Beautifully untouched seaside town is home to one of the UK's best beaches

A beautifully untouched seaside town along Devon’s Jurassic Coast has been named one of the UK’s best hidden gems.

Tucked between Exmouth and Sidmouth, this hidden gem remains one of Devon’s best-kept secrets, often missed by tourists heading to bigger resorts.

According to The Times, this beach ranks among the Top 10 Beaches in the South West. Its waters received an “Excellent” rating in the 2024 Bathing Water Classifications, making it perfect for swimming and water activities.

Image of Budleigh Salterton — Image credit: Photo © **Ian Capper** (cc-by-sa/2.0)

For those looking for adventure, Alex highlights that the town offers plenty of water sports. Visitors can rent stand-up paddleboards or kayaks to explore the stunning coastline from the sea.

If relaxation is more your style, there’s still plenty to enjoy, from peaceful strolls along the beach to unwinding in the town’s charming cafés and tea rooms.

Anyone planning a staycation in Budleigh Salterton will find plenty of cosy cottages, B&Bs, and hotels to choose from. And since the town is small, no matter where you stay, you’ll always be just steps away from the beach.

Visitors have shared glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, where the beach holds an impressive four-star rating. One visitor wrote: “We loved this beach. It was so peaceful. People were swimming and paddleboarding, and the sea was so calm. Even on a sunny June Sunday, it wasn’t crowded.”

Another added: “There’s a lovely walk along the well-maintained promenade with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the view. Lots of places to grab a coffee, ice cream, or lunch. No noisy arcades—just beautifully unspoilt.”

A third reviewer described it as a “fabulous place for a walk,” saying: “You can walk to Exmouth and back in under four hours. The whole route was peaceful, with stunning scenery.”

And a fourth wrote: “Gorgeous views, a friendly community, always clean, and perfect for families. The seafront walk is so relaxing and easily accessible for everyone.”

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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