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East along the East Devon coast, cream-and-white SIDMOUTH is the chief resort on this stretch of coast, set amid a shelf of crumbling sandstone. The town boasts nearly five hundred buildings listed as having special historic or architectural interest, among them the stately Georgian homes of York Terrace behind the Esplanade. Moreover, the beaches are better tended than many along this coast, not only the mile-long main town beach but also Jacob's Ladder, a cliff-backed shingle and sand strip beyond Connaught Gardens to the west of town. To the east, the South Devon Coast Path (part of the South West Coast Path) climbs steep Salcombe Hill to follow cliffs that give sanctuary to a range of birdlife. Farther on, the path descends to meet one of the most isolated and attractive beaches in the area, Weston Mouth . Sidmouth's tourist office is on Ham Lane, off the eastern end of the Esplanade (March-July & Sept Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm, Fri & Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 10am-1pm; Aug & Oct Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm; Nov-Feb Mon-Sat 10am-1.30pm; tel 01395/516441). Of the B&Bs , Cranmere , close to the Esplanade at 2 Fortfield Place (tel 01395/513933; under GBP40), is one of the cheapest, with a homely atmosphere and most rooms en suite. A little further from the seafront, the Old Farmhouse , Hillside Road (tel 01395/512284; GBP50-60), offers attractive rooms with plenty of atmosphere and delicious meals on request. There's also a string of guest houses along Salcombe Road; try Berwick Guest House at 4 Albert Terrace (tel 01395/513621; no smoking; GBP50-60). For meals in town, try Brown's Bistro on Fore Street (closed Sun); Osborne's further down Fore Street serves teas and light snacks . On Old Fore Street, two hundred yards from the seafront, the Old Ship and Anchor pubs provide excellent bar meals as well as a good range of ales. Sidmouth hosts what many consider to be the country's best folk festival over eight days at the beginning of August. For details, ask at the tourist office, or call 01296/433669 or check out the website at . Book early for the main acts.
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