The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
This film is part of Free
The Resort of Sidmouth
This fifties holiday film captures the mood of the day in beautiful colour.
From the collection of:
Overview
This holiday film transports you to Sidmouth and the village of Beer with lovely views of Salcombe Hill overlooking Sidmouth. The old capstan at Beer used for hauling boats up the beach is seen in operation. A trip to Clovelly in North Devon takes in Bickleigh Bridge, Dartmoor and the MV Guidesman tanker on the Exeter canal. The beach scenes at the one time Regency and Victorian resort of Sidmouth show how post war domestic tourism was returning to the resorts of old.
In the Georgian Regency era, son of George III and the Prince Regent's brother popularised the resort. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and his new wife and baby, the future Queen Victoria in 1819 stayed at Woolbrook Glen. The esplanade and many Georgian and Victorian buildings survive although erosion and storms threaten the red sandstone cliffs and beach. Sidmouth is the gateway the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Knowle Cottage was built in 1810 and became one of the most famous houses in Sidmouth. It was already a hotel by 1882 and in 1947 was bought by Southern Railway and returned to use as a hotel having been used by the RAF during the Second World War. It is now Council offices and public gardens.
Related
Sri Lankan Kandyan Dance Troop at Sidmouth Sri Lankan Kandyan Dance Troop at Sidmouth
Current affairs 1980 2 mins Location: Sidmouth
A Sri Lankan dance troop enthrals folk festival goers.
Devon Devon
Travelogue 1939 18 mins Location: Exeter
The cream of Devon painted in an unfamiliar palette in this Dufaycolor travelogue
Winter Tour Winter Tour
Documentary 1949 10 mins Silent Location: Barnes Common
A grand coach tour makes its way to Hampshire, Dorset and Devon, leaving London far behind
Holidays around Sidmouth Holidays around Sidmouth
Amateur film 1956 3 mins Silent Location: Sidmouth
Sidmouth sits hidden among the cliffs and the area is filmed by an enthusiastic holidaymaker.
The Sidmouth Folk Festival The Sidmouth Folk Festival
Current affairs 1970 7 mins Location: Sidmouth
International folk bands and troupes put on an act at Sidmouth
Hawke Surfcat Catamarans Hawke Surfcat Catamarans
News 1980 5 mins Location: Sidmouth
Cat on Water! Catamaran race off Sidmouth
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Luke Bean of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Samantha Arnold of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.
Horace Ové on Pressure Horace Ové on Pressure
Inside Film 2005 36 mins
The acclaimed director discusses his landmark film in this interview from 2005.
Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A Baltimore - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 28 mins
Directors Christine Molloy and Joe Lawlor dig deep into their thrilling biopic Baltimore, in discussion with Nadia M Oliva.
Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film Pressure star Herbert Norville on Horace Ové's masterpiece, the first full-length Black British film
Inside Film 2023 17 mins
Actor Herbert Norville discusses working with the pioneering filmmaker on his groundbreaking 1975 drama, Pressure.
Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective Horace Ové: Reflecting the People – A Career Retrospective
Inside Film 2023 77 mins
An impassioned discussion on the life, work and legacy of the eminent filmmaker Horace Ové, chaired by Samira Ahmed.