A seaside excursion

We were woken on Wednesday morning with rain battering on the window. Our plans of two days and a night in Devon didn't seem such a good idea, but as we crossed the border into Devon we spotted blue sky and by the time we reached the coast it had turned into a beautiful day!


This is Sidmouth in Devon.  It is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and the red sandstone cliffs look so spectacular especially against a bright blue sky.


Sidmouth has been admired by many including Sir John Betjeman   (1906-1984) described it as feast of visual delight and it still lives up to that description today,don't you think?


I shall use John Betjeman's words rather than mine to describe some of the scenery :-

Mansions for admirals by the pebbly strand
And cottages for maiden aunts, inland,
That go with tea and strawberries and cream,
Sweet sheltered gardens by the twisting stream,
Cobb, thatch and fuchsia bells, a Devon dream!



         
 My brother and sister in law were astounded that we hadn't visited their favourite part of Sidmouth on our previous visits. The clockhouse tower cafe under the tower produces stunning food as well as views! We ventured down the wooden staircase known as Jacobs Ladder to reach the beach below...




                                            The waves were quite impressive too!




We were staying in a pub/hotel in the neighbouring pretty village of Branscombe. I loved this display of dahlias outside this row of traditional Devon cottages in the village.



 These quiet country lanes  however, looked very different for a few days in January 2007 when following  storm damage the cargo ship Napoli was beached. Up to 5,000 bounty hunters flocked to the beach as items were washed ashore- some coming as far away as Ireland and Belgium. The bounty included  BMW motor bikes, barrels of wine and hair products see here. The beach was soon cornered off to stop any further looting.

Photo from Daily Telegraph

Now once again it is an empty and peaceful scene.




Accustomed as we are too being by the sea, the sight and sound of the waves crashing on this shore on a mild Autumn day will remain with us for a long time to come.

Thank you for all the lovely comments you leave and also a  hello and big welcome to my new followers Amy at Love made my home and Lesley. 

Sarah x

Comments

  1. Amy at love made my home19 October 2013 at 21:33

    Thank you for saying thank you Sarah! Great views of Sidmouth, it is a lovely place isn't it. I have never been to the clockhouse tower cafe either, so I will have to try it next time I visit! xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jennifer Hays19 October 2013 at 21:59

    It looks so beautiful there. When I was a child, I had a penpal in Devon (she lived in Plymouth) and I always wanted to visit her home. I love the look of the cottages with the roses growing in front, it just captures my imagination. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rosemary19 October 2013 at 22:12

    How fortunate we are in this little country of ours to have such a variety of amazing countryside to visit right on our doorsteps. Love all of your photos - a joy to see.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Freda19 October 2013 at 22:37

    Lovely to share you trip Sarah, and wonderful evocative photos as always.

    ReplyDelete
  5. rabbitquilter20 October 2013 at 00:15

    I LOVE Sidmouth!! We discovered it on our honeymoon!! 30 years ago now!! We had afternoon tea in the Mocha Café on the corner as you turn towards the shops, it was then run by two elderly ladies, who must have been at least 99!!! We went back for several years, then one year the ladies had obviously sold up and gone, the Mocha café had been revamped, the staff were awful and so slow, we have never been back there again as we would rather remember it as it was!! I have also stayed at that funny little blue cottage just as you walk from the sea front around to Jacobs Ladder, it is an unbelievable cottage, nothing is newer that 1950!!! But I stayed with some quilting friends and we had a ball!!! Ahhh! Sidmouth.........!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea20 October 2013 at 09:09

      We saw Mocha Café and it looked very popular, your memory sounds wonderful. That cottage you stayed in looks unbelievable (just looked it up!) the decor is another era, what a location!
      Sarah x

      Delete
  6. Draffin Bears20 October 2013 at 03:21

    Dear Sarah,

    How very beautiful your seaside stay must have been and I love the quaint villages with lovely mansions and cottages.
    There is something wonderful hearing the sound of the waves crashing on the beach.
    Thanks for sharing your holiday snaps and wishing you a lovely weekend
    hugs
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
  7. CJ20 October 2013 at 06:38

    I love Devon, it's beautiful, and your photos really do it justice. Glad you had a good break.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Julie 20 October 2013 at 07:35

    Wonderful photos.. the village of Branscombe looks so pretty.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Elizabeth20 October 2013 at 09:15

    Love your atmospheric photos as always. Sidmouth is so pretty and so English, so Quaint and certainly worth a visit anytime of year. Branscombe looks so pretty and interesting too. There is nothing to beat a weekend or a few days away exploring new places, a change is as good as a rest and a holiday of a few days is as good or sometimes better than a week or more away. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous20 October 2013 at 09:35

    Sarah, you always take such beautiful photographs and describe places so well it makes me want to visit them! I've been to Sidmouth but now feel I should go again. We stay at the Mason's too whenever we're in that neck of the woods and saw the Napoli in the bay long after all the looting had finished.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea20 October 2013 at 14:58

      The Napoli did seem to stay a very long time in the bay before it was moved, we too saw it a few times. The Mason's was good too and very dog friendly.
      Sarah x

      Delete
  11. serendipity20 October 2013 at 09:37

    What a beautiful place. Those thatched cottages are so pretty. Definitely on my list of places to visit! xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. greenthumb20 October 2013 at 09:57

    Such a very pretty place, looks like Dasiy is having lots of fun.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Merisi20 October 2013 at 10:05

    This collection truly is a "feast for the eye", wonderful!
    So easy to break up all this serenity, be it by an accident caused by nature or human error or carelessness.
    I spotted Daisy! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  14. elaine 20 October 2013 at 11:48

    Stunning photographs Sarah - so glad you enjoyed your short visit - it is a lovely area, looking all the better for a bit of sunshine.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Jolanda20 October 2013 at 12:21

    What a beautiful place this is and you've made great pictures! I love this post!!! lovely greetings

    ReplyDelete
  16. Castles Crowns and Cottages20 October 2013 at 12:28

    Dearest Sarah, and MISS DAISY ( I love your little image in the first picture!)

    You both bless me so with your excursions and sharing of them.....I hope to one day go to your lovely kingdom and see what we regard as magical places. Thatched cottages, seaside inns and restaurants, nature at its loveliest and crashing waves. Thank YOU for being a part of my blogging world. Much love, Anita

    ReplyDelete
  17. kristieinbc20 October 2013 at 15:16

    Your blog always has the most beautiful pictures, but these are especially gorgeous! It looks like it was a wonderful place to visit. You must have been very glad you took a chance with the weather. I'm curious about one thing though. I see Daisy in one of the pictures. Your hotels must be much more understanding about pets than ours here in Canada. It would be very hard here to find a place that would allow a dog to stay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea20 October 2013 at 18:21

      We wouldn't go far without Daisy unless the children were looking after her. Some hotels will take dogs you just need to research before you go. Do you have the same problem with holiday cottages and B&B's and cafes in Canada? Maybe it's because we are a nation of dog lovers!
      Sarah x

      Delete
    2. kristieinbc22 October 2013 at 15:10

      I don't think dogs would ever be allowed in a cafe here unless they were service dogs. There are some hotels and B&Bs that will allow them, but you have to really search to find them. It always takes me by surprise to be in pubs in the UK and see people with their dogs lying next to them. You are very fortunate to live in a place that is so dog friendly!

      On sort of the same topic - do you have trouble with Daisy scratching herself? Poor Fergus suffers horribly from skin irritations, which is reported to be very common with Westies. I am trying to find a solution but haven't managed to come up with one yet. If you have any suggestions I would love to hear them.

      Delete
    3. Down by the sea22 October 2013 at 18:43

      We have had lots of problems with Daisy and skin irritations and when we first got her about 5 years ago the vet put her on steriods. I wasn't keen on that but took their advice, she had a low dose 1 tablet a week but continued to have flare ups from time to time and I had to increase the dose. Last year I discovered Grizzly salmon oil for dogs from Amazon. Touch wood she has had now skin problems and no longer has steriods, so I would recommend trying it as seems to have worked for Daisy.
      Sarah x

      Delete
  18. Julie20 October 2013 at 15:25

    Looks like you had a beautiful trip. And very well timed too to escape the gloom and find blue skies! Juliex

    ReplyDelete
  19. rusty duck20 October 2013 at 15:53

    You put me to shame Sarah, you know my county better than I know it myself. Must get out more, and Sidmouth is now on the list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea20 October 2013 at 18:29

      We had our honeymoon in Devon and have continued returning there as we love it so much.We would like to live there one day too!
      Sarah x

      Delete
  20. Claire20 October 2013 at 15:56

    lovely photos! love the one of the sea through the gate way. We've never had any containers wash up here, although I seem to remember loads of railway sleepers arrived once!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anne20 October 2013 at 17:01

    Absolutely beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wendy20 October 2013 at 17:20

    Wonderful photos of Sidmouth, the beaches and the sea look gorgeous in the autumn sunshine. I love all the flowers around the cottages, too - so much colour for this time of year. The 'golden' cottage looks quite old - what an amazing roof. Glad you had a lovely couple of days there.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Seawashed20 October 2013 at 17:27

    Your blog makes me feel like i am right there living near your sea! I want to follow but can not find the button here on my phone so i will try later on my computer.

    ReplyDelete
  24. SeagullSuzie20 October 2013 at 17:33

    Hello Sarah, what a lovely visit to Sidmouth and I'm delighted the weather held up. One of my favourite places. Beautiful photos too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Art and Sand20 October 2013 at 17:57

    I never tire of going to quaint little English seaside villages with you. Everything is so picturesque, but I imagine soon it will be less colorful and quite cold. Our fall days are beautiful and warm, but the evenings are telling us that winter isn't too far off.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Bobbie Lynn20 October 2013 at 18:23

    OMGosh Sarah, those a just amazing photos. I just love the first photos showing little Daisy running on the beach. Thank you for sharing once again. Have a wonderful day. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Louise20 October 2013 at 18:30

    what a fabulous collection of photos. I'd love to walk down Jacobs ladder and explore those lanes and villages.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Things and Thoughts20 October 2013 at 19:33

    Your photos are breathtakingly beautiful Sarah!I would like to fly and land straight over there!You are really lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful places you can visit any time!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Seawashed20 October 2013 at 21:50

    I am your newest follower!!! You really make me miss my sea...I need to get away to the coast. sigh Love your dog and kitty too. I have a white maltese Bella Bleu and calico kitty Lily Monet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea21 October 2013 at 19:25

      Welcome Kerrie, it's lovely to have you on board!
      Sarah x

      Delete
  30. Julie21 October 2013 at 01:48

    What a beautiful place Sarah. I am originally from Manchester but now live in Ottawa Canada. My family go to Maine a few times each year. My husband and I area actually off for a week on Saturday. It's the closest ocean we have and it's a 7 1/2 hour drive away. How I wish we lived closer to the ocean as you do! Thanks for sharing. Julie

    ReplyDelete
  31. Gracie Saylor21 October 2013 at 04:00

    Your photos of Sidmouth certainly reflect Sir John Betjeman's observation that it is a "feast of visual delight," Sarah! It was fun to see Daisy enjoying the location as well :) Our Border Collie, Lady, used to love to go with us to the top of a hill overlooking the Pacific in Crescent City, CA. She would stand with her ears flapping in the steady wind from the sea, and she would smile and smile :) Thanks for posting!
    Gracie xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea21 October 2013 at 19:23

      I would love to see a picture of your dog overlooking the sea!
      Sarah x

      Delete
  32. Anonymous21 October 2013 at 06:43

    Lovely pictures and a great excursion - I have only ever seen those red cliffs of south Devon from a train going through Dawlish, but we must visit properly one day soon.
    Keep up the great work :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. valerietilsten59.blogspot.com21 October 2013 at 07:19

    What a beautiful spot. Everytime I visit your blog, and read your posts. I fall in love with the area there.
    I love the sea.
    Sidmouth cottages by the sea ..ohhh...i would love to have scones and tea there.
    super post Sarah.
    val x

    ReplyDelete
  34. Margaret21 October 2013 at 09:44

    What a lovely blue sky.It still looks very summery in Devon with the colourful cottage gardens, but the sea looks very grey and cold.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous21 October 2013 at 11:02

    Lovely photos - they brought back some great memories of our very first campervan trip to Sidmouth. Great place for coastal walks.
    Alison

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea21 October 2013 at 19:15

      I'm glad my pictures bought back happy memories your pictures are fantastic.
      Sarah x

      Delete
  36. Em Parkinson22 October 2013 at 11:27

    I'd have to agree with Jess - you know Devon better than me too! Lovely to have found you and your beautiful photos. Will add you to my list.

    Best wishes,

    Em

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea22 October 2013 at 18:56

      Thank you and welcome lovely to have other followers from Devon!
      Sarah x

      Delete
  37. trishie22 October 2013 at 11:37

    Great pics. And does look like a beautiful day...what lovely blue skies!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Unknown22 October 2013 at 14:02

    Lovely post and excellent photos. It looks a great place for a trip.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Pallavi22 October 2013 at 15:10

    Hi Sarah,

    As your newest follower, may I say how happy I am to have found your blog :) I love the vivid pictures above. Such a scenic place to be !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea22 October 2013 at 18:57

      Welcome Pallavi, it looks as if you live in a wonderful part of the world too.
      Sarah x

      Delete
  40. ...Nina Nixon...22 October 2013 at 20:16

    Oh my Sarah - what a truly beautiful place.

    It is the same here with the weather - the sun shines and you decide to go out for the day, leave the isle and the weather turns gloomier.

    Nina x

    ReplyDelete
  41. Emilie's daughter22 October 2013 at 20:33

    I get so very, very jealous when watching your amazing photopraphs! If only we had a sea in Switzerland! I am glad though that the sun came out. We have a saying here: "When angels travel, the sun is smiling!" That was the case with you! Christa

    ReplyDelete
  42. Maria22 October 2013 at 20:38

    Beautiful Sarah I can always smell the sea from your beautiful pictures......and Sidmouth reminds me so much of the donkey sanctuary.....Hugs Maria x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Down by the sea23 October 2013 at 07:31

      We couldn't be so close by and not pop in and say hello to all the donkeys. They were in fine voice!
      Sarah x

      Delete
  43. Paula23 October 2013 at 14:50

    You do visit the most beautiful places Sarah. I love your 3rd photo from the top What a stunning view.

    ReplyDelete
  44. thesnailgarden24 October 2013 at 10:14

    Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing them. We were down in your neck of the woods at about the same time - luckily the weather changed for the better. Best wishes, Pj x

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Comments are the best thing about blogging so please join in and brighten my day!