Location: Sidmouth
Top Things to do in Sidmouth
10 Free Things to do in Sidmouth That You Shouldn't Miss
Sidmouth /ˈsɪdməθ/ is a town situated on the English Channel coast in Devon, South West England, 14 miles (23 km) east-southeast of Exeter. In 2004, it had a population of about 15,000, of whom 40% were aged 65 or over. By the time of the 2011 census the population was 12,569. It is a tourist resort and a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. A large part of the town has been designated a conservation area.
Restaurants in Sidmouth
1. WV Fish Cycle Shops
2. Sidmouth - Valley, Ridge and Jurassic Coast walk
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 111 reviews
A moderate 5.5 mile walk around Sidmouth, an attractive seaside town on the coast of East Devon. Situated where the River Sid meets the sea, it is flanked on both sides by high ridges which contain the town and give it its scenic backdrop. No stiles; the route climbs on the South West Coast Path from sea level to 200m/650ft at the ridge top, a long steady rather than steep climb.
Reviewed By johnpZ4299KQ - Sidmouth, United Kingdom
A varied walk following the Jurassic coast ..Each way out of Sid mouth is a steep start ..You will need to reach the donkey sanctuary or Otterton before you are able to catch a bus back to the start
3. Sidmouth Trawlers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By ASBO2017 - London, United Kingdom
Great selection of fresh fish. The fish baps are amazing - fresh fish served hot on a bap. What’s not to like?! They also vacuum pack, handy for travelling on.
4. Winstone's Independent Bookshop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Award winning bookshop with knowledgeable welcoming staff. Great range of cards and book related gifts. Children's activities in the holidays, evening author events and readings. Free filter coffee for browsers. Official bookseller of the Sidmouth Literary Festival.
5. Daffy-down-dilly Confectioners
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 9 reviews
Our Award Winning Sweet Shop is based in Sidmouth, Devon. We have a huge range of traditional, retro, sugar-free and modern sweets and American candy and drinks.
Reviewed By JHW1956
Ordered online I ordered a happy birthday box for my 15 year old grandson. Fab box. He was over the moon. Packed full of sweets and it was a pleasure to see him opening the box.
6. The Donkey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,352 reviews
Set along the historic Jurassic Coast and nestled in the tranquil East Devon countryside in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our working farm is home to donkeys, mules and hinnies - large and small. Come and say hello to some of the hundreds of donkeys waiting to meet you, completely free of charge. Explore our exciting new Visitor Centre, Understanding Donkeys Zone and Dr Svendsen’s Hut, and discover just why donkeys are so special. Also enjoy our scenic farm trails, guided tours, outdoor play area, Nature Centre and Maze. Head to the new Gift Shop for donkey-design items for every pocket. When it’s time to take a break, relax in our new family-friendly restaurant, The Kitchen and enjoy freshly prepared dishes using local, ethically sourced produce alongside stunning views over the donkeys paddocks out to the sea. The Donkey Sanctuary was founded as a charity in 1969, by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE. Open 365 days a year; entry and parking is free. Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Reviewed By sarahbC6712HI - Southampton, United Kingdom
My family and I stop off at the Donkey Sanctuary at least twice a year on our visits down to see family in Cornwall. It is such a wonderful place for a stop off and the kids love to do the walks and spend some time looking at and learning about the donkeys. We always eat at the cafe which I have to say serves the most wonderful food and has such lovely views out onto the donkeys. We adore seeing how loved and cared for the donkeys are and have come to love donkeys so much we’ve adopted one! You won’t regret a visit!
7. Salcombe Hill Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
This moderate 2.8 mile walk starts from Salcombe Hill, high above Sidmouth. You drop through woodland to the path beside the River Sid. At the seafront, a shingle ridge provides a buffer zone between the sea and town. Zigzag up the hill, above the towering red cliffs, to bring you up to a viewpoint with breathtaking views out over Lyme Bay and the famous cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.
Reviewed By danielles496 - Farnborough, United Kingdom
This was a really pleasant and beautiful walk which we did at the end of September. The temperature wasn't too hot and the wind was tame which made the walk even nicer - I cannot imagine it would be as fun in the cold and rain! We did the Accessible walk: Salcombe Hill although I am not sure how accessible I would say it was, it took us just over an hour walking at a reasonable pace but stopping to take in the view at the same time. There is also a part where you come across a rather large drop so if you are afraid of heights I would recommend staying back by the hedge as you walk along this part! Overall really nice and we got to see the coastal line, part of the woods and countryside so plenty of varied sights along the way. Would definatley do this again.
8. Connaught Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 921 reviews
Reviewed By petem587 - Bridgnorth, United Kingdom
We attended the gardens as our granddaughters were performing in the Exeter Youth Orchestra. The setting was a glorious day weather wise and the gardens were beautifully set out, the views from the cliff top were amazing. The cafe on the cliff edge was very busy (always a good sign) lots of food and drink orders being placed and as trays came out the food was excellently presented. As I waited in the queue to place my coffee order I spotted their cake display WOW, it looked awesome, I eventually chose a slice of Sticky Toffee Apple. It was a large piece and totally delicious, the coffee was good too. Would I go back ? DEFINITELY
9. Red Lion Inn, Sidbury
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Beautiful family and pet friendly pub set in the idyllic saxon village of Sidbury. Fresh locally sourced food served daily, be sure to enquire about our daily specials. We have a great selection of draught and traditional real ales.
Reviewed By mbreary - St Austell, United Kingdom
This pub, although small, has gone out of its way to make your visit safe. There is a one way system in place, hand sanitiser everywhere and table service. Do book as eating area is not large but the food is amazing. We checked ahead and meat comes from local butcher. Website shows he uses local farmers with animals that live a good life, not factory farmed. We went on a Saturday, which is curry night, although other options available. The butter chicken and chickpea curries where very tasty as were the homemade poppadoms with two different chutneys. We followed this feast with tiramasu. Delicious!
10. Sidmouth Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By JeffTheChairman - Exeter, United Kingdom
We made our first visit to SIDMOUTH Museum and glad we did Run by an excellent and helpful team of volunteers we found plenty purling the history of the beautiful seaside Town Free entry Definitely worth a visit
TAGS
