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Town in Devon, England
Photo: Ian James Cox, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Sidmouth is a seaside resort town in East Devon. Host to an international folk festival for one week every year, for the other 51 weeks, Sidmouth is a very pleasant but small beach-side town. The town has a long stony beach and a vibrant and surprisingly diverse town centre, with a large number of quality independent shops, cafés and restaurants.
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It is mainly one of stones although there is some sand at the western end of the esplanade, near Jacob's Ladder.
Climb and enjoy good views of the town and in all directions along the coast. Don't miss the chance to sit in the pretty Connaught Gardens or grab a tea and huge slice of cake from the gardens' café.
A charity looking after donkeys, with 500 in Sidmouth. The site has a restaurant and shop, and some muddy fields to wander around looking at the donkeys.
A significant feature of Sidmouth is this week-long Folk Festival, which takes place during the first week in August every year. The event is remarkable, but free activities are becoming increasingly scarce. Nevertheless, the bustling seafront promenade, thick with musicians performing for change or simply for pleasure, is an enjoyable experience for all.
It offers a good range of (mostly) meat-based take-away options. Good old-fashioned shop, great value (they do some great cakes for 50p!) and deserved 'Taste of the West' award winners. Highly recommended. The centre of the town has many cafes and restaurants.
Not only a good fishmongers in its own right, selling locally caught fish and shellfish, it's also great for lunchtime snacks. The fresh fish baps are popular and delicious, as are the sandwiches (tuna, prawn, Lyme Bay crabmeat...), or why not try an old-fashioned seaside treat, a pot of vinegary cockles.
Fish, chips, etc. to take away or sit in and eat.
is extremely popular with the older generation
Has beautiful view of the town and sea from the dining room and many of the bedrooms.
It is on the seafront, very popular with locals for Sunday lunch.
It can be seen as the most lively as it also encompasses a popular restaurant/bar with young locals.
Slightly more for families.
Old-fashioned grandeur.
Old-fashioned grandeur but very welcoming, gets great reviews for comfort, service and food. No large dogs.
By bus
Sidmouth is well-connected by Stagecoach bus services from Exeter (service number 9/9A) and Exmouth (service 157). Most buses arrive at "The Triangle" 200 m from the sea front.
It's easy to walk around this compact town. Driving and parking are easy enough off-season, but in summer months can be a lot more challenging.
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