The Sid Valley Ring 9. Bickwell Valley This impressive collection of fine detached houses in large 22. Dunscombe Cliffs Re-joining the 1. The Esplanade A substantial sea defence for was first built in gardens, is largely the work of R.W. Sampson, sometime described as the Coast Path brings you to Dunscombe 1823, and has been repaired and improved several times since. Two rock ‘Lutyens of Sidmouth’, and architect to the Lord of the Manor throughout the Cliffs, with spectacular views islands were installed in 1995 to provide additional protection. first half of the 20th century. William Joyce, Lord Haw Haw, urged the Luftwaffe encompassing the whole of . 2. The Royal York and Faulkner to bomb Bickwell Valley in one of his wartime broadcasts. And they did: several 23. Regis This tiny village Hotel The York was Sidmouth’s houses were damaged. nestling in a beautiful valley is protected first hotel, built in 1807. Edward 10. Ice House Lane The Square in from inappropriate development and is Sid Valley VII stayed at the York, when he Ice House Lane is a most attractive wonderfully unspoilt. was Prince of Wales, and ‘Royal’ group of listed cottages, probably 24. Church This was added to the name. Another dating from the 17th century. beautiful Norman church is very much visitor was George Bernard Shaw: 11. Core Hill Lane This is the old at the heart of the community, and has Ring such a crowd developed that he road from Sidmouth to Ottery St. a lovely churchyard. One of the church bells, which are rung regularly, is believed was forced to leave via the fire Mary. The present road to Ottery to be 560 years old. escape. via the Inn is a 19th century 25. Salcombe Hill/The Observatory The Norman Lockyer Observatory was built A signed 13-mile walking route around the 3. Fortfield Terrace Towards the end of the 18th century, Sidmouth construction, and is still officially called ‘New Cut’. just before the First World War, and is home to a thriving amateur astronomical suddenly became a popular seaside destination for the aristocratic and well- 12. Fire Beacon As its name suggests, this was the location of one of the society. It is regularly open to the beautiful Sid Valley. Discover our lovely to-do: this landmark construction was the first major development in our beacons that were used to inform London of the approaching Spanish Armada. public. Sir Norman Lockyer is famous countryside, admire our fine buildings and town. The terrace is, in fact, a crescent, and was never completed: the Today it is an attractive lowland heath with interesting wildlife, including for being the discoverer of helium. He architect was a Polish theatre designer, based in London, called Michael nightjars and dartford warblers. died in 1920 but his son James learn more about our rich local history Novosielski. Famous residents include Elizabeth Barratt Browning and, 13. White Cross continued to run the observatory: probably, Jane Austen. In 1831, the Grand Duchess Hélène, sister to the 14. Castle Hill The site of an iron age hill fort, which are often called ‘castles’. James was a notable early aviator and Czar, spent some time at No. 8: hence the double-headed Russian eagle that There is no public access, which perhaps is just as well, as it is apparently was friendly with the Wright Brothers. still adorns the building today. haunted. On the plus side, legend has it that there is a pot of gold buried there. A. The Blue Ball Inn Very sadly, the 4. Sidmouth Cricket Club Founded in 1823, 15. The ancient village of original 14th century pub was the Cricket Club has always played at the Sidbury is older than Sidmouth. The completely destroyed by fire in 2006. Fort Field, widely acknowledged as one of village is largely unspoilt by But the replacement building is a very the most beautiful grounds in the world. inappropriate development and has a good copy, and remains a popular inn. Today, the Club is thriving, and regularly large number of listed buildings. B. Sidford is now contiguous wins the League. Somerset County 16. The Red Lion Inn A traditional with Sidmouth, but retains a distinct Cricket Club was founded at Sidmouth in Devon village inn situated, as they village feel and identity. The 12th century packhorse bridge over the , 1875 after a match between the Men of usually are, opposite the parish scene of a Civil War skirmish in 1644, is noteworthy. Devon and the Men of Somerset. church. The pub is popular with the C. Porch Cottages At the heart of 5. Clifton Terrace Sidmouth is particularly known for a style of Picturesque locals and serves good home cooking the village, about 100 yards from architecture called ‘cottage orné’. Amongst the best examples are the three and well-kept beers. There is also accommodation available. where our route turns south to join fine thatched houses at the western 17. Sidbury Church The Parish Church is listed Grade 1 and is mainly of The Byes, are Porch Cottages. The end of The Esplanade. Norman construction with a Saxon crypt. The steeple is a late addition. buildings are Grade II listed and 6. Connaught Gardens A small 18. Bridge Street Our route takes us through this lovely quiet street with date from 1574. Charles II is detour from our route takes you to cottages of the ‘picture postcard’ variety. These typical Devon buildings are believed to have slept here when Sidmouth’s showpiece public constructed of a mix of on the run from the Battle of gardens, overlooking Jacob’s Ladder cob, stone and brick. Worcester. Tradition dictates that beach. The popular Clocktower Cafe 19. Harcombe The lovely anyone entering the room where occupies a former lime kiln. The hamlet of Harcombe he slept is required to bow. gardens are named after the Duke of (literally the ‘Valley of D. The Byes The Byes is one of the Connaught, third and apparently Hares’) has a pleasing mix treasures of Sidmouth, an attractive green corridor that follows the River Sid favourite son of Queen Victoria, who was a frequent visitor to Sidmouth. of individual, often from Sidford to the sea. A wonderful mix of footpaths, open fields, and parkland, 7. The Royal Glen Hotel This fine Grade I listed hotel was the former characterful, properties. much used and appreciated by the local community. sid vale association residence of the Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria, and was then called 20. Knowle Park Knowle is E. The Toll House/Waterloo ‘Woolbrook Cottage’. a little community of Bridge. This bridge over the Sid The Duke declined to converted farm buildings was completed in 1817, and remove his wet boots set in attractive grounds and gathered around Knowle House, a Grade II listed named after the historic victory of after taking a walk, property dating from the 17th century. two years earlier. The picturesque past • present • future Sidmouth Town Council developed a chill, and 21. The Donkey Sanctuary Founded in 1969, this charity has helped people Toll House is from the same died there in 1820. and donkeys all over the world, and is a very popular visitor attraction. Entrance period, and is often described as 8. The Goyle . is free and the restaurant is excellent. Take time from your walk and meet these one of ’s prettiest council www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk very friendly animals and the team that look after them. houses. www.sidmouth.gov.uk Sid Valley Ring Welcome to the Sid Valley 13 1. The Esplanade This well signed 2. The Royal York and Faulkner Hotel journey around the 3. Fortfield Terrace Sid Valley will take 4. Sidmouth Cricket Club you through the 5. Clifton Terrace varied, and unspoiled 17 6. Connaught Gardens rural environs of the 16 7. The Royal Glen Hotel seaside resort of 14 15 18 8. The Goyle Sidmouth. Our town 9. Bickwell Valley is well known for its 10. Ice House Lane wonderful Esplanade, fine hotels, and attractive shopping centre 11. Core Hill Lane full of individual shops: our perfect little valley provides a 12. Fire Beacon beautiful backdrop. 13. White Cross You will visit the 12 14. Castle Hill picturesque Devon 15. Sidbury villages of Sidbury 16. The Red Lion lnn and Salcombe 19 17. Sidbury Church Regis, passing many 18. Bridge Street listed buildings 19 19. Harcombe along the way. 20 20. Knowle Park Our benign B C 21. Donkey Sanctuary climate and fertile 11 A 22. Dunscombe Cliffs soils produce a rich 23. Salcombe Regis mix of natural 24. Salcombe Regis Church woodland, open fields and deep Devon lanes full of wild flowers. 25. Salcombe Hill/The Observatory The full walk is 13 miles, but the Byes Link, a riverside route D 21 connecting Sidford to 10 Byes Link Sidmouth 23 A. The Blue Ball Inn town centre, B. Sidford allows for C. Porch Cottage two shorter 24 D. The Byes walks of 9 E. The Toll House/Waterloo Bridge and 7 miles. 25 22 Sid Valley Ring Byes Link E sid vale association The Sid Vale Association 9 was founded in 1846 to: • Conserve and promote the Valley’s past • present • future 8 Architecture and the Built Environment 1 3 S • Protect and enhance the Valley’s Landscape and Amenities 7 2 TART • Record the Local History of the valley 4 6 5