Dog-Friendly Blue Ball Inn | Free Parking * Near Donkey Sanctuary

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Key details

About the Hotel

Sidford, Sidmouth, EX10 9QL

Near Sidmouth Beach

Great

8.5

9.4

/10

3.0

4.0

Loved by Blue Ball Inn guests

Super clean ensuite

Friendly staff

Delicious breakfast

Ample parking spaces

Cosy bar area

"The room was very pretty will lots of nice little touches like a wealth of toiletries and some homemade cookies!"

Potter from United Kingdom

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"I have to say, having ordered the beef roast it was one of the best I've ever had."

Geniewhizz from United Kingdom

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"Wonderful stay in this quaint thatched Inn."

David

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14th-Century Thatched Coaching Inn with a Beer Garden and Free Parking in Sidmouth

Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant serves British and seafood cuisines, with locally sourced seafood specials on the menu. Guests can choose from vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options alongside a Full English breakfast. The bar offers a selection of local beers on tap, such as the local Otter beer.

Guest Rooms and Comfort

Rooms include a private bathroom, a work desk, and a TV with a wardrobe for storage. In-room tea and coffee makers are provided along with complimentary homemade cookies. Some rooms offer a walk-in shower or a wet room, and the hotel maintains a dedicated accessible room for guests with mobility needs.

On-Site Facilities and Activities

The property includes a large beer garden and extensive outdoor seating area complemented by a garden. Guests have access to a fitness room and leisure activities like hiking, cycling, water sports, horse riding, and squash. Free parking is available on-site, and the hotel has a shared lounge/TV area for relaxation.

Pet-Friendly Policies

Dogs are allowed for an additional fee, with grassland available by the car park for short walks. The accommodation features pet-friendly rooms with key access for security. CCTV is in place in common areas and outside the property for guest safety.

Local Attractions and Location

The Blue Ball Inn is located 19 km from Exeter International Airport and near Sidmouth Beach. Guests can visit The Donkey Sanctuary and the Norman Lockyer Observatory, both close to the hotel. Cycling and water sport facilities are available on-site for exploring the surrounding area.

Highlights

History: 14th-century coaching inn with thatched roofing

Dining: British and seafood cuisine with gluten-free menu

Rooms: In-room homemade cookies and coffee machine

Activity: On-site cycling, hiking, and water sports

Parking: Free on-site parking for guests

Pet: Dog-friendly with additional fee

“The Blue Ball Inn charms with its historical ambiance and garden seating near Sidmouth. I noted the well-regarded seafood and the inn's embrace of families and dogs. It strikes me as a solid choice for those wanting a friendly, relaxed base from which to explore the area.”

James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Dogfriendly-hotels

Select your room type

The hotel provides many room choices—family rooms, doubles, and pet-friendly suites—with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers

Standard Double Room
2 persons
2 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
room details
Double Room Wet Room
2 persons
22 m²
1 Double bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
25 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details

Rates & availability calendar

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September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Hotels feature amenities designed to keep both you and your pet comfortable

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Pets allowed
Security
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Wind surfing
Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Darts
Squash

Services

Room service
Housekeeping

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

The Blue Ball Inn presents a delightful selection of British and seafood cuisine, where locally sourced ingredients shine in every dish. This family-friendly venue offers a cozy and traditional ambiance for indulging in hearty meals, making it the perfect retreat after a day of exploration.

The Blue Ball Inn Restaurant
British and Seafood
Ambiance
Family-friendly and Traditional
Key Offerings
Highlight dishes include locally sourced seafood specials from renowned Cornish fishmonger Flying Fish, sumptuous vegetarian options, and comforting meals like Pork Tomahawk and King prawn & crab linguine.
Reservation
Reservations recommended for dinner.
Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Location

Sidford, Sidmouth, EX10 9QL

Explore Sidmouth

Local Highlights

The Donkey Sanctuary

5-minute drive

Home to over 500 rescued donkeys, the sanctuary offers free admission and family-friendly tours.

The Byes Riverside Park

25 minutes walking

A picturesque park featuring scenic riverside paths, perfect for leisurely strolls and picnics.

Sidmouth Museum

30 minutes walking

Showcases the rich history of Sidmouth with engaging exhibits and is free on certain days.

Connaught Gardens

35 minutes walking

Stunning gardens with sea views, offering tranquil spaces to relax and beautiful floral displays.

Peak Hill Llamas

5-minute walk

Enjoy guided llama treks along scenic trails, ideal for families and animal lovers.

Sidmouth Beach

35 minutes walking

Relax on the sandy beach or partake in water sports; beach rentals available during summer.

Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve

25 minutes walking

A tranquil reserve with diverse wildlife, great for hiking and enjoying nature's beauty.

National Trust

30 minutes walking

Explore stunning landscapes and historical sites through various walking trails.

Cookie Kingdom

2-minute walk

A cozy spot specializing in delicious, homemade cookies and desserts, perfect for a sweet treat.

The Volunteer Inn

5-minute drive

Traditional pub atmosphere with hearty meals, local ales, and a welcoming vibe; vegetarian options available.

The Red Lion

5-minute drive

Charming restaurant with local seafood and seasonal dishes; open for all dietary preferences.

The Cinnamon Tree

5-minute drive

Authentic Indian cuisine with a vibrant setting; popular for its flavorful dishes and vegetarian selections.

Sidmouth Arts Centre

5-minute drive

Hosts various events including films and theatre performances with a welcoming community feel.

The Old Foresters

10-minute drive

A lively bar featuring live music events; great atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

Connaught Studio Theatre

35 minutes walking

Family-friendly events, including plays and musicals in an intimate setting; check the schedule for shows.

The Sidmouth Folk Week

variable

Annual festival showcasing folk music and dance; attracts a diverse crowd and offers plenty for families.

Local transport and travel tips

City Centre
Sidmouth 35 min · 2.9 km
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 26 min · 16.7 km
Bristol (BRS) 150 min · 100 km

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-20:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

Public parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Languages

Spanish, Italian

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Blue Ball Inn from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Blue Ball Inn is often praised for its convenient location for exploring the coast from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, along with its spacious rooms and bathrooms. Guests frequently highlight the well-designed downstairs area, featuring spaces ideal for both intimate meals and larger gatherings, not to mention the lovely, spacious garden. While some guests have occasionally found the vegetable dishes to be somewhat bland, the generous parking and proximity to attractions like the donkey sanctuary consistently receive positive mentions, making it a valued choice.

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Review score

Based on 462 verified reviews

8.5 /10

Great

87 %

Recommend

Paid Wi-Fi

9.1/10

Staff

9.1/10

Value for money

8.4/10

Facilities

8.6/10

Pros

Comfy bed

Helpful staff

Great breakfast

Clean room

Cons

Slow service

No hot water

Electrical hum

Jordan from United States

Single

standard double room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 11, 2026

7/10

clean room friendly staff superb breakfast dark room busy road pricey room

the room was very clean the staff were friendly i found the breakfast choices superb the bar area included a lovely open fire.

the room was downstairs it was not very bright the road outside was constantly busy so it wasn't peaceful i felt it was a bit pricey for what you got.

0 Helpful

Rosie from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 20, 2026

9.0/10

A Charming Getaway

lovely toiletries delicious cookie excellent location friendly staff

The rooms exceeded my expectations based on the online photos. The included toiletries smelled lovely. I also found a delicious cookie waiting for me, a good surprise. The location was excellent, close to many attractions. The staff were very friendly, helpful, and accommodating.

The fan above needed cleaning.

Rooms

9/10

The room was cozy, clean, and comfortable. I noticed complementary tea and coffee, which I found very sweet.

Dining

9/10

I found the food served here to be excellent. The restaurant also offers gluten-free choices. Breakfast included many options that tasted delicious, setting a positive tone for each new day, and I was so pleased.

Facilities

9/10

Parking was free and conveniently located directly opposite the building. The inn features a cute bar area. The building itself exudes charm. The location is perfect for discovering local attractions.

0 Helpful

Theodore from United States

Single

Deluxe King Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: November 29, 2025

7/10

comfortable bed bathroom products good breakfast double room refund issue customer service

i had a Beautiful king room. the bed was comfortable. bramley products were provided in the bathroom. breakfast was good.

the staff allocated us a double room when i booked the king suite. a refund was not possible. there was no customer service here.

0 Helpful

Jackson from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: October 31, 2025

9.0/10

Satisfying Stay

extensive menu real ales

The extensive menu and real ales at the pub were a plus. Staff members were also helpful .. The parking area offered plenty of space. I found the location convenient for walks.

The food menu had some unavailable items. This limited my choices. It would be better if all items were consistently available.

Facilities

9/10

There is parking available , with easy access to vehicles. The hotel also has a pub and a restaurant, both accessible and well-kept for visitor enjoyment.

Dining

8/10

The restaurant serves a variety of meals from an extensive menu and offers real ales. Options include fish and chips and sausage with mash. They provide diverse meal choices.

Rooms

9/10

The rooms offer nice decor. They are comfortable and clean, ensuring a relaxing environment. A care package containing extra tea, coffee, milk, and toilet roll was also available.

Service

10/10

Staff members offer friendly and accommodating service. They are willing to assist guests with requests and provide assistance as needed throughout the stay. The manager and owner shows friendliness.

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About Blue Ball Inn

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Blue Ball Inn?

Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is by 10:30.

How far is The Blue Ball Inn from Exeter International Airport?

The hotel is 19 km from Exeter International Airport.

What dining options are available at The Blue Ball Inn?

The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving British and seafood cuisine, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon request.

Is breakfast included at The Blue Ball Inn?

Guests can enjoy both continental and Full English/Irish breakfast options available daily from 8 AM.

What leisure activities can guests enjoy at The Blue Ball Inn?

Guests can participate in activities such as cycling, hiking, darts, squash, and windsurfing.

Does The Blue Ball Inn have free parking facilities?

Free public parking is available on-site for guests.

What amenities are available in the rooms at The Blue Ball Inn?

Room amenities include multi-channel television, hairdryers, and tea/coffee making facilities.

Which nearby attractions can be found close to The Blue Ball Inn?

Nearby attractions include Sidmouth Beach (approximately 2 km), The Donkey Sanctuary (approximately 3 km), and Norman Lockyer Observatory (approximately 3 km).

What business services does The Blue Ball Inn offer?

The hotel provides access to a business center and conference facilities.

Is there Wi-Fi available at The Blue Ball Inn?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Does The Blue Ball Inn have a bar or lounge area?

The hotel features three bars, including a lounge area for guests to relax.

Are there any wellness facilities at The Blue Ball Inn?

The hotel offers fitness-related activities, including cycling and windsurfing.