Summer in Sidmouth

Between June and August, the Sidmouth landscape transforms into a lush, vibrant environment where nature reaches its full potential. With daylight in June stretching until nearly 10 pm, the extended evenings offer ample time to witness the golden glow of the sun setting over the silver sea.

A Celebration of Flora: From Gardens to Cliffs

Sidmouth’s flora is ablaze with color during the summer months. The variety of environments—ranging from formal managed gardens to wild coastal strips—provides a diverse botanical experience.

• Formal Splendor: Connaught Gardens and Blackmore Gardens showcase spectacular herbaceous borders. In June, you will find delphiniums, foxgloves, and hydrangeas at their most bold.

• The "Beach Garden": An area at the top of Sidmouth's shingle beach hosts a naturally occurring, lightly managed environment. Hardy species like sea kale, yellow horned-poppy, and viper’s bugloss thrive here.

• Ancient Meadows: Alma Field and Delderfield provide a nostalgic glimpse of the English countryside before modern agriculture, filled with knapweeds, wild carrot, and yellow rattle.

• Heathland Transitions: By August, the heath on Muttermoor is carpeted in purple heathers and the yellow blooms of western and dwarf gorse.

The Buzz of Summer Wildlife

The long, warm days create a flurry of activity as animals and insects take advantage of the abundance of food.

Wings and Water

• Aerial Acrobatics: Swallows can be seen darting over the Fortfield croquet lawns, catching insects on the wing to feed their young.

• Butterflies: Look for Marbled Whites and Wood Whites on the cliff grasslands, while Meadow Browns and Common Blues frequent the town gardens.

• River Life: Along the River Sid, beautiful demoiselle damselflies display metallic green colors. On the surface, river skaters appear motionless despite the flowing water beneath them.

Mammals and Marine Life

• Park Residents: Grey squirrels are a common sight foraging in the town parks.

• Dawn and Dusk: For those seeking a quieter encounter, roe deer may occasionally be spotted grazing in the outer meadows of Alma Field at sunrise or sunset.

• Coastal Watch: While herring gulls nest on town roofs, keep an eye on the sea; warmer summer waters occasionally attract dolphins.

Changing Landscapes & Climate

The red mudstone cliffs of the Jurassic Coast provide a unique, historically important backdrop to the summer greenery.