Things to do in Sidmouth
Built at the mouth of the River Sid, Sidmouth is an ancient town mentioned in the Domesday Book and remains a popular tourist draw to this day. With a pebbly beach, scenic cliffs and hillside, and an attractive seafront, it’s well worth a day trip.
Located just 10 miles from our Devon Cliffs Holiday Park, Sidmouth offers a treasure trove of activities waiting to be discovered. Here are the best things to do in Sidmouth.
1. Stroll Sidmouth's beaches
No trip to Sidmouth is complete without a beach day. Although the main section is pebbly, a sandy stretch can be found at the western side of the beach, where there are rockpools at low tide for kids to explore.
Cafes, restaurants, and places to grab an ice cream are close at hand, providing an escape from the elements, or a cure for hungry stomachs after a swim.
2. Connaught Gardens
Established in the 1820s, these ornate gardens are magnificent. They can be reached via the South West Coast Path, heading up the cliffside to the west of the seafront. From the top of the hill, you’ll see wonderful views of the Jurassic Coast.
Wander among vibrant flowers, lush lawns, and quiet places to sit. The elegant Victorian park can also be reached from Peak Hill Road or if you’re feeling energetic, via Jacob’s Ladder.
3. Sidmouth Museum
After all this outdoor activity, let’s turn to some of Sidmouth’s indoor attractions. The town’s museum is top of the list.
Dive into the rich history, geology and biodiversity of Sidmouth and the surrounding area. Learn about the town's prehistoric settlements, its Victorian roots, shipwrecks, smugglers and more.
A visit to this well-curated and interactive museum is a great indoor option for the all the family.
4. Jacob’s Ladder
Adventurous souls looking to burn some calories climb this historic set of wooden steps leading from the western beach to the gardens and coastal path on the clifftop.
Climbers are rewarded with panoramic views of Sidmouth's coast, including the red cliffs and green hillsides that make this stretch of the coastline so photogenic.
5. Norman Lockyer Observatory
Stare into the depths of space and gaze at the light of stars from millions of years ago at the Norman Lockyer Observatory. Far from a big city’s light pollution, the stars are clearer in Sidmouth, and this community-run facility holds regular public sessions.
Featuring a miniature planetarium, a 19th-century orrery (which is a clockwork model of the solar system), and three historic telescopes dating back to 1871, the Normal Lockyer Observatory provides fascinating insights into stargazing across the ages.
6. The Byes riverside park
Looking for Sidmouth things to do outdoors? The Byes riverside park scores highly on a sunny day, or in autumn when the leaves are turning.
Stretching 1.5 miles from Sidmouth to the north, down to Salcombe Road, the riverside park is a picturesque walkway with dropping willows, rippling weirs, and wildflower meadows.
7. The Donkey Sanctuary
Donkeys and the English seaside have a long history and this wonderful facility continues that tradition. As well as rescuing local animals, the sanctuary does international outreach work, supporting campaigns in Africa, South Asia and Latin America.
A hit among kids and adults alike, the sanctuary is home to hundreds of rescued donkeys. Visitors can meet the animals, learn their stories, and support a great cause. You can even adopt an animal and check in on its welfare via their 24-hour webcams.
8. Try a Devon Cream Tea
When considering things to do in Sidmouth, indulging in a traditional Devon Cream Tea should be high on your list. There’s no shortage of venues on Fore Street in which to sample the local scones and tea.
If you’re not planning to cause a ruckus, bear in mind that locals apply the clotted cream before the jam, unlike their quirky Cornish neighbours, who favour the opposite approach!
9. Manor Pavilion Theatre
Another great indoor option, this intimate local venue hosts a range of events including tribute bands, talks, musicals, variety shows and kids' events. There are weekly shows year-round, but book early, since the auditorium has less than 280 seats.
10. Shop at Sidmouth's markets
Sidmouth’s backstreets are home to a mix of big-name brands, charity shops, and boutiques. Pick up a bargain, hunt for souvenirs, or check out local crafts. Unique shops include clothing designers inspired by the sea, bookshops, homemade Devon fudge, and surf wear.
For local produce, head to the Farmer’s Market at nearby Kennaway House on Coburg Road every Friday, where you’ll find vegetables, mushrooms, locally grown meats and loads more.
Start planning your Great British break
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Brand new holiday homes from £34,995
Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 19 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Church Farm, Cala Gran, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Seashore, Seaview and Thornwick Bay.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
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Holiday home price is for a new 3-bedroom Willerby Ellerton Extra holiday and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
From 12 July 2024 the holiday home price is reduced from £37,995 to £33,995 and will remain at this price until all available stock is sold.
The holiday home price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024 this price is available at Berwick, Burnham-on-Sea, Devon Cliffs, Doniford Bay, Hafan y Mor, Kent Coast, Lakeland, Marton Mere, Presthaven, Primrose Valley, Reighton Sands, Seton Sands and Weymouth Bay.
Haven reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time. Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,995
Holiday home price is based on a Bronze Grade pre-owned holiday home 6 years or older and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 12 July 2024, price is available at all parks, excluding Cala Gran, Church Farm, Cardigan View, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Kiln Park, Littlesea, Lydstep Beach, Orchards, Penally Court, Perran Sands, Rockley Park, Riviere Sands, Seashore, Seaview, Skegness and Thornwick Bay.
Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times. Park cannot be used as a permanent residence.
Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.