Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Where so many seaside towns have lost their shine, Sidmouth on the South East Devon coast has retained its Regency lustre &#8211; all Blue Flag beaches and busy labyrinth of indie galleries, boutiques and cafés at its heart. That, and the <em>very</em> desirable range of period property, from thatched cottages and Gothic gems to Victorian and Georgian family homes, has kept it firmly in Muddy&#8217;s Best Places to Live 2026. </p>



<p>Sure, it&#8217;s long been a Mecca for tourists and the well-heeled retired, but it&#8217;s far from sleepy, thanks to younger families moving here during Covid, and especially in August when the annual Folk Festival serenades the town. Away from the beachfront Esplanade, you&#8217;ll find the paths less travelled, which locals love and tourists rarely venture to, including the riverside park and community orchard, The Byes, which runs by the tranquil River Sid down to Lyme Bay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/Rockfish-Brixham-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rockfish Brixham" class="wp-image-84573" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/Rockfish-Brixham-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/Rockfish-Brixham-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/Rockfish-Brixham-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2026/03/Rockfish-Brixham.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sidmouth isn&#8217;t short of a coffee shop or two – try the locals&#8217; favourite <a href="https://www.tasteofsidmouth.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taste of Sidmouth</a>. Pick up fresh local fish and shellfish from the family fishermen, <a href="http://sidmouthtrawlers.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidmouth Trawlers</a> on the the eastern end of the Esplanade, indie seafood restaurant <a href="https://www.neilsrestaurant.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neil&#8217;s</a>, or <a href="https://www.thepeagreenboat.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pea Green Boat</a> with its stylish al fresco seafront-facing eatery. For a pint in the sunshine, there&#8217;s <a href="https://www.swaninnsidmouth.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Swan</a>, <a href="https://dukessidmouth.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dukes </a>and <a href="https://theanchorinn-sidmouth.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Anchor Inn</a>, or if it&#8217;s light bites and a cocktail you&#8217;re after, <a href="https://www.theloftsidmouth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Loft</a> with its roof terrace. When something special is in order, <a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/at-combe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">THE PIG-at Combe</a> and its laidback luxe and 25-mile menu is just seven miles away at Gittisham, along with its kitchen gardens and Folly. Locals and dog-walkers rate <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kapes.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kape&#8217;s Kiosk</a> for a local Roastworks coffee right on the seafront, and, always a sure sign of a vibrant town, local seafood restaurant chain, <a href="https://therockfish.co.uk/pages/sidmouth-seafood-restaurant?srsltid=AfmBOoonaTZhNrJHhqQxJ5Ihb1vwVJERFxi1CfIsroIgyg3tx5RAHZsa" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rockfish</a>, opened in March at the iconic Drill Hall.   </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="792" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/118498_1e12ea6722f94ff29cd405f6abe24eedmv2.jpg" alt="Sid Valley Pottery" class="wp-image-70048" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/118498_1e12ea6722f94ff29cd405f6abe24eedmv2.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/118498_1e12ea6722f94ff29cd405f6abe24eedmv2-800x528.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/118498_1e12ea6722f94ff29cd405f6abe24eedmv2-1000x660.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/118498_1e12ea6722f94ff29cd405f6abe24eedmv2-768x507.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sid Valley Pottery</figcaption></figure>



<p>The town centre is abuzz with indie stores, including the still-thriving independent department store, <a href="https://www.fieldsofsidmouth.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fields</a>, with a good beauty counter and a range of contemporary clothes and homeware concessions and the 150-year old indie homeware store, <a href="https://www.potburys.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Potburys</a>. Fill your food basket at <a href="https://www.brownskitchen.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Browns Kitchen Bakery</a> for amazing cakes and specialist cheeses from <a href="https://www.cheeseboardsidmouth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Cheeseboard</a> or for your big weekly shop, Waitrose, Lidl and a butchers at <a href="http://easthillpridefarmshop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">East Hill Pride Farm Shop</a> on the outskirts. </p>



<p>Libra Court is home to the galleries and makers, including beautiful homemade earthenware pots at <a href="https://www.sidvalleypottery.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sid Valley Pottery</a>. Boutique-wise, there&#8217;s the new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570620881969" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gladrags</a> selling contemporary Danish brands, your usual coastal stores like Seasalt and White Stuff, but also an excellent designer dress agency, <a href="https://www.louisedressagency.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Louise</a>, where you might find a very reasonably priced Chanel clutch or LK Bennett shoes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/sidmouth-harbour.jpg" alt="Sidmouth Harbour Hotel " class="wp-image-77354" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/sidmouth-harbour.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/sidmouth-harbour-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/sidmouth-harbour-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/sidmouth-harbour-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/sidmouth-harbour-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/07/sidmouth-harbour-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>Sidmouth is brilliant for walks, with the beachfront, the Connaught Gardens and The Byes. The Victoria Hotel has a <a href="https://victoriahotel.co.uk/source-spa-wellness" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luxury spa</a>, indoor and outdoor heated pools, tennis court and 18-hole putting green, while membership to <a href="https://www.harbourhotels.co.uk/our-hotels/devon/harbour-hotel-sidmouth/harspa-sidmouth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HarSPA </a>at Harbour Hotel gives you access to fitness classes, a gym and heated swimming pool. Choose from two town centre health centres along with dentists, and a range of alternative therapies, including herbalism, massage and nutritional medicine at <a href="https://www.essential-therapies.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Essential Therapies</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>The town has a cinema, swimming pool, theatre, skate park, youth groups and every kind of dance, drama and sporting activity for children. The range of <a href="https://sidmouth.gov.uk/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clubs and classes</a> is phenomenal, from Pilates, tennis and badminton to film club and a paperless choir. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/595992884211831/about?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidmouth Community Facebook</a> page for a flavour of loads going on.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="720" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/The-Donkey-Sanctuary-1.jpg" alt="The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth Devon " class="wp-image-18359" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/The-Donkey-Sanctuary-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/The-Donkey-Sanctuary-1-300x216.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/The-Donkey-Sanctuary-1-768x553.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2019/09/The-Donkey-Sanctuary-1-694x500.jpg 694w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Donkey Sanctuary</figcaption></figure>



<p>Sidmouth&#8217;s child and dog-friendly <a href="https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Donkey Sanctuary</a> with its rescued donks from around the globe has trails and a brilliant café serving local fare, while <a href="https://www.pecorama.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pecorama</a> is a go-to for train and rail enthusiasts of all ages, and the <a href="https://www.worldofcountrylife.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World of Country Life</a> for farmyard fun and vintage vehicles. For culture vultures, nearby Honiton has live events, cinema and community events at the award-winning <a href="https://beehivehoniton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beehive</a> and contemporary art and craft exhibitions, talks and workshops at <a href="https://www.thelmahulbert.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thelma Hulbert Gallery</a>. If you&#8217;re interested in finding out more about the Jurassic Coast and its prehistory, pop into <a href="https://www.sidmouthmuseum.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidmouth Museum</a> to see the collection of fossils.</p>



<p>If you&#8217;re planning a recce, take a look at local travel company, <a href="https://www.sweetcombecottages.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sweetcombe Holiday Cottages</a>, who specialise in East Devon self-catering stays.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/folk.jpg" alt="fireworks over Sidmouth " class="wp-image-49285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/folk.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/folk-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/folk-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/folk-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2022/10/folk-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sidmouth Folk Festival</figcaption></figure>



<p>The biggie here is <a href="https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidmouth Folk Festival</a>, a week-long celebration of music, song and dance that takes over the town and seafront every August with over 700 events. The beachfront has its own fun too, with the Regatta and an annual airshow which sees the Red Arrows among the airborne turns.</p>



<p>Thanks to the active <a href="https://www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sid Vale Association</a>, who run the town&#8217;s museum and preserve the town&#8217;s history, you can also go <a href="https://www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk/about-us/local-history" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blue plaque spotting</a> to see where Victorian poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning once lived, or <a href="https://www.parksandgardens.org/places/connaught-gardens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connaught Gardens</a> and the Clock Tower above Jacob&#8217;s Ladder beach where donkeys once carried up chalk to the 18th century lime kiln. Over at nearby Budleigh is the annual <a href="https://budlitfest.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival</a> which draws well-known authors. The late <em>Wolf Hall</em> author and local, Dame Hilary Mantel, was Honorary President. </p>



<p>For foodies, <a href="https://www.tasteeastdevon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taste East Devon</a> every September is a delicious 16-day celebration of the region&#8217;s best chefs, eateries and local producers with a chance to join workshops and tastings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>With an average price of £489,000 expect to pay £707,000 for a detached and £339,000 for a terrace. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/peakaboo-sidmouth.jpeg" alt="coastal home for sale in Sidmouth " class="wp-image-80618" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/peakaboo-sidmouth.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/peakaboo-sidmouth-800x450.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/peakaboo-sidmouth-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/10/peakaboo-sidmouth-768x432.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">How about a cool <a href="https://search.savills.com/property-detail/gbetrsexs250071" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">designer home</a>? Six beds, three bathrooms and coastal views &#8211; yours for £1,000,000 with Savills </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Sidmouth does well for <a href="https://sidmouth.gov.uk/community-services/education/nurseries/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">toddler groups</a>, such as the term-time <a href="https://sidmouth.gov.uk/event/parish-pandas-toddler-group-12/?er=WyIyMDI0LTEwLTEwIDA5OjMwOjAwIiwiMjAyNC0xMC0xMCAxMToxNTowMCJd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parish Pandas</a>, plus <a href="https://www.sidmouth-primary.devon.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidmouth C of E</a> <a href="https://www.sidmouth-primary.devon.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Primary </a>(rated Good by Oftsed) has a nursery while <a href="https://www.stjohnsdevon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St John&#8217;s School</a> caters term-time for ages 2.5 – 4 yrs, 8am – 5pm, with their own safe outdoor play area.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>For bright sparks, Sidmouth is in the catchment for the co-ed Colyton Grammar, while local secondary school <a href="https://www.sidmouthcollege.devon.sch.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidmouth College</a> has a Sixth Form and is rated Good by Ofsted. If you&#8217;re going private, Sidmouth&#8217;s <a href="https://www.stjohnsdevon.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St John&#8217;s </a>suits kids who thrive in a smaller setting, while buses are 1 hr 10 mins to Blundell&#8217;s School in Tiverton, Devon’s oldest independent co-ed for ages 2 – 18&nbsp;yrs (read our&nbsp;<a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/blundells-school-tiverton/">Muddy review here</a>) or 11 miles via bus from nearby Ottery St Mary to <a href="https://www.exeterschool.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Exeter School</a>, an independent co-ed day school for ages 7 – 18 yrs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Award-winning food writer, Mark Diacono, founder of <a href="https://www.otterfarm.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otter Farm</a>, who lives in the town (and frequently gives talks at The PIG-at Combe), tells us it&#8217;s a toss up between two favourites: the more&#8217;ish coffee at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rin_concoffee/?hl=en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rincon</a> on the High Street, and <a href="https://www.sidmouthctcc.org.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sidmouth Cricket Club</a>&#8216;s Pavilion, where you don&#8217;t need to be a member to swing by for a tipple. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Catch a direct train to London Waterloo from Honiton (a 15 min, 9-mile drive inland) and be in the Big Smoke in just under 2 hrs. Exeter is 15 miles away on the main A3052 road.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 260 Places to Live</a>.&nbsp;</em></p>


Sidmouth

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