Sidmouth Weekly Holiday Itinerary

Whether you're visiting on your own, or whether you've brought your whole family with you, there's plenty to do in Devon. Active day trips for those with tons of energy, and relaxing site-seeing and local Devonshire traditions for those that prefer to take it easy. We've compiled a list of some places to visit, from which you could pick and choose depending on what you like the look of.

Monday

Connaught Gardens & Jacob's Ladder
Connaught Gardens was first created in the 1930's, and features an artistic approach to gardening. With garden 'rooms', a wide range of plants and flowers, and a traditional greenhouse for some of the more exotic varieties, Connaught will attract most keen gardeners. Whether you want to just relax and a take a walk, or use the recommended 'plant walk' leaflet, there's plenty to see and you can take the Jacob's Ladder steps down onto Sidmouth beach.
Peak Hill Slope can also be popular with the kids, and often during summer there are bands playing at the main lawn. You can find some extra information and a map on East Devon Gov's page for the gardens: www.eastdevon.gov.uk/

Clocktower Tearooms & Restaurant
Right by Connaught Gardens, the Clocktower Tearooms and Restaurant is a recommended stopping point, and perfectly placed to get lunch as you go. An ice cream kiosk is located below, to cool down during hot summer visits.

Tuesday

Sidmouth Golf Course
The Golf Course is situated in the Sid Valley and offers stunning views of Lyme Bay. Suitable for novices and experienced players alike, it would be the perfect day trip for a golf lover. The clubhouse provides home-cooked food for lunches and dinners, or for a coffee while overlooking the course and contemplating your play. Accompanying family members without the same enthusiasm for the game might want to take a trip to Lyme Bay for the day, and rejoin you at the 18th hole.
For course details and fees, check the website: www.sidmouthgolfclub.co.uk

Wednesday

Norman Lockyer Observatory
The observatory is a historical working optical observatory and an education centre for science. Pre-bookings for public events mean you can gain access to the working telescopes and projects that are held for visiting families and groups. Groups will be visiting most weeks of the year, so phone the Observatory and see if you can be included in one of the scheduled visits. They have information for visitors, and contact information on their website here: www.projects.ex.ac.uk/nlo/welcome.htm

Thursday

The Donkey Sanctuary & Hayloft Restaurant
The donkey sanctuary is a charming and peaceful place to visit, many of the donkeys in residence being older rescue animals who are kept at the sanctuary in order to be close to the veterinarian. Enjoy a walk round the fields to meet the donkeys, and when you get hungry the Hayloft Restaurant can provide lunch, or a snack and coffee. For information on opening times, and how to visit, see their website here: www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

Friday

Countryside Park Farway
Based nearby in Colyton, Countryside Park Farway is the perfect place for a family to spend a day. The kids will love the petting zoo, play areas and rides around the farm, and older visitors will enjoy the animal shows and displays. For seasonal events and attractions within the park, check their website: www.countrysideparkfarway.co.uk

Neil's Restaurant
Owner and Chef Neil Harding uses the best of seafood supplies from local suppliers and fishers to provide a wide range of seafood dishes. From Peppered Seared Tuna Loin to Whole Sea Bass Steamed with Ginger, and plenty of more traditional choices too. You can view menus and opening times on their website here: www.neilsrestaurant.co.uk

Saturday

Buckfastleigh Steam Railway
This charming steam railway with authentically dressed guardsmen and workers, can even cater for cream teas on board if you sit in the restaurant carriage! Enjoy traditional Devonshire tea in this setting, and take a short ride from Totnes to Buckfastleigh with the train whistling all the way. Find information on how to find the stations here: www.southdevonrailway.org/Location.html

Buckfastleigh Butterfly & Otter Sanctuary
Step off the steam train in Buckfastleigh, turn left and walk a few yards, and you'll find the Butterfly and Otter Sanctuary. You might find you can get a discounted ticket if you ride the steam train to get to the Sanctuary, and the visit is sure to satisfy both younger kids and older animal fans. You can find out more information about the kind of animals living in the sanctuary, and opening times, here: www.ottersandbutterflies.co.uk

Sunday

Buckfast Abbey
Buckfast Abbey is about a 50 minutes drive from Sidmouth, but is well worth the short trip. Set in the small, traditional and calming village of Buckfastleigh, the Abbey has a long history and is still inhabited by Benedictine monks. There is the chance to take a visitors tour and learn about the bee-keeping at the Abbey, and it's Buckfast Tonic Wine. There is a well equipped restaurant and shop, so you don't have to go running looking for food and facilities if you end up spending all day there. You can also venture into the village for a look around, to enjoy some of the smaller more unique stores. If you visit on a Sunday, remember the Abbey is open from noon, whereas on other days you can visit as early as 9am or 10am. Find lots of information on the Abbey and opening times here: www.buckfast.org.uk