Things To Do

Whether you’re planning a day trip or a seaside break for the whole family, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you entertained in Sidmouth. From popular attractions to a host of events and activities, this is a town with something for everyone.

Activities for all abilities

Sidmouth’s beautiful coastal location and countryside surroundings make it the perfect place for anyone looking to stay active while in East Devon. There are plenty of walking and cycling trails around the town including the East Devon Way, the South West Coast Path and other trails throughout the Sid Valley.

Bulverton Hill and Mutters Moor both offer excellent walking opportunities for those that like a challenge or take on one of the shorter routes. You can find a list of excellent walks in and around Sidmouth here.

If you prefer cycling, you’re in luck, there are several routes all around the town with something for all ages and abilities, including a cycleway that links the town to the nearby Sidford.

Sports fans are also well catered for in Sidmouth. There are a range of facilities offering a host of different sports all year around. So, whether you are interested in thrill seeking by heading out into the water on a kayak, paddle board or canoe or you want to try your hand at rock climbing there are organisations offering equipment hire and tuition as well as guided sessions and chances to head out on your own. Don’t forget the famous regatta that happens every year too, you’ll find an entire calendar of regular events, find out more here.

For those in the mood for something a little less taxing, you’ll find chances to get involved in games of bowls, tennis, cricket and fishing too.

Exercise your wallet instead

Sidmouth high street is the ideal location for anyone wanting to exercise some traditional retail therapy. You’ll find a quaint shopping centre with traditional shops selling a range of items including an old fashioned sweet shop, which is an absolute must visit for gifts or as a little pick me up for an extra boost of energy!

Fun for the whole family

Sidmouth has something that will delight everyone no matter how old or young they are. From spending days on the beautiful Sidmouth beach, which is easily accessible and has a range of facilities, including cafes, concession stands and hotels that are just a stone’s throw from the shoreline to a host of popular attractions that can be easily reached from the town centre. The beach is famous for its cleanliness and offers a safe space for families to picnic, swim or explore the various rockpools that can be found at low tide.

Alternatively, take a trip to Jacob’s Ladder at the western end of the beach where you can see an amazing view of the coastline and enjoy a bit of the town’s Victorian history at the same time.
The steps at Jacob’s Ladder lead up to Connaught Gardens which gives you plenty of space for running or walking and hosts concerts during the summer months at their historical bandstand.

Speaking of history, Sidmouth is a haven for history fans. The town still retains many of its Regency features from grand hotels to original buildings. Why not follow the Blue Plaques and spend your day learning about the town’s history or visit Sidmouth’s Museum? The plaques were introduced by the Sid Vale Association and there are currently 64 of them to discover. They give an idea of the town’s notable residents, including JRR Tolkein who was said to have written part of his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy while staying at The Aurora, which was his summer home. He isn’t the only famous face to have spent time in Sidmouth, so too did Queen Victoria and these royal connections can be explored further at the town’s many heritage attractions.

In this section

Activities
Don’t let Sidmouth’s Regency charm lull you into a false sense of security, this little town has a lot going on. With an array of sporting and leisure activities suitable for the whole family whatever your age and ability to enjoy, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding things to do in Sidmouth.
Attractions
Sidmouth isn’t just its beach or its beautiful countryside surroundings it has plenty of other things to see and do while you’re visiting. Whether you’re interested in exploring the wider Sid Valley or you want to remain in the town for the duration of your stay, you’ll find that there are lots of ways to keep you entertained.
Walking & Hiking
There is no better way to truly explore this beautiful town and the surrounding area than on foot. The various footpaths, walking trails and nature ways that you can find around Sidmouth and the Sid Valley will truly give you an idea of the way of life in this part of East Devon.
Cycling & Cycle Routes
When it comes to exploring Sidmouth and the surrounding area, one of the best ways to see the sights is to jump on your bike, especially if you plan to spend some time in the Sid Valley or the wider East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Watersports
If you’re coming to the coast, chances are it’s because you want to spend as much time near the water as possible and if that’s true, you’ve come to the right place as Sidmouth, like most of the Jurassic Coast has plenty of water based activities on offer.
Beaches
Of all the attractions in and around Sidmouth, the beach is probably the most famous. Discover two beaches, the award winning Town Beach and the historic Jacob’s Ladder. On a calm, sunny day, there is nothing more relaxing than taking a dip in the sea.
Family Friendly
When it comes to days out by the seaside and unforgettable holidays, Sidmouth has it all. Many of the attractions that can be found in the Sid Valley are perfect for families of all ages and even the ones that aren’t aimed at children are still committed to making sure that everyone of their visitors has a great time.
History & Culture
Sidmouth is a town with a rich history and a fascinating culture which stems from its time as being a favourite among Victorian and Georgian families.
Health & Fitness
Sidmouth, with is gentle and tranquil way of life, beautiful scenery and abundance of leisure activities is the perfect place to spend a few days recharging the batteries. Health and Fitness breaks are becoming increasingly more popular and are a great way to relax while also keeping active and taking care of yourself.