If you’re visiting Sidmouth, likely you’ll be interested in visiting the beach and indulging in some retail therapy before you grab something to eat, but while you’re in town, why not explore some of the beautiful parks and gardens that are on offer in and around Sidmouth?
There are some amazing greenspaces to be found in East Devon, with many of them in Sidmouth itself and beautifully maintained by the Sidmouth in Bloom team. One of the popular spaces in Sidmouth is Connaught Gardens, which is in the heart of town. Connaught Gardens can be found part way up Peak Hill and offer some amazing views across the Esplanade and the coast. What makes these gardens particularly special is the bandstand which plays host to the Sidmouth Town Band during the summer months and often acts as a venue for the Sidmouth Folk Festival – plus it is now available for weddings! The garden is also home to the Clock Tower Café and Topiary Gardens where you can often find some amazing creations, as well as the famous Jacob’s Ladder giving you a whole new way to access the beach. As well as Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth also has Blackmore Gardens within easy access of the town centre and the beaches. Having been a public park since the 1950s, this is another popular place to while away the hours on a sunny day. Here you will find some wonderfully landscaped flowerbeds and a greenhouse full of exotic plants, as well being a hive of activity in the summer months around some of the town’s festivals.
If you want to escape the crowds, make your way over to Knowle Gardens. Much like Blackmore Gardens, these were once the former grounds of a residential home but are now public property. Similarly, the Glen Coyle is another quieter area and is hidden away behind Manor Road.
For those of you looking for a bit more space, there is always the Byes and Margaret’s Meadow on the outskirts of town leading towards nearby Sidford. These are great places for a stroll and form part of the town’s Civic Arboretum, making them endlessly fascinating and full of walks and routes. Another great place to visit in the sunshine is the Knapp Copse Nature Reserve where there are a host of interesting birdlife and creatures to keep an eye out for as you explore. There are several marked trails, allowing you to have a different adventure each time and if you visit on a cloudless day, you can enjoy endless views across the Sid Valley. Further afield, you can find the East Devon Way and the South West Coast Path which are also great ways to enjoy some greenery this summer.