and first aiders.
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Photos and video: Love Budleigh

Information taken from EDDC website, published 10 November 2025.

Budleigh Salterton residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to attend the first public drop-in session for the Budleigh Salterton Beach & Cliff Management Plan (BCMP), led by South West Flood and Coastal and East Devon District Council (EDDC). 

Drop-in session:   Friday 5th December, 2.30 pm to 7 pm at Budleigh Salterton Public Hall, Station Road, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6RJ.

The BCMP will set out how coastal flooding and cliff erosion risks are managed along Budleigh’s coastline in the years ahead. This first public stage of engagement focuses on raising awareness of the project and gathering local views to help the team better understand community experiences, issues, concerns, opportunities and priorities for the town’s seafront and surrounding coastline.  Members of the Budleigh BCMP project team will be on hand throughout the event to answer questions and explain the project’s aims, timescales, and next steps. 

Alongside the drop-in event, an online survey will be available from Friday 5th of December.  The survey runs in parallel with the drop-in event and forms an important part of this first public stage of engagement giving residents and visitors an opportunity to share their views, priorities and local knowledge to help shape the plan. 

Councillor Geoff Jung, EDDC Portfolio Holder for Environment - Operations, said:
“Budleigh Salterton’s beach and cliffs are a much-loved part of the town, but the coastline is constantly changing. Waves, weather and rising sea levels continue to shape and alter this unique landscape. East Devon District Council and South West Flood & Coastal are planning ahead to understand how best to manage these changes and respond to the challenges they bring. The new Beach & Cliff Management Plan will look at practical and realistic ways to adapt to coastal erosion, flooding, and climate change, while recognising the area’s natural character. Your feedback will help shape the plan and ensure it reflects what matters most to the community. Please take this opportunity to share your views.
Feedback gathered through both the drop-in session and the survey will play a vital role in building a shared understanding of Budleigh’s coastal challenges and opportunities, and in developing long-term, sustainable options for managing the beach and cliffs.”

Click here to view the latest information on EDDC website.

Budleigh came out in force on Saturday night to enjoy another amazing carnival organised by Budleigh Carnival. 
With an amber weather warning in place earlier in the day, there were concerns it might to called off, but during the afternoon the winds died down and by evening the mild dry conditions were perfect for a carnival!
Otter Morris entertained the crowds with their morris dancing in the High Street while waiting for the procession, and the crowds were kept fed and watered by the variety of food and drink available in the town.
The procession started from Seachange at 7.30 pm, continued along Coastguard Road, the seafront, through the High Street and then past the Public Hall to finish in Upper Stoneborough Lane.
People lined the route, marvelling at the wonderful entries and relishing the great carnival atmosphere.  The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Fire Drums led the procession, followed by two fire engines and then an array of wonderful floats, walking entries and majorettes.
Thanks once again to Budleigh Carnival for bringing the carnival to Budleigh - another fantastic display of lights, music and fun enjoyed by all.

The High Street joined in the carnival celebrations and put on some lovely window displays.
Three independent judges walked around the town on Friday morning prior to the main Carnival event on Saturday 4th October. After much deliberation, the judges awarded the top three windows to:

FIRST:  The Treasury
SECOND:  The Hair Lounge
THIRD: The Budleigh Information Centre

The winners were each presented with a certificate and The Treasury received the Chris Coles Memorial Cup, which they will be proud owners of until Budleigh Carnival 2026.
Many thanks to Budleigh Carnival, the judges and the retailers. The wonderfully decorated windows certainly brought the Carnival spirit to the High Street ready for the main event on Saturday evening.

Public Notice: Station Road Closure – Budleigh Salterton
Date: 6–11 October 2025
Station Road, Budleigh Salterton, will be closed from 6 October to 10 October 2025 to allow for essential road resurfacing works.
From 11 October onwards, a temporary traffic light system will be in place while remaining works are completed.

Bus Service Changes: 6-10 Oct
Services will divert between Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton and East Budleigh Road in both directions.
Stops between Public Hall and Stoneborough Lane will not be served.
The nearest alternative stop is Public Hall, Budleigh Salterton.
Normal services will resume from 11 October under traffic light
control.

Access for emergency vehicles will be maintained throughout the
works.

For more information, please contact:
Devon County Council Highways Team – 0345 155 1004

Celebrating Kindness and Community in Budleigh
​On Sunday, 28 September 2025, the community of Budleigh Salterton gathered at St Peter’s Church, followed by a reception in the Public Hall, to celebrate the work of its representatives, volunteers, and all who contribute to the life of the town. 
Budleigh Salterton came together to celebrate the work of its representatives, volunteers, and all who contribute to the life of the town. The event, hosted by Budleigh Salterton Town Council, highlighted the strength of community networks and the importance of kindness in building a caring and resilient town.
The theme of the celebration was kindness — the compassion and generosity shown daily by so many within the community. Residents gathered not only to look back with gratitude, but also to strengthen bonds and offer mutual support for the year ahead.
Rev James Henley, Budleigh Salterton Baptist Church, introduced examples of the Good Samaritan in action locally including:
• Steve Hitchcock and young people of the town, who described acts of kindness and support in the daily life of their school
• Mia Alligan, representing Launchpad, spoke about providing food for those in need. Launchpad are in turn supported by their partners at Budleigh Salterton Methodist Church
• Gavin March, Budleigh Salterton Lions Club, highlighted efforts to protect the natural environment.
• Sarah Coles, Budleigh Information Centre, described how the town continues to work together to care for its residents.
On behalf of the Town Council, Town Mayor Cllr Penny Lewis invited My Lord-Lieutenant Deputy, Deborah Hallett, to present special gifts of gratitude from the town:
• To Alderman Christine Channon, who retired in May after serving as Devon County Councillor for this division since 1993.
• To Mrs Caz Sismore-Hunt, who retired in May after thirty years as a Town Councillor, including several years as Town Mayor and to Mrs Lynda Evans, who retired last year after many years of service as councillor and Town Mayor, who were not able to attend.
The town also remembered Mr Paul Jarvis, who passed away in April. He had served as District Councillor for the ward and as manager of the Hospicecare Budleigh shop.
In their address, His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant Deborah Hallett praised the dedication of Budleigh’s representatives: “In their years of service to the town as your elected representatives, they have shown kindness and compassion. Budleigh Salterton thanks them all for their committed service and wishes them well for the future.”
The celebration concluded a reflection led by Rev Martin Jacques, reinforcing the central theme: Kindness is a universal human quality. It is not exclusive to faith but fundamental to how we live together. The story of the Good Samaritan speaks to us all and inspires us to show compassion in our daily lives. This event was a heartfelt reminder of all that is good and caring in Budleigh Salterton — a
community bound together by kindness.

Details of this year's remembrance ceremonies provded by Royal British Legion.

Remembrance Day - Sunday 9 November
The formal wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the Budleigh Salterton War Memorial, gathering at 1.45 pm for a 2 pm start.
The usual Service of Remembrance will take place at St Peter’s Church, The Lawn, on the afternoon of Sunday 9 November starting at 2.45 pm.  Attendees are asked to make their own way, safely, to St Peter’s Church.
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Those wishing to lay a wreath should:

• Contact Poppy Appeal Organiser Jo Vanstone via email [email protected] or telephone 01395 446356
• State their organisation
• Cash or cheques payable to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. BACS information is available on request from Jo.
• Plain wreaths – £20.00
• Wreaths with organisation badge/insignia – £28.50
• All wreaths can be collected from the Poppy Shop which this year will be in the former Dolphin Café in the High Street from Monday 27 October 2025

Armistice Day - Tuesday 11 November
There will be two minutes silence followed by prayers at the War Memorial  at 11 am.

The Love Budleigh Team at Budleigh Information Centre will again be offering their popular Winter Treat on Monday 10th November 2025 from 12.30 to 3 pm.
The Winter Treat includes a bowl of soup and a cheese scone followed by a slice of Victoria sponge cake, with everything homemade by our amazing group of volunteers.  Endless tea or coffee is available, and all will be served to your table so you can relax and enjoy the afternoon.

Soup choices:
Chunky Vegetable
Tomato and Lentil
Mild Curried Parsnip and Apple

Book your table, which will be your's for the duration of the event.  Either sit with friends or family, or share a table and make new friends.
Tickets are on sale at Budleigh Information Centre from 1st October. 
​Thank you to our Love Budleigh volunteers for making the event possible, and to Pinewood Residential Home for kindly sponsoring the event.

The 2025 Budleigh Salterton Christmas Late Night Shopping event will be on Friday 28th November. 

Come along and join in the festive fun!  Christmas Parade at 6 pm with Santa and his Helpers, followed by a short carol service in Temple Methodist Church carpark with the children from St Peter's School.

Shops will be open until late, so pop and and say 'Hello', marvel at the Christmas window displays and look out for special Christmas offers.  There will also be lots of entertainment to enjoy during the evening to get you into the Christmas Spirit.

Scheduled entertainment:
6.15 pm Carol Service at Temple Methodist Church
6.30 pm Exmouth Fire Brigade and Engine arrives and will be parked opposite Temple Methodist Church
6.35 pm Honiton Twirlstar Majorettes outside Rolle Flats
6.45 pm Doors open to Santa's Grotto at Uphams Antiques (The Old Post Office).  Entry £2 to include gift from Santa.
​7.00 pm Opera Singer Cheryl outside Sampson's Butchers

Other entertainment at various locations during the evening include:
Exmouth Ladies A Cappella Group 
Woodbury Whalers 
Exeter Morris Dancers 
Exmouth Town Crier
Singer Charlotte 
Children's Entertainer 
Budleigh Ukulele Group (weather permitting)

Please note entertainment, times and locations may change.

Thanks to our shopkeepers for opening their doors and to all the entertainers, contributors, volunteers and organisers for making this event possible. 

The High Street and Fore Street will have restricted parking from 4.30 pm and will be closed to traffic from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm.  Side roads will have no access to High Street or Fore Street, except Rolle Road where resident's cars will be safely escorted across to/from Chapel Street.  Our thanks to the cadets from Bicton College's Military Academy who will be marshalling the road closures during the evening.  Please note that cars will be unable to enter or leave Rolle Mews car park while the road closure is in place.

The event is organised by Shop Budleigh and Love Budleigh.  

Budleigh Salterton will have two lifeguards on duty from 10 am to 6 pm from Saturday 12th July until Sunday 7th September. 
The new lifeguard facility is situated on the beach near Limekiln carpark, where the on-duty team will be based to monitor the area between the red and yellow flags and offer guidance on local conditions and hazards.
The RNLI trains lifeguards to help prevent accidents, offer rapid response in emergencies, and provide advice on how to enjoy the water safely. 
The charity also provide expert advice and guidance to local authorities and beach operators, and as a joint inintiative, were asked to provide a service at Budleigh on behalf of East Devon District Council with support from the beach owner Devon Clinton Estates.

​Planning permission has been granted for three new-build almshouses in Budleigh on the site of the Gardener's Cottage next to Seachange.
The almshouses are being provided by The Shandford Trust charity through funds raised from the sale of Shandford residential home in 2022. 
The aim of almshouses has remained largely unchanged since Saxon times and allow older people of limited means to remain living in their local area, thereby maintaining balanced, stable communities. This is particularly important in places like the West Country where house prices and rents have become unaffordable for so many.
The Budleigh almshouses will be ready at the start of 2026, offering affordable accommodation for older local people of limited means.  Applicants must meet specific criteria and be couples or singles living in Budleigh Salterton, East Budleigh, Otterton, Colaton Raleigh or Bicton.
More details on how to apply or support the charity will be found on the Budleigh Almshouses website.

A great time was had by all at the VE80 Street Party held in Budleigh High Street.  The town centre came alive with more than 500 people joining in the fun, music and dancing.  Two rows of tables ran the length of the High Street from Cliff Road to Rolle Road, with many decorated with red, white and blue.

Budleigh Salterton Town Mayor, Caz Sismore-Hunt, officially opened the party and the party-goers celebrated by singing and dancing the afternoon away to fabulous vintage singer Sandy Sparkle and a wonderful selection of family favourites played by DJ Rob.

The day was organised by the Love Budleigh Team at Budleigh Information Centre.  Thank you to Budleigh Salterton Town Council and Coop Community Fund for sponsoring the event, the many traders and businesses who donated raffle prizes, and everyone who helped and contributed to make the day such a success.

Credits: 
Clive Sluter - White Cliffs of Dover and We'll Meet again videos. 
​Helen Warren - Other Photos and Videos 

The Budleigh Salterton Lions Club is again putting on their very popular Gala Week in Budleigh Salterton.  It takes place during the May Half-Term School Holidays, starting on Saturday 24th May through to Sunday 1st June. 
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Family fun for everyone includes a great range of entertainment, quizzes, competitions, walks and food events on offer during the week.  

Full details are available in the Gala Week Programme, available for £1 from local shops, including Budleigh Information Centre.


The week includes:
Spot the Stranger Competition
Big Bumper Breakfast
Budleigh Community Workshop open day
Gala Week Fete on The Green
FORCE Cancer Charity Cream Teas
Family Race Night
Pebble Dash!
Dog Show and Have-A-Go Agility
Children's Pavement Artist Competition
Pebble Building/Design Competition
Art Exhibition
Children's Fancy Dress & Novelty Sports
Water and Woodland Walk
Family Disney Quiz
East Devon Ramblers Walk
Flower Festival and Open House
Bingo!
Pebblebed Heaths Stroll
A Traditional Afternoon Tea
Pudding Night!
Family Quiz Night
Ottery Estuary Ranger Walk
Wildlife and Wellbeing Day
Coffee Morning
Ozzy D's Amazing Magic Show!
Strings & Things
Children's Cycle Competition
Bumper Sale!
Chocolate Bingo
Wildlife Film Screening
Salterton Drama Club Murder at Budleigh Manor
Lions Diabetes Awareness
Family Treasure Hunt
Morris Festival
Lions Club Quiz Night

The Lions thank their partners, sponsors, and all those who donate monies to help them put on and co-ordinate Gala Week.

 SUBMISSION GUIDANCE
Step 1.  Go to the EDDC website https://eastdevonlocalplanreg19.commonplace.is/
Step 2.  Scroll down until you find the ‘Local Plan Chapters’.
Step 3.  Scroll through and find ‘Local Plan Chapter 5’, Development in the Towns and Villages.
Step 4.  Click on ‘Give your feedback’.
Step 5.  Scroll a little way down and there are some questions, 1-6.
 
HOW TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS
Q1 select POLICY
Q1a write SD01 (this policy refers to all development proposals in Exmouth)
Skip Q2, 2a, 2b and 2c.  Just leave them blank.
Q3 asks if you believe the policy is sound, select NO
Skip 3a
Q3b write the example sentences below (or as you see fit):

​For Q3c you can either leave it blank or put in a suggestion (examples below which you may want to use)

Skip Q4, 4a and 4b
For questions 5 answer as you please (self explanatory).
Finally, you have the option to upload files should you wish.
Press NEXT to submit your feedback.
 
You can re-enter the site and submit more objections any time you like until 9 am on 30 March 2025.

The Budleigh Information Centre is located in Budleigh town centre to provide information for visitors and to serve and promote its residents, businesses and community.  We are a self funding and non-profit CIC, with any surplus being reinvested into our services.
Our summer opening hours operate from April to November, when we are open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 4 pm. 
During February, March, November and December we operate reduced winter opening hours, when we are open in the mornings only.  We close during January.
The centre is run solely by volunteers, with each morning or afternoon shift lasting 3 hours from 10 - 1pm and 1pm - 4 pm. 
During our summer months we aim to have around 35 volunteers to operate our rota system, with each volunteer being part of a small team that cover their chosen shift(s).  
It's a great way to meet people and make new friends, so if you are interested in joining our wonderful team of volunteers, please contact us for more information.

All are welcome to attend the Annual Meeting of the Budleigh Salterton Town Councillors on Friday 14th March 2025.
Please submit any questions to the town clerk on or before 11 March.

Come along and join us for the Street Party to be held in Budleigh Salterton High Street on Sunday 4th May from 12.30 to 5 pm.

With 110 Tables and 660 seats along the High Street it's going to be a great occasion!

Celebrate the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, bring your union jack flags, decorate your tables and dress to impress.

Enjoy the music, raffle and fun!
Bring your own hamper or use our local takeaway options.  Please support the town's retailers and buy locally.  

We have some great entertainment scheduled for the afternoon.  DJ Rob will be here to play some great family party hits to get the party going.  If you have any requests please visit him at The Dolphin Cafe.   We are also pleased to welcome Sandy Sparkle, a vintage vocalist who will be dressed for the occasion and bringing us music and memories of WW2.  Sing along or just sit back and enjoy the popular songs of the time in this tribute and celebration of the anniversary of VE Day.

Tickets on sale at Budleigh Information Centre from Friday 7th March - open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.  Reserve a table for 6 for £36, or share a table and make new friends for £6 per person.

On the day of the Street Party, the High Street will be closed to all traffic from Ragg Lane to Chapel Street from 10.30 am to 6.30 pm.  

Street Party organised by Budleigh Information Centre and the Love Budleigh team.   Kindly sponsored by Budleigh Salterton Town Council and Coop Community Fund.  If you would like to help on the day with setting up/clearing tables and chairs or stewarding the road closure, please contact the Budleigh Information Centre.

Love Budleigh News for February 2025

Last chance to shape East Devon’s Future: Local Plan ready to go to Government inspector.
​A six-week consultation on East Devon’s new Local Plan is being held before it is reviewed by a Government inspector and after that it should be adopted.
The document being considered, outlines what development should go from now until 2042.
The consultation, taking place between 13 February and 31 March, is the last chance for residents to share their comments on the plan before the review by the Government inspector.

Click here if interested in the Exmo_20 site just outside Budleigh Salterton.