Budleigh
Salterton is situated in the Otter Valley where the River Otter meets the sea,
and the whole of the town is a conservation area.
It derives its name
from the manufacture of salt in large pans, which were constructed at the lower
part of the river Otter in bygone days. The manufacture of salt was very important
at that time because it was the only form of food preservation available. Budleigh
Salterton stands on a truly magnificent bay with red cliffs at each end. The beach
of white pebbles extends three miles from the River Otter mouth to Straight Point.
The water is very clean and is excellent for swimming. The mouth of the
Otter is a bird sanctuary with bird hides and observation platforms, besides being
a very pleasant river to stroll besides. The cliffs them selves are part of the
Heritage coast and the Pebble bed strata is readily visible within a short walk
along the beach, and of great interest to many visitors. Walking from the
main sea front towards the shops, you will pass the Fairlynch Museum which houses
historic data covering all aspects from geology to dress, and which is well worth
a visit. Continuing along Fore Street with the brook with its delightfully
pebbled base on the right hand side and conveniently, the TIC on the left, you
arrive at the main shopping area. The Town itself has only one main street which
contains many and varied delightful shops with friendly staff who will assist
you in any way they can. At the end of the main street are the towns only
set of traffic lights turning right at this junction takes you past the library
and the Public Hall [where many different functions occur throughout the year]
to the expanse of a the well kept green, a nice place to sit and contemplate |