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Experience

Though it is small, Sidmouth is mighty – whether you are visiting for the day or staying for a bit longer, there is no end to the experiences you can have during your trip. From amazing royal heritage to watersports and fine dining, whatever it is you’re in the mood for, you’ll be able to do it right here in Sidmouth.

Spend some time at the beach

Sidmouth is blessed with being part of the world famous Jurassic Coast which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic red cliffs date back thousands of years and bookends both the town’s beaches.

Sidmouth Town Beach is the main beach, lined with hotels and shops and Jacobs Ladder beach is at the far end, accessible by a set of Victorian style steps leading from Connaught’s Gardens. As well as the two beaches within Sidmouth, the south west coast path has access points along the Jurassic Coast and you can easily walk along to nearby Ladram Bay and onto the neighbouring towns of Budleigh Salterton, Beer and Seaton and into Lyme Regis in Dorset.

As well as all the usual beach activities including swimming, sun bathing and playing among the pebbles and the sand, you can also indulge in a spot of boating, paddle boarding and a host of other watersports. During the summer months, you can find organisations offering equipment hire and tutoring and boats regularly set sail from Port Royal, both for pleasure cruises and fishing trips.

Experience the region’s rich history

As you might expect from a town nestled in those incredible Jurassic era cliffs, Sidmouth has a rich and diverse history, much of which is evident from the many Regency buildings that can be found along the Esplanade.

Sidmouth gained popularity during the Regency and Victorian periods when it became easily accessible from around the country because of the extension of the rail network. It became one of the main resorts for members of London’s high society and several of the grand hotels and villas from this time are still in use, their historical charm combined with all the mod cons offering luxury and comfort.

As well as its connections to the rich and famous of Victorian society, Sidmouth also has royal approval. The Connaught Gardens were named for the Duke of Connaught, one of Queen Victoria’s sons, who opened the gardens himself during the 1930s. Sidmouth was also a favourite of Queen Victoria’s, she lived in the town for a time as an infant, her father died there and she herself was the subject of an assassination attempt while living in the region. The home that the family stayed in while in Devon is now a hotel and there are several plaques and points of interest around the estate for you to experience the life of the future queen. You can further experience the town’s rich history by following the Blue Plaques which can be found on various heritage buildings around the Sid Valley.

So much to see and do

From sunrise to sunset, there is plenty to experience in the Sid Valley. With a huge array of sports and leisure activities from golf to cricket to sailing and even star gazing, there truly is something for everyone.

Alongside the sports and leisure centres and clubs that can be found in the Sid Valley, Sidmouth is host to a number of popular annual festivals and events including the Sidmouth Regatta, the award-winning Sidmouth Folk Festival, the town Literature Festival and the yearly Science Festival.

So, come along and experience everything that Sidmouth has to offer.

In this section

Jurassic Coast
Sidmouth is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural World Heritage Site as named by UNESCO in 2001. The Jurassic Coast is a hugely diverse and beautiful landscape which is full of geological importance. The coast begins in Devon at Exmouth and then continues through to neighbouring Dorset.
Arboretum
Sidmouth is home to the UK’s only civic arboretum. The Arboretum in Sidmouth is unique because rather than being an arboretum in the usual sense, the entire valley around Sidmouth is the arboretum. The Sid Valley is home to a variety of heritage trees and abundant wildlife making it a wonderful place to spend a few hours.
Royal History
Sidmouth’s popularity as a holiday resort began in the Georgian era before becoming the place to be during Queen Victoria’s reign. The town’s connection to the Regency period is evident thanks to the many buildings and hotels that still proudly dominate the town, particularly along the seafront.
Architecture
Much of Sidmouth’s charm and atmosphere comes from the beautiful buildings that can be found around the town many of which remain from the Regency era. Unsurprisingly, Sidmouth’s buildings have often been described as being the jewel in East Devon’s crown and much has been done to protect them.
East Devon AONB
Sidmouth falls within the East Devon AONB – or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and even without the name, the countryside that surrounds the town speaks for itself. Having been granted the status of AONB means that you can be sure that this is a very special site indeed, full of gorgeous views.
Explore
Sidmouth is a town caught in timeless charm. It is a Regency town located along the Jurassic Coast with beautiful gardens, royal connections, fine hotels, clean beaches, access to the South West Coast Path, Nature Reserves and a real friendly and welcoming atmosphere.