For the latest version of this page and future updates, please go to the naturist beach Guide at the: Naturist UK Fact File
O.S. Map Ref: ST 060 816
General
Budleigh Salterton is a small and quiet seaside town between Exmouth and
Sidmouth and a favoured retirement location beach. Nude use of the further
western end of the beach is traditionally 'tolerated' and in recent years
complaints have only arisen when naturists have strayed too close to the
town and textile bathers - please exercise common sense.
Access & Parking
Budleigh Salterton is reached by the B3178 from Exmouth or (in the
opposite direction) from the A3052 and B3178 from Sidmouth. When in the
town, the largest car park (paying) is just inland from the Eastern end of
the beach.
Description
This is a pebble/shingle beach that slopes quite steeply - at high tide
swimmers are out of their depth within a few yards of the water's edge.
Swimming may not be safe when the sea is rough. The cliffs provide some
shelter from the wind when from the North. Given the nature of the town,
is is unsurprising that, at off-peak times, beach users are somewtimes
predominently elderly and male.
Some years ago the local council erected signs advising "nude bathing beyond this point" in order to deflect complaints from textiles who might wander into the area used by naturists. This has been seen by some as making Budleigh Salterton an "official" naturist beach. Although it does not alter the legal position at all, it may be reassuring to those who use the beach.
Facilities
Usual town facilities available in Budleigh Salterton, there are none on
the naturist beach.
Water Quality
The seawater meets the mimimal standards of the EEC Bathing Waters
Directive but may vary according to conditions.
Internet Resources
Multi
Map
Trip Report - Augsut 2005
"My husband and I decided to try naturist sunbathing this summer for the first time. We were told about Budleigh Salterton by a mutual friend and were told it was ideal for first timers. The beach was clean with the naturist section being to the west of the beach. We made sure that we walked quite a way down the beach so not to upset textile bathers. There were lots of couples and some families that where really friendly and there were a few single men walking down the beach to the very far end. As for our first time we will be definitely be doing nude bathing again and are looking to book a summer '06 naturist holiday. Thank you for the information that yourselves and BN give to people looking to take up nude bathing - the information is very informative."
Trip Report - June 2004
"We have been using this beach for the last couple of years and thoroughly enjoy the peace and quiet there. We have a couple of concerns though- the nudist end of the beach is clearly signed, but many people seem to be abusing this and encroaching on the Textile side. This does not seem necessary to us as there is plenty of beach for everyone, but we feel if people abuse this, then as always in life, they will lose it. This would be a great shame. "
Trip Report - June 2004
"Went to this beach yesterday, 2nd June 2004 on a lovely sunny day with light but intermittent high cloud. You could describe it as hazy sunshine. Walked about 300 yds West along beach on arrival, and found a couple of single blokes and single women, and about 100 yds further on a few more small groups. People steadily arrived all morning with many of the men removing their shorts/trunks etc just E of me so I guess I was unwittingly sitting on the "edge" of the perceived nudist-area.
Arrived at 10.30 and on leaving at 1.00pm did a head-count and found there must have been about 60 folks. Saw no nudist signs but on walking back to the car realised there were more nude sunbathers than textiles on Budleigh Salterton beach yesterday morning ! I would certainly go again and would recommend it to first-timers. There were no random gawpers or strollers at all in the time I was there. My wife is a reluctant nudist and hasn't been there yet but I will take her to Budleigh beach this Summer."
Trip Report - July 2002
"I had the pleasure of using this beach this week (15th July 2002)
and really only went to check it out for future use by me and my
girlfriend, it was very clean and was enjoyed by many both single,
couples, and families. I stayed on the beach for most of the day and had a
fantastic time in glourious weather. I recommend it to everyone."
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