Seaside Escape to Sidmouth
Summer just kept giving last week as a group of Regent Travellers made our way to the south coast, staying right on the sea front at Sidmouth, with views of the imposing red cliffs and the sound of the waves lapping the shore.
During the week, we enjoyed walks along the promenade, visiting the pretty Connaught Gardens, with welcome shade from the trees and views out to sea, whilst also stopping at the kiosks for the indulgence of an ice-cream. Being Devon, many establishments served a hearty cream -tea – cream first of course!
Visits included the Donkey Sanctuary, just outside Sidmouth set in rolling Devon hills – a fantastic backdrop, Powderham Castle, with views of the River Exe and sweeping lawns, complete with grazing deer. It is still the family home of the Duke of Devon. More wildlife was on display as we saw the Black Swans in Dawlish.
Mid-week, and still basking in warm sunshine, the group took the Round Robin from Paignton to Totnes: Starting with a steam train along the coast, a hop across the Dart Estuary and a River Cruise to Totnes up the beautiful River Dart. The breathtaking landscape along the way was picture perfect and we were even rewarding with playful seals alongside the boat.
Our last day was packed with more wonderful adventures as we boarded the Seaton Tramway, some enjoying the top deck, passing wetland and wildfowl areas, with more stunning landscapes, of which we never tired. Our day was completed by a visit to Lyme Regis, and the famous Cobb, evoking scenes from Jane Austin’s Persuasion and A French Lieutenant’s Woman. The town itself is a bustling mix of shops, a wide beach front and the Town Mill, where they sell their own flours.
On our return each evening to Sidmouth, wonderfully tired from the sea-air and the sunshine, some of us paddled or even swam in the sea or took a stroll as the sun set, and soaked up Devon at its finest.
Should you wish to travel to this lovely part of the UK please contact us on 01785 818202 or email info@regent-travel.co.uk
