One of the best things about visiting Sidmouth is that you do not have to choose just one beautiful beach. This elegant seaside town is blessed with two of the most popular coastal spots on the East Devon coastline, each offering its own unique character, views and visitor experience.
Ask any regular visitor and they will probably have a firm favourite. Team Jacobs Ladder or Team Town Beach? The truth is, both have plenty to love.
If you are planning a seaside break and wondering where to lay your towel, here is a closer look at Sidmouth’s two best-loved beaches.
Jacobs Ladder Beach in Sidmouth
Tucked beneath the striking red cliffs at the western end of the seafront, Jacobs Ladder Beach feels a little quieter and more tucked away than the main beach. Named after the famous white staircase that leads down from Connaught Gardens, this stretch of coastline has a wonderfully scenic and peaceful feel.
Why Visitors Love Jacobs Ladder Beach
Jacobs Ladder is a favourite for those who want:
- A quieter place to sit and relax
- Beautiful cliffside views
- Easy access to coastal walks
- Stunning sunsets over the sea
- A slightly more secluded atmosphere
The beach here is made up of pebbles and sand at low tide, and it is a great place for paddling, reading or simply soaking in the sea air away from the busier centre.
It is also the perfect starting point for a walk up through Connaught Gardens or along the South West Coast Path.
Sidmouth Town Beach
Running along the centre of the Esplanade, Town Beach is the classic heart of Sidmouth’s seafront scene. With its wide stretch of shoreline, iconic Regency backdrop and easy access to shops, cafés and ice cream stops, this is where much of the town’s seaside life happens.
Why Visitors Love Town Beach
Town Beach is ideal for visitors looking for:
- A central beach close to amenities
- Traditional seaside atmosphere
- Easy family access
- Space to sit near the Esplanade
- Quick links to shops and lunch spots
There is always something enjoyable about sitting here and watching the world go by, with deckchairs on the promenade, families crabbing and the sound of the sea rolling in.
For those who like to be in the middle of the action, Town Beach is hard to beat.
Which Sidmouth Beach is Best for Families?
Families often love Town Beach because everything is within easy reach. Public facilities, cafés, fish and chips, shops and the promenade are all just steps away, which makes a full beach day simple.
Jacobs Ladder, on the other hand, is often favoured by visitors who want a slightly calmer experience and somewhere to escape the busiest summer crowds.
So really, it depends whether your ideal beach day includes convenience and bustle or peace and dramatic scenery.
Best Beach for Walkers and Views
If scenic walks are top of your holiday list, Jacobs Ladder wins points for its direct links to Connaught Gardens, Peak Hill and the South West Coast Path.
Town Beach offers beautiful views too, especially looking back across Sidmouth’s elegant seafront, but Jacobs Ladder feels more rugged and naturally dramatic.
The Great Sidmouth Beach Debate
Locals and returning visitors often have strong opinions on this one. Some would never swap the convenience and classic charm of Town Beach, while others love the quieter beauty of Jacobs Ladder.
The best solution is simple. Try both.
Spend one morning with coffee on the Esplanade overlooking Town Beach, then head to Jacobs Ladder in the evening when the cliffs glow red in the late sunshine.
Which Sidmouth Beach Is Your Favourite?
Whether you prefer the lively feel of Town Beach or the peaceful setting of Jacobs Ladder, Sidmouth offers a beach experience for every mood.
That is part of what makes this East Devon town so special. Two very different seaside settings, both within an easy stroll, and both guaranteed to leave you planning your next visit before you have even packed up your beach bag.