Sidmouth: Coast, Cliffs and Varied Trails

Sidmouth combines coastal scenery, historical stories and varied walking routes in a special way. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Sidmouth will find a place where active days along the cliffs, relaxing hours on the beach and cultural discoveries can be combined. An important consideration when planning your trip is which of these experiences should be the focus.

Coastal Paths with Different Impressions

The Esplanade in Sidmouth forms part of the South West Coast Path. This means that the coast can be experienced not only from the beach, but also as part of a longer route. The Jurassic Coast Trail from Sidmouth to Seaton is just under 9 miles long. Take this distance into account when planning your day if you would like to go on an extended coastal hike.

A shorter option is the circular walking route from Salcombe Hill to Sidmouth. It is 5 miles long and leads upstream through Riverside Park The Byes in Sidmouth. The route therefore combines different landscape impressions without restricting you to a purely cliff-top trail.

Views over Sidmouth and the Jurassic Cliffs

Salcombe Hill above Sidmouth offers views over the town and towards the Jurassic Cliffs. An accessible walking route on Salcombe Hill leads along well-maintained gravel paths to the Salcombe Hill Toposcope. This allows you to treat the viewpoint as a destination in its own right and experience the landscape from an elevated perspective. The specific condition of the route remains an important distinction from the longer walking options around Sidmouth.

The beaches also shape the character of the town. Sidmouth Town Beach stretches westwards from the mouth of the River Sid. Jacob’s Ladder Beach is a few minutes’ walk west of Sidmouth’s main beach.

Stories and Events in Sidmouth

Sidmouth can be discovered through more than just its landscapes and paths. The Blue Plaques Trail leads to stories about notable residents and historical events. For travellers who like to complement their stay with cultural themes, this tour offers another way to explore the town. The stories provide additional points of reference in the townscape and can be included in your itinerary, particularly on a quieter day.

Another side of Sidmouth is revealed by the annual regatta. In 2024, it included land-based and water-based events. That same year, the programme included a large fireworks display on Saturday evening. Anyone planning a trip around an event should therefore check the dates separately for the desired period.

More Destinations for Your Travel Planning

Sidmouth is an independent base for exploring the coast, paths, viewpoints and local history. If you would also like to look at other destinations, here is a compact selection: Hatherleigh, Bottreaux Mill, Martinhoe, Kingsbridge, Sampford Peverell, Blackawton, Slapton and Bere Alston.

A simple distinction can help when choosing your accommodation in Sidmouth: if you want to make the coastal paths and viewpoints the main focus, walking routes and landscapes should take centre stage. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a balanced stay combining the beach, local stories and possible events, you should include several types of experience in your planning. This allows you to choose a suitable holiday apartment or holiday house in Sidmouth based on your preferred pace of travel.

For the overarching travel overview: Devon.