Sidmouth Beach
A beautiful Devon beach with dramatic red cliffs, a charming Regency town, and ever-changing sands dictated by the tide.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Spectacular light for photos
Sidmouth Beach
Best Time
Spectacular light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful Devon beach with dramatic red cliffs, a charming Regency town, and ever-changing sands dictated by the tide.
"Spectacular views and a dynamic beach that's great for families and photographers alike."
Check Tide Times First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Sidmouth Beach's sand and rock exposure varies greatly. Plan your visit around low tide for maximum enjoyment.
Family Fun with Sand :child:
The sandy sections are great for kids to play on. Bring buckets and spades for extra fun!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jacob's Ladder Beach
Eastern end of Sidmouth Beach
Iconic wooden staircase leading to the beach, offering stunning views and access to a sandy stretch at low tide.
Connaught Gardens
Overlooking Sidmouth Beach
Beautifully maintained gardens with panoramic sea views, perfect for a leisurely stroll and photo opportunities.
The Esplanade
Seafront promenade
A charming promenade perfect for a seaside walk, with views of the beach, clock tower, and colorful regency architecture.
Peak Hill
West of Sidmouth
Offers breathtaking coastal vistas and a rewarding hike, with options to extend to Ladram Bay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tide Times are Crucial
Pack for All Weathers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Times First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Sidmouth Beach's sand and rock exposure varies greatly. Plan your visit around low tide for maximum enjoyment.
Family Fun with Sand :child:
The sandy sections are great for kids to play on. Bring buckets and spades for extra fun!
Capture Stunning Views :camera:
The cliffs and sea offer picturesque backdrops, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Walk the Esplanade :walking:
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront, taking in the charming town and sea air.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Times First! :chart_with_upwards_trend:
Sidmouth Beach's sand and rock exposure varies greatly. Plan your visit around low tide for maximum enjoyment.
Family Fun with Sand :child:
The sandy sections are great for kids to play on. Bring buckets and spades for extra fun!
Capture Stunning Views :camera:
The cliffs and sea offer picturesque backdrops, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Walk the Esplanade :walking:
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the seafront, taking in the charming town and sea air.
Pack Layers :cloud:
Devon weather can change quickly. Be prepared for sunshine and potential showers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sidmouth Beach is widely praised for its stunning scenery, family-friendly atmosphere, and the dynamic beauty that changes with the tides. Visitors love the picturesque cliffs, the charming Esplanade, and the opportunity for both relaxation and exploration. Some find the beach can get busy, and it's essential to be aware of tide times for the best experience.
"Excellent Sandy and Rocky beach for families. Lovely views, good access. Tide changes beach access considerably over the day so plan accordingly. Can be quite busy, but lots of spots to set up."
J MacIntyre
"Sidmouth beach is a brilliant place at anytime of the day. It varies between pebbles and sand as the tide rises and falls and the views, especially at sunset and sunrise are spectacular. I also sighted two dolphins swimming about 200 yards off the beach but they swam back and forth for a full twenty minutes. Dolphins in the wild. Incredible. The sea is still fairly warm in October and a swim will help your body and brain regenerate it's power and throw off the fug of normal life."
Ian Thomas
"Nice beach. Sand gives a lot of fun for children. The cliffs on the background offer picturesque views. Wonderful place for having fun and making great photos as well. But be careful with the tides"
Il y a D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sidmouth Beach is easily accessible by car, with several car parks nearby. You can also reach Sidmouth by bus from Exeter and other surrounding towns. For those arriving by train, the nearest station is Exeter St Davids, from where you can take a bus or taxi.
Yes, there are multiple car parks available in Sidmouth, including those close to the Esplanade and beach. Some can get busy during peak season, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Sidmouth is a charming town, and walking to the beach from the town center is a pleasant experience, often involving a stroll through Connaught Gardens.
The Esplanade offers good accessibility for wheelchairs, and there are ramps leading down to parts of the beach, though the beach surface itself can be uneven.
The most convenient way is by bus, with regular services running between Exeter and Sidmouth. The journey offers scenic views of the Devon countryside.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sidmouth Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the beach and its surroundings for free.
Sidmouth Beach is open 24/7, as it is a natural public space. However, amenities like cafes and shops will have their own operating hours.
There's no need to book tickets for Sidmouth Beach. It's a free public access area for everyone to enjoy.
Generally, there are no major restrictions, but always be mindful of local bylaws regarding BBQs, dogs (seasonal restrictions may apply), and litter. Check local signage for any specific rules.
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays outside of school holidays, or visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn). Early mornings or late evenings can also be quieter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, explore rock pools at low tide, walk along the Esplanade, and enjoy the stunning cliff views.
Yes, the sea is generally suitable for swimming, and it remains fairly warm even in October according to some visitors. Always be aware of sea conditions and tides.
Yes, particularly at low tide, rock pools can be found, offering a chance to discover marine life.
The cliffs at either end, Jacob's Ladder, Connaught Gardens, and the Esplanade offer fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Some visitors have reported seeing dolphins swimming offshore, which is an incredible experience!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Sidmouth has several fish and chip shops. While one reviewer found a small sausage pricey, many enjoy the classic seaside meal. Look for highly-rated local chippies for the best experience.
Yes, the Esplanade and town center are lined with cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering various dining options, from quick bites to sit-down meals.
Picnics are welcome on Sidmouth Beach. Remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the beach clean.
For a morning coffee and bite, try local cafes like @kapes.uk mentioned in a local guide.
While classic seaside fare is common, Sidmouth's town center offers a range of eateries, so you should be able to find vegetarian and vegan options with a bit of searching.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light and stunning colors, making them ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset and after sunrise is magical.
Jacob's Ladder, the red cliffs, Connaught Gardens, and the Esplanade with its Regency architecture are all highly photogenic. The reflections on the wet sand at low tide can also be beautiful.
Some photographers have used drones, like the DJI Mini 2, to capture aerial views of Sidmouth and its coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and cliffs. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Even a good smartphone camera can capture stunning shots.
While specific tours might not be widely advertised, local photographers often share their favorite spots online. Exploring the area and following local photography accounts can provide inspiration.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to check tide times to maximize beach access and consider bringing buckets and spades. The Esplanade provides a safe and easy place for a stroll, and the town offers plenty of family-friendly cafes and ice cream shops for treats.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss capturing the reflections on the wet sand at low tide or the charming Regency architecture along the Esplanade. Drone photography can offer unique aerial perspectives of the coastline, but always be mindful of local regulations.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
Ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes, as some paths can be steep and uneven. The varied terrain means there's a walk for most fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Sidmouth's Tides
Conversely, low tide reveals a much wider expanse of beach, exposing both sandy areas and fascinating rock pools. This is the ideal time for exploring, rock pooling, and enjoying more space. Many visitors recommend checking tide times before their visit to plan their activities accordingly, ensuring they can access Jacob's Ladder and the sandy stretches.
The dramatic change means you can experience two very different beaches in one day. The interplay of sand and pebbles also creates a unique texture and visual appeal, especially when wet and reflecting the sky.
Exploring the Coastal Path and Cliffs
From Peak Hill, you can extend your walk to Ladram Bay, a beautiful cove known for its distinctive red sandstone sea stacks. This offers a more challenging but rewarding day out for those looking to explore further. The coastal paths are well-maintained, though some sections can be steep, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
To the east, the cliffs also offer dramatic scenery. Walking along the Esplanade and towards the eastern end of the beach provides access to areas with striking red cliffs, which are particularly beautiful when bathed in the light of sunrise or sunset.
Sidmouth's Charm and Amenities
Connaught Gardens, situated above the beach, are a beautifully kept public space offering tranquility and breathtaking sea views. They are a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a picnic, or simply admire the scenery. The town also boasts a picturesque clock tower and a vibrant atmosphere, especially during events like the Sidmouth Folk Festival.
Accommodation options range from boutique hotels like the Mount Pleasant Hotel to guesthouses and self-catering options, making it a versatile destination for various types of travelers. The town's layout makes it easy to explore on foot, combining beach time with town exploration seamlessly.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit