Sidmouth is a charming Regency town on the Jurassic Coast of East Devon, midway between the historic cathedral city of Exeter and Lyme Regis. The towns grand Esplanade and handsome Georgian and Regency buildings date from its days as a fashionable resort, popular with both gentry and royalty. It has a long shingle beach, flanked by the famous redcliffs - a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, much of which is owned and protected by the National Trust.

The Royal York and Faulkner Hotel is an elegant Regency building occupying an unrivalled position on the Esplanade overlooking the sea and adjacent to the town centre. It was built in 1810 and has been run by the same family for the last 70 years. The tour itinerary has been designed to explore the picturesque local towns and villages and leave plenty of time to enjoy the resort itself.