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SIDMOUTH Where to walk, shop, eat and drink
Sidmouth’s Clock Tower
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© @_TOBY_BISH_
COAST WITH THE
MOST Explore the scenic town of Sidmouth By Imogen Davidson-Smith
© @_TOBY_BISH_ The grand seafront
The town is known is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site, with stunning coastline that any keen walker can enjoy, with the reward of a cup of tea and slice of cake at the end. But it’s not all about the landscape; the town has got a strong arts and culture scene, with a decent crop of events popping up this summer, as well as some thriving independents. Whether you’re headed there for an afternoon or a staycation, here are our top suggestions of what you might want to get up to.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Sidmouth is a walker’s paradise, offering gorgeous views across the coast. Here are a few ideas...
KENNAWAY HOUSE
Kennaway House is a handsome Regency mansion in the heart of Sidmouth that is now an impressive arts centre and events venue. This summer they have an actionpacked line of events including the following.
SIDMOUTH FOLK FESTIVAL 30 July – 6 August, 10am – 4.30pm There will be food and craft stalls on the lawn throughout and two fantastic exhibitions, Wild and Free and an Art Sale of Traditional and Contemporary Paintings.
SIDMOUTH FOOD FESTIVAL 14 August, 10am – 4.30pm A selection of exciting foods and live music on the lawn. Expect pizzas, Thai food, BBQ, Italian ice cream, sweet treats and more. DAVID HARRIS EXHIBITION 11 – 20 August, 10am – 4.30pm An art exhibition of painting, sculpture, calligraphy and lettering.
27 August SIDMOUTH EATS BOUTIQUE An evening street food market featuring local producers. Enjoy a drink and some nibbles, while purchasing some delicious delights.
CHARITY ART AUCTION 4 September, 10 – 4pm The South West Academy will be raising funds to enable it to carry out further educational workshops with young children. Altogether over 60 artists are donating work, including a donated painting from none other than Dame Judi Dench.
Kennaway House, Sidmouth, Devon; www.kennawayhouse.org.uk
By the byes “There’s the prettiest of dog walks along the Sidmouth Byes which takes you right down to the beach. You can access the walk at several points on the way into the town – find a spot to park on Fortescue Road or on the opposite side of the river at Livonia Road.
It’s a popular route for locals and visitors of all ages, as well as cyclists who have their own cycle path, so make sure you can keep your pooch under control.
The Byes follows the route of the River Sid, the shortest river in Devon at just six miles long. Surrounded by fields and meadows, in the spring and summer months you’ll see plenty of wildflowers. Look out for the Community Orchard, a very attractive spot – but strictly dog-free.
Several bridges offer the chance to cross the river and back again as you wander along the river, and the water is accessible for dogs who enjoy a paddle – but be mindful of wildlife including ducks, moorhens and maybe even the occasional otter.
Walking on through Sid Meadow takes you to the Lawn, a slightly more formal landscape adjacent to Hunters Moon hotel with some impressive native trees. Leaving the Byes here cross the road by the Toll House and keep following the river along, over the bridge by the ford as you head towards the sea.
Walk past the playground and the new Alma Bridge, there’s a small section of beach that you can take your dogs on year-round.” Sue Cade, writer and dog owner; @sue_cade
Kennaway House
Short and sweet “For a short walk with lots of scenery, park by the swimming pool and walk from the fishing boats along the promenade, stay on the bottom path and go around the cliffs to Jacobs Ladder and the sandy beach (stop for an ice cream, or cream tea at the top or chill in the gardens). There is a great view of the seafront from the gardens. If you still have energy then walk up the hill on the grass, turn around and take in the view. There is also a nature area at the top of Peak Hill called Mutter Moor. You can walk around the nature area and then head across the field to the cliff top.” Aaron Brooks, professional dog walker; @blackdogdevon
© @_TOBY_BISH_
Sidmouth offers dramatic a coastline
WHILE YOU’RE THERE….
Sidmouth in Bloom (SIB) is a voluntary group that aims to raise the horticultural, environmental and community awareness throughout the town. Head to Blackmore Gardens, opposite the Bowling Green, to see the beautiful floral displays which currently include the BFG and Fred the peacock. www.sidmouthinbloom.org
© AARON BROOKS
Sidmouth, a dog’s paradise The team at Bøde Living: Devon Cawkwell, Jen Swales, and Esther Henahulph
© MATT AUSTIN
© MATT AUSTIN
NEW SHOPPING SPOTS
A new boutique store selling Danish and Scandinavian-inspired interiors has just opened on Alexandria Trading Estate. Bøde Living is owned and run by Jen Swales; the company used to be Dotty Home Gifts & Interiors (on the High Street) but the business has undergone a complete overhaul, rebranding and moving to the new premises.
“Whilst it was heartbreaking to be closed for so long during the pandemic, we found ourselves pushing the business in a different direction and found a new energy for what we do – we’ve always wanted a space to showcase larger interior items and have a particular passion for Danish and Scandinavian design so with this move we are able to do all of those things and more,” says Jen.
“With a big, bold move we wanted a new identity and so Bøde Living was born and we feel it matches our energy and confidence in what we do. We have over 15 years of experience behind us and great relationships with some fabulous brands and we have thrown it all into this project.”
Bøde Living: colourful interiors to make you smile
Those who loved Dotty’s can expect similar products but with a much larger space to play with, Jen and the team here have been able to feature a much broader range of homeware items, showcasing their passion for modern Danish décor.
“Our main aim for Bøde Living is to have a fun and beautiful space where people can come to buy for their home, their friends or to simply get some inspiration and have a chat. Being off the hustle off the High Street we will be able to give more time to our customers and share what we are up to those further afield.” Bøde Living, Alexandria Trading Estate, Sidmouth; www.bode-living.com
Other local interior stores? Independent furniture retailer Potburys of Sidmouth has been a familiar face on the High Street for over 150 years selling beds, sofas and dining collections, as well as a wide selection of home accessories. Potburys, 33 High Street, Sidmouth; www.potburys.co.uk
BITES TO EAT
The new addition to Sidmouth town centre, Browns’ Kitchen Bakery is run by mother and daughter team Louise and Liv, and opened up during lockdown last year. The women have a passion for baking and the idea for their own bakery was born when they sold their restaurant at the end of 2019. Having always baked cakes and desserts for their customers, they decided to make this their focus for the future.
Browns’ offer up traybakes including brownies, blondies and cookie bars, is supplemented by mouth-watering cookie pies, gooey chocolate cookies and choux buns in varying flavours, plus traditional cakes and a very popular bread pudding!
‘I’ve always loved to bake and Liv grew up baking with me. We really enjoy experimenting with ingredients and having fun with our creations,” says Louise.
“Some of our latest are the Caramac rocky roads, our best-selling chocolate orange brownies and our raspberry and white chocolate brownies. Then there are some long-standing favourites like our mini biscoff or kinder cheesecakes. We bake everything from scratch, with a focus on quality and variety, including a range of vegan and gluten-free goodies.” Browns’ Kitchen Bakery, 6 High Street, Sidmouth; www.brownskitchen.co.uk
Other foodie spots? The Clock Tower Café and Bakery is a favourite with locals and visitors. The restored 16th century lime kiln offers views over the coastline (it is positioned just by Jacob’s ladder) making it a great place to stop after a walk. The Clock Tower, Connaught Gardens, Peak Hill Road, Sidmouth; www.clocktowersidmouth.com
above: Sidmouth in full swing; left: Browns’ bakery; right: Views from the balcony rooms at the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel
ONES FOR THE DIARY
27 August SIDMOUTH AIRSHOW The event will welcome the wowing crowds with impressive aerobic displays, all from the beautiful surrounding of the Sidmouth seafront. Sidmouth and its position in Lyme bay offers a unique and natural safe amphitheatre for the viewing public. Great way to start the Bank Holiday weekend. The Esplanade, Sidmouth; www.visitsidmouth.co.uk
18 – 24 September SIDMOUTH AND EAST DEVON WALKING FESTIVAL Join the gang of experienced local walkers for a fabulous week of free guided walks where you’ll discover the wonderful scenic coastal walking of Sidmouth and the hidden gems of East Devon. visitsidmouth.co.uk
© AARON BROOKS Taste of Sidmouth sells (and delivers) homemade gelato with flavours including salted caramel, pistachio, rum and raisin and Ferrero Rocher. If you want to fuel up on your walk they also sell baps, pasties and sausage rolls. Taste of Sidmouth, Old Fore Street; www.tasteofsidmouth.co.uk
STAYCATIONING?
Located on the Esplanade, just a few steps from the beach, the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel has beautiful rooms with balconies overlooking the waters. For those who want a bit of pampering they have a hydra-spa, which includes a hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam rooms. The centrepiece of the spa is a mosaic-tiled hydrotherapy pool with air and water jets, perfect for those wet weather days. Next door they have their bar and restaurant, Blinis, which serves brunch, lunch, snacks, cakes and, of course, delectable blinis. n Royal York & Faulkner Hotel, York Street, Sidmouth; www.royalyorkhotel.co.uk
