Sidmouth Beach
13 miles from Exeter • Town beach plus surrounding coast path
Sidmouth offers a quintessentially English seaside experience with its Regency architecture and dramatic red cliffs. Seasonal restrictions apply to the main town beach (May-September), but Port Royal beach at the eastern end allows dogs year-round, and Jacobs Ladder Beach permits dogs off-lead (with some on-lead areas).
© John Jennings, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph
Easy
Town beach plus surrounding coast path
Yes
Pay and display - varies by season
Overview
Sidmouth offers a quintessentially English seaside experience with its Regency architecture and dramatic red cliffs. Seasonal restrictions apply to the main town beach (May-September), but Port Royal beach at the eastern end allows dogs year-round, and Jacobs Ladder Beach permits dogs off-lead (with some on-lead areas).
What to Expect
A charming seaside town with shingle beach, dramatic red cliffs, and excellent coast path walking. The beach is mixed shingle and sand. Less crowded than Exmouth but still popular in summer. Penalty for breaching dog orders is £100.
Best For
- ✓Jacobs Ladder beach (year-round access)
- ✓Port Royal beach (year-round)
- ✓Coast path walking
- ✓Dramatic cliff scenery
- ✓Classic British seaside experience
Not Ideal For
- ⚠Main beach in summer (May-Sept dog ban)
- ⚠Sandy beach lovers
Things to Be Aware Of
- ⚠Dogs BANNED from main town beach May 1 - September 30
- ⚠Dogs on leads near Jacobs Ladder beach huts and along esplanade
- ⚠£100 penalty for breaching dog orders
- ⚠Cliff edges on coast path - keep dogs controlled
- ⚠Shingle can be hard on paws
Local Tips from Evie
Port Royal beach at the eastern end of the promenade is your best bet for year-round dog access. Jacobs Ladder Beach allows dogs off-lead (but on-lead near beach huts). The coast path east towards Salcombe Mouth is spectacular. Many cafes welcome dogs in outdoor areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can dogs go at Sidmouth beach?
Port Royal beach (eastern end) and Jacobs Ladder Beach allow dogs year-round. Main town beach is dog-free May 1 - September 30.
Are dog restrictions enforced at Sidmouth?
Yes - East Devon Council enforces the Public Spaces Protection Order with a £100 penalty for breaches.
Can dogs be off-lead at Jacobs Ladder Beach?
Yes, off-lead is permitted except in front of the beach huts and along the esplanade where dogs must be on leads.
Practical Information
Sidmouth Seafront, Sidmouth
EX10 8BE
Several car parks in Sidmouth town centre and along the seafront.
Dogs BANNED from main beach between Jacobs Ladder and the access ramp opposite Sidmouth Sailing Club from 1st May to 30th September. Port Royal beach (eastern end of promenade) allows dogs ALL YEAR. Jacobs Ladder Beach permits dogs off-lead year-round EXCEPT in front of beach huts and along esplanade (on-lead required there).
