Facilities and features
Accessibility
Parking is available by permit outside the church in Church Street (3 spaces). For more information please contact the church.
We have two entrances, both of which are level.
We have two entrances, both of which are level.
We have a wheelchair - primarily for use if anyone is taken ill.
The main bus terminus for Sidmouth, "The Triangle" is located 100m from the church. It is served by the Nos.9, 9A buses from Exeter to Seaton & Honiton via Sidmouth and the 157 bus from Exmouth. There are also occasional services to other East Devon locations.
The Lady Chapel is available for quiet prayer and reflection. There is a prayer tree and candle stand there.
There is a level path of about 10m to the church entrance from a drop-off point at the Lych Gate in Church Street.
The church supports Sid Valley HELP in its work in mental health with young people. See https://www.sidvalleyhelp.co.uk/ for more information
Well-behaved dogs are welcome in church
There is limited on-street parking near the church. The nearest car park is the Bedford Lawn car park on the sea front. See Accessible Car Parking for more information.
Large print hymn books and pew sheets are available on request to our Welcomers at the entrance.
Situated in the accessible toilet
A defibrillator is available in the Market Square about 50m from the church.
Our Building
Grade 2*
Our stained glass windows mostly date from the 1860s. The west windows, given by Queen Victoria, and made by Ward & Hughes, is particularly fine. We have one small light of medieval glass, preserved from the east window of the old church when it was demolished in 1860. This shows the five wounds of Christ and dates from the mid-15th century.
Our modern toilet block contains gents, ladies and an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities.
A popular cafe is situated next door to the church. There are several others in the town centre within 100m.
The Friends of Sidmouth Parish Church operate a small shop at the west end of the south aisle, offering cards and other gifts.
Music and Worship
We have a ring of 10 bells. Bellringing practice is usually on Tuesdays at 7:30pm.
We hold and host regular concerts throughout the year. The Sidmouth Music Society holds its winter season of 6 recitals in church. The ISCA orchestra uses the church as its primary concert venue. The Sidmouth Choral Society holds three concerts a year in the church.
The 4-manual organ has developed from one installed in 1892. It is now one of the finest in the southwest.
The 8am service on the 1st Sunday of the month uses BCP Holy Communion service. About half of our evening services are BCP Evensong - see events for details.
Our choir sings at the 10am service each Sunday and leads choral evensong about quarterly.
Groups, Courses and Activities
The Friends of Sidmouth Parish Church hold a monthly coffee morning in church on the first Saturday of the month.
There are also Men's and Ladies' coffee groups of church members that meet in town.
GATEWAY is a service to those who are homeless or likely to become so. See https://www.sidvalley.org.uk/gateway.htm for more information
Our toddler group currently meets at All Saints Church
Help for Visitors
A history of the church and a guide to the windows are available, each priced at £5.
The church is normally open at least 9am - 5pm each day except when events and services are in progress.
Well behaved dogs are welcome in the church on a lead.
The church is open daily 9am - 5pm except when services or other events are in progress.
Other Features
We use only Fairtrade produce for after-service refreshments.
We support the Sidmouth Food Bank. See http://www.sidvalleyfoodbank.org.uk/ for more details.
Apart from the summer holiday, when our team take a break, we broadcast our main Sunday service on YouTube. It can be reached through https://www.sidvalley.org.uk/sundaystreaming.htm
Sidmouth Town Centre, including the church, is a Conservation Area.
Silver award in 2022. We work with other churches, Sidmouth Science Festival and the Sidmouth Vision Group under the auspices of CAPS (Climate Awareness Partnership Sidmouth) to make the church and town more sustainable.