Travel experts are urging travellers to explore one beautiful seaside town that is often overlooked in Devon. The "hidden gem" boasts meandering coastal trails along the stunning Jurassic Coast, independent shops, and most importantly, fewer tourists than its popular neighbours.

Alex Gwillim, a regional expert from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays, said people "often miss out on a visit to Budleigh Salterton" due to its location between the tourist hotspots of Exmouth and Sidmouth, "which draw big crowds on a nice day". But the travel expert urged visitors to make a stop next time.

He enthused: "Budleigh Salterton is a real hidden gem, boasting a beautiful pebble beach that stretches over two miles, the iconic red sandstone cliffs of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic coast, and a small town filled with unique local businesses to explore," reports The Mirror.

Last year, Budleigh Salterton's beach was even featured among The Times' top ten beaches in the South West, praising its huge pebble bay.

The Otter Estuary Nature Reserve at the edge of the beach is also a haven for nature lovers, attracting migratory birds, waders, and wildlife year-round.

Plus, the Jurassic Coast cliffs are rich in fossils stretching back 250 million years, from the Triassic period through the Jurassic times, hence its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For those simply looking to relax away from the beaches or windy coastal walks, the town has quintessential British cafes to warm up with some tea and a slice of cake, cosy pubs, and independent shops.

One visitor described it as "wonderfully unspoilt" on TripAdvisor, adding: "It has a lovely walk along the well-kept promenade. Plenty of benches to rest a while and take in the view.

"Also well served with places to get a coffee, ice cream and lunch, etc. No awful arcades just wonderfully unspoilt."

A second added: "We loved this beach. It was nice and quiet. People were swimming and paddleboarding, and it was perfect as the sea was so calm. It was nice and quiet despite it being a sunny June Sunday."

For a weekend escape, there are several quaint B&Bs, and due to the town's modest size, the beach is never too far away.