Holiday homes & rentals in Sidmouth

The quintessentially English comedy about a hotelie,r Fawlty Towers, was set near Sidmouth. Somehow, the town defines Britishness, from its sense of humour to its history and splendour. Have tea by the beach and be transported back to England's Saxon origins.

Castles and caves

Step back 600 years in history at the picturesque, wisteria-decked Castle of Powderham. One of Britain's oldest family homes, its position on the Exe estuary has made it the setting for a vivid history that is still palpable today. Meanwhile, Beer Quarry Caves' vaulted roofs and pillars date back even further, to Saxon times. Vast pillars have led some to liken the caves to an underground cathedral. The secrets of this unusual site await you.

Adventures, models, and railways

Crealy Great Adventure Park & Resort lets the whole family explore mystical woodland, airborne rides, water slides, and tons of indoor attractions. You could also visit the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company, where you can relive the magic of locomotion history. And even the tiniest tots become giants at Babbacombe Model Village, a famous attraction that lets you tour Sidmouth in miniature, animated by subtle humorous scenes.

Sights and sounds of Sidmouth

The Donkey Sanctuary

Discover this incredible sanctuary for donkeys and mules, which is part of a worldwide network of protection for these unique animals. Meet, learn about, and sponsor the donkeys. Explore the sanctuary and absorb the latest research by the charity, which was founded by Dr Elisabeth D. Svendsen.

Connaught Gardens

Dating back to 1820 and once owned by an eccentric recluse, these gardens boast blooming flowers, an adventure playground, and sweeping lawns. Queen Victoria played here as a child, and due to the gardens' strategic position, they played an important role in World War II efforts. They are now a venue for music, theatre, and art.

Jacob’s Ladder Beach

Jacob's Ladder is the sandy end of Sidmouth's town beach, which is mostly an atmospheric blend of pebbles and reflective rockpools. Low tide exposes a vast stretch of sand, which children happily inhabit, after climbing down the "ladder" of steps from Connaught Gardens.

The Byes Riverside Park

One of the most important green spaces in Sidmouth, The Byes is two kilometres of meadow and field surrounding the winding 6-mile River Sid, Devon's longest. A centre for wildlife conservation, the park is buzzing with life, from fluttering butterflies to rabbits, hares, and voles.

Sidmouth Museum

Visitors of all ages will engaged by the exhibits at this fascinating museum, which includes local natural history in the Jurassic period, the story of Sidmouth's long history as a fishing village, and Regency and Victorian times. Displays of local lacemaking and a plenitude of photographs transport you back to Sidmouth's enigmatic past.

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