Top 11 things to do in Sidmouth

Sidmouth is a charming seaside town surrounded by beautiful countryside in East Devon, with attractions that appeal to all ages, making it a fantastic destination for a family holiday. There’s plenty to do in and around the town, but it also makes a good base if you want to explore further afield – the city of Exeter is just 15 miles to the west, and other towns along the Jurassic Coast, including Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Seaton, are within easy reach.

This guide sets out the top things to do in Sidmouth to help you plan an itinerary for your visit. For each recommendation, we have included useful information such as the address, opening times, price and whether it is dog friendly. We have also suggested one of our holiday cottages nearby.

We have dozens of self-catering properties in and around Sidmouth, from cosy cottages and elegant Regency houses to rural farmhouses and converted barns. Just as there are things to see and do for everyone in Sidmouth, so too is there accommodation to suit all tastes. To browse our collection of Sidmouth cottages, click on the button below.

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• The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth
• Sidmouth beaches 
• Connaught Gardens
• The Byes Riverside Park
• Stuart Line Cruises
• Sidmouth Toy and Model Museum
• Sidmouth Museum
• Norman Lockyer Observatory
• Manor Pavilion Theatre
• Sidmouth Scott Cinema
• Sidmouth Golf Club

The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth

The Donkey Sanctuary, on the outskirts of Sidmouth, is one of East Devon’s most popular attractions. There are friendly donkeys to meet, gardens to explore, talks and exhibits to tell you more about these adorable animals and the work the charity does to improve the lives of donkeys around the world. There’s a restaurant and a gift shop on site. 

Sidmouth beaches (Jacob’s Ladder Beach and Sidmouth Town Beach)

The coastline at Sidmouth is part of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast – a haven for fossil hunters, coast path walkers and beach lovers. Sidmouth has two beaches, which are both generally clean, safe and family friendly. Sidmouth Beach is a stretch of sand and shingle that runs from the River Sid for around a mile to Chit Rocks and onto Jacob’s Ladder. There are facilities on site and lifeguards on duty during the summer. 

Jacob’s Ladder Beach, which is backed by cliffs, also features sand and shingle and has rock pools at low tide. The beach gets its name from the iconic wooden steps that lead up to Connaught Gardens.

Connaught Gardens

Connaught Gardens is a peaceful public park with beautiful flowerbeds and sea views. It’s a good spot for relaxation, but it also hosts events such as live music and theatre during the summer – check out the noticeboard by the steps from Manor Road for listings. The gardens were named after the Duke of Connaught, the third son of Queen Victoria, who officially opened the gardens in 1934. 

The Byes Riverside Park

This park, stretching 1.5 miles between Sidford and The Old Tollhouse, is regarded as one of Sidmouth’s most important green spaces, and is made up of fields and meadows surrounding the River Sid (which, at around 6 miles long, is Devon’s shortest river). The Sid Vale Association Natural Reserve forms a major part of The Byes and was purchased to encourage wildlife conservation and to provide free public access for residents and visitors to enjoy forever. The paths are shared by pedestrians and cyclists.

Stuart Line Cruises

Photo credit: Stuart Line Cruises

A boat trip can be an enjoyable and memorable way to see the scenic Jurassic Coast from a different perspective. Stuart Line Cruises offers a variety of boat trips in East and South Devon, including the three-hour Jurassic Coast Cruise from Sidmouth and the family-friendly, 50-minute Sidmouth Bay Cruise, with live and informative commentary.

Sidmouth Toy and Model Museum

The Sidmouth Toy and Model Museum houses the vintage and modern toy and model collection of Ian and Rebecca Gregory, which has been accumulated over many years, together with many models that have been donated or are on loan. Toys include characters and models from film and TV, teddy bears, dolls, board games and puzzles. Many toys are shown within model landscapes, and the centrepiece of the museum is a model railway. 

Sidmouth Museum

Sidmouth Museum gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the town, from its era as a fishing village to its period as a bustling and fashionable Regency and Victorian resort. Displays cover archaeology, geology, antique lace, natural history and much more. The museum also runs guided walks in the town – see the website for further details. 

Norman Lockyer Observatory

The Norman Lockyer Observatory, 1.5 miles outside Sidmouth, is a centre for amateur astronomy, meteorology, radio astronomy and the promotion of science education. It regularly holds open evenings when visitors can enjoy a short talk, planetarium presentation and see the historic telescopes. 

Manor Pavilion Theatre

This charming little theatre in the heart of the town has a capacity of just 277. Manor Pavilion Theatre has a wide range of programming all year round, including plays, musicals, comedies, touring productions, tribute acts, lectures, circus and variety shows, dance shows, ballet and pantomime. 

Sidmouth Scott Cinema

If it’s pouring with rain, or you can’t wait to see the latest Hollywood blockbuster, head to the Sidmouth Scott Cinema. The building opened as a theatre in 1928 but talking pictures arrived soon afterwards, and it was converted into a cinema. You can choose a seat in the stalls or a slightly more expensive seat in the balcony.

Sidmouth Golf Club

The 18-hole course at Sidmouth Golf Club, which dates from 1889, is one of the most picturesque in the West Country. There are fantastic sea views from the undulating fairways, and the clubhouse has a panoramic view of the coastline. Whether you’re a complete novice or an experienced golfer, you’ll receive a friendly welcome, and you’re sure to have a day to remember.

Stay with us in Sidmouth

Rich history, beautiful scenery, coastal charm – Sidmouth has it all. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure or family fun, you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding how to spend your time. Sidmouth is the perfect destination for a solo trip, romantic getaway or family holiday. We’re sure you’ll be able to find your ideal holiday accommodation within our collection. Just click the button below to see what we’ve got and start planning your Sidmouth holiday.