Sidmouth is a much-admired coastal resort with a population approaching 13,000, nestling in the Sid Valley and surrounded by very attractive countryside, almost all of which is designated as within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The coastline either side of the town lies within the Coastal Preservation Area, the strongest of all local planning policies. Much of the town itself is also protected by Conservation Area Status. Such are the planning constraints in the area, that little new building is likely to take place and the population total is not expected to rise over the next few years.

Sidmouth has a superb architectural heritage with several hundred listed buildings and an especially impressive range of Regency residences.The town, and in particular its wonderfully unspoilt Esplanade, is regularly used by television and film companies for period reconstruction. The town routinely wins Britain in Bloom competitions and takes great pride in its many public open spaces, ranging from the formal splendour of Connaught Gardens to the peaceful riverside parkland of 'The Byes'.

Sidmouth has fine sporting traditions, exemplified by the successful Cricket and Rugby Clubs, where the standard of play and the levels of participation are very high. The Football, Hockey, Bowling, Croquet and Sailing Clubs also continue to flourish. There is a picturesque 18-hole golf course, a fine swimming pool and excellent all round recreation facilities.

Sidmouth is well served by first class general amenities. There is an excellent Cottage Hospital, good primary and secondary schooling, a Library and Health Centre, theatre and cinema, and more than 300 clubs and societies.

The attractiveness of the shopping centre is widely acknowledged, with a host of high quality individual shops able to provide a complete range of services. The town's traders are renowned for their courtesy and helpfulness, which contributes to the pleasing old-world gentility and peaceful charm that characterises the central shopping area.

Sidmouth is fortunate to have a large number of esteemed hotels, three of which are four star. The town's location at the head of Lyme Bay, sheltered by Muttersmoor and Salcombe Hill, and in the rain shadow of Dartmoor, means that the Sid Valley enjoys a remarkably benign micro-climate, with low rainfall, very few frosts and protection from prevailing winds. All these qualities continue to make Sidmouth one of the most sought-after of all South Coast resorts.

So many other seaside towns have been spoilt by poor quality shopping and inappropriate development. Refreshingly, Sidmouth has maintained its standards and remains the quintessential English coastal town

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