Location: Sidmouth
Top Things to do in Sidmouth
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10 Nature & Parks 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. 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
2. Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Fire Beacon Hill is an area of lowland heath, which offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding countryside and coast. On a clear day you can almost see from Berry Head to Portland, the entire length of Lyme Bay, and on a windy day you are on an eye level with soaring buzzards and ravens.
3. 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!
4. The Knapp Community Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
A tranquil green space in Sidmouth with views of the surrounding countryside and across to the sea. The Knapp at Sidmouth incorporates a meadow, woodland and an orchard - perfect for an amble, a picnic or for children to play.
5. 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.
6. 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
7. Jacobs Ladder Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By Gloryhornetboy08 - Chichester, United Kingdom
This is a lovely sandy beach that you reach walking along Sidmouth sea front towards the west. Good value cafe up some steps from the prpmenade as well.
8. The Byes Riverside Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
Reviewed By 319colinb - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Close to the town centre, 10 minute walk from the seafront, clean and safe, perfect for dog walking. Worth seeking it out.
9. Weston Mouth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By JollyMonkey1 - Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Although only a few miles away from the busier seaside resorts of Sidmouth & Budleigh, on a good day, you very much feel like you've got off from the tourist trail at Weston Mouth and escaped the masses. The beach can either be accessed by walking along the coast path or from nearby Weston village which has a small car park from where a track walks down to the sea (approx. 3/4 mile). It is easy going downhill but always hard work coming back up after a few hours of sun (this beach is a real suntrap!) Although it is very, very pretty, it isn't quite the most stunning beach in the world, but I find it has a really beautiful charm to it that you can't help but love. It is so peaceful, with no facilities at all and is truly isolated & unspoilt away from any modern trappings. I have visited many times and although my visit in May 2020 was the busiest I have ever seen it (due to lockdown easing on Bank Holiday Monday), there was still loads of room for everyone and it was far from crowded. I thoroughly recommend this lovely beach if you are happy to walk & carry all your supplies for the day. It is suitable for all - families tend to stay near the path's entrance to the beach and there is a naturist section on the far righthand end of the beach (seems to be very safe & respectful).
10. Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5 reviews
A perfect mix of woodland, meadows, a stream and spectacular views set in a hidden valley in the heart of East Devon. Knapp Copse lies across both sides of a steep valley within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and has a true sense of wilderness. There is a rich mosaic of habitats that result in a very attractive landscape once typical of this part of Devon.
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