LOCATION & TRAVEL
Location
Sidmouth is located in the southwest of England, in the county of Devon. It is a small town on the Jurassic Coast - England's first World Heritage Site - and the school is situated in the heart of the town. Sidmouth is just a 30-minute drive from the cathedral city of Exeter, 90 minutes from Bristol, and approximately 3 hours from London Heathrow Airport.
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Travel
A smooth, supported journey from arrival to your accommodation – and back again.
Travel Assistance Service
Our options for a supported journey on arrival or departure.
We provide a travel assistance service to/from London Heathrow Airport every Saturday throughout the year. The bus aims to arrive at the airport at 12.00 and to depart no later than 16.30. Average journey time (including comfort stop, where applicable) is 3.5 hours approximately.
DISCOVERY SEASON (SUMMER)
£40 EACH WAY FOR ALL AGES
Includes:
- Arrivals: students make their own way to our meeting point in terminal 2, where our team will be waiting.
- Departures: students are dropped off at terminal 2 between 11-11:30 and make their own way to check-in.
Please note:
Flights must arrive before 15:00 and depart no earlier than 13:45.
Our team will be at the airport from 12 - 16:30 to coordinate the transfer.
IMMERSIVE SEASON (SEPTEMBER - MAY)
£75 EACH WAY FOR ADULTS
£100 EACH WAY FOR TEENAGERS/YOUNG ADULTS
Includes:
- Airport/station assistance (for students aged 14-17) from terminal to bus.
- Bus from airport to Exeter
- Taxi/host collection from Exeter to Sidmouth
Please note:
If you are travelling with another student, you may share our own travel service costs in immersive season.
Please contact us for more information.
Regular shuttle buses link Heathrow to Gatwick Airport (travel time 80 min approx).
Meet & Greet Service
Our Meet & Greet Service for additional support on arrival or departure.
DISCOVERY SEASON (SUMMER)
£40 EACH WAY FOR AGES 7+
(Support for up to 3 hours, each way)
Includes:
A member of the team/airport angel will assist in relevant terminal and accompany the student to the meeting point for transfer or to support with check-in, and will then direct student to security.
Please note:
Any student on a junior/tween course (8-13yrs) travelling without an Adult must use the Meet & Greet service OR our Private Transfer service.
Important:
If a student uses the airline’s Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Service, the school must be informed.
This service, arranged by parents with the airline, is not the same as the school’s Meet & Greet option.
Private
Transfers
Our options for private transfers on arrival or departure.
We can arrange private transfers (max 6 people) to and from Sidmouth from anywhere in the UK.
Minimum price each way:
Heathrow £400, Gatwick £375, Bristol £240, Exeter £60
Car Rental/Hire
Our options for car rentals during your stay.
If you want to rent a car during your stay, we can help you choose a good car hire company.
You must bring a valid driving licence and prices depend on the type of car and the number of days.
Click on the companies below to visit their website.
Local car hire option:
Practical Car & Van Rental - Located in Sidmouth, close to our school.
Car hire companies at Bristol, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted:
Public Transport
Public Buses
National Express operates an excellent fast coach service (No 501) between Heathrow Airport and Exeter coach station, with departures every 2 hours throughout the year.
Details are at www.nationalexpress.com
At Exeter coach station change for the bus to Sidmouth (Stagecoach No 9), journey time about 45 minutes.
Details are at www.stagecoachbus.com
There are frequent National Express shuttle buses to London Heathrow from London Gatwick (journey time 80 minutes approx) and London Stansted (journey time 90 minutes approx)
Trains
There are regular and frequent trains from London Paddington and London Waterloo Stations to Exeter, and from London Gatwick Airport to Exeter (change trains at Clapham Junction). Details of all UK train services are at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Please contact us if you require more details. We will be happy to help!
Important UK Travel Information
Since 2 April 2025, the United Kingdom will require travellers from visa-exempt countries, including EU nations, to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the UK.
How to Apply for an ETA
-
Online Application
- Apply through the official UK government website by clicking here or use the UK ETA mobile app.
- Provide personal details, passport information, and a recent photograph.
- Answer security and travel-related questions.
-
Pay the Application Fee
- The ETA fee is £20 (Correct as of September 2026)
-
Processing Time
- Most applications are processed within three working days, but some may be approved sooner.
-
Receive and Use Your ETA
- Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires (whichever comes first).
- You can make multiple trips to the UK during the validity period.
Please always check your country’s entry requirements before travelling to the UK.