Sidmouth and Clevedon Pier

 


After another Toby breakfast I headed to the south coast for a few hours in Sidmouth before driving home. It was a rather grey day as forecast so I headed for the big car park on the cliffs near Connaught Gardens where we have parked our motorhome on previous visits. We had a wander round the very nice free gardens and then down Jacobs ladder to the beach and promenade below. We had coffee and a plate of finger sandwiches in the sunny courtyard of the Riviera Hotel, the most expensive regency hotel on the front. Rosemary reported a chaise lounge and Rituals toiletries in the ladies, so it was posh. We shared a rum and raison ice cream on the promenade, mission accomplished we set off for home via the M5.

Roseamary spotted a place we had not stopped before for a comfort break so we diverted off the motorway to Clevedon to find the last remaining victorian pier in the UK. We arrived just before it was due to close at 4:00pm but enough time to walk the length of the pier and have a drink in the tiny coffee kiosk at the end. There was a nice fresh breeze we chatted to fishermen ('no we havent caught anything') and were last to leave. However the entrance fee is good for 12 months so we may well stop again as its just off J20 of M5.

The Waveley paddle steamer was due to depart from the pier on a cruise down to Weston Super Mare at 6:30 but we needed to leave. Maybe look out for a bucket list trip next year. Stopped at Gloucester services for the last comfort break and found a few yellow stickers in the farm shop. Sat outside, had a coffee and fed the ducks with the remnants of Rosemarys cheese scone. Where else can you do that at a service station. Arrived home at 9:00pm.


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