Jacobs

This picturesque seaside town in England dates back to Victorian times, and whilst it might be more low-key than other resorts, it has one of the UK’s best beaches

For some people, a trip to the seaside isn’t complete without a crowded pier, exciting rollercoasters, or a trip to the arcade – and the UK has seaside resorts like this across the country.

But this kind of scene is just not everyone’s cup of tea, and if you have been longing for a trip to the coast, minus the loud attractions – then this picturesque town in Devon that is rich with history is well worth considering for your next family holiday.

Especially if the quality of the beach is your number one priority, then this idyllic seaside town is definitely somewhere you need to check out. It’s also a firm favourite with some very famous faces.

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Sidmouth’s beach has been dubbed one of the cleanest in the UK, so it’s a great choice for people who insist on taking a dip in the sea when they are on their holidays.

On the stunning and historic Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth is picturesque, and its pebble beach has been awarded a Blue Flag for an impressive six years in a row.

From hiking in the unbelievable landscapes to relaxing on the beach itself, you’ll never forget the scenery on this beautiful stretch of coastline – Jacob’s Ladder beach is also well worth a visit.

But there is plenty to do beyond the beach itself, including visiting the town’s museum or the local donkey sanctuary.

For the youngsters, there is the Model Toy Museum, and for anyone looking to browse in the shops, they will find themselves supremely well catered to with independent retailers.

Connaught Gardens is a beautifully landscaped place to relax – but if you’re after a bit more action, consider going out on the water in a canoe, paddleboard, or kayak.

The Sun reports that TV star Stephen Fry loves Sidmouth after staying near the idyllic town while filming Jeeves and Wooster. Meanwhile, Jeremy Vine has also been open about his affection for the seaside town.

“What I love most about Sidmouth is that it feels like a town going places. It’s chintzy in places, drab in others, but it feels real. “And real by the sea is a different kind of beauty,” Vine said.

There’s so many famous people who have holidayed or spent time in Sidmouth that there is even a Blue Plaque Trail you can walk to explore all the places notable figures loved most, from literary icons to the Royal Family.

Queen Victoria, when she was still a baby Princess, came to stay in Sidmouth, and it was the sight of a major historical moment. She was staying in the Woolbrook Cottage in 1819 when her father suddenly became ill and died.

Woolbrook Cottage is now the Royal Glen Hotel, and while it wasn’t a happy moment in the young royal’s life, it shows just how rich with history the area is, and also how longstanding Sidmouth’s popularity has been.

Literary legends like Beatrix Potter, JRR Tolkein – who is said to have written the first sections of Lord of the Rings in the town – and Jane Austen, all used to holiday in Sidmouth, going back as far as 1801.

The spa waters, good climate, and chilled out atmosphere have long been part of the appeal.

Great Britain’s Romell Glave topped a field including Andre de Grasse and Marcell Jacobs to win the men’s 100m final at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland.

Glave won with a time of 10.08 seconds, with Canada’s Jerome Blake and Ghana’s Benjamin Azamati coming in at 10.09 and 10.10 respectively.

Canada’s De Grasse – Tokyo 2020 Olympics 200m gold medallist – came sixth at the World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting in Turku with 10.23.

Jacobs, who won 100m Olympic gold five years ago but was racing for the first time since the 2024 Games in Paris, came last with 10.44.

“It’s the redemption from the [2024] European Championships where I finished behind Jacobs [who won gold],” said Glave, 25.

“This time I got the better of him. After the heats I felt a bit tight but I had enough time to go back to warm up and release it.

“I was able to be patient compared to my last race, I just focused on the first 30m.”

Meanwhile, Britain’s Morgan Lake won the women’s high jump on countback ahead of Jamaica’s Lamara Distin as they both managed 1.91m.

Slovenia’s Kristjan Ceh secured a seventh successive victory of the season with gold in the discus, with the top three all surpassing 70 metres.

The 2022 world champion threw 70.61m to beat Australia’s Olympic bronze medallist Matt Denny and Sweden’s two-time world gold medallist Daniel Stahl.

Back on the track, USA’s Dylan Beard won the 110m men’s hurdles in a meeting record of 13.16.

Switzerland’s world indoor silver medallist Ditaji Kambundji won the women’s 100m hurdles final, clocking 12.66 to deny Pia Skrzyszowska by just 0.02.

New Zealand’s Zoe Hobbs clocked 11.07 after an 11.09 heat to take 0.02 off the meeting record in the women’s 100m and win by 0.04 ahead of Boglarka Takacs of Hungary.

Another meeting record fell in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase as Germany’s Frederik Ruppert continued his fine form to win in 8 minutes 10.39 seconds, finishing just over a second ahead of his compatriot Karl Bebendorf who ran a personal best of 8:11.52.