Pictures of Sidmouth

About Sidmouth

Early in the 19th-century the Duke and Duchess of Kent moved to Sidmouth with their daughter, Princess Victoria, the future Queen of England. They moved to escape their creditors but their choice of this town was caused by its obvious charm which Sidmouth has fortunately managed to retain right up to present times.

Lying in a favoured position on the mouth of the River Sid, the little fishing village that had existed here flourished and eventually became a port. These days ended when silt and shingle made the river unsuitable for navigation. Fishing boats still use the mainly shingle beach close to the river mouth but are winched ashore.

Towering pink rock faced cliffs rise majestically on either side of the winding River Sid as it makes its journey to the sea. The cliffs shelter a town that is rich in Georgian and Regency architecture. Everywhere, are reminders of the prosperity and elegance of the early 19th-century. These magnificent mansions, intricately decorated, once private homes and now mostly hotels, have fortunately lost none of their charm. Rather, the conversion has caused preservation and the town is pure delight, especially the Esplanade where balconies and stately columns adorn most of the properties.

In the cool serenity of the church of St. Nicholas and St. Giles is a window that Queen Victoria presented in 1867, in memory of her father.

A falling tide reveals a part sand and part shingle beach which in summer months is comfortable enough for sun bathing. Other holday attractions include an interesting museum and there are boat trips out to sea and round the many pretty coves and bays along the beautiful stretch of coastal waters. The south west coast path runs through Sidmouth and close by is Bicton Park, Otterton Mill and the NT property The Old Bakery. As you would expect from a coastal resort there is a wide selection of excellent inns and restaurants serving freshly caught fish and seafood.