Seaside trip to Sidmouth – Devon

“Oh I do like to be beside the seasiiide…”

Every chance I get when I’m at my family cottage in Devon I take a trip to the neighbouring seaside town: Sidmouth. There’s something about this regency town that has a timeless charm.

Instead of the usual drive from Sidbury, this time, we decided to walk there.

With my timbs on and my checkered shirt wrapped round me and my trusty camera at my side, I was ready to sea-ze the day.

It’s about a 4 mile walk from the village which takes no time at all when you’re distracted by the beauty of the countryside.

It’s a rule in the country bumpkin book that one must jump off every log one sees, so naturally…

Once you’ve walked through winding country lanes, past streams and through parks, you can start to smell the saltiness in the air and feel the fresh wind on your face as you approach the ocean shore.

Having walked up quite an appetite, we took a pitstop to Sidmouth Trawlers on Ham Lane. It would be pretty shellfish of me not to tell you about this plaice as it’s the only one plaice you should go when hanger occurs.

As well as selling locally caught fish from bass to brill, dover to lemon sole, it makes the most divine crab rolls, so we each crabbed one to go and went on our merry way to sit by the sea.

Just take a moment to admire the juicy and tender looking crab nestled in a soft crusty white roll… MM mmm.

Fully satisfied, we walked along the sea front taking in our surroundings of the red rocks, brilliant blue skies and smiles of those who passed us.

I find there’s something really spiritual about walking by the sea… it’s said to blow away all your cobwebs and I think there’s something in that. The purity of the place makes you feel peaceful.

My parents were looking for some furniture for the cottage and I was looking for a dear friend’s birthday present, so we went to Beachcomber.

This place is incredible. Mirrors made with oars, tables made with drift and reclaimed wood, delicately handmade seashell ornaments.

Plus, it sells the coolest candles on earth. This beauty below is made of himalayan pink salt. The idea, is that they improve the quality of the air when burnt by producing negative ions which are good for our health. Positive ions are things like computers, signals, radio receivers etc. and the crystal eliminates this. It also has strong medical benefits and bio-energotherapists and homeopaths have recommended it for a long time as it supports treatment of allergies, breathing and your blood.

Beachcomber also shares a little outside courtyard area where you can sit and enjoy tea and scones.

After Beachcomber we went to my favourite shop in all of Sidmouth… Dotty Home.

Clocks and candles, jewellery and jars… Dotty Home is so unique. Everything is perfectly picked or hand crafted. It’s rustic yet elegant with a beach chic vibe. I want to decorate my house with everything in it and I honestly can’t praise it enough.

One of my favourite sections could quite possibly be the jewellery section. Joma Jewllery is dainty and delicate, as well as sophisticated. Everytime I come here I end up adding a piece to my collection.

I like that some of its pieces have meanings behind them, which is perfect for gifts.

Another favourite haunt of mine would have to be Roly’s Fudge Pantry which can be found on the main high street.

Once you enter, you’re greeted by simmering pans of sweet melting fudge and you almost go into a sugar coma right there and then.

They sell every flavour imaginable… sea salt to honeycomb, chilli to hot cross bun! You can buy packs which are great for gifts, make up your own bag or go for a ‘russian roulette’ which has 9 pieces of vanilla and 1 chilli for those of you who are daredevils.

I know. You’re drooling right!? I don’t blame you. Just look at that crumbly soft sweet goodness…

As if I hadn’t had enough sugar (I was buying them for presents, promise!) we made one last stop: Taste of Sidmouth, which has actually won awards for its ice cream.

I went for Bramford Blackberry and white chocolate with clotted cream.

I sat back, basked in the afternoon sun and counted my lucky clouds for how happy I was.

I hope you can sea from this post the hidden treasures Sidmouth has to offer and that if you ever decide to take a trip down to the west country, you’ll have as happy a time as I always do! 🙂