COVID-19

Devon is in Tier 2.

From 2nd December, Devon falls under Tier 2 restrictions following England's National Lockdown. This includes the region of Sidmouth and East Devon. 

As per Tier 2 restrictions, accommodation providers are allowed to open and take bookings and visitors are permitted to have overnight stays provided that they stay within their own household or support bubble. Entertainment venues and Indoor Leisure venues are also permitted to open. 

Live events can resume with a limited capacity and retail businesses are also open. Pubs and bars must close unless operating as restaurants and hospitality venues can only serve alcohol with meals, these venues must stop taking orders by 10pm and close by 11pm. 

Government guidelines state that travel is permitted between Tier 2 regions, but unnecessary travel is advised against, but is permitted. We would advise against travelling from a Tier 3 area or if you are feeling unwell. If you are travelling from a Tier 2 region, please stay within your own family group or support bubble. 

The Tier system is being reviewed every two weeks, please check gov.uk/coronavirus for all the latest information. 

Where to find information...

The most up to date information regarding Coronavirus can be found on the official UK Government website, where you’ll find all the latest on localised lockdowns and the procedures for travelling from abroad.

Enjoy Sidmouth Safely

Like many of you, Sidmouth has also been affected by the continuing issues surrounding the coronavirus and while we are happy to have you back, once restrictions are lifted, we want you to be able to enjoy your trip to Sidmouth safely.

Here are a few tips to help you do just that!

• Many accommodation providers, shops and other enclosed spaces will have made changes to their layouts and practises including wearing a face covering in certain areas. Please make sure to follow all signage and use provided hand sanitiser, please also note that the individual businesses are following government guidance, so do listen to them when they ask you to follow certain protocol and treat everyone with kindness and respect.
• Many attractions are running at a reduced capacity and some have made changes to their opening times. Please check with the individual attraction before making your journey as you will have to prebook.
• Contactless payments are being encouraged across all businesses, so please be aware that you will likely be asked to pay by card in person or online before you visit.
• Public transport and other spaces will require you to wear a face covering by law. Not wearing one may result in a fine. There are a number of people who are exempt from wearing a face mask, if you are exempt, you can pick up a card explaining this from hidden disabilities.
• Eateries around Sidmouth may require you to make advanced bookings, so please check their availability beforehand.

Know Before you Go

The Know Before You Go campaign was launched to help give visitors peace of mind when travelling in a post Coronavirus world.

So, when preparing your journey make sure:

• Check all the latest information online from the individual places you are planning to visit to see what restrictions may be in place and to make any advanced bookings that might be required.
• Make sure to take a bank card on you as many businesses are operating a cashless policy at the moment.
• Bring a face covering with you and keep it on your person.

What businesses are open?

There are a range of businesses in Sidmouth that are now open including attractions, accommodation providers, eateries and more. Both VisitEngland and the AA have launched new industry standards to give visitors peace of mind that every effort has been put in place to make your visit as safe as possible.

Look out for the marks when booking accommodation or days out.

Don’t forget…!

To check all plans directly with venues, accommodation providers and other businesses that you plan to visit before you travel.

Be aware that there may be some changes to public transport, so allow for potential delays.

Make sure to keep a distance of two meters where you can while enjoying Sidmouth.

Make sure to keep a face covering on your person and to use it when asked to do so.

Make sure to keep washing your hands, there will be extra chances to do so in shops and other enclosed spaces, but it is always a good idea to keep a travel sized bottle of hand sanitiser with you when travelling around the region.

Take a bank card with you as businesses around Sidmouth are encouraging cashless sales.

Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

We would recommend not travelling if you are planning a visit from a Tier 3 area or if you are feeling unwell. Anyone visiting from a Tier 2 region must stay within their family group or support bubble when travelling to Sidmouth. 

The official government website is the best place to check for the latest information and advice for travellers. If you feel unwell or are displaying any symptoms, please do not travel and follow the guidance provided by the government and the NHS’s coronavirus service.