Having a good old-fashioned day out at the seaside is one of the best free things to do in the West Country, and apart from the car parking costs and the obligatory ice cream, you can enjoy a day out for the whole family, without breaking the bank!
The West Country is renowned for having some of the best beaches in the whole of the UK and it’s our mission to tell you just how great they are!
From the exclusive sandy beach at Sandbanks in Dorset, the rugged beaches of north Cornwall, to the vast North Somerset beaches where the tides are the highest in the world, there is something to float every boat!
Whether you’re looking for family friendly seaside town with amusements to keep the kids entertained and shops to keep the ladies happy, or just a beautiful remote beach with nothing more than a carpark, you’ll find it in the West Country.
West Country seaside towns do get busy in the summer months though – especially during the school holidays – so it’s best to get there early, particularly if you don’t want to have a long walk from the car carrying a day’s worth of beach equipment, a family sized picnic and something to sit on!
One of our personal favourite seaside towns is Sidmouth, on the south coast of Devon.
Known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth majestically sits in the middle of the East Devon AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). It has all the classic appeal of a quintessentially English seaside resort, with elegant Regency architecture and a sophisticated yet relaxed family atmosphere. This lovely seaside town is definitely one of our favourites, is ideal for visitors of all ages and a perfect day trip or holiday location.
With its pebble beach close to the town centre and the large sandy beach at the Jacob’s Ladder end, Sidmouth is a must-visit. The town itself is clean, with a lovely friendly vibe and plenty of parking central to the town and beaches.
No trip to the town centre is complete without popping in to Fields. Having opened in 1809, Fields is an independent business that provides first-class service to its customers. Still found in the same location as when it opened over 200 years ago, it exudes traditional British elegance and is the perfect place to find a treat for yourself or a loved one.
Speaking of treats for loved ones, there are also gift shops aplenty throughout the town, selling everything from traditional souvenirs, to stylish homewares.
When you visit, also be sure to pop to Sidmouth Trawlers for some tasty fresh fish for your supper. Located in the original fisherman's yard by the Ham, at the eastern end of the Esplanade, Sidmouth Trawlers is another long-standing business, having been founded in 1960 by local fisherman, Stan Bagwell. It is a fishmonger well known in the area for the excellent quality of its locally caught fish and shellfish.
Another benefit of beautiful Sidmouth is the abundance of public seating areas that are perfect to sit and watch the world go by. Whilst you’re sat, why not enjoy a delicious ice cream from one of many takeaway ice cream shops along the seafront. Whether you’re a mint-choc-chip fan, or after something more vanilla, there’s plenty of choice!
If you're after something more substantial, there are also plenty of eateries within just a stone (or pebble!)'s throw from the town centre. Blinis, located just off the Esplanade is a stylish cafe and bar serving tasty treats all day, but there are plenty of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Of course, no trip to Sidmouth is complete without a drive through the Sidmouth ford at the end of Mill Street on your way home. Having visited the seaside town for many years, we still get a buzz driving through the ford - it never fails to delight!
Only 15 miles South East of Exeter, Sidmouth is surrounded by beautiful countryside and is on the Jurassic Coast world heritage site and the South West coast path, a long-distance footpath that skirts almost all of the coast in the West Country of England, but we’ll tell you more about that at a later date!
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