Spellbinding Sidmouth

I had barely unpacked my suitcase from my last trip to Devon, when I was off there again last Friday. My partner’s brother had the use of a holiday house in Sidmouth for a week and invited us to spend a few days there. How could such a kind offer be refused?!

Besides it was great to revisit Sidmouth after nearly 4 years because a lot of places were closed in September 2020. I was eager to rediscover old grounds and explore new one

Sidmouth red cliffs

One striking feature of Sidmouth is its red sandstone cliff face.

However after a series of cliff falls in March 2024, every time the sea lapses against the cliff more red sandstone is being washed onto the sea. It turns the water russet near the shoreline and adds an additional layer of colour to the sea further away

Sidmouth promenade and beach

Towards the end of April, although it appeared bright and even sunny, only those well prepared against the wicked wind would brave the elements on the rather deserted promenade and the beach

Jacob’s Ladder and Connaught Gardens

Last time when I was in Sidmouth Jacob’s Ladder was closed to be repainted. This time around it was opened. However it looked as if it needs repainting as rust appeared again due to the erosion of sea air!

Belmont Hotel

As a thank-you to our host we treated him to a lovely meal at the elegant Belmont Hotel. We chose the more relaxed atmosphere of Horizon Restaurant overlooking the bay in preference to the more formal Belmont Restaurant.

River Otter Walk at Budleigh Salterton

Budleigh Salterton is about 20 minutes’ drive from Sidmouth. We made the most of the dry and sunny, though windy, weather to take a walk along the costal path of River Otter Estuary Nature Reserve.

After our walk we went to the beautiful Bicton Park Botanical Gardens where I had taken too many photos to include in this post…. before it doesn’t do it justice to cram everything in this one post!

Meanwhile here I was on Jacob’s Ladder at last!!