Easter will be here before you know it and this year, why not make it about more than enjoying chocolate by spending the holiday in Sidmouth?
With the beach, a host of attractions, the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the door step and loads of places to stay, Sidmouth is a great destination for a Easter getaway.
Let’s start with finding somewhere to stay – whether you want a holiday park, hotel or self-catering property, there is plenty to choose from, so you can easily find something in your budget and that suits you and your needs.
One option for a great family friendly stay is Oakdown Touring and Holiday Caravan Park
where you have a choice of accommodation options like lodges, glamping units or pitches where you can set up your own tent or caravan. By staying here you have the coast and countryside, as well as several top family attractions right on the door step. Plus, opposite Oakdown is a 9-hole course which guests can use as they like.
Self-catering is a great option for families, you typically have much more room and privacy, plus you aren’t restricted by restaurant times – you can easily cater for different dinner and bed times. On the outskirts of Sidmouth are Alpine Park Cottages. This complex of 11 lodge style cottages are full of the modern comforts you would want from a cottage holiday. Each one has central heating, well equipped kitchens, super fast broadband and their own outdoor areas. The site even has a cottage that has been purpose built for guests with limited mobility. Guests are welcome to explore the surrounding parkland with a wooden play area, football nets, crazy golf and more across the site’s five acres.
Alternatively, for those of you planning a big family get together or a trip away with friends, take a look at Higher Wiscombe. Also on the outskirts of Sidmouth, Higher Wiscombe is right in the centre of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and just a short distance from the Jurassic Coast and South West Coast Path. The cottages are built with sustainability in mind and are regularly recognised by green and eco-friendly awards. The cottages can accommodate parties from 6 to 32 – so however many people are in your group, you can easily accommodate them here.
For those of you who want the chance to have a rest and not have to worry about cooking and cleaning, hotel stays are a great option. On the Esplanade you’ll find Hotel Riviera, a Regency era hotel with sea view from the hotel’s ensuite rooms. All rooms are tastefully designed and come with a range of facilities as standard, including WiFi, televisions and more. There are also a range of complimentary toiletries and bathrobes to make you feel at home during your stay.
Away from the main drag is the Royal Glen Hotel, famous for once being the home of Queen Victoria when she was a mere Duke’s daughter and not in line for the throne. The infant Victoria came to stay in Sidmouth at this very building and you can even see her former bedroom, which is marked with a plaque. Each of the hotel’s rooms are individually furnished and suit a range of travellers. You’ll find a variety of facilities as standard, including Freeview TV and tea and coffee making in the room. Guests can make use of the indoor swimming pool and gym and you are within easy walking distance of the sea front, Connaught Gardens and a host of other attractions.
Don’t forget you can find more accommodation options here.
Now you have an idea of where you can stay, let’s look at what you can do to entertain yourself while visiting Sidmouth.
There is of course the Town Beach and Jacobs Ladder Beach where you can have fun splashing in the sea, looking for fossils or enjoying a picnic on the beach. Or you can spend some time exploring the surrounding countryside, like the Byes with its charming riverside walks. For a day out on a budget, make sure to visit The Donkey Sanctuary.
As well as a chance to meet the region’s rescue donkeys you can also take in engaging exhibits, award winning gardens and during the school holidays, you’ll find additional activities and trails. Another big draw to the sanctuary is its award winning restaurant, which is incredibly popular, especially on a Sunday, so make sure to book early!
If you want to stay in the town centre, you can always indulge in some retail therapy. Sidmouth is home to over 60 independent businesses and has an eclectic high street full of interesting finds, familiar names and the kind of shops you just won’t find anywhere else. Find details on the town’s shopping opportunities here.
Or for a fun family activity, try your hand at pottery painting with Something Lovely. Something Lovely is a wonderful paint your own pottery studio within Libra Court. This is an activity which can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities and there are over 100 different items to choose from. Anything that needs to be kiln fired can even be posted to you if you’re not going to be in town when its ready to pick up.
Look out for more suggestions for things to do here.
Will you be in Sidmouth over Easter? Need more things to do? Check out our local events here.
