Sidmouth
"Thus Sidmouth looked a hundred years ago,
Still much the same, it lies these hills below..."
John Betjeman
Lying just 15 miles south east from Exeter, Sidmouth is a seaside village which has retained an elegant charm. It nestles in an Area of Outstanding Beauty on the Jurassic Coast looking over an esplanade and golden sandy beach to sea.
It is easy to see why John Betjeman described Sidmouth as 'A town caught still in a timeless charm'. Sidmouth boasts over 500 listed buildings, many of which are relics of Sidmouth's heyday in the Regency era. As you wander through Sidmouth, you'll see a variety of architecture ranging from fine houses built for members of London Society to small but well-preserved cottages which once housed the servants. Don't miss the cob-walled Old Ship Inn. A monastery in 1350, it has also served time as a handy smugglers' rendezvous. Another building of note is the Royal Glen Hotel (once known as Woolbrook Cottage). In the early 19th century when Sidmouth was popular with royalty, young Princess Victoria and the Duke and Duchess of Kent stayed here. However, their visit was cut tragically short when the Duke died a month later. Sidmouth's residents lined the streets in silent respect when the funeral cortège left the village. Years later, Queen Victoria's third son, the Duke of Connaught came to Sidmouth to visit the place where his grandfather passed on. He lent his name to Connaught Gardens which won a Green Flag award in 2002.
Lying in a beautiful valley enclosed by red sandstone cliffs, Sidmouth also boasts a couple of good beaches. The main beach, Clifton, is well-tended and kids will love looking for shrimp in the rock pools and building sand castles. Alternatively, a walkway from the seafront will take you to Jacob's Ladder, a shingle and sand beach where families relax at hired beach huts. If the beach isn't your thing, take a walk to Peak Hill and delight in a wonderful view of the coast and this historic town. Those interested in historic houses will enjoy a visit to Sand House, an Elizabethan relic with 500 years of family history, six acres of gardens and a medieval hall.
Attractions around Sidmouth
Sidmouth lies near the East Devon Way and directly on the South West Coast Path offering some great walking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. A popular attraction just six miles east of Sidmouth are the Beer Quarry Caves, a subterranean network of man-made caverns made by quarrying for Beer Stone. A different attraction but every bit as spectacular is A La Ronde. This unusual 16-sided house dating from the 18th century is packed with curiosities and also boasts a shell grotto. Worried about the kids? Crealy's Adventure Park (about 8 miles from Sidmouth) is a popular kids' attraction featuring flumes, ponies, an adventure zone and a magical kingdom.
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Sidmouth : Sightseeing and Attractions The Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium
Somewhere on this planet, right now, someone is laughing and its all thanks to Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer. The scientist who discovered helium, his achievements are no laughing matter. Appointed Secretary of a Royal Commission for the Advancement of Science in 1870, Lockyer is recognised as one of the fathers of astrophysics. He introduced new methods of stargazing through the use of spectroscopy. To do so, he invented and constructed a telescope to suit his needs in 1865. The self-designed telescope, enabled Lockyer to study Mars and create the most precise lunar map to date. The Norman Lockyer Observatory is an historic observatory first established by Sir Joseph Norman Lockyer.
Address: The Norman Lockyer Observatory and Planetarium, Sidmouth, Devon
Postcode: EX10 0NY Street Map
Contact: PH +44 (0) 1395 579941
Website: http://www.projects.ex.ac.uk/nlo/welcome.htm |
Sidmouth Museum
Located by the Sidmouth Market Square, Sidmouth Museum is housed in a Regency cottage. It is dedicated to the history of Sidmouth and the Sid Valley. Naturalists will enjoy the variety of specimens retreived from the World Heritage Coast including fossils, rocks and mosaics excavated from the local environment.
Admission: £1.50 Adults
Address: Sidmouth Museum, Hope Cottage, Church Street, Sidmouth, Devon
Postcode: EX10 8LY Street Map
Contact: PH +44 (0) 1395 516139 |
The Donkey Sanctuary
Lying just outside Sidmouth, the Donkey Sanctuary is home to some 500 donkeys who come here at the end of their working lives or simply because they have nowhere else to go. Whatever their circumstances, all donkeys are welcomed! Visitors are free to mingle with the donkeys, take a field walk, visit the Nature Centre or stroll down to sea. The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen and has been a registered charity since 1973. Entrance is free as the Donkey Sanctuary depends on donations for its maintenance.
Admission: Free entry
Address: The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon
Postcode: EX10 0NU Street Map
Contact: PH 01395 578222
Website: http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/site/1/home.html |
 Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre
The place to book a guided tour around Sidmouth or other attractions, accommodation or find out more information on attractions in the area.
Address: Ham Lane, Sidmouth, Devon
Postcode: EX10 8XR Street Map
Contact: PH (01395) 516441
Website: http://www.visitsidmouth.co.uk |
Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre
The place to book all your accommodation, tours and attractions in the area. You can also pick up a free copy of your guide to Sidmouth at the Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre.
Address: Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Sidmouth, Devon
Postcode: EX10 8XR Street Map
Contact: PH (01395) 516441
Website: http://www.visitsidmouth.co.uk/guide/touristinfo.htm |
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Population: 11282
District: East Devon
County: Devon
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