The Sid Vale Association was founded in 1846 to:
- Conserve and promote the Valley’s Architecture, Environment and Culture
- Protect and enhance the Valley’s Landscape and Amenities
- Record the History of the Valley➤
The SVA Charity works to enhance amenities in the Sid Valley. We:
Join Us - Become an SVA Member
If you have enjoyed the amenities provided by the SVA, do please become a member➤ or make a donation➤. Although the SVA's work is entirely volunteer-based, we face the challenge of securing large amounts of money for upkeep of land and facilities. The Keith Owen fund and other trust funds we manage for the benefit of the community have covenants that restrict their use for the SVA's daily operations. Membership subscriptions help us to keep the SVA operating now and into the future.
Sidmouth Museum
The Museum is now CLOSED. It Re-opens on March 30th 2026, when Guided walks will also resume
Admission is £2-50 for adults; Under 16's and SVA members Free.
Visit the Museum and find out see what's new this year. See museum website for Opening Times➤, details of Guided Walks➤ etc.
The museum will be closed on August Bank Holiday Monday 23rd August.
Recent initiatives
Commemorative Bench Scheme
The SVA has launched a commemorative bench scheme to provide twenty benches across Margaret’s Meadow, Gilchrist Field and The Knapp. The benches will be made to our design from English oak, sustainably sourced using traditional coppicing methods.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Govier Orchard
The Govier family very kindly donated this orchard to the Sid Vale Association in April 2026. More➤
SVA's Featured Publications:
All available from our online shop ➤
Duke of Connaught 426 days in Sidmouth compiled by Ann Tanner follows the extensive regional and national press coverage of the Duke's visits here beginning 1931.
Sidmouth and the Sid Valley Notable Buildings' by Nigel Hyman. Intended for walkers and reference, it describes buildings in the Sid Valley which can be seen from the pavement or the road. Illustrated. Maps show the locations.
Sidmouth's Literary Connections by Nigel Hyman. Revised edition now has lots of new illustrations and info on 44 authors and poets incl Jane Austen, Elizabeth Barrett, JRR Tolkien, Rupert Brooke, Beatrix Potter, Stephen Fry, Jeremy Vine.
Archaeology Guide to the Sid Valley and East Devon by Laura Beckwith. Covers 22 sites in East Devon - rich in locations with hillforts, castles, barrows, standing stones and ancient settlements.
The SVA HQ is now at 12 Church Street
Our operational income is dependent upon subscriptions, book sales, donations and legacies. We are very grateful for any donations, however small, to help us:
Our Zoom talks series was held in the Covid lockdown period. You are still welcome to view all previous Zoom talks on the SVA YouTube video channel: