In focus: Spotlight on Sidmouth
In the first of a new series of regular features, where we shine a light on a particular visitor attraction or destination, here we look in detail at Sidmouth…
Located just over 3 miles from our Devon holiday park, Sidmouth is small coastal town that is well worth a visit. Not only is it packed full of local amenities, with a supermarket, cafes, bars and restaurants, but it’s also blessed with wonderful beaches and a picturesque coastal setting.
What attractions are there in Sidmouth?
There’s plenty to do in Sidmouth, with a wide variety of entertainment on offer – which can certainly be helpful if the weather turns ugly. Sidmouth Museum is well worth a visit and its motto of ‘something for everyone of all ages’ is certainly true. The museum covers natural history and the Jurassic Coast and offers free guided tours on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays. Young visitors have their own activity area and special activity days.
Sand House and Gardens is an historic property lived in by the same family for 500 years. This idyllic, tranquil garden setting is a day out with a difference.
How about some evening entertainment? The Manor Pavillion Theatre is home to the Charles Vance repertory company in the summer and they put on a host of different productions in the space of a few months. Sidmouth’s Scott Cinema also shows the latest blockbuster films, in case you want to bring your entertainment right up to date!
Are there any big events happening in Sidmouth?
There’s several big annual events in Sidmouth throughout the summer season, the biggest of which is Sidmouth Folk Week and Sidmouth Carnival. These colourful events pull in the crowds every year and help put this town on the map. Here’s a bit more detail on those events…
- Sidmouth Variety By The Sea returns for another year! This sell-out cabaret show on May 21 is packed with special guest acts, physical feats, live music and comedy for all ages!
- Running from July 9th-August 5th, Sidmouth Folk Week is a unique week-long celebration of music, dance and song. There has been a folk festival in Sidmouth in the first week of August every year since 1955 attracting tens of thousands of visitors to over 700 diverse events with broad ‘something for everyone’ appeal.
- Sidmouth Lions Club’s Great Duck Derby on July 17th is a fun afternoon for the whole family. The event starts at 2.15pm by Sid Road Bridge with children’s duck and spoon races and the main public yellow duck race begins at 3pm. There’s also a bouncy castle and plenty of fun and games for the children
- Sidmouth Carnival takes place on September 24th. The town comes alive as the illuminated procession of colourful floats makes its way through the town.
What else can I do in and around Sidmouth?
If you like the great outdoors, then Sidmouth is the place to be! Beach lovers should head over to Jacob’s Ladder, which is a huge draw for families. This glorious stretch of sand and pebble is perfect for exploring rock pools or lazing in the summer sun.
For walkers, Sidmouth is the starting (or finish) point for several beautiful walks, including some of our favourites! Salcombe Hill starts high above Sidmouth before you drop through woodland alongside the River Sid before eventually coming out at Sidmouth Seafront. Elsewhere the Sidmouth Valley, Ridge and Jurassic Coast walk starts off at sea level before it winding its way up onto the ridge top, offering spectacular views.
For more information take a look at the Visit Sidmouth website