The pretty little seaside town named ‘UK’s best’ - full of 140 independent shops

A pretty little seaside town with 140 independent businesses has been named one of the best places to live, with locals saying it’s “incredible” and has a “real sense of community”. Sidmouth, in south Devon, is a tourist destination and a gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Its high street is filled with small businesses, and the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce currently represents around 70 local businesses, about half of which operate in the town. A spokesman for the Sidmouth Chamber of Commerce told the Express that it is “a great town in which to run an independent business”. They added that the town is fortunate to have “a number of excellent hotels which attract visitors from all over the country and elsewhere”, providing local businesses with a steady stream of visitors. The town also has a number of cultural activities, including the Jazz Festival, Folk Festival, Science Festival, a Classic Car Show, Regatta and Air Show featuring the Red Arrows, local museums and many other activities, which all bring “vital business” to the town. The spokesman said: “The High Street is thriving, and premises that become vacant do not remain vacant for too long as new businesses continue to be established.”

Dan Lakeman, owner of The Bagel Shop, said: “Sidmouth is an incredible town with such a strong sense of identity and community. As someone who’s grown up in East Devon, it means a lot to have a popular shop here.”

Chris Gott, owner of Housewares Sidmouth, agreed, saying that the town is “fantastic” for small businesses due to having a “real sense of community” and a high street that “remains vibrant and full of character”.

He said that locals “genuinely value” personal service, knowledgeable staff, and shops that have history and strong roots in the town.

Gott added: “What makes Sidmouth so special is the combination of a strong local community, a thriving tourism industry, and a genuine commitment to supporting independent businesses.

“Shopping locally helps preserve the unique character of the town and ensures that family businesses like ours can continue to serve future generations. We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of Sidmouth’s High Street and to have been serving the community for more than four decades.”

Simon Greenslade of Humbug Gift Shop said: “Sidmouth has got a fantastic number of independent shops, something a lot of visitors comment on.

“Unfortunately, the town is the quietest it's been for a long time. Visitor numbers are down, and a lot of locals just don't shop in town. Unless you're selling coffee or ice cream, it's really hard work.”

Sidmouth has been named one of the UK’s best places to visit by travel experts at The Sun. The beach was described by Visit Devon as a "beautiful expanse of sand and shingle beach, clean, accessible, and surrounded by awe-inspiring cliffs".

It has also been named one of the top three UK seaside destinations by Which?, scoring a remarkable 79% in their 2025 coastal satisfaction survey.

Beating dozens of other British beach spots, Sidmouth was rated for its charm, cleanliness, coastal scenery, and peaceful atmosphere—making it ideal for couples, walkers, families, and anyone seeking a classic British seaside holiday.