Sidmouth combines coastal paths with a beach and local history. Above the town, Salcombe Hill offers views across Sidmouth and of the Jurassic Cliffs. There are several ways to plan your trip: a circular walk, a walking route to a destination, the beach or stories from the local past. Specific differences can help you choose: there is a circular walk with a stated distance, a path along well-maintained gravel paths and beach destinations whose locations can be identified by their position relative to the river mouth and main beach.
Coastal paths and walks
The Esplanade is part of the South West Coast Path. Another option is the 5-mile circular walk from Salcombe Hill to Sidmouth: it follows the river upstream through The Byes Riverside Park in Sidmouth. This gives you a choice between a section of the coastal path and a circular walk of a specific distance; the route through the park is an additional feature of this walk.
The accessible walking path on Salcombe Hill follows well-maintained gravel paths to the Salcombe Hill Toposcope. If you are looking for a walking route to a specific destination rather than a circular walk, you can include this option in your plans. Salcombe Hill also offers views across the town and of the Jurassic Cliffs. The views and the path to the Toposcope are therefore two different reasons to visit this hill.
The Jurassic Coast Trail from Sidmouth to Seaton is just under 9 miles long. Compared with the 5-mile circular walk, the routes differ both in length and in format: here, a route between Sidmouth and Seaton is set against a circular walk. If you base your choice on distance, this comparison offers a specific point of reference; if the circular format matters more to you, the walk from Salcombe Hill to Sidmouth offers an alternative.
Beaches and coastal location
Sidmouth Town Beach stretches west from the mouth of the River Sid. The river mouth is a clear reference point for the beach’s location; from there, it extends westwards. Jacob’s Ladder Beach is a few minutes’ walk west of the main beach. This makes it easy to distinguish between the two beach destinations: Town Beach at the mouth of the River Sid and Jacob’s Ladder Beach farther west. This relative location can help you find your way if the beach is the focus of your stay.
Local history and regatta
The Blue Plaques Trail leads to stories about notable residents and historical events. It offers a different theme from coastal paths and beaches: instead of choosing a route based on distance or course, you can put local history first. For anyone interested in the stories behind a place as part of a trip, the trail is a specific addition to the nature and coastal themes.
The Sidmouth Regatta takes place every year. In 2024, it included events on land and on the water; the programme included a large fireworks display on Saturday evening. Individual programmes can vary from year to year. So if the regatta is important to your stay, check the dates and programme for your travel year.
Discover more destinations: Sampford Peverell, Broadclyst, Stoke Canon, Sampford Spiney, Hennock, Sutcombe, Broadhempston, Exbourne.
For the broader travel overview: Devon.
