Sidmouth is a charming seaside town located in the East of Devon. With its Regency history, popular beach and friendly residents, it’s no wonder that Sidmouth has been a firm favourite among families and holiday makers since Queen Victoria herself was an infant. In fact, she was one of many visitors to the town and began a royal connection that has endured through the years. Her son, the Duke of Connaught gave his name to the beautiful Connaught Gardens which can still be found in Sidmouth and are admired from visitors all over the world. According to the Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, Sidmouth is: “A town caught still in a timeless charm” and never a truer word was spoken.
Sidmouth’s location is one of the reasons why it is such a popular destination, not only does it sit along an impressive coastline, but it is also surrounded by spectacular countryside which gives it a real rural feel. The town is also graced with a number of grand hotels, stylish diners and bistros and great shopping opportunities.
Sidmouth's beaches
Sidmouth can be found along the Jurassic Coast which is famed for its dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery. Sidmouth Beach is the perfect spot for families as it is known for being a safe place to swim and explore. The pebbled Millennium Walkway makes it ideal for walks whatever the weather and with the chance to find evidence of the Jurassic residents at low tide when rock pools form, families with children of all ages return year after year.
The South West Coast Path can be accessed from the town allowing you to explore the nearby villages of Branscombe and Beer as well as the town of Seaton and then further on to Budleigh Salterton.
If being outside is an important aspect to your trip, Sidmouth is the ideal location, the town itself is within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty providing a pleasing landscape with woods, heathland, hilltops and Mutters Moor where you may be lucky enough to spot rare birds.
Family Friendly Attractions in Sidmouth
Because of its popularity with holiday makers, Sidmouth is home to a number of Devon’s top attractions, so whether you want to spend the day enjoying the town’s Regency heritage which is still evident with the buildings, perusing the many gifts on offer at the high street shops or spending the day at an award-winning park, there is something to suit everyone. One of the most popular attractions is the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary where you can meet over 500 rescued donkeys or enjoy the natural world with additional activities at the nearby World of Country Life.
Depending on what time of year you choose to visit Sidmouth, you have the chance to get involved in a number of popular, annual events. Every summer the town hosts the Sidmouth Literary Festival and later in August, the world famous Sidmouth Folk Week and the Sidmouth Regatta are held. These events always draw a huge crowd with their live performances, activities and workshops, they’re a great way to while away the hours while in the town.
How to get to Sidmouth
Sidmouth is just ten miles from junction 30 of the M5 (follow A3052). For anyone travelling with a SATNAV, you can find the town by using the postcode EX10 8XR, this will take you to the town's Information Centre. From there, there are several car parks to choose from, East Devon District Council run Sidmouth’s car parks.
Short Stay Carparks
- Ham East, EX10 8BW
- Ham West, EXL 8BL
- Mill Street, EX10 8BY
- Roxburgh, EX10 8DD
Long Stay Car Parks
- Manor Road, EX10 8RR
- Church Street, Sidford EX10 95L
A number of hotels and attractions have their own carparks, these are maintained by the businesses themselves. If you need to top up your petrol, there is a petrol station on Woolbrook Road, Sidmouth EX10 9UU.
Mainline coach companies offer trips into Devon and Sidmouth can then be accessed by using public transport or car hire. The National Express has services from all over the country to Exeter from there you can catch a bus to Sidmouth using one of the many regular services that can be picked up directly outside the coach station. There is a regular bus service from Exeter that connects Exeter St David’s station with the bus station, where you can find regular services to Sidmouth and the surrounding towns. The station has staff on hand who are able to help with the bus timetable and these can also be picked up at the station or via online apps.
