Looking for accommodation in Sidmouth that is suitable for the whole family? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite places to stay in the town that caters for everyone, so whether you’re visiting with small children, teenagers or grandparents, you can find the perfect accommodation for you.
Self catering stays
Many families prefer to go self catering for their summer holidays, not only is it easier if the kids eat earlier, but you often have more space and more privacy, so the adults can have a good time too without having the kids constantly running around their feet. Many of Sidmouth’s self catering holidays give you access to play areas, enclosed gardens and private parking too, so you can have a great time without worrying about other guests.
One option is to book a cottage or apartment, like those on offer from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays. With various properties across east Devon, you can easily find the perfect place for you and your family. Being family run and having over 30 years experience, the team are on hand to help you every step of the way, so you can guarantee the perfect family holiday.
Higher Wiscombe on the outskirts of Sidmouth in the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is another option. The cottages here are nestled in the peaceful Southleigh Valley within easy reach of the coast and the various nearby towns and villages, complete with stunning views and one of them sleeps up to 20! It’s the perfect destination for a special family holiday. With a heated pool that can be booked for private sessions and a games room, there is plenty for the kids to do during your stay.
Alternatively, there are a number of holiday sites with several different accommodation options and plenty of facilities to keep you all entertained in between trips out to the town and beyond.
Image: Alpine Park
Alpine Park Cottages is an award winning complex of modern lodge style self catering cottages, each with their own parking and patio areas. There is a play area and crazy golf on site, plus the site is set within 5 acres of wooded parkland, so there is plenty of space for everyone. They also offer a range of accessible accommodation available for guests with limited mobility or additional needs.
Oakdown Holiday Caravan Park is another option, with just about every property imaginable available to hire for your stay, this is a great one for those that want to keep it simple with a caravan, go for luxury with a lodge or introduce the family to the concept of glamping! If you don’t fancy going out, there are loads of facilities on site, including a quiet room with TV and games and the Oak Mead Family Gold and Recreation Area, which is immediately opposite the site. Not only that, but there are also several eateries onsite too, so even though you’re self catering, you don’t have to worry about cooking every day!
Hotel stays
When it comes to hotels, you can’t help but notice the impressive Regency style buildings located along the sea front. Sidmouth is full of beautiful hotels, many of which cater for families of all ages.
The Bedford Hotel has incredible views of the Lyme Bay and many of the rooms have balconies giving you the perfect view of the sea. Each one has televisions and complimentary hospitality trays as well as plenty of space for the family. It is even dog friendly – dogs even get their own complimentary treats on arrival!
Image: Bedford Hotel
Located along the Esplanade is the Hotel Riviera, one of the town’s premier Regency hotels offering modern comforts with the ambience of a historic building. It is a great way to introduce the kids to the region’s history and keeps them learning, even through the summer! Guests can take advantage of special meal times for children, a dedicated children’s menu and equipment such as cots and high chairs. There are even a number of children’s films available, just in case the weather turns against you!
For a centrally located hotel, take a look at the Royal York and Faulkner Hotel, which has glorious sea views and is literally just across the road from the town beach. With both standard rooms and private suites, this hotel can cater for a number of budgets and needs and with its own swimming pool and restaurants, the kids have plenty to do when they aren’t running around in the sea!
Perhaps you’d like to live like royalty during your stay, in which case, you should take a look at the Royal Glen Hotel, the former home of Queen Victoria. The queen spent some time in Sidmouth living at the hotel, back when it was a family home. There is even a plaque commemorating her stay! The guests are welcome to use the hotel’s indoor pool and gym areas and there is free off road parking, so you are easily able to explore further afield.
Image: Royal Glen Hotel
Another historic option is the Woodlands Hotel, which was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh. The family suite features two good sized bedrooms and can comfortably accommodation children and adults and guests are free to use the garden and patio during their stay. The hotel also offers onsite parking and has ground floor accommodation available, ideal if you have pushchairs.
Feeling inspired for a family trip to Sidmouth? You can find more accommodation options here and a host of things to do here.