Described
by the Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, as a "feast of
visual delight", Sidmouth remains relatively untouched
by the passing of time. Visitors return to Sidmouth year after
year, attracted by the unspoiled charm of this Regency resort.
It is a wonderful place for people of all ages, with a beautiful
beach, a wide range of hotels, lots of interesting, independent
shops, and more cafes and tea shops than you will have time
to sample.
Fields,
Sidmouth's department store
Sidmouth
has been host to many famous visitors over the centuries. Jane
Austen spent time in the town, as did Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Queen Victoria visited as a baby, in November 1819, staying
at the Royal Glen Hotel. It was here in January 1820 that her
father, the Duke of Kent, died. Today, Room 15, which was the
Royal Nursery, has a plaque which reads "This room was
occupied by her most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria 1819-1820.
The
Esplanade
Today,
Sidmouth remains a very popular resort with lots of attractions
for visitors. Whether you want to swim, play bowls, tennis,
or watch some cricket, it is all on hand. If you have enough
energy, try not to miss out on a stroll along the beach, and
follow the path around the cliff face and then up Jacob's Ladder
to Connaught Gardens. After you have admired the breathtaking
view and the lovely gardens, you can sample the wonderful cakes
at the Clock Tower Cafe!
Donkey
Sanctuary
A
couple of miles from the town centre is one of the UK's most
successful charities. The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969
by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE, and takes in neglected, mistreated
and retired donkeys from all over the country. The Donkey Sanctuary
has a veterinary hospital, a visitors centre where you can watch
a video of Dr Svendsen explaining the work of the sanctuary,
a shop and a cafe where you can enjoy a nice lunch or cream
tea.
The
Sanctuary also owns 9 other farms around Sidmouth where the
donkeys are cared for. Keep an eye out for them as you drive
around the locality.
Admission
and parking are free. Further details can be found on their
website
Sidmouth
Folk Festival
Every
year the Sidmouth Folk Festival takes place during the first
week of August. Approximately 50,000 visitors come to the town,
filling up every available hotel room, B&B, and camping
space. A wide range of music and entertainment is on offer throughout
the whole week, and lots of organised classes and entertainment
for children are on offer. You can pre-book for any of the events
at www.sidmouthfolkweek.co.uk
Accommodation
will be scarce during this week, so it is recommended that you
book your hotel or B&B early. Or if you prefer self catering,
why not try Waxway
Farm Holiday Cottages based 4 miles from Sidmouth.
Sidmouth
Steppers entertaining the holiday-makers
Holiday
makers joining in with the fun! (See if you can spot your driver
dancing with the Sidmouth Steppers, and listen to his family
laughing!)
Sidmouth
Regatta
The
appearance of the breathtaking Red Arrows in the skies above
Sidmouth beach in late August can only mean one thing - the
Sidmouth Regatta is about to begin!
The
Red Arrows thrilling the crowds on Sidmouth beach
.
Programmes for the Regatta can be obtained from the Sidmouth
Tourist Information Centre.
Sidmouth
Museum
Just
a few yards from the market square you will find the Sidmouth
Museum. Here you can learn something about the history of the
town and see some examples of the fossils and rocks found on
the Jurassic coast.
Free
guided walking tours of the western and eastern ends of Sidmouth
begin at the Museum on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
These normally begin at 10.15 and last for two hours. For further
details visit the museum's website
Contact
Devon in a Day on 01404 813706 or 07973 167681
for
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