Sidmouth lies on the Jurassic Coast and is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site
as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Just over three hours from London and slightly closer to the Midlands enabled by good road links, Sidmouth offers that escape from hustle and bustle within easy reach. The train station of Honiton lies 9 miles to the north of the town with good bus services or a taxi to complete your journey. National coach services run into Exeter on a daily basis and here again, a short bus journey or taxi will allow you to enjoy this hidden gem of a town. With Sidmouth offering everything on hand it's not necessary to have a car to enjoy what's on offer within this delightful seaside resort.
The town was immortalized by our 20th Century Poet Laureate John Betjemen in his works, ‘Still Sidmouth’. Written to accompany a film about the town his words still hold true today…...Once visited, never forgotten………..
Sidmouth
The town maintains an old-fashioned charm to this day; yet has all we have come to expect in the way of entertainment and facilities. With its beautiful flat esplanade and impressive red cliffs embracing the town, the town itself spreads back along the Sid Valley with stunning riverside walks. Whether you wish to shop or just browse, Sidmouth has long been known for its independent shops offering a range of high-quality goods and a good selection of eateries catering for every taste and pocket.
Known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth proudly sits in the middle of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It has all the classic appeal of a traditional English seaside resort blended with elegant Regency architecture and a genteel atmosphere. With its indoor swimming pool, cinema, theatre, putting and croquet along with a range of water sports and beautiful gardens in which to wander, regency buildings, clean beaches and friendly shops……. Sidmouth is a town once found is never to be forgotten.
Branscombe
Branscombe is believed to be the longest village in the country. It's pretty streets weave their way down through the picturesque valley to the sea. Lined with rows of thatched cottages with hanging baskets decking their frontages, it really is worth a visit during your stay. With two great pubs, three National Trust properties and safe water swimming Branscombe epitomises all that is great about a holiday in East Devon.
Beer
Beer is famous for its mackerel catches and yes beer, having its own brewery. But it's so much more…...it's a picturesque village surrounded by white chalk cliffs, pretty side streets, a few shops to browse in and walks along the cliff paths that wind up through the Jubilee Gardens offering stunning views along the coastline.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is just over the border in West Dorset. The Cobb stretches out into the sea and Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons brought fame to the area in the 1980 film, ‘The French Lieutenant's Woman’. Full of history, stunning scenery offering probably the best view along the Jurassic coastline, The Cobb is a beautiful place just to sit and watch the world go by. The town sits on an incline above the shoreline and offers a wide range of shops and eateries.
Otterton
Otterton to the west of Sidmouth is a delightful thatched cottage lined village and for those so inclined, a coastal walk from Sidmouth up and over the cliffs offers a stunning walk. Otterton is very pretty, Lying slightly inland with walks down to the coast along the River Otter to Exmouth.
A visit to The Old Mill with its tea-room and shop selling local produce is the highlight of any visit to Otterton.
Exmouth
Exmouth has great sandy beaches with a childrens play park on the opposite side of the coastal road. Being a port, boat trips along the Jurassic coast can be taken also boat trips from here will take you north up the River Exe towards Exeter. Exmouth is the largest and most sprawling coastal town in this region.
Exeter
Exeter is a relatively small city on the River Exe and offers a wealth of history within its confines.
Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans, Exeter's history is rich and long and its many fascinating visitor attractions are well worth a visit. Red Coats provide free guided walking tours. The unique Underground Passages, the Cathedral, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the Quay are all worthy of a visit. Shopping in all the usual high street retailers can be found here along with a host of restaurants and cafes to cater for all tastes.
And of course not forgetting home to Exeter Chiefs, double winners of the Rugby Union Premiership and European Champions in 2020.
Honiton
Honiton is a market town famous for its lace and pottery and is regarded as the antiques centre of the South West. On the banks of the River Otter, Honiton is a beautiful country town with a long industrial history. The Allhallows Museum holds a wonderful display of Honiton Lace and holds lace making demonstrations in summer. The intricate finely crafted bobbin lace traditionally used in royal items such as Queen Victoria's wedding dress was produced in Honiton. Although Honiton Pottery is no longer produced in the town collectable tems can be found in the antique shops.
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