Autumn Charm in Sidmouth & Devon Heritage Coast

AUTUMN CHARM IN SIDMOUTH & THE DEVON HERITAGE COAST

 

26 – 30 October 2026

Monday – Friday

5 Days

From £869

 

Sidmouth in autumn feels like stepping into a slower rhythm of life. The summer crowds have melted away, the light softens, and the whole town seems to invite you to pause, breathe, and enjoy the season. 

Nestled between dramatic red cliffs and the rolling hills of the Jurassic Coast, Sidmouth offers timeless elegance, sea air, and the warmest of welcomes. As the leaves turn golden, this tranquil corner of the West Country becomes even more enchanting — the perfect setting for a relaxing break filled with gentle exploration and rich heritage.

Whether you’re drawn by the sea breeze, the countryside heritage, or the nostalgic feel of England’s coastal towns, this holiday promises relaxation, discovery, and pure Devon magic.

 

HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS

Sidmouth   |   Coldharbour Mill   |   Bridport   |   The Dinkey Sanctuary   |   Colyton  |   Seaton Tramway

 

DAY ONE – Arrival

We depart from your home and travel to Sidmouth, arriving late afternoon, where you may be lucky enough to catch the sunset along the Esplanade. The cliffs glow a deep red in the fading light, and the sea often turns a silvery grey that looks almost painted.

 

DAY TWO – Sidmouth and Coldharbour Mill

This morning you have time at leisure in Sidmouth, start your day with breakfast and then why not take a walk through Connaught Gardens. The beauty of Connaught Gardens is taken to a new level in autumn with its stunning warm hues and fallen leaves. Even in the cooler months, the flower beds put on a show, and the views over the bay are spectacular. From there, take the path down to Jacob’s Ladder Beach, where the sand and shingle stretch out below the towering cliffs. The air has a bite to it in autumn, but that only makes the scenery more dramatic.

 

After your walk, wander back into town for coffee and something sweet. Or perhaps visit the museum that showcases Sidmouth's geology, archaeology, lace heritage, and local stories.

 

We’ll then meet for our afternoon excursion to Coldharbour Mill. Immerse yourself as the industrial revolution is brought to life. Largely untouched since Victorian times Coldharbour today remains in production using heritage looms, wool spinning machines, power sources and machinery to produce beautiful yarns and textiles. Recognised by Historic England as one of the best preserved and important textile mills in the country you can explore how introducing steam and waterpower proved to be the turning point in history – revolutionising not only production but every part of daily life.

 

We’ll return to our hotel with time to relax before dinner this evening.

 

DAY THREE – Bridport and The Donkey Sanctuary

Today we will head for the popular town of Bridport, where today is market day! This weekly market has local food, jewellery, antiques, books and much more to discover.

While in Bridport, take the time to explore the fascinating history of Bridport at the Bridport Museum, where you’ll learn of the world of rope and net making. Historical artifacts highlight the town's unique industrial past, including nets crafted for NASA's space shuttle crash nets.

 

Also, you might enjoy the Bridport Arts Centre, situated on South Street, right at the heart of the town. The Arts Centre hosts the Allsop Gallery, one of the largest and most beautiful galleries in the region.

 

Before our return to our hotel, we’ll visit The Donkey Sanctuary, where you can get up close with the resident donkeys and learn all about their lifestyle. Take refreshments in The Kitchen, if you wish before our return to Sidmouth.

 

DAY FOUR – Seaton Tramway and Colyton

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll take a drive to Seaton Tramway and ride the traditional tramcars through the glorious Axe Valley. Let the scenery roll by as you pass through two nature reserves within the Axe Estuary.

 

Then enjoy some refreshments at The Garden Room at Colyton Station, before sometime in the town where you can explore the medieval streets lined with 16th-century thatched cottages, charming Georgian homes, and the impressive St. Andrew’s Church, known for its stunning octagonal lantern tower. 

 

We’ll then make the return tram journey and gather again for our drive back to Sidmouth and our hotel.

 

DAY FIVE – Departure

After breakfast this morning we depart our hotel, and make our journey home, with comfort stops en route.

 

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Seaton Tramway

The Donkey Sanctuary

Coldharbour Mill.

 

THE BELMONT HOTEL, SIDMOUTH

The Belmont Hotel is exclusive for adults. A luxurious former Victorian summer residence, the hotel retains much of its tranquillity and charm. It stands at the end of Sidmouth’s striking esplanade and is just a short stroll from the town centre. Elegant restaurant, bar/lounge, delightful gardens and use of superb leisure facilities at the Victoria Hotel next door.

YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES

Luxury coach travel

Home pick-up

4 nights accommodation, dinner & breakfast

Porterage on arrival and departure

Welcome tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival

Tea/coffee after dinner each evening

Seaton Tramway

The Donkey Sanctuary

Coldharbour Mill.

 

THE BELMONT HOTEL, SIDMOUTH

The Belmont Hotel is exclusive for adults. A luxurious former Victorian summer residence, the hotel retains much of its tranquillity and charm. It stands at the end of Sidmouth’s striking esplanade and is just a short stroll from the town centre. Elegant restaurant, bar/lounge, delightful gardens and use of superb leisure facilities at the Victoria Hotel next door.

 

HOTEL FACILITIES INCLUDE

General	Rooms	Accessibility
4 star	Tea/coffee making facilities	Lift
Bar	Television	Wheelchair accessible
Restaurant	Wifi
Lounge	Hairdryer

 

GROUP BOOKINGS

Looking to take a group, if you book 20 places or more on this tour the tour organiser will go Free of Charge.

 

DAYS	TOUR DATE	DEPARTS	TERMS	SUPPLEMENT
5	26 – 30 OCT 2026	MONDAY	£869	NONE
JONES HOLIDAYS INSURANCE			£38

 

At Jones Holidays, we believe solo travellers deserve fair prices and peace of mind. That's why our Single Supplement Price Promise ensures you only pay what we pay—nothing more. If hotels charge us a single supplement, we’ll pass it on without adding a penny extra; that’s our promise to you.

Rooms are allocated on a first come first served basis and are limited. If no single supplement applies this is limited to the tour single room allocation and therefore additional cost may apply.  Prices displayed are per person unless otherwise stated. If door-to-door pick-up is included there may be additional charges for out of area. Itineraries and hotel inclusions may be subject to change. Seat numbers on the coach may be subject to change. Issues whilst on tour must be raised in the first instance with the driver. Covid-19 restrictions may apply. When making bookings you accept on behalf of yourself and your party the terms in our Trading Charter which can be found in our brochure, on our website at http://www.jonesholidays.co.uk/Jones-holidays-trading-charter, or a copy can be requested from our Sales office.  If your holiday is more than 56 days from departure, we offer a 7-day cooling off period where a full refund will be offered from the date of the initial confirmation invoice (with the exception of flight holidays).

 

The Belmont Hotel The Donkey Sanctuary Seaton Tramway Coldharbour Mill