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
2. Connaught Gardens
3. Sidmouth Museum
4. Jacob’s Ladder
5. Norman Lockyer Observatory
6. The Byes riverside park
7. The Donkey Sanctuary
8. Try a Devon Cream Tea
9. Manor Pavilion Theatre
10. Shop at Sidmouth's markets

1. Stroll Sidmouth's beaches

Address: The Townhouse The Esplanade, Sidmouth EX10 8BB

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

Address: Peak Hill Rd, Sidmouth EX10 8RZ

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

Address: Primrose Cottage Ebdons Court, Sidmouth EX10 8NA

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

Address: Sidmouth House Cotmaton Road, Sidmouth EX10 8ST

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

Address: Salcombe Hill Road, Sidmouth EX10 0NY

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.

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6. The Byes riverside park

Address: 17 Mill St, Sidmouth EX10 8DW

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

Address: Slade House Farm Mire Lane, Sidmouth EX10 0NU

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

Address: Fore Street, Sidbury, Sidmouth, EX10 0

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

Address: Manor Road, Sidmouth EX10 8RP

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.

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Important information

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Terms and conditions

Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2033

‘Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset’ 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 until 2033 when using Let2offset” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent 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. An example of how “Make no site fee payments until 2033 when using Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Seton Sands with a monthly site fee of £701.67 (includes purchasing discount of £17.08) and monthly letting income of £707.92. The monthly difference equates to £6.25, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2026 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 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 as of 2024. 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.

Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset at Burnham-on-Sea

“Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent 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. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £130 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Burnham-on-Sea with a monthly site fee of £797.08 (includes purchasing discount of £19.58) and monthly letting income of £667.25. The monthly difference equates to £129.83 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and inflation. The monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2026 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to be billed monthly 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 as of 2024. 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.

Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset at Lydstep Beach

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. “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is available at Lydstep Beach. 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. Offer is subject to availability. "Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” is applicable to new customer purchases of new Victory Ashberry 3 Bed or equivalent 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. An example of how “Site fees from as little as £160 a month with Let2offset” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of a Victory Ashberry 3 Bed holiday home at Lydstep Beach with a monthly site fee of £949.50 (includes purchasing discount of £28.83) and monthly letting income of £789.83. The monthly difference equates to £159.67 which will be billed to the owner's account monthly. 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 2026 figures. Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Victory Ashberry 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to be billed monthly 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 as of 2024.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.

Pre-owned holiday homes from £19,495 – UPDATED 22 January 2026

As at 22 January 2026, price is available at the following parks: Berwick, Burnham-On-Sea, Caister-On-Sea, Cala Gran, Devon Cliffs, Hopton, Kent Coast, Perran Sands, Seton Sands. Price can be withdrawn at any time.

Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.

Price excludes 2026 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability. 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.

New holiday homes from £34,995 – UPDATED 22 January 2026

Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI New Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.