A DAY IN SIDMOUTH, DEVON.

Last week Sue and I decided to go just along the coast to the seaside town of Sidmouth. The day we picked was a little dull with occasional sunny spells, at least it was in Teignmouth when we left. Sidmouth is a place I had been to many times during my Taxi driving days, especially as i had a regular "School run" there. Would you believe the local education authorities spend a fortune on sending children the 30 miles or so in a Taxi to school that far away. I used to pick up at least 5 sometimes 6 children and take them on a school run that went from Teignmouth, to Exeter (2), then Topsham, then Budleigh Salterton, then Exmouth and finally Sidmouth. That run three times a week !!!. Anyway I digress, so although I had been to Sidmouth lots of times not to look around the place. So the sea front area is quite nice with a big promenade. Perhaps i should say at this point that, it was to be fair, March when we visited, so, no deck chairs, crowds etc. My first view was of a pebbley beach (not keen) although I'm told there is sand lower down on the ebb tide. We parked up and walked a little way into the town, this appeared quite spread out though. So a quick cuppa in one of the few open Cafe's then a stroll along the Prom.
I must apologise here for the length of this blog but I'm fed up with trying to sort just 7 to 10 photos out of maybe 30, to put on here, so gone with all these this time.
Please click on any picture to enlarge it.
Below, as soon as we walked back to the sea front, down came the mist, hence not brilliant photo's. we took this looking along the prom to where we parked our car.
This picture , below, was taken looking along toward the nice end of the beach and cliff walk.
This one is looking along (at the next level) at the same house as the previous picture. This level is the same as the one you would arrive at if you parked in the car park along this end.
This was one (below) was taken looking back at the position the Second picture was taken from.
The view below is one at the entrance to the lovely sea front walled"Connaught gardens"
These Gardens are really pretty and well kept, i would think brilliant with summer flowers.The gardens themselves contain loads of lovely seating areas (some with sea views) and views of pretty flower beds. It reminds you of "olde worlde" Castle gardens with lots of little steps and rooms.
Below, one of those little sets of stairs and rooms.
Below, again a seating area, in summer some of these area's are used for plays and dancers such as "Morris Dancers".
Another litttle Arch and pretty pathway. In here you never know what will be around the next corner.
Below, yet another room and seating area, this one with "raised flower beds" and lawns.
The same area as in the previous picture, taken looking in the opposite direction.
This arch way is one of three entrances to the Courtyard in the previous picture.
Below is of the pretty little Cafe that is open virtually all year. This cafe/Restaurant is on two floors with views from up top right across the gardens, also views out onto "Jacobs Ladder" and beach.
Below, More views of the Cafe and walled gardens, here with just a peep out onto "Jacobs Ladder".
If you want to climb to the garden level you can do so via these real "olde worlde" fortess style steps leading from beach level. This picture so reminds me of a Castle or Keep.
Again below looking up at more steps to the "Connaught "walled gardens, notice the "Ice cream parlour"on the left.
This picture below is of the wooden "Jacobs Ladder" steps to the beach. This beach is around a mile long and is known locally as "Jacobs Ladder" beach. It is again very pebbley with sand showing at mid tide, these pebbles are actually protected by law and it is an offence to remove them. At mid to low water there are plenty of rock pools to keep everyone happy.Also here there are Disabled area's, deck chairs and a shop/ toilets.Also for much of the year this beach is Dog friendly.
This picture shows the walk along the bottom of the cliffs (below the gardens) to "Jacobs" beach.
This is a shelter on the previously mentioned wall, its cut back around 6 feet into the cliff and is decorated with shells and stones. A good shelter if the rains comes in quickly.
Oops below, this picture should have been put a couple back but crept in here.It shows the walk back to the main promanade from "Jacobs beach".
All in all a very nice day out. Would I visit again?, yes probably to see those gardens in full colour. To stay I think not, can imagine it being very busy in the Summer season. I can see the appeal it could have for families though, marks out of 10 probably 7 to 7.5.

Joke of the day.

Men should memorize it! Every woman knows that there are days in the month when all a man has to do is open his mouth and he takes his life in his hands! This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend, co-worker or significant other! DANGEROUS SAFER SAFEST ULTRA SAFE What's for dinner? Can I help you with dinner? Where would you like to go for dinner? Here, have some wine. Are you wearing that? Wow, you sure look good in brown! WOW! Look at you! Here, have some wine What are you so worked up about? Could we be overreacting? Here's my paycheck. Here, have some wine.. Should you be eating that? You know, there are a lot of apples left. Can I get you a piece of chocolate with that? Here, have some wine. What did you DO all day? I hope you didn't over-do it today. I've always loved you in that robe! Here, have some wine Thirteen Things PMS Stands For: 1. Pass My Shotgun 2. Psychotic Mood Shift 3. Perpetual Munching Spree 4. Puffy Mid-Section 5. People Make me Sick 6. Provide Me with Sweets 7. Pardon My Sobbing 8. Pimples May Surface 9. Pass My Sweat pants 10. Pissy Mood Syndrome 11. Plainly; Men Suck 12. Pack My Stuff and my favorite one : 13. Potential Murder Suspect

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