DISCOVER 700 YEARS OF HISTORY AT ONE OF THE MOST HISTORIC HOTELS IN SIDMOUTH
OUR STORY
13th Century
As far back as the 13th Century a dwelling sat on the current Woodlands site. In 1971, archaeologists searching beneath the hotel discovered a network of ancient tunnels and a domed subterranean chamber.
1578
Sir Walter Raleigh owned Woodlands and leased the building to Sir William Peryam, a key judge in the trial of Mary Queen of Scots. The manor’s original cellars exist to this day
1800
The Rev J. Copplestone turned one of the Woodlands barns into a private chapel. You can still see the bell from the landing outside Room 17.
Mid 1800s
Woodland Cottage belonged to Henry Digby – a naval officer who played a key role in the Battle of Trafalgar. He commanded the smallest ship in the fleet, yet managed to overpower Spain’s flagship and the largest vessel in the world
20th Century
In 1909, Woodlands became a GP surgery. Later in the mid-20th century, it was almost demolished and redeveloped. Thankfully, the building achieved listed status in 1951, making it one of the first listed buildings in the UK.