Seaside town with beautiful beach walks and quaint villages dubbed 'best kept secret'

As temperatures soar and sunshine prevails, many of us are planning trips and outdoor adventures to make the most of the glorious weather.

While travelling abroad can be exciting, it can also be a strain on the purse strings, especially if you have kids. Luckily, Britain is filled with fantastic staycation spots that offer unique experiences and days out without breaking the bank - and this "hidden gem" spot down South is said to be "a best kept secret".

With its pebbled beaches, funky beach huts, quaint seaside villages, and Jurassic coastline, it is not difficult to see the charm of this staycation spot in Devon.

A 20-minute drive away tourist spot, Sidmouth, is a less-known spot for beach holidays in the UK, Budleigh Slaterton.

While the town may be small, with a population of around 7,000, Budleigh Salterton's huge beach and lack of busy crowds give this charming seaside spot a real community feel, perfect for a family trip.

As one TripAdvisor reviewer puts it: "Great scenery, friendly community, always clean, and great for the family."

Meanwhile, another tourist described the location as "wonderfully unspoilt".

Budleigh Salterton's beach is one of the Top 10 Beaches in the South West, according to The Times and Sunday Times.

What's more, its waters were rated "excellent" in the Gov.UK Bathing Water Classifications 2024. This made it ideal for swimming and water sports.

"People often miss out on a visit to Budleigh Salterton because it is nestled between more popular destinations like Exmouth and Sidmouth which draw big crowds on a nice day," said Alex Gwillim, a local expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays.

Budleigh Salterton's pebble beach stretches over two miles. It is perfect for those who love walking - and you are bound to see the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast. Visitors also enjoy exploring the small town filled with unique local businesses.

If visiting the seaside town and looking for things to do, Alex recommends that adventure seekers can take advantage of Budleigh Salterton's excellent selection of water sports.

You can rent a standup paddleboard or kayak and explore the Jurassic coastline by sea.

"For those who enjoy a slower pace of life, you can stroll the beach, bathe in the sea, and enjoy the local cafes and tea rooms," he added.

Alex also advised: "Budleigh Salterton is also the perfect spot for nature lovers. Head along the beach towards the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, a popular spot for bird watching. There are also easy walking trails with fantastic views of the Triassic sandstone cliffs and their fascinating geology."

Visitors have recently been sharing clips online of the beautiful spot, encouraging more people to stop by.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, there are plenty of options for accommodation in Budleigh Salterton from cosy cottages, B&Bs and hotels. Plus, everything is easily accessible, and the beach is right on your doorstep.

How to get there

If you are planning a trip to Budleigh Salterton, the best way to get their by var is to bypass Exeter on the M5 and take junction 30 (A376) towards Exmouth.

Continue on the A376 to Clyst St Mary, then take the A3052 towards Sidmouth and Seaton. At Newton Poppleford, turn right onto the B3178 towards Budleigh Salterton.

Once you are in town look for the main Lime Kiln car park. Train travellers can get the train to Exmouth. From Northern and Southern cities and towns you will likely need to travel to Exeter St David's first then change over to get to Exmouth.