The seaside town of Sidmouth is one of the many great spots to visit in East Devon, especially with kids. There are loads of fun things to do in Sidmouth that won’t break the bank but will keep the whole family entertained.
In this guide I’m going to help you discover them for yourself including animal experiences, beautiful outdoor spaces and where to hang out when it…rains!
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1. Visit The Donkey Sanctuary
A visit to The Donkey Sanctuary comes firmly at the top of family activities in Sidmouth. I’ve visited several times since my kids were tiny and they still love it as mini-teens.
A huge bonus is that it is completely free to visit and open all year round. Once inside you’ll meet hundreds of the adorable donkeys all waiting eagerly for a bit of attention.
If you want to support this charity’s work while learning more about its residents, buy a seasonal trail sheet to help you explore. There’s always a prize for completed trails.
Not only is the Sanctuary itself an award-winning attraction, but so too is the on-site restaurant where you can have a fresh, locally prepared meal overlooking the views of the countryside.
It is an all round great day out for everyone – including your dogs!
Find out more about visiting Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary.
2. Walk with llamas
Sticking with our animal friends, my next recommendation when you’re planning a visit to Sidmouth with kids is a unique and immersive walking experience with llamas.
Peak Hill Llamas have multiple experiences for you to choose from, depending on the time and budget you have available.
Maybe you want to be a llama keeper for the day, where you can prepare and feed the animals their breakfast and learn all about how to take care of them?
Or, perhaps you want to walk and groom the fluffy-headed creatures? Either way, it’s certain to be a fun and memorable day out in Sidmouth.
3. Visit Sidmouth beach
Known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, a visit to this sand and shingle beach is one of the many great things to do in Sidmouth.
With towering red cliffs and an expanse of beach, this is the perfect spot for sun catching (on those warmer days), rock pooling, swimming and playing along the seafront.
In the summer season you can even hire kayaks and paddle boards.
Plan your day around the tide. During high tide there can be little beach available, but there are still traditional fish and chip shops ready to welcome you for a tasty treat along the promenade.
Check out more great beaches in East Devon.
4. Climb Jacob’s Ladder
A sure-fire way to tire out little legs is to climb Jacob’s Ladder. It has its own stunning section of beach that can be accessed via the infamous 274 steps. Or, you can get to it via a slope from the town.
Either way, I’d recommend making the journey up the steep set of steps, where you can also go beyond the summit and up to Jacob’s Lookout Tower above. It’s worth the extra 48 steps to the top if you’ve got it in you!
5. Picnic in Connaught Gardens
On dry summer days, nothing beats a picnic. And Connaught Gardens makes for the perfect backdrop. You can even enter the gardens from Jacob’s Ladder down below.
Bring along the whole family, roll out the picnic blankets and make sure to save space to sample some of the incredible cakes served in the Clock Tower Cafe!
6. Go skating
Get your skates on at Sidmouth LED for family-friendly roller-skating events.
These sessions are suitable for all ages and abilities, and a large selection of skates are available to hire, (both quad and in-line) from a children’s size six up to an adult’s size 12. Protective gear is also available free of charge.
Find out when the next skating session is on in Sidmouth.
7. Paint pottery
For some rainy day fun in Sidmouth, you can always get creative and paint pottery.
Something Lovely Pottery has plenty of pieces you can turn up and paint. They’ll even fire them for you to collect another day.
Find out more about Something Lovely Pottery.
8. Walk the South West Coast Path
A walk with a sea view is always one of my family’s favourite things to do and this particular section of the South West Coast Path offers some spectacular views.
Stretching between Sidmouth and Seaton, the full coastal walk covers just over ten miles, so come prepared with suitable hiking shoes, water and plenty of snacks.
Keep a lookout for the Frog Stone on your journey. The infamous boulder is a fun point of interest for families and hikers of the trail.
9. See a film at Scott Cinemas
Another rainy day activity if you’re looking for things to do in Sidmouth is to watch a film at Scott Cinemas.
This old-fashioned cinema on Radway Place has all of the mod-cons of bigger chains but offers a more traditional charming setting to enjoy a good movie. With its friendly staff and quirky furnishings, you can buy a bucket of popcorn and watch the latest flicks with your gang.
Find out what’s on at Scott Cinema in Sidmouth.
10. Explore Bicton Park Gardens
Bicton Park’s botanical gardens span a huge 64 acres of land, making it a full day out for families in Sidmouth.
Across the huge gardens you’ll find plenty of things to entertain the kids with both an indoor and outdoor play area, the Bicton Woodland Railway, farmland, nature trails and even a museum. Plus, you can always guarantee a tasty meal in the on-site restaurant.
Find out more about visiting Bicton Park Gardens.
11. Go for a walk at Blackbury Camp
Another one for families who love hiking is to take a walk at Blackbury Camp.
In springtime you’ll be met by a carpet of bluebells along the trail, while in autumn months you’ll enjoy the natural fallen leaves – perfect for welly boots! This dog-friendly walk is ideal for younger ones too as it’s nice and short.
Check out our friend Flip Flops of Wellies’ guide to walks at Blackbury Camp.
Whether you’re picnicking in Connaught Gardens or skimming stones along Sidmouth front, you’re sure to find plenty of family activities in Sidmouth. And don’t forget, Seaton and Exmouth are right on your doorstep too.
Where to stay in Sidmouth
Sidmouth has lots of small independent hotels and holiday lets* to choose from.
Want more ideas for things to do in Devon?
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