If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, or simply just want a day trip to the beach, this seaside town in Devon is the perfect escape. Budleigh Salterton is a charming retreat in Devon and offers more than just beaches and clear waters. The town is nestled within the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, and visitors can also inspect the local delicacies and independent shops. Visitors can go to the popular Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, which is ideal for birdwatching. Families can also visit a range of nearby attractions such as theme parks and botanical gardens, and there is also a little bit of showbiz history to be found.
If you go to the Green, there is a memorial dedicated to the legendary actor Reg Varney, who died in 2008. The comedian and entertainer is best known for his role as the bus driver Stan Butler in the series, On The Buses.
Running from 1969 until 1973, Varney also appeared in the three spin-off films — On the Buses (1971), Mutiny on the Buses (1972) and Holiday on the Buses (1973).
He died aged 92 in a nursing home in Budleigh Salterton following a chest infection. He had moved to Devon in the 1980s after he retired from acting, where he lived with his wife before she died in 2002.
Varney had previous health issues and suffered two heart attacks in 1965 and 1981. In 1989, further health complications occurred when he suffered a stroke, which left him with an irregular heartbeat.
Prior to his complications, Varney had left On The Buses mid-way through the final season in the hope of appearing in other projects. He appeared in the sitcom, Down the ‘Gate (1975–76), but it was dropped after 12 episodes.
The programme The Rag Trade was revived in 1977, but Varney did not reprise his role. At the height of his acting career, he appeared in This Is Your Life on 20 May 1970.
A fan once found his memorial in Budleigh Salterton and posted on Instagram, writing, “A few years ago I managed to track down the memorial bench dedicated to the Legendary Reg Varney at Budleigh Salterton Devon, the Green where it is situated was very tranquil, so pleased I tracked it down.”
