Local Villages

East Devon is a truly wonderful place to visit with everything from beaches to rural retreats, incredible delicacies and fascinating history told through a variety of heritage attractions. Sidmouth is one of four towns and villages that can be found in the Sid Valley which is within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and while we’re biased, we have to admit, there is more to the region than Sidmouth. The town is surrounded by incredible countryside locations with quaint, peaceful villages, all with interesting traditions and charming places to stay.  

Salcombe Regis 

If you’re on the hunt for a quintessential English village, there is no finer place to visit than Salcombe Regis, which is located just 3.4 miles from Sidmouth’s town centre. The village is unspoiled and secluded with unbridled charm, it is a real haven for those wanting a rural retreat, walking holidays and anyone interested in Devon’s history. One of the village’s top heritage attractions is a 12th century church complete with its original Norman pillars and medieval wall paintings.  

Walking trails in the village take you over the cliff tops where you’ll find beautiful views across Sidmouth, nearby Branscombe and on a clear day, further into East Devon. The town is famous in the area for their annual Country Fair and for being the home of the Donkey Sanctuary, one of the biggest attractions in the region.  

For a real experience of life in the Sid Valley, Salcombe Regis is a great place for your base, there are a number of charming hotels and eateries and you’re just a short walk or bus ride from Sidmouth and the other neighbouring villages.  

Sidbury 

Having been named winner of the Best Kept Village competition multiple times, Sidbury is a must visit for anyone wanting to stay in a picture perfect village with postcard ready cottages and gardens.  

Sidbury is just 3.6 miles from Sidmouth and features a friendly community who are warm and welcoming to visitors wanting to base themselves in a charming and tranquil rural location.  

Sidford 

The Byes and Margaret Meadows begin in the small village of Sidford, which is just 2.5 miles from Sidmouth’s town centre. There are a number of gentle walks alongside the river and other cycle and walking trails which link Sidford and Sidmouth, allowing you plenty of chances to explore the Sid Valley. The region offers plenty of places that are perfect for dog walkers and the village is home to two hugely popular pubs as well as playing fields and quaint shops.  

Budleigh Salterton 

Another of East Devon’s popular towns, Budleigh Salterton is just a short bus ride away. Budleigh Salterton features two miles of pebble beach and safe swimming waters, a number of independent shops and a fascinating high street. The town is home to an annual literary festival, presided over by bestselling author, Hilary Mantel who lives in the town.  

Ottery St Mary 

A little further afield is Ottery St Mary, a town with a charming history and some very unique traditions. In the summer months you can go along to experience Pixie Day, where the residents celebrate the town’s pixies who are said to have been banished from the town to a local cave known as Pixie’s Parlour. The festivities kick off with a fete where children dressed as pixies capture the local church bell ringers and a re-enactment of the banishment takes place in the town square. If that wasn’t enough, in November, the Tar Barrel Rolling takes place. At this event, locals run through the village with flaming barrels of tar on their backs as part of traditional Bon Fire celebration.  

Further along the Jurassic Coast you’ll find the quaint villages of Beer and Branscombe, both of which are around 8 miles from Sidmouth town centre. These villages can easily be accessed via the South West Coast Path or via car or public transport.  

Beer

Nestled among the beautiful cliffs of the Jurassic Coast is the village of Beer. The village forms part of the England’s first natural World Heritage site and is most notable for its beach and the Quarry Caves, both of which are popular among tourists as well as the residents. The village has won several accolades over the years, including being named Countryfile’s Top Picnic Spot.

Branscombe 

Full of thatched cottages, you'll find Branscombe between Seaton and Sidmouth along the Jurassic Coast. It is thought that it is the longest village in the UK and is home to a number of historical buildings. 

Otterton

Located between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, Otterton sits on the mouth of the river that gives the village its name, it is an attractive village with lots of walking trails allowing you to explore the beautiful scenery. 

Colyton

With its iconic circular street arrangement, the remains of its Saxon origins, Colyton has a host of interesting independent shops and friendly inns. You can explore the wider east Devon area by jumping on the Colyton Tram and riding along the River Axe and the Seaton wetlands. 

Seaton 

Seaton is a Victorian era village near Beer with World Heritage Status. Seaton is easily accessible from the South West Coast Path and has a host of fun, family friendly attractions to enjoy.