Sidmouth, Devon, Visitor & Tourism Guide
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Nearby National Park: Dartmoor
AONBs: East Devon and Dorset. A little further away are the Blackdown Hills and South Devon AONBs
Nearby City: Exeter
Select Towns/Villages: Budleigh Salterton, Beer, Branscombe, Exmouth, Weston. Across the border in Dorset, visit Lyme Regis
UNESCO World Heritage: Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Major East Devon destination
Sidmouth's essential visiting if you're exploring East Devon. A gateway town on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, its location is stunning. To the east and west, the South West Coast Path climbs red rock cliffs and provides extraordinary views of both the town below and the Devon and Dorset coastlines. Inland, there's hilly countryside and the impressive East Hill.
Beaches
If you're into beaches, there are plenty to choose from within the town and surrounding area. Our favourites here are Sidmouth (Jacob's Ladder) Beach and Ladram Bay Beach to the west and Weston Mouth Beach and Beer Beach to the east. In front of Sidmouth, Sidmouth (Clifton to Port Royal) Beach is extremely popular and offers fine views of the high red Sidmouth Cliffs (East). See our 'Top 10 Recommended Beaches in Sidmouth' list for additional ideas.
There's a super promenade walk behind Sidmouth (Clifton to Port Royal) Beach leading to the delightful Connaught Gardens and Jacob's Ladder. Again, there are some top views of the high red Sidmouth Cliffs (West).
Walking
There's some seriously wonderful coastal walking to be had in the area, too. The South West Coast Path runs along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
To the west, you'll pass Ladram Bay Sea Stacks on your way to Budleigh Salterton Beach. The Jurassic Coast begins a little further west at Exmouth Orcombe Point Geoneedle. To the east, if you're up for a big day's walking, head as far east as you can going towards Beer Head. The views on the way, particularly down to Weston Mouth Beach and Branscombe Beach, are stunning. On sunny days, you'll discover blue seas and white beaches, thick vegetation and steep cliffs giving the area a Caribbean vibe.
A word of warning, the coastal path ascends and descends steeply around Sidmouth. Covering distance takes longer that you think and it's a lot more tiring than one would expect. One of the classic Sidmouth views can be had from Salcombe Hill.
The local area
East Devon's a popular destination. Given the number of people that head in this direction for their holidays, the area has plenty of attractions and impressive destinations.
We'd recommend days trips to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens and Escot, Devon's Crealy Great Adventure Park and Powderham Castle and Estate. Exeter Cathedral is glorious and the National Trust's Exmouth A la Ronde well worth a visit. Take a boat up the River Exe and Estuary or out to sea. In addition to the South West Coast Path, walk the East Devon Way, or, across the water, the Exe Valley Way.
For destinations, we'd suggest you visit Budleigh Salterton and Branscombe, Beer and Exmouth. A little further away, explore Exeter and cross the Dorset border to enjoy Lyme Regis.
Further afield
If you don't mind travelling a little further away then South West England is packed with things to do and places to visit. Check out our guide to the region by clicking on the link but here are some suggestions within relatively easy travelling distance from Sidmouth.
To the west of Sidmouth, head for Dartmoor National Park. Take the A30 across the north fringe of the moors and drop down into the Chagford area. Visit Castle Drogo and Gardens and walk the Teign Gorge. South west of Sidmouth, explore The English Riviera. Beyond that, drop down into the South Devon AONB.
Plymouth is, in our opinion, a remarkable city and from there, we'd suggest you cross the border into Cornwall.
Top 10 Recommendations
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Local Map
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Local Attractions [See more Attractions]
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Located in Sidmouth, Devon, South West England, England Less than a mile away. Pebble and at points sand beach running the length of the seafront at Sidmouth town. Port Royal is to the east of the beach by Sidmouth Cliffs (East). There are fishing boats here and the River Sid runs into the sea here... |
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Located in Sidmouth, Devon, South West England, England Less than a mile away. Gorgeous gardens in the centre of Sidmouth. Jacob's Ladder takes visitors from the gardens down onto Sidmouth (Jacob's Ladder) Beach. By James Penman... |
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Located in Sidmouth, Devon, South West England, England Less than a mile away. A set of wooden steps which lead from Connaught Gardens down to Sidmouth (Jacob's Ladder) Beach. By James Penman... |
Local Accommodation [See more Accommodation]
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 Less than a mile away. Total Rooms: 50; Rates: £110 - £180 Per Night Sitting on the Regency seafront with wonderful sea views, The Belmont Hotel is one of Sidmouth's popular 4-star hotels It is a short level walk from the town centre... |
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Less than a mile away. Total Rooms: 26; Rates: £104 - £332 Per Night Superbly positioned on the seafront, 4-star Hotel Riviera in Sidmouth has an elegant regency fa ade, providing the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful surrounding area... |
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Less than a mile away. Total Rooms: 65; Rates: £105 - £255 Per Night This elegant hotel is often referred to as one of England's finest Standing in 5 acres of landscaped gardens, it has magnificent views over Sidmouth and its ever-changing coastline... |
