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.