Major city · United Kingdom
Sidmouth
Give Sidmouth one full day and one night: beach, Connaught Gardens, a cream tea. Two nights only if you want a Donkey Sanctuary or coast-path day.
Sidmouth is a small East Devon seaside town on a stony beach, with an unusually strong independent high street for its size. It is a base for the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path, not a sightseeing city. Most visitors need one day and one night; add a second night for the Donkey Sanctuary, Branscombe or a longer coast walk. The first week of August is Folk Week, when beds sell out and prices jump.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- GBP
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep
- avoid Aug (Folk Week crowds and peak prices); school holidays
- Airports
- EXT · BRS · LHR
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- United Kingdom ↗Most visitors who do not need a UK visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travelling; this includes EU nationals. Irish citizens are exempt. Check the UK government site for your passport.
- United Kingdom ↗The UK is outside the EU and the Schengen area; a Schengen visa is not valid for the UK.
- United Kingdom ↗Driving is on the left; London has congestion and emissions charges for most vehicles, so do not drive in the city.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Sidmouth999 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Sidmouth, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
- SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
- SafetySidmouth is a low-crime seaside town and safe to walk by day and evening.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are scarce and some charge 50p–£1 (≈ US$2) or are card-only.United Kingdom-wide
- Emergency numbers999 or 112 police, fire, ambulance · 111 NHS non-urgent · 101 police non-urgent (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysShops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 or 11:00–16:00 or 17:00).Shops in England and Wales open six hours on Sundays (usually 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM–4:00 PM or 5:00 PM).United Kingdom-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportEXT Exeter (About 30–40 min by car or taxi; limited flights, so most arrivals use Bristol or London.).
- Getting aroundThe centre is compact and walkable: beach, shops and gardens are all within about 15 min on foot.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a café£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Street or quick mealFish bap or sandwich from a fishmonger£5–9 (≈ US$7–12)
- BeerPint of beer in a pub£4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8)
- Metro or bus rideBus fare, short hop£2–3 (≈ US$3–4)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week£8–15 (≈ US$11–20)
- Budget bedHostel or bunkhouse bed, a night, per person£30 (≈ US$40)
- Mid-range bedB&B or pub double room, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedB&B or pub double room, a night, per room£180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget £55 (≈ US$75) · Mid £95 (≈ US$130) · High £160 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- EXT Exeter (About 30–40 min by car or taxi; limited flights, so most arrivals use Bristol or London.) · BRS Bristol (About 1 h 30 min–2 h by car; rail and bus links via Exeter.) · LHR London Heathrow (About 3 h 30 min–4 h by car; rail via London or Reading to Exeter, then bus.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Feb
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jul
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Aug
Avoid
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Oct
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Nov
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Dec
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep. Avoid: Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Sidmouth: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
14 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
11 rd
Mar
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
10 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Jun
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Jul
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Sep
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
10 rd
Oct
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
13 rd
Nov
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
14 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable: beach, shops and gardens are all within about 15 min on foot. Stagecoach buses 9/9A link Exeter and Exmouth, and the 899 runs along the coast via Branscombe and Beer to Seaton; most stop at The Triangle, about 200 m from the seafront. Driving is easy off-season, harder in summer; a park-and-walk service runs from the council offices on Station Road with about a 15-min walk into town. There is no railway station in Sidmouth.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Branscombe
goDoor to door: About 30–40 min
Bus 899 from The Triangle, or drive and park near the village
Village, beach and coast-path walking; combine with Beer.
The Donkey Sanctuary
goDoor to door: About 20–30 min
Bus 899 or drive; Slade House Farm, EX10 0NU
Free entry, donation welcome; opens daily 9:00–16:00, check before you go.Free entry, donation welcome; opens daily 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, check before you go.
Seaton
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Bus 899 along the coast via Beer
Tramway and wetland; one of Devon's more scenic bus rides.
Exmouth
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Stagecoach bus 157, or drive
Long sandy estuary beach; good for a half-day.
Budleigh Salterton
goDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus or drive west along the coast
Pebble beach and quiet town; easy coast-path link.
Exeter
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
Stagecoach bus 9/9A
Cathedral, quayside and main rail links; useful on a wet day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Esplanade and seafront
Sea-view hotels, 1–3 min to the beach; the priciest and busiest in summer.
Town centre (Fore Street, Market Square, Old Fore Street)
Walk to beach in 3–5 min; B&Bs, pubs and shops on the doorstep.
Outskirts and Sidford/Sidbury
Cheaper and quieter, but you need a car or bus for the beach.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- £55–85 (≈ US$75–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- £85–140 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- £140 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B or pub double room1 × 1 night × £120 | £120 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × £95 | £190 |
| Bus day ticket on Stagecoach services2 × £6 | £12 |
| Cream tea for one2 × £8 | £16 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × £10 | £20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | £36 |
| Trip total≈ £197 per person per day, bed included | £394≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in pounds; travel to Sidmouth excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a café | £3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Cream tea (scone, jam, clotted cream, tea) | £6–10 (≈ US$8–14) |
| Fish and chips, takeaway | £10–15 (≈ US$14–20) |
| Pint of beer in a pub | £4.50–6 (≈ US$6–8) |
| Fish bap or sandwich from a fishmonger | £5–9 (≈ US$7–12) |
| Bus fare, short hop | £2–3 (≈ US$3–4) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | £8–15 (≈ US$11–20) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The beach is mostly stones with a little sand near Jacob's Ladder; bring shoes for the shingle.
- Summer parking fills early; use the park-and-walk or arrive before mid-morning.
- Folk Week (first week of August) books out beds and raises prices; book months ahead.
- Mobile signal is patchy, and 5G has not reached the area; download maps and tickets before you arrive.
- Coast-path sections can be muddy and steep after rain; check tide times before walking below cliffs.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent
- 111
- Police non-urgent
- 101
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
SidmouthSidmouth
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance999 or 112
- NHS non-urgent111
- Police non-urgent101
Embassy
No embassies in Sidmouth; the US Embassy is in London. Consular help for most countries is in London, with some consulates in Exeter or Bristol.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Exeter → Sidmouth (Stagecoach 9/9A): about £4–6 (≈ US$6–8) single, about 45–60 min
- Bus Sidmouth → Seaton (899): about £3–5 (≈ US$4–7) single, about 45–60 min
- Taxi Exeter → Sidmouth: about £35–50 (≈ US$50–70), about 30–40 min
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- Please — Please
- Where is the beach? — Where is the beach?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants if no service charge is added; not expected in pubs.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Sidmouth. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep · avoid Aug (Folk Week crowds and peak prices); school holidays · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for EXT, BRS and LHR: last bus and rail times, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Esplanade and Connaught Gardens, town centre and Market Square, Jacob's Ladder and the west beach.
- Place pages with verified opening hours (Donkey Sanctuary, Connaught Gardens café) and eat pages with last orders.
- Folk Week and summer-holiday fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialVisit Sidmouth
- officialThe Donkey Sanctuary
- officialStagecoach South West
- secondaryWikivoyage: Sidmouth, revision 5242303 (CC BY-SA 4.0)