Attractions Hotel Riviera

Hotel Riviera is within easy strolling distance of Sidmouth’s many attractions. Directly opposite the hotel you can enjoy a swim or simply laze on the sand and shingle beach; children love nearby Jacob’s Ladder, which reveals a long stretch of golden sand at low tide. Indeed, Sidmouth’s beaches are particularly noted for their cleanliness and water purity. Hotel Riviera has special arrangements with Sidmouth Golf Club for guests to play the scenic 18-hole course. The hotel is also pleased to arrange on request pheasant and duck shooting for guests on seven privately managed estates in the South West of England. Nowhere lends itself better to pottering about than Sidmouth, with its enduring architectural charm. The town centre fully deserves its designation as a Conservation Area, and the shops still retain a tradition of quality and courtesy. Having won the Entente Florale Internationale, Sidmouth can justly claim to be the floral town of Europe. The Connaught Gardens are not only a floral showpiece but also a marvellous setting for the open-air band concerts. Sidmouth has a long association with cricket going back to 1823, and boasts the finest ground in Devon. Bowls, croquet, tennis, putting, sailing and fishing are just some of the other sporting choices you will find here. And the welcome does not fade with the end of summer. Sidmouth’s south facing location, sheltered between pink-faced cliffs, ensures especially mild winters. Hotel Riviera assures you of a most memorable stay at any time of the year.

Out and About in East Devon
During your stay at Hotel Riviera you should certainly take the opportunity to explore some of the delightful villages, rolling countryside and coastline of East Devon. On foot, there are breathtaking walks along the Heritage Coast trail as far as your legs will carry you. By car, the possibilities are numerous. Dartmoor, with its mile after mile of ever changing scenery, is of course a ‘must’ for every visitor. Just to the west of Sidmouth lies the Raleigh Country. Sir Walter was born at Hayes Barton, in a beautiful Tudor building which is now a farmhouse. Neighbouring East Budleigh is a peaceful village with thatched cottages climbing a steep hill. Bicton Gardens, due north, were designed by Andre le Notre, who planned the gardens of Versailles, and are of outstanding horticultural interest. South of Sidmouth is Budleigh Salterton, whose sea wall is the setting of Sir John Milais’s famous painting ‘The Boyhood of Raleigh’. And to the north is the small town of Ottery St. Mary, birthplace of the poet Samuel Coleridge. The enormous 14th century church was modelled on nearby Exeter Cathedral. East of Sidmouth, the coastline is riddled with shallow caves and was once notorious for its smugglers. A memorable cliff walk links Beer, an enchanting fishing hamlet, with Branscombe, Britain’s second longest village. Axmouth, an unspoilt village with a cluster of cottages, and Colyton, a charming little town with a history dating back to AD 700, should also be included on your itinerary. As a touring base, Sidmouth and Hotel Riviera can hardly be excelled.

Devon in Bloom
On visiting Sidmouth, John Betjeman remarked, “If it were not for the sea, Sidmouth I thought, would be tropic forest.” Betjeman’s tribute to the mild climate of the area goes some way to explaining the regularity with which Sidmouth wins national and international floral awards. The Connaught and Blackmore Gardens are an enthusiast’s paradise.

Walking Through History
Sidmouth and its surroundings offer some of the most beautiful and historic walking country in Britain. The quay at Budleigh Salterton inspired John Milais’ Boyhood of Raleigh. Beer’s Roman quarries provided the stone for Exeter cathedral. Salcombe Regis retains its 19th century charm and Branscombe’s Norman church is just one of many well preserved ancient buildings in the area. We will provide a map and all the information you need for a gentle walk back into the past.

Cricket, Tennis and Croquet
All guests of the hotel have the benefit of country membership of Sidmouth Cricket, Tennis and Croquet Club while resident at the hotel. The concierge will be pleased to provide additional information on any of these pursuits and will provide you with the appropriate membership card.

Golf
We are pleased to make available to our clients concessionary green fees in conjunction with Sidmouth Golf Club and Woodbury Park Golf and Country Club. Sidmouth Golf Club is situated on Peak Hill, just two minutes drive from the hotel. This 18 hole course measures 5,088 yards in length and has a standard scratch of 65.

Woodbury Park Golf and Country Club is situated just outside Sidmouth and close to the village of Woodbury. This complex offers the choice of an 18 hole Championship course – 7,314 yards – and also a 9 hole course.
A driving range and full practice facilities are attached to both courses.