Enjoy the Jurassic Coast from the Water
With its dramatic coastline, fresh sea air, and beautiful bays, Sidmouth is the perfect destination for anyone who enjoys spending time by the water. During the warmer months especially, the sea becomes a huge part of daily life in the town, with visitors and locals alike making the most of the coast.
Whether you prefer a gentle morning swim, paddleboarding along the cliffs, rock pooling with the family, or simply relaxing beside the sea, Sidmouth offers a wide variety of ways to enjoy the water.
In this guide, we explore some of the best swimming spots and sea-based activities in and around Sidmouth.
1. Wild Swimming in Sidmouth
Sea swimming has become increasingly popular in Sidmouth, particularly during the warmer months when calmer conditions and longer days make the coastline especially inviting.
Many visitors begin the day with an early morning swim as the town wakes up, while others prefer an evening dip as the light softens across Lyme Bay. The combination of fresh sea air, dramatic red cliffs, and clear coastal views makes swimming here feel both refreshing and restorative.
Popular spots include:
- Sidmouth Town Beach
- Jacob’s Ladder Beach
- Ladram Bay on calmer days
Several local groups and regular swimmers also meet throughout the year, particularly during summer.
Top tip: Early mornings often provide the calmest sea conditions and quietest beaches.
2. Paddleboarding Along the Jurassic Coast
Stand-up paddleboarding has become one of the most popular summer activities in Sidmouth. On calm mornings, the sea can become beautifully still, creating ideal conditions for paddling along the coastline.
Exploring the Jurassic Coast from the water gives a completely different perspective on Sidmouth’s cliffs and beaches, allowing you to move at a slower pace and discover hidden corners of the coast.
For beginners or visitors without equipment, local providers such as Jurassic Paddle Sports offer seasonal paddleboarding lessons, guided experiences, and equipment hire nearby.
Paddleboarding is particularly popular:
- Early in the morning
- During calm summer evenings
- On clear, sunny days when visibility along the cliffs is at its best
It’s a fantastic way to combine gentle exercise with sightseeing and coastal adventure.
3. Kayaking and Coastal Adventures
Kayaking is another fantastic way to experience the East Devon coastline. Launching from Sidmouth allows visitors to paddle beneath towering red cliffs and explore the Jurassic Coast from sea level.
On calm summer days, kayaking here feels surprisingly peaceful, with only the sounds of seabirds and the water around you.
Nearby activity providers such as Jurassic Paddle Sports offer guided kayaking sessions and equipment hire, making it easy for beginners to try the activity safely.
More experienced kayakers often enjoy exploring further towards:
- Ladram Bay
- Otter Cove
- Budleigh Salterton
The coastline is especially beautiful during early morning or sunset paddles, when the cliffs glow in the evening light.
4. Explore Sidmouth’s Rock Pools
At low tide, parts of Sidmouth Beach reveal fascinating rock pools filled with small sea creatures, shells, and marine life.
For families with children, this is one of the simplest and most enjoyable seaside activities. Crabs, small fish, seaweed, and tiny shrimp can often be spotted among the rocks, turning an ordinary beach visit into a mini adventure.
Rock pooling is especially popular during the summer holidays when the tide is low and the weather is warm.
Top tip: Bring suitable footwear, as the rocks can be slippery.
5. Snorkelling and Marine Life Spotting
On calm summer days, the clear waters around Sidmouth and the wider Jurassic Coast can be surprisingly good for snorkelling and exploring marine life.
While East Devon may not immediately be known as a snorkelling destination, patient visitors are often rewarded with sightings of small fish, crabs, sea anemones, and other coastal wildlife around rocky areas and sheltered bays.
Popular spots for gentle snorkelling include:
- Jacob’s Ladder Beach
- Ladram Bay
- Beer Beach on calmer days
Snorkelling is a relaxing way to experience the coastline from a different perspective and is particularly enjoyable during warm, sunny weather when the sea is calmer and visibility improves.
Top tip: Early mornings often provide the clearest water conditions before beaches become busier later in the day.
6. Boat Trips and Wildlife Cruises
For those who prefer to enjoy the sea without getting in the water, nearby boat trips offer another fantastic way to experience the coastline.
Operators such as Stuart Line Cruises run a range of summer excursions along the Jurassic Coast and River Exe.
Depending on the trip, visitors may spot:
- Seabirds and coastal wildlife
- Hidden coves and cliffs
- Estuary scenery
- Beautiful sunset views
Boat trips are particularly popular with couples and groups looking for a more relaxed coastal experience.
7. Explore Ladram Bay by the Water
Just along the coast from Sidmouth, Ladram Bay is one of East Devon’s most distinctive coastal locations. Famous for its striking red sandstone sea stacks, the bay is particularly popular during the summer months for water-based activities.
On calmer days, visitors can enjoy:
- Swimming in sheltered waters
- Paddleboarding around the sea stacks
- Kayaking along the coastline
- Relaxing on the beach
The scenery here feels very different from Sidmouth itself and offers a more tucked-away, adventurous coastal atmosphere.
Because of its unique rock formations and calmer conditions, Ladram Bay has become a favourite spot for paddleboarders and kayakers exploring the Jurassic Coast.
8. Discover Nearby Beaches and Bays
Sidmouth also makes a great base for exploring other beaches along the Jurassic Coast.
Nearby locations include:
- Budleigh Salterton
- Branscombe
- Beer
- Exmouth
- Ladram Bay
Each offers something slightly different, from quiet pebble coves and dramatic cliffs to sandy stretches and watersports.
Exploring different beaches across East Devon is one of the pleasures of a longer summer stay in Sidmouth. For more info, visit our Top 5 Beach Blog here.
9. Relax by the Water at the Bedford Hotel & Pea Green Boat
After a day spent enjoying the sea, there’s nothing better than returning to the seafront to relax and unwind.
Located directly overlooking Sidmouth Beach, the Bedford Hotel offers the perfect base for sea lovers and swimmers. Guests can spend the day in and around the water before returning for:
- Drinks with sea views
- Seasonal dining in the Pynes Bar and Restaurant
- Afternoon coffee overlooking the promenade
- Relaxed evenings by the coast
Just a short stroll along the seafront, The Pea Green Boat – the Bedford Hotel’s sister café and bar – is another favourite spot during the summer months.
Situated right beside the water, it’s ideal for post-swim coffees, relaxed lunches, and sunset drinks after a day by the sea.
Stay Safe Around the Coast
While the sea is one of Sidmouth’s greatest attractions, it’s always important to respect the coastline and sea conditions.
Visitors should:
- Check tide times before swimming or exploring
- Avoid swimming in rough conditions
- Take care near cliff edges
- Wear suitable footwear for rocky areas
- Supervise children carefully near the water
The Jurassic Coast is incredibly beautiful, but conditions can change quickly.
Plan Your Coastal Escape to Sidmouth
From paddleboarding and kayaking to sea swimming and rock pooling, Sidmouth offers countless ways to enjoy the Jurassic Coast from the water.
What makes the town special is the balance it provides: exciting enough for active visitors, yet relaxed enough to enjoy at a slower pace.
Whether you are visiting for adventure, relaxation, or a traditional seaside holiday, Sidmouth’s coastline offers something for everyone.
We look forward to welcoming you by the sea.
