Essential Hotels > England > Devon > Sidmouth

Sidmouth is a town on the south coast of Devon, named for its position at the mouth of the River Sid. The area was originally home to a small fishing settlement, which like many coastal towns grew in size and importance during the Georgian craze for constitutional visits to the seaside. The town’s Regency-built esplanade follows the curve of the beach, and is still a popular way of taking in a little sea air. The beach itself is a pleasant mix of pebbles and sand. Sidmouth is a traditional town and several times winner of the Britain in Bloom award. It is also famous for its annual folk festival, which occupies the town during July and August. It is this old-fashioned air that so charmed poet laureate John Betjeman, who was a self-proclaimed fan of the town.

Sidmouth also has royal connections. In 1819, during a visit to the town, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and son of King George III, succumbed to pneumonia and died here, in what is now the Royal Glen Hotel. The Duke’s infant daughter was with the family at the time, and went on to become Queen Victoria, one of the most famous regents to rule the UK. Her son, Edward, Prince of Wales, also later visited the area. Another of Victoria’s sons, Arthur, Duke of Connaught, attended the opening of Sidmouth’s pretty Victorian Sidmouth Gardens, which were named for him.

Aside from a pleasant town centre, Sidmouth is a good access point from which to explore and enjoy the beautiful South Devon coast. From here visitors can head down to the Jurassic Coast to see the atmospheric cliffs that have uncovered abundant evidence relating to the dinosaurs. The surrounding area is also part of Devon’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is filled with picturesque villages and gorgeous countryside. One of the easiest ways to experience the natural beauty of the Devon coast is to explore some of the South West Coast Path, which in total covers over 600 miles through four different counties.