Location
United Kingdom
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Pebble
Best season
June to September
About Budleigh Salterton (West End)
Budleigh Salterton is a small, quiet town on the East Devon stretch of the Jurassic Coast, between Exmouth and Sidmouth. Its main beach is a long, steep bank of large rounded pebbles backed by red sandstone cliffs, and the far western end, away from the town, has long been used for nude bathing. East Devon District Council's own beach page says there is a naturist area at the far western end, marked by signs, and a council sign reading in effect 'nude bathing beyond this point' stands roughly 300 metres west of the beach café. Naturists often settle a little before the sign, but British Naturism advises waiting until you reach it. British Naturism calls it probably the most public naturist beach in Devon; walking further west gives more space. The pebbles are big and uncomfortable, so bring sturdy footwear and something thick to lie on; small patches of sand can show at low tide. The beach shelves steeply, so swimmers are quickly out of their depth, and the red cliffs make the water less clear than further west. The cliffs give some shelter from northerly winds. On weekends couples, families and solo visitors of all ages come; on weekdays and out of season the crowd is mostly older.
Getting there
Reach Budleigh Salterton on the B3178 from Exmouth, or via the A3052 and B3178 from Sidmouth. From Fore Street, take Rolle Road (signed 'Beach') to its end, go down Steamer Steps to the shore, then walk west (right) about 300 to 500 metres along the pebbles to the signed naturist area. Parking near the steps is limited and fills early in summer; there are larger paid car parks in town, including one inland at the eastern end. Toilets are by the steps and a café sits at the start of the cliffs. The pebble walk is hard going and not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Naturist guides and comment threads describe Budleigh's west end as busy, sociable and well established, with a broad mix of ages and many couples and families at weekends and older regulars midweek. Reports say inappropriate behaviour is rare, especially nearer the town, and that complaints mostly arise when people strip before the sign or near clothed bathers. Common tips: bring a cushion or air bed for the large pebbles, wear beach shoes, arrive early for parking, and take care in the steeply shelving water. One 2024 comment mentioned discomfort with clothed visitors lingering near naturists.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
East Devon District Council marks a naturist area at the far western end of Budleigh Salterton beach with signs. Naturist sources note the signs manage use of a traditionally tolerated area rather than change the general law, and that past problems with the authorities have arisen mainly when people undressed too close to the town; staying beyond the sign avoids this.
Naturism at Budleigh Salterton (West End) sits under United Kingdom's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: United Kingdom public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 50.6212, -3.3465
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is nude bathing allowed at Budleigh Salterton?
Yes, at the far western end of the beach, where East Devon District Council has put up signs marking the naturist area. Stay beyond the sign.
How far is the nude area from town?
About 300 to 500 metres west of Steamer Steps at the end of Rolle Road, past the café at the foot of the cliffs.
Is it sand or pebbles?
Large, steep pebbles with only small patches of sand at low tide. Bring footwear and padding to lie on.
Are there facilities?
None on the naturist stretch itself, but toilets are by Steamer Steps and a café sits at the start of the cliffs.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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