Sidmouth Town Website

Your local directory of services, businesses, shops and attractions

Sidmouth's beautiful locations and views

Places of interest in Sidmouth.

Sidmouth has huge offerings and is a regular winner of the Britain In Bloom awards. Recently, the Town Website produced the magnificent Blue Plaque Walk around the town incorporating all of Sidmouth's places, parks and views.

The Beautiful Esplanade

Sidmouth's magnificent Esplanade

For both locals and tourists to the town, there are many places to visit including

  • The Byes
  • Esplanade and Sea Front
  • Blackmore Gardens
  • The Glen Goyle
  • Connaught Gardens
  • The Putting Green and Tennis Courts
  • Sidmouth Golf Club
  • Bowls and Croquet Lawns
  • Sidmouth Cricket Club
  • The Knowle Park
  • Jacobs Ladder and Beach
  • Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve
  • The Norman Lockyer Observatory
  • The South West Coast Path and Jurassic Coast
  • Salcombe and Peak Hill for outstanding Views

These are only a small selection of some of the most beautiful and insightful locations in and around the town. Gardens and parks that produce wonderful displays of flowers, plants and decorative pieces. Climb up the Hills for breathtaking views if the Valley.

Connaught Gardens

Award winning Connaught Gardens

The Esplanade, complete with deck chairs and ice creams sets the stage for the impeccably clean beach to roll off into the sea. When the tide retreats the pebbles give way to glorious sands on both the main and Jacobs Ladder beach.

Sidmouth's Main Beach and Esplanade

Sidmouth's Main Beach and Esplanade

Jacobs Ladder Beach

Jacobs Ladder Beach

Sidmouth is full of great locations and sights, views that you can soak up for hours and entertainment throughout the year.

View from Hight Peak

The stunning view from Higher Peak

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The Sidmouth Blue Plaque Walk

Historic Sidmouth - Blue Plaque walk of the town.

Sidmouth prides itself on it's rich and interesting historical past and there is certainly no shortage of history around the town. There are buildings, places, people and locations of varying historical importance and interest all over Sidmouth.

Royal Glen Formerly Woolbrook Cottage The Belmont Hotel

Some of these have been commemorated with Blue Plaques presented by the Sid Vale Association. Here at the Town Website we have walked the town to discover as many as we could, 32 in all with Kennaway House's plaque awaiting to be produced and two others yet undiscovered. This is the beauty of Sidmouth, there are so many places you don't realise are hiding away.

This walk has been put together by us and is not officially a recognised walk but feel that these plaques can sometimes go unnoticed as you're walking around the town. It takes in all that Sidmouth has to offer and takes you through some places you may not have realised were there.

The Clock Tower Tudor Cottage

So if you are looking for an activity for a few hours then START HERE.

Feel free to give us some feedback on the walk and if there is anything we can do to improve it or add anything to it.

Share the Blue Plaque walk with everyone you know!

Great places to eat in and around Sidmouth

Sidmouth has lots of places to eat in and around this beautiful East Devon Town

If you are visiting Sidmouth on a day trip, an overnight stay, a long break or just wanting to pop out for breakfast, lunch or dinner then you have plenty of places to choose from.

The Clock Tower Restaurant

The Clock Tower Restaurant is an ideal place for food located in the beautiful award wining Connaught Gardens.

Dukes

Another great place to dine is Dukes on the Esplanade. It has a large terrace so in the summer months you can enjoy your food in the sun. It's also an ideal location for the World famous Folk Festival.

There are also many Cafes, Bistros and Bakery's located around the town so there is no shortage of places to grab some food!

Tell you friends about Sidmouth's great food establishments.

Welcome to Sidmouth Seasalt.

Sidmouth Town Website welcomes Seasalt to the town.

Seasalt.

Sidmouth Town Website would like to welcome the clothing chain Seasalt Cornwall to the town and wish them great success in the future. The first day of trading for them was non-stop as thier blog states and their Devon shanty friends, Tavy Tars, treated everyone to some rousing shanties and songs of the sea. Brilliant!

If you’re in the area, make sure you stop by to say hello...



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The Byes Riverside Walk

The Byes Riverside Park walk in Sidmouth from the Toll House.

This time of year is a great time to be out and about walking in the beautiful area of Sidmouth. There are acres of countryside to explore so why not begin right in the heart of the town in the Byes.

The Byes Riverside Walk

The Byes Riverside Park The Byes Riverside Park, between the village of Sidford and The Old Tollhouse, is one of Sidmouth's most important green spaces. About 2km in length, The Byes is made up of the many fields and meadows surrounding the River Sid, which is the smallest river in Devon at just over 6 miles long. The Sid Vale Association (SVA) Natural Reserve forms a major part of The Byes. It was purchased to encourage wildlife conservation and to provide free public access for residents and visitors to enjoy in perpetuity.

Useful information The paths through The Byes are shared by both pedestrians and cyclists. Well-controlled dogs are welcome everywhere, apart from in the Community Orchard, which is a dog-free area. If you would like to find out more about the Byes Riverside Park, then please contact The Friends of the Byes, on fotbyes@gmail.com, or phone the Parks Department at East Devon District Council. For information on the SVA, please visit http://www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk/



The Byes Riverside Walk

The Toll House

You are standing lust inside the most well-used part of The Byes Riverside Park, called The Lawn. The Toll House here is thought to have been built for the Honiton and Sidmouth Turnpike Trust in 181 7, with the new bridge alongside providing a more accessible crossing than the ford Oust 5 minutes walk downstream).

The Lawn has a more formal character, with a wide variety of specimen trees complementing the elegant villas along the boundary, mostly now hotels and guest houses. The oldest trees might have been planted as much as 300 years ago and are now being supplemented with a wide variety of younger trees, which will one day take their place.

The Byes are used for orienteering as well as informal recreation and maps of the course can be obtained from the Information Office, the Museum or the National Trust shop.

Where can I go next?

A 5 minute walk north along the River Sid into The Byes will take you into Sid Meadow and The Community Orchard, where a variety of apples trees specific to the West Country has been planted. Walking onwards in a northerly direction will take you to the tranquil meadows owned and managed by The Sid Vale Association.

It will take you around 35 minutes to walk as far as Sidford, at the other end of The Byes, or turn off earlier, towards Fortescue, to explore Soldiers Hill, Enjoy the tranquility of this peaceful stretch of river landscape, look out for kingfishers, and dippers, or watch for trout jumping.

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A piece of Sidmouth History Discovered

The Sidmouth Directory from 1870

A piece of Sidmouth History has been discovered in the Hayman's Butchers archives. Along with lots of old images and newspaper cuttings of the historical business an 1870 Sidmouth Directory was found.

Dated February 3rd 1870 it is number 41 of the sixth series and cost one penny! The front of the directory has a beautiful drawing of Sidmouth from Salcombe Hill and inside you can find the tide times along with the residents and visitors to the town. An incredible piece of history to stumble across.

You can view through the entire directory here and hopefully will inspire more people to send in any they have so we can put them up on the site to share.



Page-1 Page-2 Page-3 Page-4 Page-5 Page-6 Page-7 Page-8

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Sports Republic of Sidmouth.

We are delighted to be advertising Sports Republic on the Sidmouth Town Website.

Opened in spring 2011, Sports Republic is an exciting new sports shop, based in Sidmouth, Devon run by Chris Hargreaves, a professional footballer for twenty years. He now coaches at Exeter City Football Club with view to getting into football management.

Chris approached us to advertise Sports Republic on Sidmouth.com using our Gold Advertisement which gives his business a full custom design of a web page. He will be taking advantage of custom Meta information for Search Engine Optimisation to help improve his presence on the web.

Sports Republic Sidmouth

Sports Republic is a family business run by Chris Hargreaves and two local partners. The doors are open and we invite you to come in and look around our contemporary new shop.

You can see the Gold Advertisement here... Spots Republic Gold Advertisement. Or visit the Sports Republic website here...

www.sportsrepubliconline.com

Tea at the Victoria

Victoria Hotel Photographs

This book comprises a selection of poetry and prose inspired by my holidays in the West Country, illustrated with colour photographs of some of my favourite haunts.
I have always loved this part of England, some of my earliest childhood holidays being spent in West Bay, Dorset where I stayed with my parents and brother at the George Hotel, over-looking the quay. Later holidays were spent in Cornwall, and at Exmouth and Sidmouth in Devon, and most of the anthology features these locations, especially the delightful Regency town of Sidmouth.

“Would you like clotted or pouring cream, Sir?” asked the waiter politely. “Why do they have to ask so many questions?” demanded the elderly gentleman guest irascibly to his lady companion after the waiter had gone. Over-heard conversations in a restaurant can be funny, fascinating and revealing. The above was spoken by a guest at the Victoria Hotel, Sidmouth in May 1987. My brother Anthony and I were staying there for 10 days and there was an interesting variety of visitors there at that time. Many of them knew each other and returned for the same week year after year. We often speak of that particular holiday.

We first visited the Victoria Hotel in May 1982 when the Falklands War was on. All the guests were watching the progress of the war on the television in the sun lounge. Our mother was alive then and she loved the hotel immediately. The luxury of the surroundings, although not too opulent and overwhelming, the beautiful flower arrangements, the excellence of the cuisine and the friendliness of the staff all combined to make it a perfect holiday hotel. The very building itself has a solid, welcoming appearance, inspiring confidence and ease as one enters the revolving door into the panelled warmth of the hall. Afternoon tea is a favourite at the Vic, when everything stops for that special pot of freshly-brewed tea with accompanying home-made cakes and scones.

“Bemused passers-by watched as the tidal wave of terriers swept up the front path, through the front door into the hall and out into the small back garden”. We have owned dogs in the family since I was eight. At the time of acquiring our house in Temple Street we owned five and of course they all accompanied us there on each holiday; it would not be the same without them, and we wouldn’t dream of leaving them behind. When we had holidays at The Victoria we always took Thomas our wire-haired fox terrier; he became very well known to the regular guests and staff.

My interest in writing poetry began in 2002 after a short stay in hospital. I found writing to be very therapeutic and enjoyable. All of my poems are easy to read and understand, and I hope they appeal to people who like poetry to be light, descriptive and at times amusing. I do not write gloomy, dark poems with a depressing miserable theme.
People come on holiday to relax, unwind and enjoy themselves, and these are the people to whom I hope “Tea at The Victoria” will appeal.

Future project. I have recently featured in an article in the “Sidmouth Herald” requesting readers to send in stories and photographs of rescued dogs in the East Devon area to enable me to prepare a book describing these re-homing tales. The response has been good and I thank everyone who has written to me, but I still welcome more stories to put in this book. I am also hoping to get sponsorship from local businesses in order to keep printing costs low. Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to ARC (Animal Rescue Centre).

Sidmouth Town Band

Town Band Photographs

The Sidmouth Town Band was formed in the mid 1800s with the earliest picture of the band taken in 1862. The band became a brass band just before the First World War. The band was forced to put their instruments away in 1914, but reformed in’ 1919, winning prizes in 1929-30 and 1931 at Crystal Palace. In addition to competing in contests and civic duties, regular summer concerts are held in the Connaught gardens in Sidmouth at 8pm every Sunday night from June to September. The recording of our first CD ‘Soundwaves’, last year is a testament to the band’s hard work. New players are always welcome, young and old. Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Friday and there is also a beginner’s band on Friday night at 7pm. If you have just moved to the area or just want a blow whilst on holiday come and join our friendly, ambitious band. The band consists entirely of volunteers and all proceeds go back into instruments and sheet music. For concert bookings, learning, playing and any other band information including sales of the bands CD, contact the Band Secretary Janet Diamond 74 High Street, Honiton 01404 42052

Town Band Photographs

Sidmouth Steppers

Sidmouth Steppers Image

[ WWW.SIDMOUTHSTEPPERS.COM ]

Sidmouth Steppers ladies North West Morris was formed in 1999 following the 45th Sidmouth International Folk Festival.
Most of the dances that Steppers perform originated in the north of England and were performed by mill workers at holiday festivals and in processions.

Clogs are used for most of the dances although shoes are used for some of the less energetic numbers. Other accessories used in the dances are bobbins and perns from the spinning mills, decorated sticks, garlands and handkerchiefs.

The kit reflects the style of dress of the female mill workers with cotton blouses, full skirt and pinafore. The national colours were chosen for the kit which consists of white blouse, blue skirt and red pinafore. The hand made clogs are dark blue.

Music for the dances is traditionally quite loud. Usually it is led by melodeons but accompanying instruments may range through stringed, brass, wind and percussion instruments.

Since their formation, Sidmouth Steppers have danced out each season with an increasingly busy programme.

Charities have benefited from Steppers performances over the seasons.

For the dancers themselves, the side provides variety, fresh air and exercise in an easy-going social group.

Copyright - photographs copyright to Sidmouth Website,
Sidmouth Life with the kind permission of the
Sidmouth Steppers who provided the text

Mutters Head - One Mans View

MUTTERS HEAD – ONE MANS VIEW
BY J M GARDINER

Mutters Head – One Mans View Photograph

As a lad of seven I was brought up in Sidmouth in the early 30’s. Days when gentlemen visitors with their wives, staying at the seafront hotels, took strolls along the promenade on warm summer evenings.

Gentlemen in their dinner jackets with cigars, ladies with long evening dresses taking in the air, both before and after dinner.

Days when the Duchess of Devonshire paddle steamer ran her bows up onto the foreshore, to drop and pick up passengers along the coastline. Until, sadly, she ended up like a beached whale stuck having dragged her mooring anchor unable to get off the beach with incoming swell and rough sea she broke up and finished her days sadly in pieces.

As a lad with lots of my local pals, mostly gone today, we helped pull up the herring drifters after slipping wooden weighs under the bows of boats hauled by capstans round and round, all hands to the windlass arms to park them safely high on the shore. Unloading herrings in to boxes to be sold and distributed to fishmongers far and wide. Our reward, a string of fresh fish.

Rowing fishing boats loaded with baited lobster pots to pick up and relay new pots on positions off Chitt Rocks and Ladram Bay and Chiselbury with a local fisherman sitting smugly puffing on his pipe shouting directions to the drop unconcerned of the sweat dripping from the brows of his two young oarsmen.

As a lad collecting seagulls eggs from nest sites under Peak Hill and even swinging on the end of a rope from High Peak, a basket tied to the waist unaware of the danger presenting itself. I now cringe in fear at the thought of what we did. Thus our knowledge of the coast was absolutely clear.

Mutters Head – One Mans View Photograph

A number of years ago severe westerly storms struck along the coast removing all the shingle and severely damaging the seafront. Thus it came to pass, as I sat upon the seafront wall, I was joined by a couple of elderly visitors who sat next to me. I was asked if I lived locally and in conversation they were interested in the local history. Of the fact that Queen Victoria stayed here as a child, the Duke of Connaught had his summer retreat at Sidmouth.

Smuggling also was raised. I recorded that Dr Gerald Gibbons, our family doctor and also a local historian, had told me of things he had recorded from tales of Jack Rattenbury and his smuggling gang, who operated along the coast from Beer Village to Budleigh Salterton in cahoots with Mutters family at Ladram Bay, bringing smuggled goods ashore at safe points when the duty men were absent. Boats arriving, given the all clear signal by lanterns fitted with lengths of pipe attached, once pointed seaward the light was only visible from the end of the pipe in the direction it was pointed and by covering the end of the pipe with ones hand and exposing the number of flashes, seen by those approaching boats signalled either safety or danger. Muttersmoor so called because of the fear of locals caught on the Moor when contraband was being transported or buried in pits among the gorse for safety.

Having related these tales I also added that he told me, they do say, that Abe Mutters can be seen on misty nights as a ghost still looking out to sea watching for his boats. My story ended with being asked where is Ladram Boy? I pointed in the direction and turned my head to be greeted by the sight of the rock formation obviously caused by a section of the rock that had slipped into the sea, sculpting into a perfect smugglers head formation. I was greeted by crowds of passers by wanting to know, what we were looking at – I said this is Sidmouth’s answer to Americas Mount Rushmore, so I named it Mutters Head, the perfect sculpture of the head, beard, hair, ears, eyes and nose. Reporting it to the Sidmouth local newspaper a picture was published, but of poor quality alas, with my account and my picture. With great difficulty I recorded this with photographs in a series taken by me on my camcorder, my main idea was to get someone to get a clear picture of the head for posterity and possibly a painting of same before another storm wiped out what it had exposed.

Mutters Head – One Mans View Photograph

A good few years later, in early April 2005 to be exact, my wife and I went in to the White Horse Café for a meal and coffee, we found that the café had been refurbished by the proprietor and new pictures adorned the walls. One in particular, a wonderful clear picture, showing Jacobs Ladder Beach and low and behold Ladram Bay – Picket Rocks – and a beautiful clear picture of the head I had been seeking. A number of customers asked what I was looking at – and were equally astonished by the clarity of the head. I was told by the café proprietor he had not noticed the head even though so clear. I was told that the photographer lived at the shop Puddleducks, just a few yards away, subsequently I met the photographer Mr Mike Parkin, who confessed having taken the photograph and had published a number of the photos he could not understand how he had missed seeing such a clear picture of Mutters Head in his photo.

Copyright J M Gardiner. Mutters Head One Mans View.
Copyright M L Parkin – Sidmouthwebsite – this article is copyright including all photographic images and may not be copied or reproduced or published by any media format without the express written permission of the copyright owners J M Gardiner. Michael Leonard Parkin Sidmouth Website. EX108LP.
http://www.sidmouth.com
http://www.sidmouthlife.co.uk
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The Sidmouth Souvenir DVD,s are available online.
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POEM ‘THE CHANGING FACE OF SIDMOUTH’
a poem by John Meiklejohn Gardiner

When I was a young lad, with chums from my school
We carved wooden feather boats to sail on Ham Pool
Played on the beaches, hid under the boats
Kicked footballs with goal posts marked with piled coats
Hold on a moment – there’s something quite wrong!
The playing fields here but the boating pools gone.

The Changing Face of Sidmouth Photograph

Roller skate on the seafront, crawl up the storm drains
Splash in the puddles whenever it rained
Leap from the esplanade down on the stones
Never a thought that we might break our bones
Hold on a moment – there’s something quite wrong!
The beach is still here but the pebbles have gone.

In high summer holidays we’d help on Maers farm
Stacking the corn stooks or play in the barn
Go looking for lost balls on Sidmouths golf course
And round off the day riding Charlie Maers horse
Hold on a moment - there’s something quite wrong!
Their old cottage is still here but the working farms gone.

The Changing Face of Sidmouth Photograph

I recall starting work at the old Star Supplies Stores
With the 6th Airborne Division served in the last war
Served D-Day at Normandy with glider born troops
And marched many a mile in my old ammo boots
Hold on a moment - there’s something now wrong!
The Airborne Division’s with us but the gliders have gone

The Changing Face of Sidmouth Photograph

Some things have vanished but others remain
What we’ve lost on the swings is the roundabouts gain
Now in my seventies with a lifetime of dreams
I reflect on the past and what might have been
Hold on a moment – Let’s be of good cheer
Sid Valleys alive, Sidmouth’s still here.

The Changing Face of Sidmouth Photograph

Copyright J M Gardiner Copyright Photos/images – Sidmouth Website email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Our thanks to White Horse Café, Sidmouth – image in their premises

Mike Montague Remembers

I first visited Sidmouth at the age of 11 with my parents in 1945, returned every year until 1952.

Major earliest memories:

Travelling by train! Did that for a couple of years before we bought our first car.

Many RAAF airmen (distinguished by their darker blue uniforms) in town, probably billeted in local hotel(s).

Anti-invasion scaffolding along beach? Still there in '45 or am I thinking of another resort in an earlier year?

VJ Day! Celebrations including fireworks, along the Esplanade. Jacob's Ladder with its lower flights of steps removed; only a long conventional ladder in their place, fastened to the top landing only weakly, as I was to find out. This know-no-fear and curious young man climbed the ladder up to the landing and as I stepped off the ladder it crashed to the platform below. I had to walk back round to where my parents were sitting on the area above the Jacobs Ladder beach through the Connaught Gardens.

Accommodation:

1945, '46, '47: Kingswood Hotel. We were allocated a lesser quality room for our second stay, and we were "walked" to a small B&B round the back for part of our third (and last!) stay.

1948: Devoran, next door!

1949 till '52: Salcombe Hill House Hotel.

Other memories of Sidmouth town:

Tiny greengrocers shop at sea end of Old Fore Street, location I recall (to the best of my memory after 60 years), most likely at or next to Gliddons. Lovely aroma of the fruit as you walked in. It was run by very large lady with cheeks as red as the beautiful apples I can still recall the scent of, with an extremely husky voice and absolutely the broadest Devon accent I have ever heard and still remember easily today. Bookshop and stationers in High Street, at or near the junction with Fore and Old Fore Streets, with a recalled scent of the books, I suppose. For the first years of our visits my father would always buy me a book from there for me to read during our holiday, and I still have one of them on my bookshelves one even today.

My parents were fond of the Mocha Cafe. I preferred the ice cream parlour next door.

Both still there, I see.

Swimming: In 1945 I had only just learned to swim. By the next year I was a strong swimmer and was already successful in schools competition. So I swam a lot off the Esplanade beach where the slope of the shingle took you into the deeper water more quickly. I forget what year it was, but I took to swimming out to the yachting marker buoy which was moored some two hundred (?) yards or so out from the beach, much to my mother's concern. In later years I added snorkelling over Chit Rocks at full tide to my list of pastimes, and one afternoon diving I picked up a very large spider crab in my hands and swam back with it to where my parents were sitting in their deckchairs in front of their hired beach hut to show them, and my appearance with the "monster" crab almost cleared everyone off the deck, many saying they would never swim there again and one man saying he would report me to the police for causing the panic.

Movies at Grand and Radway cinemas.

Daring young man, part 2:

In the sea wall in front of the cricket ground (and Esplanade car park and shelters?) there was a large opening of what I thik must have been a storm water drain, or perhaps a drain for storm water which might have come from heavy seas crashing on the Esplanade above.

It was cavernous. There was a broad ledge running along the sea wall (and, by the way, the ledge and indeed the storm water drain opening look to have been covered right up by the works on the foreshore and beach which appear to have raised the level of beach) and at times of fairly rough seas and higher tides, not only did crowds gather at a safe distance to watch the waves crashing up and on the Esplanade, but it was a spectator sport to watch youths to run along that ledge from the nearest beach access steps to the shelter of the storm water drain between waves, and then gathering breath to time the dash back again without being drenched. I was one of those stupid boys who one summer were playing the wave-dodging game and managed to get drenched - but right through - and had to walk from that far end of the Esplanade right up to Salcombe Hill House Hotel soaking wet, avoiding going through the town and the likelihood of copping a lot of derision, by going along the Esplanade and crossing the River Sid by the bridge and going up and along the footpath to the hotel.

My mother had made me wear on holiday an awful maroon sleeveless pullover she had just finished knitting and which I heartily hated wearing. The colours weren't fast and so by the time I got back to the hotel - and dripped my way through the lobby and back to my room all the rest of my clothing and I were streaked with the maroon and the pullover was wrecked. So it wasn't an all bad experience!

Other clothes my mother requested me to wear - though not this time, thank God, made by her - was my RAF uniform, during our 1952 stay. I was doing my National Service by then and on leave and dearly wished to be out of uniform

I changed my attitude quite quickly after I discovered that holidaymakers ttracted to young men in uniform.

A long time ago it may have been, and now I'm many miles away, but I still have wonderful memories of Sidmouth.

Memories

Another fondly recalled memory is the lovely Scottish girl Anne Morrison whom I met while I was at the Salcombe Hill House Hotel in 1951 at the same time as she was there with relatives. We got on so well and after the holidays began writing to eachother frequently and after a brief period of no writing resumed while I was in the RAF. Exchange visits to Scotland for me and to London for her led to our becoming engaged in 1954, but that ended

After my last holiday with my family in 1952, I hardly returned to the place any more. Other influences occurred in my life and took me to other destinations over the years until my wife and I emigrated to Australia in 1966.

Sidmouth 1965

An exception was during a tour to the West Country in August 1965 with my future wife when although our final destination was much further west, we detoured so I could show her the place I had fondly described to her. The weather was fine on that day (see above), but turned dreadful as we headedwest, and was one of the factors in addition to considerations regarding our future lives that helped us to decide to come to Australia.

Although I have visited England in 1974, '78 and '81, my travels never took me to Sidmouth. But we managed to get there despite a tight schedule during our last trip in May 2003.

The weather had been fine and sunny as we neared the area, and it lasted as far as Sidford when the clouds rolled in and the first spots of rain fell. Our welcome to Sidmouth as we drove down Vicarage Road looking for Cheriton Guest House, our B&B for the night (a comfortable bed and fabulous breakfast!), was freezing and driving rain.

Memories

I was hoping for an evening stroll down Memory Lane - or at least High Street and Fore and Old Fore Streets, picking out familiatr places, but because of the rain the evening stroll became several dashes for shelter until we reached the Anchor Inn where I took on board a pint or so and we had a good meal. In the morning, the rain still heavy and driving in off the sea, we had to very regretfully turn our backs on Sidmoutn for the last time and not add to the fond memories getnered over the years long ago.

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Jurassic Coastline

Dorset and East Devon
95 Miles of stunning Coastline

Pictures of Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast situated on Dorset and East Devon UK.

World Heritage Site known as THE JURASSIC COAST covering 95 miles of beautiful Coastline from Dorset to Devon.

The Jurassic Coast is served by GATEWAY TOWNS and villages which provide a range of accommodation and visitor facilities.

Here we offer facilities for SIDMOUTH BEER BRANSCOMBE.The towns information centre. SIDMOUTH WEBSITE thats [ www.sidmouth.com ] SIDMOUTH was described by Poet Laureate, Sir John Betjeman, as 'a feast of visual delight' and there are certainly many beautiful sights to see.

Sidmouth's stunning scenery is from halfway down the Peak Hill coastal road from Otterton. The backdrop of red sandstone cliffs, the buildings nestled amongst the wooded hillsides and the pastures of Sid Valley.

Connaught Gardens, situated high above the Chit Rocks, where you can enjoy the stunning views. Peak Hill Road is Mutter's Moor, a lovely area of heathland, named after the notorious local smuggler Sam Mutter. A public footpath across the road leads to the picturesque Ladram Bay, a small sheltered cove with some fabulous sandstone features and a pretty beach.

The Sid Valley is only six miles long and can be explored either by car, cycle or on foot. It links the coastal resort of Sidmouth with the communities of Sidford, Sidbury and Salcombe Regis, and is a wonderful area to explore including nearby Beer Branscombe coastal villages.

The local museum at the Sid Vale Heritage Centre, in Church Street, offers valuable information and a fascinating insight into the local area. The centre also offers guided walks around Sidmouth every Tuesday and Thursday. Much of Sidmouth's history is recorded in the blue plaques on the buildings, built when members of London's high society came here.
Fortfield Terrace is one example of the elegant Regency style.

The architecture throughout the town is varied and interesting, and provides many clues to the development of Sidmouth.

The Sid Valley is certainly one of the most beautiful places along the World Heritage Coast and is well worth a visit.

If your travelling by train from London Waterloo through Axminster you will see the signs ALIGHT HERE FOR JURASSIC COAST for local buses to nearby Lyme Bay.Or proceed on to Honiton Railway Station for Buses and Taxi to Sidmouth Devon.

By road on the A30 and A303 or Junction 30 of the M5 Motorway or by air to Exeter International Airport and local taxi to Sidmouth.

SIDMOUTH Gateway Town on the Jurassic Coast in East Devon.

With Beer Branscombe Budleigh Salterton Seaton Exmouth The Lyme Bay Coastline.

Holiday Information & Tourist Information provided by the official Sidmouth Website [ WWW.SIDMOUTH.COM ] Sidmouth Accommodation - Sidmouth Holiday - information from self catering to Sidmouth Hotels guest houses farm holidays apartments penthouses staying in or around Sidmouth or in surrounding Devon whether for one night, for several nights or a week, for midweek stays, for a weekend break or longer local hotels, guest houses, bed & breakfast, lodging, short stay apartments and self catering accommodation directory with direct links to let you discover discount rates, to check for available rooms and accommodation and to book online from Cottages Farms Accommodation Self Catering Apartments Penthouses to Camping and Caravan Holiday Parks. Check for special rates for and last minute decisions on booking your Sidmouth Holiday. The Sidmouth Guide Sidmouth Website provides you with the direct links and contact details to save you money by contacting the oweners directly for availability and fees.

Looking for Holiday Accommodation in BEER DEVON Looking for Holiday Accommodation in Branscombe Devon.

Holidays in Sidmouth Sidford Sidbury Ottery St Mary Farway Colyton.

Sidmouth Devon lies on the Jurassic Coast, and its Millennium Walkway passes beneath vivid red Triassic sandstone cliffs scoured and sculpted into fantastic shapes by the passage of ancient rivers. From here you can climb the South West Coast Path to Ladram Bay with its stunning red rock chimneys in one direction or picturesque Branscombe in the other.
Sidmouth approaches perfection as it has everything you could possibly want - beaches, stunning coastal walks, gardens, a theatre and cinema, stylish eating places, and some of the best shops in East Devon with its traditional High Street of individual charcater shops boutiques gifts and craft shops with restaurants wine bars tea shops.

With over 500 listed buildings, a liberal sprinkling of blue plaques testifies to Sidmouth's charm with a host of famous visitors including Princess Victoria, the Grand Duchess of Russia, and Elizabeth Barrett Browing. Find out more about the town's history and connections at Sidmouth Museum housed in a delightful Regency cottage at the end of Church Street nearby to Kennaway House.

The town has plenty of entertainment ranging from band concerts in Connaught Gardens to Sidmouth Regatta and the Manor Pavilion Theatre, while in autumn it is the turn of Sidmouth Carnival's illuminated procession of colourful floats. However, the town's main event is the famous Sidmouth Folk Week in August, a scintillating blend of multi-national music and dance that draws thousands of visitors each year.

Just a short distance from the town you will find a variety of experiences. To one side lies the dramatic heathland of Mutters Moor, the haunt of the elusive nightjar, while on Salcombe Hill the space age domes of the Norman Lockyer Observatory are an unexpected sight, offering regular open evenings - a unique opportunity to marvel at the night sky through powerful telescopes.

A little further away near Salcombe Regis, The Donkey Sanctuary, home to around 500 donkeys who love attention, is a much loved family attraction

Pictures of Jurassic Coast


Sidmouth HD Movies

Pictures of Sidmouth

SIDMOUTH DEVON HD High Definition Movies.

H D Movie Clips shot on location in full1080i High Definition.

PLEASE NOTE THE LINK LOADS TO STANDARD FORMAT - depending on your computer connection speed you can view the MOVIES in FULL HIGH DEFINITION 1080i BY CLICKING ON HD on the Video Screen.

CLICK ON THE LINKS to View the Movies.

SIDMOUTH GUIDE [ http://www.sidmouth.com ]

Pictures of Sidmouth


Book of Sidmouth

Celebrating an ancient coastal town By Ted Gosling and Sheila Luxton

The Book of Sidmouth photograph

The Book of Sidmouth was published March 2004. Written by Ted Gosling and Sheila Luxton, both local authors.

Covering many aspects of the towns history and inhabitants the authors aim has been to widen the knowledge of newcomers to the town, whilst at the same time cover the life of the local people for the last fifty or so years.

Full of photographs, many from the Museum which have not previously been published, it provides an interesting history of Sidmouth.

Ted Gosling is a well known local author and has many links with Sidmouth as his mother was born here. He is the Curator of the Axe Valley Heritage Museum.

Sheila Luxton, formerly Sheila Nice, has lived in the town all her life and is a member of the Sid Vale Association Executive Committee and the Museum Committee.

The authors have tried to mention all important events and personalities of the town, past and present.

The Book of Sidmouth is available from local booksellers and the Museum shop, price £19.95.

(above text and photographs provided by Sheila Luxton specially for Sidmouth Website - not to be copied/transmitted without the express permission of Sidmouth Website [ www.sidmouth.com ] and Sheila Luxton and Ted Gosling).

Sidmouth Memories

Pictures of Sidmouth

Hello from ANGELA MARKS GEORGE HOSKINS WOOLBROOK FARM SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10

A bit early for nostalgia.

I am trying to track down Lower Woolbrook Farm. My great great great grandfather, GEORGE HOSKINS farmed there from c1805 until between 1824/27.

He appears to have lost the farm between those dates, as he is a 'farmer'
on one of his children's baptismal register entries in 1824, but a labourer when the next one was baptized in 1827. (He had 12 known children
altogether) He died in 1839 and I believe is buried in the churchyard (St Giles & St Nicholas).

I've found the location of Woolbrook Farm, but am rather stumped by the 'Lower'.

Many thanks
Angela Marks

KENNAWAY HOUSE COBURG ROAD SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 The TRUST OFFICE for MARKETING KENNAWAY HOUSE TELEPHONE 01395 515551.

KENNAWAY HOUSE

Kennaway House

The first couple to walk down the aisle in the restored Grade11 building in Sidmouth Devon from the original Church House renamed to KENNAWAY HOUSE will take place on Saturday 6 June 2009.

Kennaway House has now been restored to its former glory.
PHOTOS COPYRIGHT SIDMOUTH GUIDE [ http:www.sidmouth.com ] Licensed marriage venue in Sidmouth Devon EX10

Kennaway House

Kennaway House

Kennaway House

Kennaway House

Kennaway House

Kennaway House

Kennaway House

 

REG VARNEY

PHOTOGRAPH SUPPLIED BY THE OFFICIAL ON THE BUSES forum at [ www.otbfanforum.4umer.net ] PERMISSION GRANTED FOR USE ON SIDMOUTH GUIDE [ WWW.SIDMOUTH.COM ]

REG VARNEY

REG VARNEY from the well known hit TV series ON THE BUSES.
BUDLIEGH SALTERTON DEVON 16 NOVEMBER 2008.
REG VARNEY died peacefully at a nursing home in BUDLIEGH SALERTON DEVON closeby to Sidmouth Devon World Heritage Coastline.
Reg moved to Budleigh Salterton Devon some 20 years ago after his hit TV series running from 1969 ON THE BUSES.

Reg also made appearances in the hit TV series The Rag Trade whom
Sidmouth Guide [ WWW.SIDMOUTH.COM ] area co-ordinator Michael Parkin's late cousin Dennis Main Wilson was the BBC TV producer and was responsible for many famous TV programmes including Hancock's Half Hour Six Five Special The Rag Trade Till Death do us Part and many TV productions starring Sammy Davis Junior.

THE OLD BAKERY SIDBURY DEVON

THE OLD BAKERY SIDBURY DEVON

The photo I sent was of my grand parents Jack (Fred ) Agnes Richards who lived opposite the Old Bakery in Sidbury, flood photo taken looking down from the Toll House,the other is of the frozen River Sid,the photo of the Shelter was taken from my bedroom window.

SIDMOUTH MEMORIES.

Photo is of MR & MRS HARRIS OF SIDBURY DEVON ENGLAND

PHOTO SUPPLIED BY RICHARD HARRIS - GRANDSON.
This photo is of MR & MRS HARRIS OF SIDBURY DEVON ENGLAND Whom moved away from Devon to MARGATE IN KENT CIRCA 1930.
SIDMOUTH-SIDBURY-SIDFORD-Memories.Do you have a story to tell.

DAYS GONE BY SIDMOUTH MEMORIES

DAYS GONE BY SIDMOUTH MEMORIES.
Do you remember days like this - Do you have photos of Sidmouth.
Photo memories of Sidmouth Devon England.
EMAIL [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]

Do you have any information and history relating to this lady whom lived in

BLACKMORE VIEW SIDMOUTH DEVON ENGLAND.

EMILY JANE VIEYRA

EMILY JANE VIEYRA nee BOOMGARDT

EMILY JANE VIEYRA nee BOOMGARDT

The photo showing Emily Jane Vieyra nee Boomgardt taken by a photographer 'Valerie' at No.1 Conduit Street, Regent Street. No.2533 11th of 58 copies. This is all the detail we have with the photo. The information I have from the Death Certificate is as follows: Emily Jane Vieyra nee Boomgardt of Blackmore View Sidmouth Died 7th Sept 1923 aged 59yrs at St.Margaret's Nursing Home Buried at Sidmouth cemetery 10th Sept 1923 Informant: Merle Vieyra, daughter, Bath House Sidmouth Undertaker: Mr.Sanders

EMILY IS SUPPOSED TO HAVE A HAND MADE CHOCOLATE SHOP IN SIDMOUTH DEVON ENGLAND do you have photos or history relating to this SIDMOUTH BUSINESS.

BLACKMORE VIEW SIDMOUTH DEVON ENGLAND.

EILEEN ARNELL VISITED SIDMOUTH DEVON trying to trace the family history. I visited Sidmouth some years ago, not having all these details, only that Emily Jane was buried in Sidmouth. I went to the cemetery & found two gentlemen by the names of Dave & Jim. With the very meagre information I had, they, with the greatest courtesy & helpfulness provided me with the following information& showed me where the grave is. Sadly there is no stone whether there was one we do not know although we assume there would have been.

Ref nos: 2914 L 43 section 2 it is a grave that contains 4 burials. We do not know who the other 3 are & Dave & Jim without any other information were not able to tell me.

WE VISITED SIDMOUTH IN 2007 to try and trace the family history.

Last year, Sept 2007, Joan & I decided to make a visit to see if we could find any more information. We stayed very comfortably & were welcomed at the Ryton Guest House. We went to the cemetery but did not find Dave & Jim. We did not have the Death Certificate then so we could not make any further progress.

Now we would like any information on : Blackmore View, Bath House, how can we discover who the 3 other people buried with Emily are & the Nursing Home. Our family information is that Emily is supposed to have had a 'handmade chocolate shop' in Sidmouth?

Do you have information to help the relatives.

EMILY JANE VIERA nee BOOMGARDT

Emily was born in Trivandrum, South India, 3rd June 1864 married at St.Joseph's Church, Trivandrum. 1st June 1886 We do not know when she came to England & to Sidmouth.Devon England.

If you have any information please make contact with

Eileen Arnell nee Boomgardt
Chelmsford
Essex
ENGLAND UK

Email [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]

Please mention
SIDMOUTH GUIDE [ WWW.SIDMOUTH.COM ]
SIDMOUTH MEMORIES
if you reply with information tracing this familyhistory.

DEATH CERTIFICATE DETAILS.
BURIED IN SIDMOUTH CEMETARY.
DIED 7TH SEPTEMBER 1923 AGED 59.
ST MARGARETS NURSING HOME SIDMOUTH DEVON ENGLAND.

The information I have from the Death Certificate is as follows:
Emily Jane Vieyra nee Boomgardt of Blackmore View Sidmouth
Died 7th Sept 1923 aged 59yrs at St.Margaret's Nursing Home
Buried at Sidmouth cemetery 10th Sept 1923
Informant: Merle Vieyra, daughter, Bath House Sidmouth
Undertaker: Mr.Sanders
EMILY JANE VIEYRA nee BOOMGARDT.
EMILY JANE VIEYRA.

Sidmouth Memories

BILL HARRIS
Photo from the past Bill Harris son of Tuzzy Richard son of Bill Harris.

MR T HARRIS REPLY JUNE 2008

Dear Sir Madam

On your Sidmouth - Devon website SIDMOUTH WEBSITE [ WWW.SIDMOUTH.COM ] I noticed a photograph of 4 sons (Jim, Sid, Roy and Bill Harris) of Thomas "Tuzzy" Harris. It was sent in by a Richard J. Harris (Bill's Son).

I am the great Granddaughter of Tuzzy's brother John "Tink" Harris and am researching the family history. I would love to contact Richard J. Harris to swap information and hope you can help me. I realise his contact information my be private and unable to release to me but maybe you could give him my Email address so that he could contact me.

Many thanks in anticipation,

Diane Ralls nee Harris

Sidmouth Memories

Dear Sir,

Just visited your web site memories and read reply to my, do you know these 4 boys sons of Tuzzy harris, the ladies name is Diane Ralls nee Harris please could you forward my address.

EMAIL [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ] if that's not possible may be youcould let me have her e mail address,the lady could be a long lostcousin?.
I would like to introduce you to Tuzzy Harris with the big lobster caught of Sidmouth can anyone recognise the building behind him ?

SIDMOUTH WEBSITE REPLY

Is it the Royal York & Faulkner Building on Esplanade.
DO YOU KNOW LET US KNOW & ANY MORE FAMILY HISTORY
EMAIL [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]

SIDMOUTH WEBSITE WWW.SIDMOUTH.COM
Please make contact for EMAIL ADDRESS by contacting EMAIL
[ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ] The OFFICIAL SIDMOUTH WEBSITE
[ www.sidmouth.com ]

MAY 26 2008

The end of the Napoli.

Fred Caygill spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency has said that Barges have arrived with cutting equipment and plant to complete the cutting work to cut up the wreck for salvage and take to Rotterdam for recycling.

Its now the local weather conditions that is dependant on completing this task.

JOHN KEITH OWEN

CANADIAN RESIDENT LEAVES SIDMOUTH DEVON his pension fund for the love of SIDMOUTH DEVON ENGLAND.

JOHN KEITH OWEN was born in Devon but later became a Canadian resident and hoped to retire back to Sidmouth.

John was an investment banker learnt he was suffering from lung cancer with a few weeks to live decided to leave the town his retirement pension fund plus the proceeds from the sale of several properties saying that the picturesque resort of Sidmouth was just how England used to be. The capital bequeathed to the towns civic society THE SID VALLEY ASSOCIATION cannot be spent but will provide an income of £60000 a year for community projects. Keith from Ottawa discovered he had cancer on his last visit to Sidmouth 2007 where his mother Eileen lived in 1950.

Mr Owen was born in Totnes Devon and became an RAF Pilot until 1976 to start a new life in Canada. The windfall the largest in the history of the civic society was directed to be spent on plants trees and bulbs to be planted around the town where Sidmouth attracts in excess of 100000 visitors every year.

Thank you JOHN KEITH OWEN

PICTURES FROM THE PAST Add your BLACK & WHITE photographs from Sidmouth in Devon to our collection of PICTURES FROM THE PAST.
Send your memories of Sidmouth and surrounding villages from events of our BYGONE ERA.
Email [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]
Heading your email PICTURES FROM THE PAST.

The four sons of Mr T Harris

SIDMOUTH MEMORIES MR T HARRIS Hi I'm Richard Harris, the picture I've sent is of the four sons of Mr T Harris ( TUSSY ) of Rosedale Riverside a well known fisherman photo from left Jim Sid Roy and Bill sadly only one remains alive he now lives in New Zealand The last time I came to Sid was for the funeral of POP Nichol's I
think I'm right in saying I'm the only harris remaining can you help.
Richard J Harris
(A son of the late Bill &Olive Harris formally of Rosedale

SIDMOUTH FAMILY NAME A.H.MINARDS SIDFORD DEVON 1947 Hi
I am trying to trace any relatives of A H Minards and his wife Poppy Minards who I know lived in Sidford in 1947. I wonder if you have any contact addresses to help me in this search. Mr Minards died in
1947 and is buried at Luton .
Many Thanks Brian Buttress

TUCKER FAMILY- Can you help - tracing the family history in Sidmouth Devon I am just beginning to research the Tucker family in Sidmouth who were my grandmother's family and of whom I know nothing!! I do know now that my great grand father Frederick Tucker was a coastguard for many years and I have been able to obtain his records - however I would like to find out more of him and wonder if you still have a coastguard establishment in Sidmouth that I could contact. Also, do you have any local history or family research societies in Sidmouth?

Many thanks for taking the time to read this, and I should be pleased of any assistance you may be able to give me. (I know Tucker is a very common name in your part of the world!!)

Kind regards,

Marilyn Jones

AUSTIN MOTOR CAR

AUSTIN MOTOR CAR fondly known as Betty.
Toastrack is back in Sidmouth Devon.
Do you have BLACK & WHITE photographs of your fathers car, your uncles first car in SIDMOUTH DEVON.

[ *CLICK ON LINK* to TOASTRACK ]


Do you have memories of SIDMOUTH DEVON.
Get in TOUCH.
Email [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]
SIDMOUTH WEBSITE The Sidmouth Guide

______________________________

NAPOLI

SHIPPING DISASTER on the World Heritage Coastline in Devon.
NAPOLI the Shipwreck Disaster in 2007 off Sidmouth Beach Coastline The Shipwreck is still being broken up for salvage scrap in 2008.

[ LINK TO NAPOLI ]

______________________________

Church House

[ CHURCH HOUSE SIDMOUTH DEVON.
Save Church House in Sidmouth.
See the photographs of CHURCH HOUSE
]

The newly renamed Church House now known as KENNAWAY HOUSE prepares for its refurbishment in June 2008.

Trees to the front of KENNAWAY HOUSE are being cut so now you can see the historic building from the road.

£750,000 has now been raised including the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund which will secure the works to the fabric of the KENNAWAY HOUSE.
another £250,000 is still needed to finish the job.

Donations to
JOHN EDWARDS KENNAWAY HOUSE RESTORATION FUND KENNAWAY HOUSE SIDMOUTH DEVON ENGLAND EX10.

______________________________

KIRI

In memory of the sad loss of KIRI our Brown Newfoundland whom passed away in 2007. Photograph taken by Andy White Exmouth Devon of Bentley the Newfoundland on 30 December2007 with the owner Michael Parkin of Sidmouth Website. Bentley is keeping Michael warm on this winter day during the Xmas break whilst Michael thinks about the sad loss of KIRI the brown Newfoundland whom was a well known feature in Sidmouth town centre outside the Sidmouth Toyshop, sadly Kiri passed away in the summer of 2007 at the great age of over 14 years old which is a great lifespan for a Newfoundland. Looking at the Sidmouth Memories page it seems that the seafront shelters on Sidmouth Esplanade are popular resting points to soak up the local atmosphere and meet visitors. BENTLEY is just over 3 years old 2007 . Bentley a Newfoundland Dog. Great for sea rescue with his webbed feet. Over 13 stones in weight.

Got a memory of SIDMOUTH DEVON.
We would love to hear from you.
EMAIL [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ] SIDMOUTH GUIDE

______________________________

Fortfield Terrace

ONTARIO - CANADA - Princess Victoria SHOE Circa 1918 I have in my possession a porcelain shoe stamped on the back:"Model.
Exact size, of first shoes worn by Princess Victoria - H.M. Late Queen - who died Jan 22nd 1901 Made at Sidmouth in 1819. There is a symbol of an "eagle" with the numbers W.H.6055 stamped on the back. I had 2 shoes, one has broken, all the peices still in the box. I wanted to know anything about them, can you direct me to the right place in Sidmouth.
Can you help - GET IN TOUCH
EMAIL [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]
SIDMOUTH GUIDE [ www.sidmouth.com ]

______________________________

ROCK COTTAGE SIDMOUTH DEVON

ROCK COTTAGE

ROCK COTTAGE SIDMOUTH DEVON supplied by email from Kate Tobin of Sidmouth Devon.

My father gave me this fascinating postcard of Sidmouth about 10 years ago. The view is nothing special, but the story that goes with it is written in tiny script and very vivid. It is addressed to a Mrs Anderson in Edinburgh.

" Saturday, April 14th 1906, Rock Cottage, Sidmouth. So you see I got here after all yesterday! It was a perfect day, so hot in town that I couldn't possibly stay, so after I had finished my note to you I jammed some things into a bag, got a hansom and went off to Waterloo - to find that I had a good half hour to wait for the train! And in the train at lunch - for there was a luncheon-car; an almost unheard-of luxury on the ....S.W.Ry! - I met a man who knew people & places that I knew, & who moreover was going to Sidmouth, & who (better still!) had a carriage to drive him the 11 miles & would be so glad if I would accept a seat in it! Of course I made him glad, & so arrived in style at Rock Cottage much to the surprise of all the family there congregated. Including Bertie Hicks who is here spending his Easter with my people - or rather with Kitty! For it is truly shocking the way those two are going on! They go for walks before breakfast, walks after breakfast, walks before lunch & so on right up to before dinner, & in the odd times when they are not out tramping the moors (for they seem to avoid the Esplanade) one hardly likes to go round the garden or into the conservatory fearful lest you should run across them holding each other's hands or gazing unutterable nothings into each other's eyes behind a bush! - But it's too bad to laugh! I suppose everybody does it - or has done it some time or another! I gave them all (except Bertie) your message, by the way & they all wish to be very kindly remembered to you. This morning we all went to the new house they have taken. It's an awfully jolly house, much larger than this one; the rooms are larger than the old ones at .. Upper Park Road, & there's a (?)beach, garden with flower beds, greenhouses & fruit trees to delight my mother's horticultural soul.

The peach tree had 150 peaches last year, they say, so I'm looking forward to a few of those that they won't be able to eat themselves in the summer! Also there's a real 'drive', stables, coachhouse & all sorts of nice things! It almost makes me inclined to give up Throgmorton Street & apply for a post as boots or under- (very much under-!) gardener! To-morrow Ellis & I are going to risk our lives on the open sea in an open sailing boat that is if we can persuade one of the ancient salts who loaf about the front to let us have a boat without him as well. Ellis is doubtful but he won't submit to the indignity of being accompanied by a sailor. Just as if we didn't know how! But Goodbye.

Space forbids more!

Yours (?)Laurence (?)R/P/B"

SID VALLEY HERITAGE CENTRE Maureen Church at the Sid Vale Heritage Centre very kindly looked into the story further and discovered that Rock Cottage was let to a Mr and Mrs Dawson and family between January 1906 and April 1907 and they then moved on to Spring Gardens, Sidmouth where they lived for three years until Mr Dawson died.

Mrs Church had discovered an article from the Sidmouth Observer reporting on his funeral which tells us he was Mr. James Wiliam Dawson aged 77 and his mourners included four sons and three daughters. They included a Mr.L.H.Dawson, Mr.E.M.Dawson and a Miss K.M.Dawson, who could possibly be Laurence, Ellis and Kitty - but no mention of Bertie Hicks. Since this was four years after the postcard was written it seems that maybe the romance between Kitty and Bertie never came to marriage. In the postcard, you sense that Laurence at least does not particularly like Bertie, so perhaps the family disapproved, maybe the couple simply lost interest in each other or did something tragic happen to Bertie?

It seems that the family probably moved away from Sidmouth after the death of their father and that makes it hard to trace their story any further. It would be wonderful if anybody out there were able to find out more about the story. However even if this is all we ever know of the Dawsons, the postcard gives a charming view into the intensity of the love affair between Kitty and Bertie at the time, as well as some fascinating insights into life in Sidmouth 100 years ago.

Have you got memories of SIDMOUTH DEVON Get in touch EMAIL [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ] SIDMOUTH GUIDE [ www.sidmouth.com ]

______________________________

Sidmouth, Fore Street 1904

THIS PHOTOGRAPGH OF FORE STREET SIDMOUTH DEVON EX10 DEVON ENGLAND
TAKEN IN 1904 REF-NO 52071- **THIS PHOTOGRAPH IS COPYRGHT**
THE FRANCIS FRITH COLLECTION
photographic publishers since 1860

Frith Memories - read & share memories of your local community

"SEND US YOUR BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOGRAPHS"
Do you have Black & White photographs of Sidmouth Devon did you live here do you come here regualary on holiday born here and moved to a distant location

Every Photograph tells a story share your memories with us here on the "Sidmouth Guide" Sidmouth Community Website.
Contact us here in Sidmouth Devon England United Kingdom
Email [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]

Searching & Looking around the West Country THE SOUTH WEST try Devon4business The A-Z of Devon Towns & Villages.
[ www.devon4business.co.uk ]

The magazine for "East Devon" The Magazine for Sidmouth Devon Sidmouth Magazine "Sidmouthlife" [ www.eastdevonlife.co.uk ]

[ The Book of Sidmouth ]

[ Sidmouth Steppers ]

[ Sidmouth Town Band ]

[ *Tea at the Victoria* by author Jenny Fensom
a Holiday Sketchbook of the West Country
]

[ Mutters Head ]

[ Mike Montague Remembers ]

Lorna Dighton has kindly sent in this BLACK & WHITE photograpgh taken in the mid 1930's in Sidmouth Devon England.

1930's in Sidmouth Devon England

Hello,

I am writing from Nova Scotia, Canada. While doing research on my husband's family I believe his grandfather lived as a small boy in Sidmouth in the early 1900's.

We believe that he was the son of Thomas H. and Mary A Spiers.A 1901 cencus places them in Sidmouth.

He (Reginald) was sent to Canada in 1906 as a boy,from The Bernardo Home for Boys. His brother (Leslie) came a couple of years later. We are looking for information that might tell us what happened in their lives in the years between 1901-1906.

We were told that they lived with an Uncle Jack , maybe from Northern England ,before going to the Home.

We would certainly appreciate it if there is any way of confirming this information from sources in the community.

Regards Diane Spiers

If you can make out the background location of where in Sidmouth it was taken please get in touch with us at the Sidmouth Guide thats Sidmouth Website [ www.sidmouth.com ] email [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ] If you have any photo memories of Sidmouth in Devon then let us know we would love to hear from you.

TELL US YOUR STORIES, OR EMAIL [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]

______________________________

While working on my family genealogy I came across your website. My parents, Peter Ridgway and June Carnell, both grew up in Sidmouth. I was born in Sidmouth and lived there until 1958 when at the age of four I immigrated with my parents to Toronto and then on to California in 1960. My grandfather was Cyril Carnell, great grandfather Richard Charles Carnell and great great grandfather James Carnell were all from Sidmouth.
I have attached 3 photos that I think you might find interesting.

1) What appears to be a Sidmouth Boy Scout encampment - taken by AW Ellis

Sidmouth Boy Scout encampment

2) Woolbrook Garage - owned by Cyril Carnell and Charlie Horwell

Woolbrook Garage

3) Alec Watson - first store manager of Sidmouth Woolworth's with June Carnell on the left.

First Store Manager of Sidmouth Woolworth

I love old photographs and am looking for any of my family - Ridgway, Carnell, Finnimore, Bole Families. Maybe you would know if there is a Sidmouth historic society or museum that might have old photos.

Enjoy the photos.
Hilary Ridgway Olmstead

______________________________

My name is Peter van Hanegem, I'm Dutch and I would like to get in touch with people in Weston that knew a man called Morris Tucker.
He died in 2001 and he used to own a Holiday Park in Highlands Weston Sidmouth.

Do you remember anything of him?

Your help would be much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Peter van Hanegem

______________________________

Do you have memories of SIDMOUTH - HONITON-SIDBURY-SIDFORD-NEWTON POPPLEFORD - TIPTON ST JOHN- OTTERY ST MARY-DUNKESWELL-WOLFORD CHAPEL.
Get in touch with the SIDMOUTH GUIDE
email [ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ]

Check out more "Devon Memories" locate old friends - help us locate your relations and trace your family history. CLICK [ DEVON MEMORIES ]

Images of Sidmouth

Sidmouth Theatre

CLICK ON MANOR PAVILION to see the BOX OFFICE

Hotels in SIDMOUTH nearby to the Sidmouth Theatre

Bed and Breakfast Accommodation nearby to the Theatre

TAXI RANK in SIDMOUTH take you to the theatre

Sidmouth High Street Shopping Centre

The Sidmouth Amateur Dramatic Society was founded in 1922 and until 1956, with a gap during the war years, produced one play a year at the Manor Pavilion, Sidmouth. Find out more about the society here

Seaside Towns

seaside-towns

In a recent survey of picture postcard seaside resorts across the united kingdom Ten of the Best by "HOLIDAY WHICH" SURVEY

1. Whitby Yorkshire
2. Wells Next-the sea in Norfolk.
3. Frinton on sea Essex
4. Swanage Dorset
5. Sidmouth Devon,described as an Elegant Regency Town flanked by glorious cliff scenery.
6. St Ives Cornwall
7. Tenby Wales
8. Abersoch North Wales
9. Rothesay Isle of Bute
10.Portrush Northen Ireland.

The Survey carried out by Lorna Cowan editor of "HOLIDAY WHICH"

So here you are located at Sidmouth in Devon, we hope you enjoy your visit and browse around our beautiful seaside resort looking at our wonderful Devon Photographs of Sidmouth taken in all the seasons of the year.

The seaside review in "Holiday Which" says Sidmouth an Elegant Regency town, has been transformed from a fishing village into a fashionable seaside town. It has highlighted two of Sidmouths longstanding shops Fields Department store and Trumps in Fore Street the Norman Lockyer Observatory and the Museum and noted the historical walks organised by the "Sid Vale Association"

Although being ranked number 5 out of ten “Holiday Which” spokes person said the top ten had not been listed in a particular order.

A business consortium are currently looking into operating a state of the art 150 seater Hovercraft to run excursions along the Jurassic coastline that has World Heritage status for its 95 mile journey from Bournemouth to Exmouth in Devon the “Jurassic Adventure” is planning to link with the X53 jurassic bus service.

Currenty Sidmouth is served by a coastal Cruiser operating from Exmouth to Sidmouth Beach in the height of the season.

seaside-towns2

Tourist Information

tourist

 

Ti Tourist Info "QUICK GUIDE" its the QUICK Way to see what Sidmouth has to offer our "VISITORS"

Sidmouth Devon England UK Postcode EX10

"A regency town by the sea"-part of the World Heritage Coastline from Lyme Bay to Exmouth.Unspolit Esplanade with stunning coastal views with beautiful gardens.Traditional High Street with individual character shops boutiques-cafes-restaurants-Sidmouth in Bloom-Sidmouth Folk Week.

"QUICK LINKS"

[ Sidmouth HD Movies ]

[ Views of Sidmouth MOVIE ]

[ SIDMOUTH HOTELS ]

[ SIDMOUTH AREA ] guest accommodation-self catering-b/b-cottages.

[ Camping & Caravanning ]

[ SIDMOUTH Wine & Dine ]

[ SIDMOUTH FOLK WEEK ]

[ SIDMOUTH THEATRE ]

[ Sidmouth Photographs ] "get a taste of Sidmouth"

[ Sidmouth Memories ]

[ Sidmouth Shopping & Business Guide ]

[ Sidmouth TAXI ]

[ Sports & Activities ] around Sidmouth

[ Sidmouth Holidays ] We hope to meet you soon.

[ Location-Location ] if you have been before & cannot remember the shop
name here you can go street by street in the Town centre see the shop click and go.

[ Seaside Towns ]

[ Sidmouth Shopping Centre ] "A QUICK GUIDE" to some of the Shops Business in town

Sidmouth Tourist Information Tel 01395 516441

Nearest Railway Station HONITON DEVON
London Waterloo - Honiton Exeter -National Express Coach Exeter
By Road A303-A30 HONITON-M5 MOTORWAY EXETER Exeter International Airport a short drive.

"Sidmouth Comprehensive Guide" ONLINE 24-7 updated Daily [ www.sidmouth.com ]
"Sidmouth Website" [ www.sidmouth.com ]
"THE COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE FOR SIDMOUTH DEVON"

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Sidmouth Museum

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sidmouth_museum

Sidmouth Museum
Hope Cottage
Church Street
Sidmouth
EX10 8LY

SIDMOUTH MUSEUM

Hope Cottage is situated by the parish Church in Church Street Sidmouth.
The museum portrays the rich and varied history of this lovely regency town highlights of the collections include regency prints, old photographs, Victoriana, costume lace and famous residents local craft demonstrations are held occasionally throughout the season. Museum staff lead guided tours of Sidmouth.

What others say about Sidmouth Devon
A town still caught in a timeless charm.
That was the Sidmouth that captivated the Poet Laureate John Betjeman every time he visited Sidmouth.
Beautiful gardens and leisurely walks regency history and fine hotels clean and friendly shops.
Its all here in the beaches and countryside of this historic and lovely seaside town that nestles beneath majestic red cliffs and the green hills of the glorious Sid Valley.
Its timeless charm which has captivated so many through the years.
There are two kinds of English seaside resort Sidmouth and the rest.

Quoted by Guardian Newspaper
David McKie Guardian newspaper correspondent August 2003

Sidmouth Holidays

Sidmouth is a very popular holiday resort, where visitors return year after year from all around the world. There is so much to see here with our beautiful Sidmouth In Bloom, where everyone makes that extra effort to show the town off with beautiful hanging baskets displayed outside their shops, businesses, hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast establishments, and private homes. With the floral displays in the towns public gardens, Blackmore Gardens just off the high street and Connaught Gardens at the end of the esplanade towards Peak Hill and the well known Jacobs Ladder. It truly creates a picture postcard scene.

Sidmouth Esplanade

With our Blackmore Gardens situated just behind the high street with level access you can wander through to see the bowls, tennis courts, croquet and putting green, where you can sit and relax with the shops and sea close by.

Jacobs Ladder and Connaught Gardens, with its stunning sea views, is an elevated spot with more beautiful gardens, with plenty of seating and open lawns in view of the bandstand where the Sidmouth Town Band and other musicians play during the summer season.

With our town centre swimming pool at the Ham end of the esplanade this gives you a choice on a rainy day to use this indoor facility or swim from our Sidmouth beach which is situated at the end of the traditional Sidmouth high street.

Sidmouth is renowned for its blue plaques on its listed buildings where we have retained the towns character with that old fashioned style of high street with our individual selection of shops, boutiques, crafts, gifts, antiques, dairies, family butchers, bakers, greengrocers, florists, haberdashers, jewellers, leathergoods, cycle shops, dressmakers, book shops, china and glassware, stationers, picture framers, picture galleries, hardware, fabric shops, hairdressers, barbers, beauty salons, street cafes, ice cream parlours, bars, restaurants, with home furnishers, traditional grocers store Trumps, mobile phone shops, internet cafes, builders merchants, home interior design and fireplace specialists, iron foundry, and Sidmouths renowned departmental store Fields with nearby Woops a Daisy florist adjacent in the Market Place of Sidmouth. In Sidmouth high street we have supermarkets, property agents and financial services and approximately 1 mile from town centre we have the popular Waitrose store.

When you have finished your shopping you may like a break and a few minutes drive from Sidmouth High Street, into Salcombe Hill you go up the steep hill to the Norman Lockyer Observatory, a working planetarium.

For a day out of Sidmouth centre you can drive out of Sidmouth towards Lyme a 10 minute drive and your at the very popular Donkey Sanctury founded in 1969 by Elizabeth Svensden now a very popular tourist attraction thats created a safe haven for these gentle creatures always so much going on here, the adults and children just love the Donkey Sanctuary.

THE SIDMOUTH GUIDE

SIDMOUTH INFORMATION CENTRE online 24-7 updated daily that’s www.sidmouth.com

Sidmouth also has its own thriving Manor Pavilion Theatre and Radway Cinema.

Sidmouth is a place to meet old friends and make new ones, to take a relaxing break whatever time of year.

So enjoy a Devon cream tea on your Sidmouth Holiday!

Do you have any memories of Sidmouth? Let us know via the contact form HERE

Email us at – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the contact form HERE