Even though winter in Sidmouth is generally quite temperate we love the onset of spring. As the daylight hours get longer and the sun makes a more regular appearance, it’s time to enjoy the great outdoors again and make the most of the activities on offer in and around Sidmouth.
Here’s our round-up of the top five things to do in Sidmouth this spring:
The “Valley of a Million Bulbs”
Thanks to a generous gift bequeathed by multi-millionaire Keith Owen, every spring Sidmouth bursts into flower from the 623,000 bulbs planted across Sidmouth under the “Valley of a Million Bulbs” project.
March is the month to see the flowers at their best. The most spectacular displays are across Peak Hill and the Byes.
Sidmouth valley, ridge and Jurassic Coast walk
This 5.5 miles moderate, circular walk starts and ends on the Esplanade, just a few yards up from the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel. The route takes in Sidmouth and the River Sid as well as one of the Sidmouth’s neighbouring ridges and links the two elements via the South West Coast Path which gives superb views along the Jurassic Coast.
Springtime is the perfect time to enjoy this walk before the heat of the summer.
Bicton Botanical Gardens
Set in the picturesque Otter Valley, just 4.5 miles from the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel these magnificent grade 1 listed gardens showcase nearly 300 years of horticultural history. Although open throughout the year, we think Bicton Botanical Gardens are at their best in spring when the rhododendrons and magnolias are in full bloom and the 180-year old wisteria blossoms in May.
Sidmouth Museum
After a winter closure, the Sidmouth Museum reopens its doors to visitors every spring. Located in a Regency cottage in Sidmouth, the museum has two floors of displays and exhibits charting Sidmouth’s history from a fishing village to the present day town.
Throughout the season the museum runs weekly guided geology and town walks.
Beer Heights Light Railway
A ride on The Beer Heights Light Railway, high on the hillside above the village of Beer, offers wonderful views over Lyme Bay and along the Jurassic Coast, to the distant Portland Bill. The railway is closed over winter but reopens in spring so why not be one of the first to ride the route in 2018?
If you’d like to enjoy Sidmouth this spring, why not take advantage of our Spring Break Offer. Stay with us for two nights or more in March (before 29th March) and receive sparkling wine and chocolates in your room on arrival. Also, enjoy a complimentary session in our hydra-spa and a coffee with cake in our contemporary Blinis Café-Bar.
Click here for prices and booking details.
