Sidmouth
A not S o hidden tre AS ure
Sitting along an impressive coastline and surrounded by spectacular countryside and Blue Flag award winning beaches, Sidmouth allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds, with everything you can expect from a beach holiday, as well as having a rural feel and a real community atmosphere.
Full of friendly faces and beautiful scenery, it is no wonder that Sidmouth is a firm favourite among families and tourists. The dramatic cliffs, fresh sea air and the diverse range of activities makes it a wonderful place to recharge the batteries. It’s the kind of town where you can do everything or nothing at all.
So, whether you want to spend a day on the beach hunting in the rock pools, taking
a walk around the heritage trails, getting some fresh air in the numerous parks or tiring out the kids at one of the popular attractions, there is something to suit everyone here.
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Dog Walk Map
With the surrounding countryside and the abundance of walkways, Sidmouth is a great location for a dog friendly trip.
Not only is there the South West Coast Path, but also the Byes and other routes around the town that are perfect for an adventure with your furry friend.
While you’re in Sidmouth, why not visit the beach? There are selected areas of the beach that are dog friendly all year around and other areas where there are restrictions at certain times.
The main beach has restrictions between May and September, please check local signs for up to date restrictions.
Find out more about the dog friendly offering in Sidmouth at visitsidmouth.co.uk
Jurassic Coast Walk Map
Stretching over 95 miles and varying in difficulty throughout the route, the Jurassic Coast Walk forms part of the South West Coast Path and is the best way to experience England’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the cliffs and rock formations of the Jurassic Coast date back over 185 million years and in Sidmouth, many of the cliffs can be dated to the Triassic period.
The first leg of the Jurassic Coast Walk starts in Exmouth, where you can find the oldest Triassic rocks, heading into Sidmouth and then continuing on to Seaton and into Dorset where the youngest white chalk rocks can be found.
The route from Sidmouth into Seaton will give you a chance to explore the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you can catch sight of peregrine falcons and see a range of wild and plantlife.
The parts of the Jurassic Coast you can see in this section of the walk is around 200 million years old!
Learn more about the South West Coast Path
Tree Walks in Sidmouth
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 and will give you a chance to discover some incredible views and scenic routes around the region.
Give the circular walk from Sidmouth to Salcombe Hill a try for a chance to glimpse the region’s wildlife, especially on a warm day. The walk takes you through Sidmouth town centre, the Byes and up towards Salcombe Hill before bringing you back.
Alternatively, follow one of the pathways signposted through the Byes and Sid Valley or for more of a challenge take on Peak Hill and Mutter’s Moor where you’ll get to enjoy views of Otter Valley.
Sidmouth and The Byes is a relatively easy route that takes in open fields and parkland. Just follow the River Sid from the heart of town to explore this hidden gem.
Use the QR codes below to follow the routes of these walks.
The Byes Tree Walk
This short walk around The Byes should take about an hour and a half and is on level paths accessible to families with pushchairs and people using mobility scooters.
The Knowle Tree Walk
The Knowle was the most impressive of Sidmouth’s wealthy estates through the 19th century and used to house a private menagerie including Zebras and Kangaroos. Much of the estate has since been sold off but the gardens and park, which have been acquired by the Town Council recently, still have an impressive treescape with over seventy exotic species from around the world.
The park can be muddy in winter and there are some steps at the top of the garden, but much of the trail is a gentle stroll located just ten minutes from the High Street and there is a car park at the top of the park where Station Road meets Broadway.
The Salcombe Regis Tree Walk
Accessible Blackmore Gardens Tree Trail
This walk around the town centre, which begins and ends by the parish church, is fully accessible to wheelchair users and mobility scooters and should take about an hour. Along the way, several of the interesting and exotic trees are introduced.
One of a series of local trails produced by Sidmouth Arboretum, the Salcombe Regis Tree Trail is a delightful three and a half mile walk via the picturesque village of Salcombe Regis.
This enchanting trail, which includes some moderate hills, winds its way through a diverse landscape, offering visitors an opportunity to connect with the region’s rich tree heritage.
The Sid Valley Ring
A 13 mile walk around the Sid Valley Ring. This is a moderate to difficult walk.
Blue Plaque Map
Find out more about the Blue Plaques here
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 Natural Landscape (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). By heading out on your bike in Sidmouth, you get the choice of coast or country, straight lines, circular routes, trails that are perfect for training and exercise and those that are gentle and perfect for a sunny day activity.
Whether you’re a keen cyclist or it’s just a casual hobby, Sidmouth is a great place to indulge, not only do you have the amazing Jurassic Coast to follow, routes that take you to the neighbouring towns and villages like Beer, Seaton and Budleigh Salterton, but also some amazing countryside routes through the Byes into the Sid Valley and through East Devon.
A day out with the bikes is a great way to spend your time, whether you’re after a solo ride, a family adventure, something gentle or a challenge, you’ll find a host of different trails to cater for all ages and abilities.
The Byes Cycle Route
This 1.5miles (2.4km) off road cycle path from Sidford to The Old Tollhouse in Sidmouth is suitable for families and young children.
Buzzard Route
An opportunity to explore East Devon on this regional 80 mile circular route, around Sidmouth, Seaton, Axminster, Honiton and Woodbury.
Some of the route follows the National Cycle Network Route 2 along the south coast of Devon.
Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton Circuit Cycle Route
This is a lovely relaxing cycle route taking in the coast and the rural hinterland between the East Devon seaside towns of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton.
The inland section follows the path of a former railway, and the coast... well, this is Devon and the coast is superb!! Exmouth lies at the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast - England’s first natural World Heritage Site.
Harpford Woods Trail
This route is largely off road with an easy gradient following the picturesque former railway line through Harpford Woods, from The Golden Lion in Tipton St John to The Bowd Inn above Sidmouth. It forms part of National Cycle Network Route 248 and part of the proposed Otter Trail from Sidmouth to Ottery St Mary and Feniton.
Visit the website to download the GPX files for these routes here
So many places to shop!
Sidmouth is so much more than beautiful scenery and iconic cliffs. The town is also a cultural hub with a huge array of activities and attractions, including a bustling high street with a mix of high street names and unique independent stores.
Fore Street and Old Fore Street are great places to head for accessories and clothes, as well as cards, gifts and homeware,
while Market Place is the place to go for Sidmouth’s department store, Fields of Sidmouth, which has stood on the street for over 200 years and boutique stores like the iconic bright pink shop, Crane and Kind.
If you’re in the mood for some serious retail therapy, you’ll find lots of opportunities to exercise your bank balance all over the town. Whether you’re looking for local crafts, unique gift ideas, books, homeware or clothes and accessories, you’ll find it all here.
In addition to local arts and crafts, Sidmouth is also known for the quality of the locally produced food and drink which you can easily find at regular farmers’ markets and the region’s deli and farm shops. This is one of the best ways to sample a real taste of the Sid Valley. Look out for vegetables, dairy produce, locally caught fish and home-reared meat, as well as locally brewed cider, beer and wines and spirits distilled right here.
Looking for places to go shopping? You can find details here.
Perfectly positioned on Sidmouth’s esplanade offering extensive leisure facilities from outdoor pools to new Source Spa featuring an indoor swimming pool, spa bath, ice bath, sauna, steam room, gym, relaxation area and two treatment rooms. The hotel’s restaurant has an AA Rosette for fine cuisine and offers informal dining in the White Room.
01395 51265 | www.victoriahotel.co.uk
Offering spectacular views, as well as first class service, outstanding food and beautiful gardens. Enjoy fine dining in the hotel’s main restaurant or relaxed dining in our informal restaurant, Horizon. The leisure facilities and new Source Spa of the adjacent Victoria Hotel are all available freely to guests at the Belmont Hotel. 01395 512555 | www.belmont-hotel.co.uk