Sidmouth Beach
Sidmouth town beach guide: sand and shingle below red cliffs, seasonal dog exclusion zone, no lifeguards, Jacob's Ladder steps and kayak hire.
At a Glance
Beach Type
mixed
Dogs
Seasonal restrictions
Lifeguard
No
Parking
Available
Access
Easy access
Facilities
Activities
Stay near Sidmouth Beach
Closest cottage just 100m away
Sidmouth is a town beach in the full sense: a promenade along the back, Regency buildings along the Esplanade, and the red cliffs of East Devon alongside. It suits a day when you want the beach and the town together, with cafes and restaurants nearby. If you are staying in Sidmouth, it is the obvious place to start.
The beach
The town beach is sand and shingle, with red sand and rock pools exposed when the tide is low. There is a slipway at the eastern end that gives boats access to the sea, and kayaks and canoes are available for hire at the western end. The beach has a good level of disabled access and facilities.
Jacob’s Ladder Beach is mostly a pebble beach at the western end of the town beach. The wooden steps of Jacob’s Ladder lead up to Connaught Gardens.
Swimming and lifeguards
No lifeguard is present at this beach, and buoys mark where swimming is permitted. Use the buoyed area, keep children close and stay out of the water in rough conditions.
Dogs
Sidmouth is one of five East Devon beaches with seasonal dog restrictions between 1 May and 30 September. Dogs are allowed all year on Port Royal Beach at the eastern end of the prom, but banned between Jacob’s Ladder and the last access ramp at the turning circle. Dogs are permitted on the west end of the beach, and must be on a lead by the Jacob’s Ladder beach huts and the Esplanade. Check the signs on arrival, as zones are marked on the ground.
Parking and nearby
The beach has car parking and toilets, so check the signs at the car park for the tariff on the day. Sidmouth sits on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and Branscombe and Beer are other East Devon beaches on the same coast.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Is Sidmouth Beach lifeguarded?
- No. There is no lifeguard at the town beach, and buoys mark where swimming is permitted.
- Are dogs allowed on Sidmouth Beach?
- Dogs are excluded from parts of the town beach from 1 May to 30 September. They are allowed all year on Port Royal Beach at the eastern end of the prom.
- What is Sidmouth Beach like?
- It is a sand and shingle beach backed by a promenade. At low tide, red sand and rock pools are exposed.
- Is Sidmouth Beach accessible?
- The beach has a good level of disabled access and facilities.