While we love Sidmouth, we also love exploring the rest of the Sid Valley, so while you’re visiting, why not head off the beaten track and see what else the Sid Valley has to offer? Located next to Sidmouth is the coastal village of Salcombe Regis, which is a delightful picturesque location that featured in the Domesday Book – here’s some places in the village to check out during your stay.
The beach
Salcombe Mouth Beach is only accessible via footpaths and parts of it are quite steep, so sadly, it isn’t as easy to get to as the beaches in Sidmouth, but if you want to feel like you have your own private cove, it is worth the effort to get there. Plus, it is dog friendly all year around!
You can access the beach via the South West Coast Path, which travels through much of East Devon or by following the routes through the village. Several of the routes cut through land that is managed by the National Trust and they have a car park at Salcombe Hill for those that want to drive over from Sidmouth or nearby.
The history
Salcombe Regis has a history dating back over 700 years, with evidence of medieval superstitions, parish unrest as the Catholics and the Protestant battles went on in London and around the world and later on, the arrival of the British middle classes as the region became a hive of holiday makers during the Regency periods.
One place to explore the vast history of the village is to head to Salcombe Regis Church. It has been on site since the 1500s and much of the original exterior stone work still exists, inside, though modernised, there are still items that hark back to its origins, including the head of the Chough Lecturn, which survived the reformation by being hidden in a barn and the 1571 Communion Cup. While the current church dates back to the 1500s, it has actually been there much later and it is thought that a timber Saxon church stood there beforehand.
The scenery
Much like Sidmouth, Salcombe Regis is full of pretty places to spend the day. There are a number of valleys and fields to explore, including Soldier’s Hill Field which is next to the village war memorial – where you can find a meadow, woodland and public footpaths.
Another place to visit is Salcombe Hill, which is maintained by the National Trust.
Find more things to do in the Sid Valley by clicking here.