Budleigh Salterton
England, United Kingdom
Budleigh Salterton is a Blue Flag beach on the Devon coast, meeting rigorous environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open year-round, though May, June, and September offer the most pleasant conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Check…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Budleigh Salterton
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Budleigh Salterton?
Budleigh Salterton is a Blue Flag beach on the Devon coast, meeting rigorous environmental and water quality standards set by the Foundation for Environmental Education. The beach is open year-round, though May, June, and September offer the most pleasant conditions for swimming and sunbathing. Check local safety information before your visit, as conditions can vary seasonally. The Blue Flag status makes it a reliable choice for families concerned about water quality and beach facilities.
It sits alongside certified beaches along England, part of a broader network of certified beaches throughout United Kingdom certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Budleigh Salterton faces south toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in May, June, September. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Feb | 6°C | 3°C | Low |
| Mar | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
| Apr | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| May | 12°C | 9°C | Med |
| Jun | 15°C | 12°C | Med |
| Jul | 17°C | 14°C | High |
| Aug | 17°C | 14°C | High |
| Sep | 15°C | 12°C | Med |
| Oct | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Nov | 9°C | 6°C | Low |
| Dec | 7°C | 4°C | Low |
The best time to visit Budleigh Salterton is May, June, September. Air temperatures peak around 17°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 14°C in July.
How crowded does Budleigh Salterton get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in United Kingdom, Budleigh Salterton sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Budleigh Salterton open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Budleigh Salterton
Is Budleigh Salterton safe to swim?Budleigh Salterton is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Budleigh Salterton?Peak water temperature at Budleigh Salterton reaches around 14°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 6.2°C.
What is the beach like at Budleigh Salterton?Budleigh Salterton on the England coast of United Kingdom. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Budleigh Salterton have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Budleigh Salterton meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services. Parking is available nearby.
Budleigh Salterton sits on the Atlantic Ocean: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Transport
Getting to Budleigh Salterton
How do I get to Budleigh Salterton by car?Budleigh Salterton is approximately 15.78 km from East Devon. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Budleigh Salterton?The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), approximately 221.5 km away.
Can I get to Budleigh Salterton by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to East Devon. The nearest recorded bus stop is 160 m from the beach.
Is there a train to Budleigh Salterton?Budleigh Salterton lists Exmouth as the nearest railway station, 6.81 km away. Check current timetables before travelling.
Nearby
Near Budleigh Salterton
Mapped toilets, bus stops, cafés, parking, and shops within about 500 m of Budleigh Salterton. Distances are walking-line estimates from the beach pin.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Toilets near Budleigh Salterton
- Public toilets Public toilets 316 m
- Public toilets Public toilets 459 m
Bus near Budleigh Salterton
- Coastguard Road Bus stop 160 m
- Boucher Way Bus stop 282 m
- Fore Street Bus stop 421 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 471 m
- Bus stop Bus stop 482 m
Cafés near Budleigh Salterton
- Rockfish Seafood Café Café 132 m
- The Cosy Teapot Café 290 m
- Wesley’s at Budleigh Café 315 m
- Tea & Tittle Tattle Café 400 m
- Taj Mahal Restaurant 446 m
Parking near Budleigh Salterton
- Parking Parking 154 m
- Parking Parking 230 m
- Parking Parking 332 m
- Parking Parking 332 m
- Parking Parking 356 m
Source: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Names and positions come from mapped OSM features. Confirm on site.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Parking | ✓ Available nearby (surface parking) |
| Nearest supermarket | 360 m from the beach |
| Nearest bus stop | 160 m from the beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 50.6291°N, 3.3191°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), United Kingdom |
Frequently Asked Questions
Budleigh Salterton FAQ
Is Budleigh Salterton suitable for children?
Budleigh Salterton has a child-friendly score of 1/10. Facilities include parking. It is Blue Flag certified in United Kingdom.
Is Budleigh Salterton free to access?
Access to Budleigh Salterton is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in England, United Kingdom, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Budleigh Salterton?
The best time to visit Budleigh Salterton is May, June, September. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 14°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Budleigh Salterton?
Budleigh Salterton is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Budleigh Salterton?
Budleigh Salterton is located in England, United Kingdom. It is approximately 15.78 km from East Devon. The nearest airport is London Heathrow Airport (LHR), 221.5 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Are there toilets near Budleigh Salterton?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps 2 toilet locations near Budleigh Salterton, including 316 m away and 459 m away. Distances are walking-line estimates within about 500 m of the beach pin. Confirm opening hours on site; some facilities are seasonal. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there a bus near Budleigh Salterton?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps a public-transport stop 160 m from Budleigh Salterton (Coastguard Road), plus 4 more within about 500 m. Check current timetables before you travel. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Are there cafés near Budleigh Salterton?
Yes. OpenStreetMap lists 5 cafés or restaurants near Budleigh Salterton, including Rockfish Seafood Café (132 m), The Cosy Teapot (290 m), Wesley’s at Budleigh (315 m), and Tea & Tittle Tattle (400 m). Hours and seasonal opening are not verified here. Check on the day. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Is there parking near Budleigh Salterton?
Yes. OpenStreetMap maps parking 154 m from Budleigh Salterton, with 5 lots or spaces inside about 500 m. Charges and time limits are not recorded here. © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in United Kingdom, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore United KingdomWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Budleigh Salterton
- Keep Britain Tidy / Foundation for Environmental Education
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.