Here are some places to go and things to do in Budleigh.
Daytime
Botanical Beauty
Park and play at East Budleigh’s Bicton Park and Botanical Gardens. Check out the great indoor slides to play, 18-inch gauge woodland railway (small extra charge), and eat in the airy Orangery. bictongardens.co.uk.
D’accord! Pebble Dash
Do visit the town’s beautiful beach, down Salting Hill. But do not pick up and remove the ancient Budleigh pebbles (originally French). A sign reminds of the £1,000 max fine - stroll coastal instead. visitbudleigh.com
Crossed Mallets
The town’s internationally renowned croquet club welcomes visitors worldwide; but their recent Hamburg guests had to leave some Krockethammers at home due to an uncroquet-friendly airline. budleighcroquet.org
Night time
Just in - Beaver Fever
Shy, with slicked down hair, and of a rather whiskery look - celebrity incomers are spotted. Wild beavers on the River Otter are now the focus of dam good local news - here to stay and be monitored. devonwildlifetrust.org
I’ll Book the Festival
The town’s festival roll call: Food & Drink 13-15 March; Messiah, 21 March, Jazz 17-19 April; Tavener Tribute 9 May, Music 10-18 July, and Literary Festival 17-20 September for busy town. visitbudleigh.com/what’s-on/festivals
Café Seasoning
Cosy seats are coveted in the small A Slice of Lyme family-run bistro, just a pebble’s throw from the beach. On Tuesday to Saturday evenings try global specials with Devon cider or wines. sliceoflyme.co.uk
Eating
Tea & Tittle Tattle
Locals catch up with news at the Tea & Tittle Tattle at 4 Fore Street, or they soak up the warm welcome (and delicious slices of carrot cake, or brunch) at new Bowmers, seated under the stunning lampshades. bowmers.com
Rolling Millstones
The nearby Otterton Mill, beside the River Otter still grinds its own wholemeal flour, twice monthly. See the food shop and craft bakery, local gift ideas and nibble on the freshly baked artisan breads. ottertonmill.com
Ready Salted
Salt panning was of historical note hereabouts, so salt your own catch with The Salterton Arms’ (The Salt’s) great pub platters, with Dartmoor Sharp, or Otter real ales. Or string along to the popular Monday Ukulele night spot.
Shopping
What Katy does...
Step back in time in the What Katy Did vintage shop. I spied Jackanory story books and Sixties furnishings. Don’t mind Katy’s basset hound, Marvin who knows when you are trying to sniff out a bargain r.r.p. whatkatydid.biz
Very Well Presented
A party planner’s dream of brand loyalties and select product placement. All pockets catered for and good bargains in sale tickets. The friendly Rowan Tree gift shop is stock full of gifting ideas. rowantreegifts.co.uk
The Look of Lace Devon wedding - I do? Then the Days of Grace Vintage textiles gem of a shop may register an interest. See one-off Victorian and Edwardian antique textiles at this treasure trove of a shop. daysofgracevintage.co.uk
