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The Donkey Sanctuary

No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary. There’s a tranquil corner…

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.

Sailing and boating

Not surprisingly for a town that has an annual regatta, sailing and boating are two important parts of Sidmouth’s history. The town’s maritime heritage ranges from the locals heading out on small fishing boats for food to eat and sell in the region’s many local markets to being the home of people like Commander John Carslake, Nelson’s midshipman on the HMS Victory, which headed into the Battle of Trafalgar.

Walking along the seafront, you’ll spot a number of small fishing boats and further out on the horizon, pleasure cruises. There are a number of organisations offering boat trips around the Jurassic Coast both to and from Sidmouth, you can find out more information at the Tourist Information Centre.

Boats for fishing and leisure leave from Sidmouth’s Port Royal Marina, an idea that has been in development since the 1800s. Back when the town was a Regency resort, there were plans to create a harbour at Sidmouth and work actually began to start building one, however the plan was abandoned and then picked up again in the 2000s when plans were submitted for the Port Royal Marina. This can be found at the end of Sidmouth Esplanade and offers mooring booths for boat owners and hirers as well as being an ideal place for boat launches.

Sidmouth Sailing Club is a family run sailing club with a full programme of training and races taking place throughout the year. You’ll find them at the top of the Lyme Bay and both the club and the clubhouse are open to the public during events including the Sidmouth Regatta which they organise.

The Sidmouth Sailing Regatta takes place every year over the August bank holiday and sees some of the region’s best sailors putting their skills to the test. This hugely popular event brings competitors and spectators from all across the south west and a number of events, workshops and other activities are put on throughout the duration of the race. Don’t forget to wait for the end for the annual fire work display!

Watersports in Sidmouth

Sidmouth’s iconic position beneath the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast and views across the Lyme Bay make it the perfect place for anyone wanting a scenic trip out on the waves. During the summer months, you can find concession stands offering equipment hire for a variety of vessels including kayaks, body boards, paddle boards and more.

For those of you who want to give it a go, this is the perfect place to give it a try. The equipment hire companies are run by experienced surfers, kayakers and members of the Sidmouth Life Boat crew who are more than happy to talk you through the techniques and to make sure you have the right equipment for your age and ability. They even offer tuition, so there is no excuse not to give it a go! Not only is it a great way to have a solo adventure, there are also opportunities for the whole family to get involved, so make sure to seek them out along the sea front.

Want to check to see what the weather is doing before heading out? Take a look at our webcams or check the weather and tide times here.

If watersports aren’t your thing, don’t forget that there are a host of other activities on offer in Sidmouth and the surrounding areas, click here to find out more.

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The Donkey Sanctuary

Sidmouth

No trip to Devon is complete without visiting The Donkey Sanctuary.
There’s a tranquil corner of the Jurassic Coast near Sidmouth that hundreds of rescue donkeys call…
Beer Quarry Caves

Seaton

Beer Quarry Caves has a 2,000-year history of quarrying Beer stone using virtually unchanged methods from Roman times until the last century.
Our guides will take you…
Sidmouth Golf Club

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A golfing jewel in the crown is a fitting description of Sidmouth Golf Club. Overlooking the fine Regency town of Sidmouth the 1889 J H Taylor designed course enjoys…
Sidmouth Town Beach

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Sidmouth Beach is a beautiful expanse of sand and shingle beach, clean, accessible, and surrounded by awe inspring cliffs that make the beach feel very secluded. Sidmouth is…
Sidmouth Toy & Model Museum

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The Sidmouth Toy & Model Museum first opened in August 2020. The museum contains the collection of vintage and modern toys and models collected by Ian and Rebecca Gregory…
Peak Hill Llamas

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For a truly enjoyable and memorable experience, and to unwind from the hustle and bustle of daily life, come and join Peak Hill Llamas for a gentle relaxing guided walk or a…
Jala Flow Yoga

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Jala Flow Yoga offers a truly dedicated space to practice Yoga for those of all experience, knowledge and interests.
Jala Flow Yoga offers a truly dedicated space to…
Pecorama

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Home to PECO, the world famous model railway track manufacturer, Pecorama is one of Devon’s leading tourist attractions perfect for…
Sidmouth Leisure Centre

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Choice is a good thing – and you’re spoilt for it at Sidmouth Leisure Centre.
Step inside our facilities and you will see that we really do have something for all ages,…
Sidmouth Cricket Club

Sidmouth

Founded in 1823 Sidmouth Cricket Club running 3 adult Saturday Sides, offering colts cricket for All Stars, U9s through to U15s and Wine & Wickets as a ladies playing option.…
East Devon Petanque Club

Sidmouth

We offer a friendly welcome to everyone who wants to join us.
The French game of pétanque, or boules as it is sometimes known, is a great game for people of all…
Kennaway House

Sidmouth

Kennaway House is a beautiful Regency mansion built in 1805. The picturesque red brick house is set in its own tree-lined grounds in the heart of Sidmouth. After being…
Sidmouth Museum

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Sidmouth Museum is progressive and outward looking, it aims to attract the widest possible audience through its collections and bring enjoyment to all.
There are many…
Otter Estuary Nature Reserve

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This compact and accessible estuary supports a particularly well developed saltmarsh flora that includes such characteristic plants as glasswort, sea puslane, and sea…
The Beauty Room at Aspara

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Our minds and bodies are affected daily by the stress and pace of modern living. Aspara’s philosophy is to promote health and well being with the restorative properties of…
Sidmouth Leisure Centre

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Choice is a good thing – and you’re spoilt for it at Sidmouth Leisure Centre.
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Sea Kayak Exmouth

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GO WITH THE FLOW!
On our kayak tours you can expect to explore the stunning Exe Estuary, with its golden sands and beautiful sea close to our base in the town of…
Paint Your Own Pottery at Something Lovely

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Something Lovely is a wonderful paint your own pottery studio nestled in Sidmouth’s Libra Court. The studio is open alongside other artists and independent shops including an…
Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton Circuit - Cycle Route

Exmouth / Budleigh Salterton

Distance: 6 miles
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
End points: Exmouth Station (Grid Ref SX 999 811)
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This is a lovely relaxing…
Sidmouth to Beer Coast

Sidmouth

Between Sidmouth and Beer the geology is strongly influenced by a gentle easterly dip in the layers of the rocks that are present. The result is that as you travel east the…