south coast tour uk

Skip To Main Content

Follow Us...

What's on in bournemouth, christchurch and poole.

• Map of Berkshire
• Bracknell Forest
• Map of Buckinghamshire
• Beaconsfield
• Great Missenden
• High Wycombe
• Milton Keynes
• Newport Pagnell
• Map of Hampshire
• Basingstoke
• East Hampshire
• Hayling Island
• South Downs
• Southampton
• Map of Isle of Wight
• Map of Kent
• Broadstairs
• Royal Tunbridge Wells
• Map of Oxfordshire
• Chipping Norton
• Henley-on-Thames
• Wallingford
• Map of Surrey
• Map of Sussex
• East Grinstead
• Littlehampton
• Around Gatwick
• Map of Dorset
• Bournemouth
• Christchurch
• City Breaks
• Tourist Information Centres
• Travel Information
• Weekend Breaks
• A - Z Towns, Cities and Villages
• Accessible Accommodation
• B&B & Guest Houses
• Campervan Hire
• Camping & Touring Caravan Parks
• Caravan and Holiday Parks
• Dog Friendly
• Pubs With Rooms
• Self Catering Holiday Cottages
• Buckinghamshire
• Isle of Wight
• Oxfordshire
• What's On in Berkshire
• What's On in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
• What's On in Buckinghamshire
• What's On in Hampshire
• What's On in Kent
• What's On in London
• What's On in Oxfordshire
• What's On in Surrey
• What's On in Sussex
• What's On Isle of Wight
• Music Festivals
• Food Festivals
• Experiences
• Free Things To Do
• Family Activities
• Breweries & Distilleries
• Churches & Cathedrals
• Historic Houses
• Racecourses
• Steam Railways
• Theme & Water Parks
• Zoos & Wildlife
• Blue Flag Beaches in Dorset
• Blue Flag Beaches in Hampshire, Sussex and IOW
• Blue Flag Beaches in Kent
• Seaside Award-Winning Beaches in Dorset
• Seaside Award-Winning Beaches in Kent
• Seaside Award-Winning Beaches in Sussex & IOW
• South East England Beaches
• Boat Trips & Water Sports
• Country Parks
• Countryside
• Guided Tours
• On the Water Adventures
• Outdoor Spaces
• Afternoon Tea
• Great Country Pubs
• Made in South East
• Outdoor Dining
• Restaurants
• Shopping Centres
• Accessible Attractions
• Royal Connections
• World Heritage Sites
• Film & TV Locations
• Literary Links
• Towns & Villages
• Group Travel
• Arriving from North America
• Arriving from Scandinavia
• Arriving from Europe
• Conference and Weddings
• Sustainable Tourism
• It's Competition Time
• 3 million acres of natural beauty
• 400 miles of stunning coastline
• Autumn/Winter Staycations & Days Out
• Award Winning Destination
• Celebrating Events Throughout The South East
• Following in the Footsteps of Royalty
• South East Literary Links
• South East Destinations
• Wine Capital of the UK

You are here: South Coast

England's South Coast

Share this with

Accommodation Search

Things to do search, what's on search, food & drink search, shopping search, what's on search, food & drink search.

The South Coast is officially the sunniest place in the UK, welcoming over 1900 hours of sunshine a year, and with over 400 miles of coastline to discover it makes for a perfect staycation destination. Stretching from chalky white cliffs, sandy beaches, shingle bays of the Kent coastline, through to the sweeping sandy bays, sheltered beaches and natural spits of Bouremouth, Christchurch and Poole in Dorset, the South Coast has something for everyone.

Home to the iconic white cliffs of Dover, the beautiful Seven Sisters  and Beachy Head near Eastbourne, the famous Needles on the Isle of Wight, the chalk stalks of Botany Bay , Thanet and renowned Old Harry's Rocks in Dorset , the South Coast also offers an array of natural beauty spots to enjoy.  

Delve into the South Coast's rich history and heritage with a visit to one of the many castles and forts littered along its coastline.  These once defended the shores from invading forces and include the famous Dover Castle with its underground tunnels and hidden rooms, Pevensey Castle where William the Conqueror first arrived into England in 1066, and Southsea Castle , Portsmouth where Henry VIII is said to watch the Mary Rose sink into The Solent.

The South Coast is also home to many man made iconic locations too, like Spinnaker Tower , Portsmouth offering stunning views over the city and the Isle of Wight, the  R oyal Pavilion , Brighton, with its unique architechture and elobrate internal decoration and the Brighton i360 , Brighton, with its sleek and morden design.  Don't forget to visit one of the many piers that litter our coastline from the pleasure pier in Worthing which opened in 1862 or Hastings Pier which beat five other buildings to the Royal Institute of British Architects Stirling Prize.

The South Coast also plays host to some of the UK’s most legendary music and arts festivals and has a rich maritime heritage unrivalled anywhere in the world. The rolling countryside and magnificent coastline offers great opportunities for walking and cycling enthusiasts. 

• Best places to visit on the Kent and Sussex Coast
• Best places to visit on the Hampshire and Dorset Coast

South Coast Maps

Maps of places to visit in South Coast counties and their towns and villages can be found on our dedicated map pages for Dorset ,  Hampshire , Sussex and Kent  or take a look at our touring map highlighting many of the tourism hotspots. 

Beach Holidays

England’s South Coast is the perfect choice for a relaxing short break or a longer touring holiday, not to mention a large choice of blue flag beaches , rewarded for their cleanliness. With an array of accommodation options to suit all budgets you’ll be sure to find a hotel , B&B , self-catering apartment or camping/touring park to suit your needs.

You will be sure to create memories that last a life-time during a holiday on England’s South Coast.

Inspiration

• Berkshire ,
• Buckinghamshire ,
• Hampshire ,
• Isle of Wight ,
• Oxfordshire ,
• Around Gatwick ,
• Bournemouth ,
• City Breaks ,
• Tourist Information Centres ,
• Travel Information ,
• Weekend Breaks ,
• A - Z Towns, Cities and Villages ,
• Accessible Accommodation ,
• B&B & Guest Houses ,
• Campervan Hire ,
• Camping & Touring Caravan Parks ,
• Caravan and Holiday Parks ,
• Spa Hotels ,
• Pubs With Rooms ,
• Self Catering Holiday Cottages ,
• What's On in Berkshire ,
• What's On in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole ,
• What's On in Buckinghamshire ,
• What's On in Hampshire ,
• What's On Isle of Wight ,
• What's On in Kent ,
• What's On in London ,
• Music Festivals ,
• What's On in Oxfordshire ,
• What's On in Surrey ,
• What's On in Sussex ,
• Food Festivals ,
• Free Things To Do ,
• Family Activities ,
• Attractions ,
• Award-Winning Beaches ,
• Outdoor Activities ,
• Food & Drink ,
• Accessible Attractions ,
• Dog Friendly ,
• World Heritage Sites ,
• Countryside ,
• Film & TV Locations ,
• Literary Links ,
• Royal Connections ,
• Military Connections ,
• Travel Trade ,
• Coach & Tour Operators ,
• South East Destinations ,
• Award Winning Destination ,
• Wedding Venues ,
• Meet Beyond London ,
• Top 10 Campsites ,
• Top 10 History & Heritage ,
• Privacy Policy
• Terms and Conditions
• Event Submission Form

© Visit South East England 2024. All Rights Reserved

France Tours

+44 1902 351884

[email protected]

Discover the Charm of South Coast England with Our Unforgettable Tours

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture of the South Coast of England with our meticulously crafted tours. From the South’s iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we curate experiences that capture the essence of this picturesque region. At MyUKtours, we believe that every journey should be an unforgettable adventure. 

Tour Highlights

Visiting: South Coast of England, South West England

Towns & Cities: Arundel, Portsmouth, Padstow

Tour Features

Private guided tour, guide and luxury vehicle

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Starting: London, Southampton cruise terminal, Heathrow/Gatwick

Finishing: London, Heathrow airport (or wherever you wish)

Key Attractions

Petworth House, Arundel Castle & Gardens, HMS Victory, D-Day museum, New Forest, Jurassic Coast, Portland, Corfe Castle, Dartmoor National Park, Tintagel Castle, Stourhead Gardens

Enquire Now

South Coast England Tour Itinerary

Experience South Coast England’s breathtaking scenery and historical terrain with our well-thought-out, opulent private guided tour. This carefully planned five-day tour highlights the main sights on the South Coast and makes lifelong memories.

Your driver will collect you from your London hotel to start the day. The first stop will be Petworth House. An extraordinary and surprising ancestral seat created by just one family over 900 years ago. The 17th-century building you see today comprises grand staterooms which form the centrepiece of your visit. Designed to display the taste, lifestyle and artistic patronage of generations, the staterooms offer an infinity of paintings and sculptures, including major works by Van Dyck, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough. 

The landscape gives every impression of being totally natural but in reality, nothing is further from the truth. The park was transformed in the 1750s and early 1760s by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. After lunch, you’ll visit the castle of Arundel. There are nearly 1,000 years of history at this great castle, situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex and built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.

This vast hill-top castle, surrounded by castellated walls, was first built by the Normans. Arundel Castle features a fine collection of paintings and furniture along with the amazing Baron’s Hall. The Castle features a garden based on an old Italianate-style garden, where you can immerse yourself in the fragrance of the Rose Garden and enjoy the tranquillity of the Fitzalan Chapel's White Garden.

Still a vital naval port to this day, Portsmouth is a vibrant town, fascinating to those interested in British naval history and the D-Day invasion of WWII. Portsmouth has been home to the British Navy for over 500 hundred years and still is very much to this day. We start our day at the historic naval dockyards, boarding HMS Victory, Admiral Nelson's flagship from the Battle of Trafalgar of 1805. We then visit the Mary Rose, Henry VIII's favourite battleship. Before lunch, we have time to tour the extensive Napoleonic dockyards and Naval Museum.

After lunch we make our way on to the D-Day museum, perhaps visit the stores at Gunwharf Quays and take a boat tour of the harbour to see the current pride of the British Navy.

We continue further into Hampshire and the New Forest. The New Forest National Park is a large tract of unenclosed rustic fields and heathland; people have created a living from this unique landscape for a long time. It was proclaimed a royal forest by William the Conqueror, featured in the Domesday Book. Rights of common pasture over a thousand years old are still recognised today. There are around 5,000 wild New Forest Ponies that inhabit the area, as they have done for over 2,000 years.

The Jurassic Coast is a natural World Heritage Site strewn with fossils and rocks millions of years old. Exploring the coast is a walk-through time. With its relics on the cliffs, you uncover the story of the Earth. The sea has carved the different stones along the Jurassic Coast into bays, beaches, cliffs, stacks, arches and landslides. This marvellous variety in the landscape helps create the natural beauty of the area and makes the Jurassic Coast an inspirational place.

The first stone of Corfe Castle was laid more than 1,000 years ago. Since then it’s seen its fair share of battles, mysteries and plots. It’s been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence and family home.

One of Britain's most iconic and evocative survivors of the English Civil War, partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians. A favourite haunt for adults and children alike, all ages are captivated by these romantic castle ruins with breathtaking views across Purbeck.

Discover 1,000 years of our history as a royal palace and fortress. With fallen walls and secret places, there are tales of treachery and treason around every corner. Spot the 'murder holes' and count the arrow loops. Feel history come to life and see the wildlife that has set up home here.

Today we tour the Dartmoor National Park, the ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’ country. Dartmoor is now the least inhabited part of England. See wild Dartmoor Ponies, wooded valleys with quaint thatched cottages and heather-clad moors which glow purple and maroon in the evening sun. Also dotting the landscape are scores of prehistoric remains which have survived due to the durability of granite.

Heading west, we reach the north coast of Cornwall and the Atlantic Ocean. Our destination is Tintagel Castle, a Cornish castle with links to the stories of King Arthur. Cross the spectacular new bridge to take in unforgettable views of the coastline and explore the history-rich headland. Walk among the castle ruins that still cling to the cliffs, find early-mediaeval remains and meet Gallos - the life-size bronze statue of an ancient king who keeps watch over the wild seas below.

Heading west, we reach the north coast of Cornwall and the Atlantic Ocean. Our destination is Tintagel Castle, a Cornish castle with links to the stories of King Arthur. Cross the spectacular new bridge to take in unforgettable views of the coastline and explore the history-rich headland. Walk among the castle ruins that still cling to the cliffs, find early-medieval remains and meet Gallos - the life-size bronze statue of an ancient king who keeps watch over the wild seas below.

Our return journey to London takes us into rural Devon, where we can stop for a classic pub lunch before heading east to Somerset. Enjoy seeing unusual places with odd names, such as Velvet Bottom, Butts Batch, and Tinker’s Bubble, to name only a few.

Stourhead Gardens is the most awe-inspiring and remarkable landscaped gardens in Europe. The garden was begun in the 1740s by Henry Hoare, who inherited the estate and transformed it into a breathtaking work of art. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Apollo, overlooking the entire 18th-century garden. Tunnels lead to an artificial cave with a pool and a life-size statue of the guardian of the River Stour. Stop by and see the Grotto, made of volcanic rock with a lookout to the lake.

Stop briefly at Avebury Stone Circle, a Neolithic stone circle; thought to be dedicated to life, death and fertility. We continue to London and your destination for the evening.

Stourhead Gardens is the most awe-inspiring and remarkable landscaped gardens in Europe. The garden was begun in the 1740s by Henry Hoare, who inherited the estate and transformed it into a breath-taking work of art. Your guide will take you to the Temple of Apollo, overlooking the entire 18th Century garden. Tunnels lead to an artificial cave with a pool and a life-size statue of the guardian of the River Stour. Stop by and see the Grotto, made of volcanic rock with a lookout to the lake.

Stop briefly at Avebury Stone Circle, a Neolithic stone circle; thought to be dedicated to life, death and fertility. We continue to London and your destination for the evening.

South Coast of England Tour Enquiry

• About Emily
• About This Blog
• Personal Posts
• My Travel Stories
• Central America
• North America
• South America
• Tours and Activities
• Transport and Travel
• Packing Tips
• Travel Gear
• Travel Fashion and Beauty
• Work with me

25 of the Best Places to Visit on the South Coast of England

• Last Updated 19 October 2023

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, I earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). Take a look at my privacy policy for more information.

This post showcases some of the very best places to visit on the south coast of England – from Cornwall to Kent, and everywhere in between. 

Stretching some 300 miles, the south coast of England is officially the sunniest part of the UK. This means it’s the ideal place for a summer holiday!

Lined with dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches and hidden coves, and plenty of picture-perfect seaside towns… there’s a lot to discover!

I grew up in Weymouth , a seaside town on Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, and have since lived in multiple spots around the south of England. So I’ve spent most of my life exploring the English coast!

In this post, I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite discoveries, including seaside towns and stunning stretches of coastline. I also asked a bunch of awesome local bloggers to share their own top recommendations from along the south coast of England. Enjoy…

Best Places to Visit on South Coast of England: Map

Find places to stay on the south coast of england.

Best Places to Visit on the South West Coast of England

Places in cornwall, 1. scilly isles.

One of my favourite discoveries on the south coast of England has to be the Scilly Isles. This is a small cluster of islands just off the coast of Cornwall, in the far southwest of the country.

Think empty beaches where long grasses wave from the tufts of white sand dunes and rugged cliffs topped with colourful wildflowers. The rocky coves are home to an abundance of sea life, including seals!

I spent a week exploring the islands of Tresco, Bryher, and St Martins and was absolutely spellbound. The islands can only be reached by ferry or in a tiny plane from Newquay airport.

There’s no way to take a vehicle with you, and cars are few and far between, so pollution is incredibly low. Which means the wildlife of these quiet little islands is stunning! 

READ MORE: 33 of the Best Places to Visit in the South of England

2. Minnack Theatre

Recommended by: Kat, Wandering Bird

If you’re looking for somewhere unique to visit by the coast, you need to add the Minack Theatre to your Cornwall itinerary. This incredible place is unlike anywhere else we’ve ever been: an open-air theatre carved into the cliff. 

Created on private land by a wealthy family, this theatre regularly puts on shows and plays, which are incredible to watch against the backdrop of the Cornish cliffs.  When shows aren’t scheduled, you can walk around the theatre and seating, have a picnic, take advantage of the cafe and enjoy the views. 

Word of warning – there is parking next to the theatre but it’s not large. Get there early unless you want a long walk up a very steep hill!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Devon and Cornwall 5 Day Small Group Tour

Recommended by: Sylvie, Travels with Eden

St Ives is the jewel in the crown of Cornwall and one of the best places to visit on the whole south coast of England. The coastal town is a popular holiday destination famous for its beautiful beaches, awe-inspiring landscapes, delicious food and booming art scene. Make sure you try the local delicacies.

A day at the beach is a must-do. I recommend Porthminster Beach. With calm seas, white sand and a backdrop of palm trees, what more can you want?

If you’re feeling adventurous, Porthminster beach is the gateway to the South West Coast path , so you can walk to the neighbouring town of Carbis Bay for another beach day. 

READ MORE: See my guide to what to do in St Ives to get planning! You should also check out my post about nearby St Agnes to see more of the north Cornish coast.

4. Lizard Peninsula

Recommended by: Annabel, Smudged Postcard

The Lizard Peninsula is a peaceful area of dramatic coastline and pretty fishing villages in the southwest of Cornwall. Highlights include Lizard Point, the most southerly part of England where visitors can enjoy Cornish cream teas whilst admiring the rocky coastline.

Popular Kynance Cove, a beautiful beach of sand, rocks and caves, is located on the western side of the Lizard.

The Lizard is bordered in the north by the Helford River, a perfect spot for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. There are some excellent pubs in this part of Cornwall including the waterfront Shipwright’s Arms.

The Lizard is also perfect for hiking with the South West Coastal path running along its ever-changing coastline.

5. Charlestown

Recommended by: Heather, Conversant Traveller

For a dose of pirates, seafood and some of the clearest ocean in the UK, head to the 18th-century port village of Charlestown and see a different side of Cornwall .

Tucked away on the south coast just a mile from St Austell, this charming spot was once a thriving harbour for importing coal and exporting china clay.

Today it retains much of its Georgian character and is the perfect destination for filming locations – you may recognise it from Poldark and Hornblower!

Keep an eye out for the small fleet of square-rigger ships and don’t miss the Shipwreck, Rescue and Heritage Centre. There are also several exceptional restaurants serving some of the freshest seafood in the country.

Recommended by: Nicola, Global Mouse Travels

Fowey is the perfect seaside stop off and one of our favourite places in Cornwall. There’s something almost film-set-like about it, with fisherman’s cottages lining the narrow streets down to the harbour. At the quayside, where lobster posts jostle for position, it looks timeless.

There are plenty of places to pick up Cornish classics like fish and chips, pasties and fudge, but just taking a wander and breathing in that delicious salty sea air is invigorating. We have had so many trips to beautiful Cornwall , it is our happy place and Fowey typifies this picturesque part of the country.

7. Polperro

Recommended by: Sabrina, Moon & Honey Travel  

Polperro is an idyllic fishing village located along the South Cornwall Coast in England. Brimming with charming cottages and the most picture-perfect harbour in Cornwall, Polperro is a destination for romantics and history buffs. You can learn about the village’s smuggling history in the Polperro Smugglers Museum. After, you can follow the South West Coast Trail east in the direction of Looe or west in the direction of Polruan.

While Polperro can be visited in a day, I recommend spending at least one night here. Unless your accommodation offers on-site parking (rare), you’ll have to park in the large Polperro Car Park, located just off A387, and walk into the village. Read this Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary for trip planning help.

PLACES IN DEVON

Recommended by: Chris and Heather, A Brit & A Southerner 

If you are looking for one of the best days out in Devon , head over to the area recognized as the “English Riviera” by visiting the beautiful coastal town of Torquay. Renowned as one of the UK’s most popular tourist destinations, Torquay offers a plethora of attractions, local restaurants and much more for all the family to enjoy.   Spend an afternoon walking along the seafront, before heading to the heartbeat of Torquay at the Harbour and Marina. Here, you will find a myriad of restaurants and cafes serving the fresh catch of the day.

With plenty of shops to satisfy those looking for a little retail therapy, Torquay is the perfect family holiday destination given its proximity to a variety of other local seaside towns such as Brixham, Paignton, Babbacombe and others.

Torquay is also famous as the birthplace of Agatha Christie – one of the world’s best-loved crime fiction writers! Take a guided tour like this one to discover the many locations that are featured in her novels and learn more about her life.

Recommended by: Claire, Go South West

Just half an hour away from the city of Exeter, Exmouth is a quaint seaside town, sitting at the meeting point of the River Ex’s estuary and the beginning of the Jurassic Coast, which stretches down into Dorset. From Exmouth, it is possible to hike along this coast, taking in some spectacular clifftop views on the way to neighbouring town Budleigh Salterton. 

There are also nearby moors and quaint surrounding countryside. Visit villages near Exmouth such as the medieval dwelling of East Budleigh with many historic thatched-roof buildings, and Otterton, a small village of 700 people which focuses around a mill. However, Exmouth is also perfect for a beach-focused holiday, with amusements, a sandy beach, and plenty of accommodation facilities!

10. Burgh Island

Recommended by: Fiona at London-Unattached 

Bigbury on Sea in Devon is a lovely, traditional seaside town with a fabulous child-friendly sandy beach. Walk across the sand or get the curious sea tractor to Burgh Island. The island is cut off at high tide and guests rely on the tractor. Burgh Island Hotel was the height of fashion in the 1930s and 40s, with many famous guests including Noel Coward, Agatha Christie and even Winston Churchill.

Whether or not you are staying at the hotel, is it worth a visit. Walk around the island or swim in the stunning mermaid pool – filled with seawater and surrounded by craggy rocks. It’s a great place to windsurf, kitesurf or to kayak around the island too.

READ MORE: Best Places to Visit in South Devon

PLACES IN DORSET

11. lyme regis.

Lyme Regis is easily one of the best places to visit on the south coast of England. It’s also one of the most popular. This colourful seaside town lies perched on the Dorset coast between golden cliffs famed for their abundance of prehistoric fossils! 

Although it’s always been a popular holiday spot, Lyme has had a resurgence in recent years. Especially as more and more trendy boutique hotels and hot new restaurants open their doors. Among them is the HIX Oyster & Fish House, run by celebrity chef Mark Hix.  

12. Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a 96-mile stretch of dramatic coastline running from East Devon and along almost all of the Dorset coast. It was the first-ever ‘natural’ World Heritage Site, because of its huge geological importance.

Rich in prehistoric fossils, with rugged cliffs and coastal structures shaped by millennia of sea movement, the coastline is said to offer an almost continuous “walk through time” spanning 185 million years of the Earth’s history! 

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Bus Tour (from £35pp)

One of the star attractions on the section of the south coast of England is Durdle Door. A rocky limestone archway over the sea, the “door” juts out into the English Channel between two stunning bays. It’s an absolute must-visit in Dorset, and one of the most photographed sights in the area.

13. Sandbanks Beach

Sandbanks is one of the best beaches in Dorset , if not along the whole of the south coast of England! Running along a small peninsula between Poole and Bournemouth , Sandbanks is also home to the most expensive seaside properties in the world! On the other side of the peninsula lies Poole Harbour, the largest natural harbour in the world. Here you’ll find over a dozen yacht clubs and marinas, as well as some amazing seafood restaurants such as Rick Stein’s. 

The beach itself is incredible and has been awarded a Blue Flag 32 years in a row! With calm, safe waters and clean golden sands, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular beaches in the area. It can get busy on sunny days, but the beach is huge so there’s always plenty of room!

14. Isle of Purbeck

Although not quite an island, the Isle of Purbeck is a peninsula in Dorset bordered by water on three sides. It’s also one of the prettiest places in the whole county! 

This stunning peninsula is covered with wildflower-filled chalk grasslands, dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, and charming villages. The southernmost tip ends in a series of white chalk stacks known as Old Harry Rocks, another must-see along the south coast of England.

Don’t miss a trip to the seaside village of Swanage, or the stunning hilltop ruin of Corfe Castle. You can even take a ride on a beautiful vintage steamtrain between the two!

RECOMMENDED TOUR: Isle of Purbeck Full Day Tour (from £60pp)

Best Places to Visit on the South East Coast of England

Places in hampshire, 15. lymington.

Recommended by: Eniko, Travel Hacker Girl

Lymington is a pretty coastal town on the Solent. Sailing is very popular in the area, so there are many beautiful marinas in the town. Some of them also offer kayak rentals. Children love The Lymington Sea Water Swimming Baths in the town. The inflatable playground provides hours of entertainment for the whole family.

An easy walk from the town centre is the Lymington Nature Reserve. The old salt flats with tidal pools are a great environment for many birds. It is a real paradise for bird watchers. Lymington can be easily reached by train from London. The nearby New Forest , it is a popular place to go cycling, horse riding or hiking near London .

16. Isle of Wight

Recommended by: Darek, Darek and Gosia

Great Britain is full of stunning places and one of them is the  Isle of Wight . Located just a stone’s throw away from the southern coast, it is a perfect place to spend a weekend break with your family or friends.

There are a few ferry crossings offering access to the island, with Lymington to Yarmouth being the quickest. It only takes around 40 minutes to get there for passengers travelling in a car.

With amazing beaches, stunning landscapes like the Needles, and unique places like the Garlic Farm , the Isle of Wight has to be top of any list of the best places to visit on the south coast of England! You can take a guided day trip from London – or head there for a minibreak.

PLACES IN SUSSEX

17. thorney island.

Recommended by: Vicky, Day Out in England

Thorney Island is a small island off the south coast, in Chichester. It’s totally underrated but makes for a lovely 9-mile walk around the coast. Walkers might be put off by the barbed wire gates to enter – Thorney Island is MOD property – but once you’re through, you’ll love the easy walk. 

The path round is pretty straightforward, but the centre of the island is out of bounds so you can’t cut across. There are no facilities on the island for public use, which makes it all the more peaceful but you’ll have to take what you think you’ll need with you. 

The high point is the beautiful white sand beach, about three-quarters of the way around. Enjoy!

18. Brighton and Hove

Recommended by: Skye, Skye Travels

My favourite cities in England are Brighton and Hove. I love running along the beach, although the shore is covered in small pebbles instead of sand (except at low tide).

Brighton has two great shopping areas – The Lanes and North Laine. The former is the fancy shop district with high-end restaurants, jewellery shops and unique boutiques, the latter is a bohemian collection of hip cafes, independent shops and vintage stores.

Visiting the Royal Pavilion Museum is also a must, both inside and out. Finally, make sure to visit the pier, once the largest in the world, complete with arcades and carnival rides at the end. Short on time? Check out this guided day trip to Brighton and the Seven Sisters from London (from £89pp).

19. Eastbourne

Recommended by: Shobha, Just Go Places

Eastbourne is a charming Victorian seaside town which is the gateway to the South Downs National Park. This national park is the youngest of the UK national parks and covers three counties in the south of England. The South Downs National Park extends from Eastbourne to Winchester.

One of the most beautiful parts of the South Downs National Park is the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs . Thanks to erosion, the Seven Sisters are now technically 8 cliffs with one having been split in two. They are called the Seven Sisters because seafarers on the English Channel returning home to England thought the cliffs resembled nuns when the white of the cliffs contrasted with the dark green landscape. 

20. Rye and Camber Sands

Recommended by: Ann, The Road Is Life 

The  charming little town of Rye  near the coast of East Sussex is known for its beautiful medieval buildings. It’s easily one of the highlights of the historic region known as 1066 Country .

The cobbled streets of Rye are full of history and character, especially the famous Mermaid Street which is home to one of England’s oldest pubs. A trip to Rye simply isn’t complete without stopping at the iconic Mermaid Inn! 

A 10-minute drive from Rye will take you to a lovely golden beach that stretches out for 3 miles along the southern coast of England. Camber Sands is a popular spot for kite surfing, picnics and scenic coastal strolls. It’s also said to be one of England’s most beautiful beaches. Combining a visit to Rye and Camber Sands makes an excellent day trip from London. 

GLAMPING NEARBY: Check out my review of Swallowtail Hill glamping for the most gorgeous place to stay near Rye.

PLACES IN KENT

21. folkestone.

Recommended by: Caitlin, The Vegan Word

Folkestone may be best known as the Eurotunnel’s location, but there’s plenty to explore! If you enjoy nature walks, East Cliff and Warren Country Park has beautiful views of the white cliffs and the English Channel. You’ll find an easy (though steep!) access point from Sunny Sands beach.

Folkestone is also home to a sandy beach (Sunny Sands) located conveniently close to the town centre and the harbour. Speaking of the harbour, I had one of my favourite meals of the year at Dr. Legume’s , which is located in a former shipping container in the Harbour Arms. Their plant-based meals are innovative (and delicious!), as is what’s been done here to transform disused railroad tracks into a restaurant area.

22. White Cliffs of Dover

Recommended by: Nicole from Nicole LaBarge Travel Blog

The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic landmark in the south of England. You can walk along the sixteen-mile trail which runs eight miles either side of Dover and take in the stunning views and wildlife along the way.

You can also visit two historical places along the walk. The first is the Fan Bay Deep Shelter which is a tunnel system that was commissioned by Winston Churchill in 1940 and used during World War 2. The second is South Foreland Lighthouse which is a Victorian Lighthouse.

You can take in the chalky white cliffs along the coastline. This trail has been named one of Britain’s Best Coastal Walks and you will find some of the best beaches in Kent here. If you’re short on time you can take this guided day trip to Dover and Canterbury from London (from £79pp).

23. Kingsgate Bay

Recommended by: Hannah, Hannah’s Happy Adventures

Kingsgate Bay is a perfect hidden beach in Kent. Due to its location, the bay remains empty on a summer’s day and is a great place for some relaxation. Head down with a picnic and swimming gear for a day chilling in the sun.

On one side of the bay, you’ll see Kingsgate Bay Sea Arch, offering a superb photo opportunity. On the other side, you’ll see an old manor house, now used for functions and weddings. If you tire of Kingsgate Bay, at low tide, you can walk around to the bays on either side – Botany Bay and Joss Bay. However, they tend to be significantly busier. Kingsgate Bay is best visited by car and parking is available.

24. Margate

Recommended by: Angela, Where Angie Wanders

Margate on the South Coast has always been the epitome of an iconic English seaside town and its once-abandoned theme park, aptly known as Dreamland , has now been given a retro theme makeover with rides, shows, and even a roller rink.

Of course, it’s Margate’s sandy beach that pulls in the crowds. But head into town and discover the eclectic vintage shops, tea rooms and antique stores – a nod to a generation that is looking for something other than fish and chips.

A day in Margate is like a throwback to childhood when a trip to the beach was a grand occasion . The difference now is that you can finish your day at one of the chill-out bars that line the promenade and enjoy a cocktail or two!

RELATED POST: Things to do in Ramsgate (just up the road from Margate)

25. Whitstable

Recommended by: Laura of What’s Hot?  

Whitstable is a beautiful seaside town that’s less than an hour away from London by train. With rows of quaint shops leading all the way down to the beach, it’s hard to believe that this town is so close to busy London.

With a choice of excellent fish and chip shops, ice cream shops and more, a day trip to Whitstable is the perfect option on a sunny day. What’s more, t he beach is lined with colourful beach huts making it look like something straight off a postcard. Make sure to try some fresh oysters straight from Whitstable Bay too! 

Where would you add to this list of the best places to visit on the South Coast of England? Scroll down to leave a comment and share your favourite spots!

Pin this for later:

Related Posts

6 of the Best Beaches in Salcombe Devon

• Last Updated 21 March 2024

Golden sand, rolling hills, and a tranquil estuary… these are the best beaches in Salcombe, Devon for the perfect seaside holiday!

15 of the Best Things to Do in Salcombe Devon

• Last Updated 20 March 2024

An insider’s guide to the best things to see and do in Salcombe: seaside holiday heaven on the south coast of Devon, England.

How to Plan the Perfect City Break in Liverpool

• Last Updated 29 March 2024

An in-depth guide to help you plan a city break in Liverpool, England – and cram it with as much music, art, and culture as possible!

6 thoughts on “25 of the Best Places to Visit on the South Coast of England”

You’re so lucky to have grown up in Weymouth. I love visiting there! I grew up inland but moved to the seaside a few months ago and it makes me so happy. I live on the Somerset coast – not included in your article but equally beautiful in it’s own way!

It was a really special place to grow up – I took it for granted at the time but having the beach right there was amazing! We used to go down to the beach after school any time it was sunny, which is a pretty nice way to grow up :) I know I missed out Somerset – only because I was trying to stick to places that were actually on that bottom section of coastline, facing the Channel. We went to Butlins Minehead every year when we were kids so I know all about how nice that bit of coast is :D

I am planning a trip to England and Scotland for a month starting in mid-June and your information has been so helpful in my planning of the south coast and Cornwall. I made all kinds of notes on my map with your highlights. Thank you so much – I am very much looking forward to checking out your suggestions!

Oh that’s amazing news, glad to hear it helped!! Good luck with the planning, I hope you have an amazing time in the UK. Especially in south England – I’m biased but I really think this part is the best!!

Thank you so much for the whole write up. It’s very informative. I’ll like to be in Brighton &Hove, hope to get a reasonably priced accommodation there. Thanks again.

Thanks for commenting Vincent :) I hope you have a great trip!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

England's South Coast

Tour england's unesco world heritage jurassic coast with a personal driver-guide. see lesser known castles, gardens and enjoy cliff tops walks..

8 night driver-guided tour

Private driver-guided tour

Customisable itinerary

Luxury Sedan or Vans (Mercedes, Lexus, Jaguars)

The ultimate tour of Southern England, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the Jurassic Coast . This 100-mile section is spectacular, with activities that also include fossil hunting. Enjoy cliff top walks, see stunning beaches and tour inland to see lesser-known castles and gardens.

Britain has a longer coastline than France and Spain combined. Therefore it is not surprising to learn that vast stretches of shoreline is of international importance. Your journey begins with the world’s first seaside resort of Brighton , Sussex and continues to Devon and Cornwall. We will organize hiking, sailing, and water-sports in this region of geological delights. 

You will be looked after from the very start to the last moment you leave our shores. This eight-night suggested tour can be customized to match personal interests, the pace of travel, and style of hotel. See the full itinerary below and download the PDF England’s South Coast tour brochure.

Brighton, London by the sea - Fancy dipping into a lively, exotic and eccentric metropolitan lifestyle? Theatres, cinemas, galleries, and festivals all on the doorstep in Brighton as well as fantastic pubs and restaurants. Brighton is a cocktail of the old and new and compliments a dynamic tour of the South of England. 

Enjoy exploring the petite shopping streets known as 'The Lanes'. The narrow and odd street pattern was a legacy of the past when the area was the hub of a fishing village. Independent shops are the dominant force in the Lanes and include diamond merchants, bakers, antique dealers, and fashion stores – all with a Brightonian flavour.

Tour the Royal Pavilion , acclaimed as one of Europe's most exotic royal residences. The domes of the building represent the style of Islamic temple architecture. The interior, on the other hand, is more 'Chinoiserie', which is the name given to a South-East Asian decorating style in the 19th century. It is a palace designed for evening pleasure, soft lighting, music, and food, and lots of it. The Brighton Pavilion is genuinely unique, and you will be very much surprised, pleasantly we hope. 

Overnight: Sussex - Recommended Hotel: South Lodge Hotel and Spa .

Unique Places to Stay Castles and Manor House Hotels Classic and Britain’s Finest Hotels Townhouse and Boutique Hotels Luxury Guesthouse and B&B’s

See the quaint village of Amberley with thatched cottages and ancient castle, set in the beautiful Sussex Downs National Park , entirely off the tourist trail. On the edge of the town stands the mighty ramparts of Amberley Castle , once a summer palace for the Bishops of Chichester, now a fabulous hotel.

Alternatively to stopping at Amberley, visit a winery instead and experience English Sparkling Wine Tasting , Southern England's new luxury export.

Arundel Castle dominates the small riverside town below, this vast, stone, hill-top castle, surrounded by medieval crenellated walls, was first built by the Norman conquerors. Your guide will show you around this private family home, featuring an excellent collection of paintings, furniture and the amazing Baron’s Hall. Hear the tales of the infamous Dukes of Norfolk of the past and tour the State Apartments.  See the lavish furnishings that add to the character of each room, the Westminster Abbey inspired chapel, and our guides favourite place the gothic styled carved Honduras mahogany library. 

In the castle grounds is the parish church of St Nicholas. This small Fitzalan chapel built to house the tombs of the Fitzalan family, the Earls of Arundel. It is a rare example of a church with stereo worshipping areas, Catholic and Anglican. By the way, the chapel has its delightful white garden.

In recent years the Collector Earl’s Garden has been recreated. This investment in the construction of the garden has been a great success. The area was a kitchen garden and used as a car park until the 1970s. The garden pays homage to the 14th Earl of Arundel, an art collector. There are waterworks, vinery, classical architecture, fruit gardens and large seasonal displays. 

Overnight: Hampshire - Recommended Luxury Country House Hotel: Chewton Glen Hotel .

The Jurassic Coast is a natural World Heritage Site strewn with fossils and rocks millions of years old. Exploring the coast is a walk-through time. With its relics in the cliffs, you uncover the story of the Earth. The sea has carved the different stones along the Jurassic Coast into bays, beaches, cliffs, stacks, arches and landslides. This marvellous variety in the landscape helps create the natural beauty of the area and makes the Jurassic Coast an inspirational place.

Option to visit Corfe Castle ; For those that love history and a castle that has seen serious action, stop at Corfe Castle, Dorset. The dramatic ruins stand proud on a hilltop overlooking the well-preserved village below. 

The NEW Forest is a large tract of unenclosed rustic fields and heathland; people have created a living from this unique landscape for a long time. Rights of common pasture over a thousand years old are still recognised today. There are around 5,000 wild New Forest Ponies that inhabit the area, and they have done for over 2000 years. The ‘New Foresters’ have gentle temperaments, have immense strength for their size; but they do prefer you to keep a short distance. 

Overnight: Devon - Recommended Classic Castle Hotel: Bovey Castle Hotel .

Tour the Dartmoor National Park ;  the ‘Hound of the Baskervilles’ country. Dartmoor is now the least inhabited part of England. See wild Dartmoor Ponies, wooded valleys with quaint thatched cottages and heather-clad moors which glow purple and maroon in the evening sun. Also dotting the landscape are scores of prehistoric remains which have survived due to the durability of granite. Many establishments offer cream teas and warm fires for weary walkers. 

Visit Cotehele , a magical Tudor house in the Tamar valley. The beautiful gardens draw people from around the World. Magnificent woodland and lush river scenery make Cotehele one of the most delightful spots on the River Tamar. Far from civilization, tucked into its wooded fold in the Cornish countryside, Cotehele has slumbered for 500 years. The romance of the house is enhanced by colourful terraced gardens to the east, leading via a tunnel into a richly planted valley garden. 

Other afternoon options include; hiking,  fly fishing , zip wires, horses riding, boating, and wild swimming. Activities at Bovey Castle, include cider making,  4X4 car driving , golf, and spa treatments. If you are a Golf lover you will adore Bovey Castle, and you also may enjoy these  Golf Courses .

Overnight: Devon - Recommended Classic Castle Hotel:  Bovey Castle Hotel .

Visit the Eden Project - One of the enormous greenhouse ‘biomes’ at the Eden Project is home to the world’s largest jungle in captivity. The other houses flora from temperate regions of the world, including the Mediterranean and South Africa. The Eden Project seeks to educate by telling the story of plants, people and places. 

G7 leaders marvelled at the vast eco attraction and enjoyed a dinner hosted by Prime Minister Boris Johnson inside one of the biomes in June 2021.

Spend the afternoon on the beach; there is an endless number of water sports to enjoy Cornwall’s coastline, some are better for surfing , others kitesurfing or paddle-boarding , the choice is yours.

We can arrange a hikes to the harder to get to beaches and most spectacular on the south coast. 

Overnight: Cornwall - Recommended Yacht Club Style Hotel:  Hotel Tresanton .   Overnight: Cornwall - Recommended Coastal Villa Style Hotel:  The Idle Rocks .

Drive the coastal road to the Cornish seaside port of St Ives with a beautiful harbour and bustling atmosphere. St Ives is a fishing village busy with artists studios and art lovers exploring a labyrinth of cobbled pathways to find that piece of work perfect for the bare wall at home. Relax and enjoy browsing the galleries and craft shops. Enjoy lunch by the harbour, the town has super restaurants. We will make all the arrangement if required. 

G7 leaders stayed at Carbis Bay, St Ives, in June 2021. The world’s press was blown away by the location, and it opened people eyes to the fact that Britain has stunning beach and coastal scenes. 

St Michael’s Mount is a granite crag just offshore from the town of Marazion. Low tide reveals a human-made causeway which links the mainland to the mount. 

The option can be to explore the mount and castle or visit the tiny fishing village of Mousehole. Another option is to have our driver-guide find you a quiet, secret beach to relax, paddle, eat ice cream with strawberries. We wouldn’t like to sway you either way, but this is our favourite option.

Set high on the rugged North Cornwall Coast, visit King’s Arthur’s Castle at Tintagel . Learn about the myths and legends which are associated with King Arthur .

Head out to sea; Britain is home to the largest colonies of Grey Seals and vast numbers of migrating sea birds; you will get as close as you possibly can. There is a chance to see Dolphin, Basking Sharks (second largest shark in the world) and giant Sunfish. You may get airborne while riding on the high-speed rib along the wild Atlantic coast. 

For those with extra time, we can offer the unusual activity of  snorkelling with seals  on the nearby Isles of Scilly. The islands are around 20 minutes of flying time from Cornwall, Newquay airport. Staying on the island makes the trip unrushed and more enjoyable, please ask for details.

Plunge into a rocky gorge-like valley (Rocky Valley) and follow a tumbling stream to the sea. The stream starts its journey 820 ft above sea level; it cuts its way through fields before tumbling dramatically through a series of falls. See the strange labyrinths patterns carved into the rock face, their origins are a mystery. 

Stop in rural Devon for a classic pub lunch before heading east to Somerset. Enjoy seeing unusual places with odd names, such as Velvet Bottom, Butts Batch, and Tinker’s Bubble, to name only a few. Some of the local ale with have funny names too - it makes travelling through this region so charming.  

Stourhead Gardens is the most awe-inspiring and remarkable landscaped gardens in Europe. The garden was begun in the 1740s by Henry Hoare, who inherited the estate and transformed it into a breath-taking work of art. Your driver-guide will take you to the Temple of Apollo, overlooking the entire 18th Century garden. Tunnels lead to an artificial cave with a pool and a life-size statue of the guardian of the River Stour. Stop by and see the Grotto, made of volcanic rock with a lookout to the lake. 

Stop briefly at Avebury Stone Circle, a Neolithic stone circle; thought to be dedicated to life, death and fertility. 

We suggest you extended your trip and stay in the historic City of Bath . 

Overnight: Buckinghamshire - Recommended Five Star Country House Hotel:  Cliveden House Hotel . Overnight: Buckinghamshire - Recommended Five Star Country Club Hotel:  Stoke Park .

Your chauffeur will be with you 15 minutes before you need to depart. He or she will assist with luggage and listen for any final requests.

We have produced this suggested itinerary in PDF brochure format for your convenience, see link below to download.  The number of people, level of accommodation and event/entrance tickets that affect the  cost  of this driver-guided tour. Therefore, please complete all fields on our  enquiry form  carefully, and we will be able to send you a  quotation  based on the information you have provided. 

England's South Coast gallery

Help us make your trip exceptional.

Our UK office-based staff will listen to what you want to see and experience.

Whether you are a honeymoon couple, a family or a corporate incentive group, our team’s collective resources will be brought together to build the experience that’s right for you.

We will require your arrival and departure dates, details of your personal preferences and places that you would like to visit as well as the events you would like to experience.

We will then prepare a draft itinerary and send it to you by email for your approval. Once agreed, we will send you a Booking Confirmation with Personalised Itinerary and Information Pack via email.

Contact information

From the UK: +44(0)20 8669 3666

FREE from Canada or the USA: 1-888-472-1799

Email: [email protected]

Traveller Information

Tour builder, care to explore another place.

Back to Tour Categories

England adventure tour

Discover our driver-guided England Adventure tour. Scale England's mountains, see the famous heritage sites, hike UNESCO national parks and canoe the rivers – we tailor the experience to your level of bravery.

The 20 Best Places To Visit On The South Coast

I moved down to Brighton back in 2007 when I joined Brighton University and fell in love with the South Coast.

The people are incredibly friendly, the area is much safer than where I grew up in London and there is a relaxed way of life that I love.

But Brighton is just one of the amazing places you can visit on the South Coast of England, therefore I wanted to compile a list of places to go for your next holiday.

1) Seven Sisters

The Seven Sisters white cliffs are one of the most picturesque scenes in Brighton, while they also make for a great country walk.

Part of the South Downs, from Brighton you can catch a train to either Seaford or Eastbourne and then take the bus to the Seven Sisters Country Park, before walking alongside the Cuckmere River.

The Cuckmere Inn also offers some great views if you want to stop for a pint or some lunch.

2) Brighton

OK, I can’t live here for 14 years and not write about Brighton! Nicknamed ‘London by the sea’ with seemingly half of London visiting every weekend, some of the main attractions include the Pier, the Pavilion gardens and, of course, the beach.

The Lanes are famous for having very stylish shops, while further up nearer the station you have the North Laine, which has a number of unique stores, selling everything from chillies to fancy dress.

If you do plan on visiting, I’d recommend having a read of my article on the best things to do in Brighton .

3) Isles of Scilly

Whenever you see pictures of the Isles of Scilly, you always presume they’re taken somewhere a lot more exotic than the UK

The isles have some stunning natural beauty to take in, while there are a combination or inhabited and uninhabited islands to explore.

St Mary’s is the biggest, therefore is the most commonly visited, however the archipelago offers a lot of different experiences depending on what you’re looking for. You can also expect pretty damn good weather compared to the rest of the UK.

4) Whitstable

Just like Brighton, Whitstable is a popular attraction for people from big cities looking to have a quick day trip.

The harbour is a popular visiting spot, while you can watch the boats go in and out while enjoying an ice cream or some fish and chips.

Another famous scene is the colourful huts along the Tankerton Slopes. If you’d prefer to explore town a little, then you can head up to Whitstable castle and the surrounding gardens.

The Crab and Winkle Way also offers a great walking or cycling route if you fancy burning some calories and embracing nature.

5) Penzance

I remember visiting Penzance when I was younger, staying in a coastal hotel overlooking the beach and eating honeycomb ice cream with clotted cream on top…Damn it was good!

Cornwall has so many highlights, I could fill up an entire article on the area, but I wanted to really highlight Penzance.

You can take a stroll along Chapel street and check out the shops and the architecture, or have a picnic in the Morrab Gardens. The Jubilee pool is a great option if the sun is out and there isn’t too much of a breeze.

Another beautiful spot in Cornwall, I really hate that this beautiful area is so far away, but a train for me would take the same time as heading up to Scotland!

St Ives has built up a huge reputation as a surfing spot thanks to the large waves which aren’t so common in other areas of the UK. In fact, everyone I know who surfs heads here on a regular basis.

Another famous scene around St Ives is Seal Island, named for obvious reasons, a huge colony of seals live here, something I’m not used to spotting and would love to see more often in their natural habitat.

The iconic train route going from St Erth to St Ives through the countryside is also worth checking out.

7) Hastings

Hastings might be famous for the Battle of Hastings, something we’re all taught at primary school, however I fell in love with this town after attending the Hastings Pirate Day.

Celebrated in July each year, everyone in the entire town dresses up as a pirate, with activities and events during the day for kids and then plenty of drinking for adults into the evening.

The Hastings Cliff Railway allows you to travel up and get some great views, providing you don’t have a distinctly bad fear of heights.

You should also check out Hastings castle while you’re here, the ruins overlooking the town, before heading down to Pelham beach.

8) Lyme Regis

Located between Weymouth and Exeter, Lyme Regis is one of the best spots if you’re visiting Dorset.

The Tunnel Tree Tops is a great high rope adrenaline pumping activity, but I think I’ll keep my feet firmly on the ground!

The beaches are beautiful, while you can also find a number of fossils as you walk along, another memory from childhood.

If you don’t manage to spot any fossils, then you can head into the Lyme Regis museum to take a look at some of the most spectacular findings they’ve unearthed.

Margate might not have the liveliness, the atmosphere or the vibrance of Brighton, but damn, they have sandy beaches, something we look jealously over at.

There is even a retro theme park called Dreamland which is certainly worth checking out while you’re over there.

The Shell Grotto is the most popular attraction in Margate, covering 2,000 square foot, however I’d avoid the overpriced gift shop at the end.

10) Torquay

It’s easy to talk about the beaches when talking about the best places to visit on the South Coast of England, but Torquay has a slightly different selling point in the Model Village.

The biggest tourist attraction in the town, Babbacombe Model Village is so incredibly cool, opened 58 years ago and holding 426 miniature buildings, this will certainly make for a great day trip.

The Kents Cavern is also an amazing sight to take in, as you admire the underground natural beauty, which should take up half a day.

If you’re on a family holiday then you might also want to take a trip to Torquay’s Dinosaur World.

11) Lizard Peninsula

This is the most Southerly point of the British mainland, while there are plenty of beautiful cottages that can be booked out, overlooking some quite breath-taking views.

The Kynance Cove looks like a picture from Portugal rather than the UK, while it offers a nice mix of beach relaxation and some great walks along the coastline.

You might also want to try some ice cream and stroke some animals at the Roskilly farm, great for a family day out.

12) Bognor Regis

Bognor Regis doesn’t have such a strong reputation as some others on this list, partly as the beach isn’t as stunning as some of these, but the South Downs National Park certainly is a sight to see!

The rolling downs make for a great country walk, while you can still enjoy some fish and chips on Felpham beach.

13) Arundel

Ok, I’m slightly cheating here, as Arundel is just above the coastline, but I had to include it as it’s one of my favourite day trips from Brighton.

You can visit the castle, albeit last time I went you had to book in advance. Alternatively, you can go for a country stroll and then try a pedalo on Swanbourne Lake, followed by some ice cream.

This is easily one of the most picturesque towns in the UK, from Arundel Cathedral to the Wetlands.

14) Rottingdean

You can get to Rottingdean by bus from the Brighton seafront, or you can use one of the rental bikes and get there on the seafront walkway area, which offers some beautiful views, as you head through the Marina and along the coast.

The tiny little houses in Rottingdean are really cute, while Kipling Gardens is also certainly worth checking out if you do visit.

Beacon Hill used to be a childhood memory of playing golf (or at least trying to), but apparently the golf course no longer remains here, with horses roaming last time I visited.

You can also head down to the small Rottingdean beach, there aren’t a huge amount of facilities, but it’s much more quiet than some of the big cities.

15) Eastbourne

If this is your first time visiting Eastbourne then you can try one of the open top buses to explore the town, providing it’s not raining that day.

Beachy Head is a great coastal walk that will get your heart beating a little faster as you climb the chalk cliff, being the highest in the country.

The Bandstand in the centre often has something going on, so if you look it up in advance, you might catch a great live performance.

Just like Brighton, Eastbourne has a famous Pier which is a top tourist attraction, while it also has a nightclub for late night party goers.

Poole is found just along the coast from Bournemouth, with the Poole Quay a popular spot for ferries to stop off along their route across the Mediterranean from the UK.

As with many on this list, enjoying some fish and chips on the beach is always a must. For something a little more unique, you can see Adventure Wonderland for some theme park rides. I’d also recommend heading over to Brownsea Island for a day trip if you’re staying in Poole.

Hove is often seen as combined with a trip to Brighton, yet most people don’t actually head over to Hove, which I feel is absolutely criminal.

You can relax on Hove Lawns, or head down to the seafront and enjoy a pint near Rockwater. You can eat some incredibly great food at the Salt Rooms or head up for some Thai at the Wick Inn, or some Persian food at Shandiz.

You can even have a go at Wakeboarding at the Lagoon Watersports near the Western Lawns.

If you’re coming from Brighton, you can either jump on the train to Hove train station and walk down to the seafront, or many of the buses will take you from Brighton to Hove.

18) Worthing

Worthing has a slightly unfair reputation, largely because this used to be a place where people went to retire, but it has been attracting a much younger audience as first time buyers move here due to the much cheaper prices compared to Brighton.

For the wine drinkers, a trip to the Highdown Vineyard could be worth a trip, while it also makes for a great wedding venue.

The Highdown Gardens are a little hidden gem, not so hidden anymore, offering a great place to relax, play games, have a coffee in the tea rooms and waste the day away joyfully.

19) Portsmouth

This port city is found between Southampton and Bognor Regis, just a short trip from Isle of Wight.

Being a city with the port taking the centre stage, it should be unsurprising that most of the tourist attractions are boat-based, including the Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the historic dockyard tours.

The Spinnaker tower is incredibly unique looking, something you’d expect to find in Singapore rather than Portsmouth.

The Gunwharf Quays also has plenty to do, including bowling, restaurants, bars, plus rides and random live performances.

20) Jurassic Coast

The formal name might be the Dorset and East Devon Coast, however this World Heritage site is known more commonly as the Jurassic coast due to the rocks being from this geological period, making this a geology teachers dream holiday location.

Being on the beaches here is like living in a scene from a postcard, with 185 million years of history right in front of your eyes.

Considering the Jurassic coast stretches an astonishing 95 miles, you might struggle to see it all in one trip, unless you plan on taking a drive along the seafront.

You May Also Like

West beach hotel – brighton, the 10 best bungee jumping locations in the world, clingendael boutique hotel review, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

South of England Road Trip

• Fully customisable itinerary
• Prices from: £1335 per person
• Best time to go: April - October
• Transport: Rental car included (optional)

The historic hometown of Oxford University, ‘The City of Dreaming Spires’ is a wonder to behold. The medieval city centre and side-streets of Oxford are characterised by their elegant architecture, vibrant culture and wealth of historic intrigue.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – a series of enchanting and picture-perfect villages situated amid rolling limestone hills.

Seemingly untouched by modern society, spending time exploring the charming villages of Bibury, Bourton on the Water, and Upper and Lower Slaughter is like looking through a window to times gone by.

The English wine industry has flourished in the last decade and the South East has become the focal point of production due to its warmer, drier climate.

There are a multitude of vineyards operating in Surrey, Sussex and Kent, and with many of these offering tours and tastings, you can spend an afternoon sampling some of these now world-renowned wines. 

South East coast

As well as being home to some of the UK’s most popular blue flag beaches and seaside towns, England’s ‘Creative Coast’ is known for its unmissable cultural attractions.

These include world-class galleries such as the Turner Contemporary in Margate and the Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne, alongside unique museums like Dickens House in Broadstairs. 

The White Cliffs of Dover

A visit to the South-East would not be complete without a trip to Dover. Escape the bustling port for a serene walk along the famous White Cliffs, complete with panoramic views and an abundance of wildlife and history.

Dover Castle is equally impressive, and it is worth setting time aside to explore this iconic fortress. 

Immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Canterbury is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Canterbury boasts some of England’s greatest examples of medieval architecture and one of its oldest cathedrals.

The Beautiful South: History, Culture and Stunning Coastlines

The South East is a region with a fantastic amount to offer. Shaped equally by its sites of historical importance and its contributions to contemporary culture, there is an incredible variety of things to see and do.

Your journey between Oxford and Canterbury will celebrate this marriage between England’s past and present, by taking you to picturesque rural villages, vineyards at the forefront of the blossoming British wine trade, and the bohemian ‘Creative Coast’. 

Your journey begins in the famous university town of Oxford. A romantic city steeped in history, this is the perfect place to begin your journey through the South East and provides an excellent base to explore the rest of Oxfordshire and The Cotswolds.

After exploring the city, you will journey through The Chilterns, an AONB, and Surrey. This drive will take you past Windsor, where you can make a detour to visit Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.

Brighton, the next overnight stop, is a seaside resort located on the South Coast. People have been flooding to Brighton for hundreds of years for restorative purposes, and today the town is full to the brim with independent restaurants, vintage shops and a cultural quarter which could rival that of a much larger city.

The drive along the South East coast is breathtaking and provides the opportunity to stop and explore the seaside towns of Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye. It also allows for a visit to one of the most iconic landscapes in the UK: the White Cliffs of Dover. Clear away the cobwebs with a brisk walk along the clifftops, an immersive way to experience the ‘gateway to England’.

From Dover, it is a short drive to Canterbury, your final overnight location. This beautiful, small city is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was a place of pilgrimage in the middle ages. You can spend time exploring Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey, as well as paying a visit to one of the city’s many excellent museums.

From Canterbury it is only a stone’s throw to the Kent coast, with the pastel-coloured seafronts of Whitstable, Margate and Broadstairs readily accessible, for a final day at the beach, to draw your adventure through the South East to a close.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer.  Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Oxfordshire

Your journey through the South East begins in Oxfordshire. Before making your way into Oxford, you could visit some of the impressive manors of North Oxfordshire.

With over 300 years of history, spectacular Blenheim Palace, a World Heritage Site and birthplace of Winston Churchill, is one not to miss. Overnight – Oxford

Day 2: Oxford Sightseeing

A full day to explore this most famous and beautiful city. Oxford is a fantastic city to wander, with many of the university colleges and iconic landmarks such as the Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera, and the Sheldonian Theatre located in the compact city centre.

There are many superb museums as well as walking and bus tours. To see the city from a different perspective, you could try punting on the River Thames – an archetypal Oxford experience. Overnight – Oxford

Day 3: The Cotswolds Sightseeing

From Oxford, it is a short drive to The Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty famed for its picturesque chocolate-box villages set amid rolling green countryside.

The villages of Bourton-on-the-Water, Bibury, Lower Slaughter and Chipping Norton are excellent examples of these quintessentially English villages – full of winding lanes, cosy pubs and tearooms. Overnight – Oxford

Day 4: Oxford to Brighton

On the way to Brighton, make a stop at Windsor Palace – this striking residence has been a royal home and fortress for over 900 years.

You could also make a detour to visit Guildford, located in the Surrey Hills in an area synonymous with producing outstanding wines. Albury Vineyard, Greyfriars Vineyard and Denbies Wine Estate all offer fantastic tours and tastings. Overnight – Brighton

Day 5: Brighton Sightseeing

A full day in Brighton to immerse yourself in everything that the bohemian coastal town has to offer. Visit the Royal Pavilion, an exotic seaside palace built for George IV, explore the independent boutiques and cafes in The Lanes, and take a walk through English seaside history on Brighton Palace Pier, a 1722 ft long Victorian pier which has stood since 1899. Overnight – Brighton

Day 6: South Downs Sightseeing

Today you could choose to escape into the tranquillity of the South Downs, England’s newest national park, for a day walking the South Downs Way.

Alternatively, you could visit Fishbourne Roman Palace, an archaeological museum preserving the ground floor of a supply fort or Arundel Castle and its magnificent Gardens. Overnight – Brighton

Day 7: Brighton to Canterbury

Your journey will continue along the coast to your final overnight stop, taking you through the towns of Eastbourne, Hastings and Rye – each with their own distinct charm.

You could choose to travel via Dover, to take in the world-famous White Cliffs – the dramatic limestone cliffs have been considered a symbol of hope and freedom for many centuries.

To learn more about Dover’s strategic importance, you could visit Dover Castle – an impressive fortress overlooking the channel. Overnight – Canterbury

Day 8: Canterbury Sightseeing

A day to spend exploring Canterbury, a cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was one of the most important centres of pilgrimage in Medieval England.

There is so much to see in this incredibly beautiful and historic city, including Canterbury Cathedral, St Augustine’s Abbey, Westgate, and St Martin’s Church, which is the oldest in the English speaking world. Overnight – Canterbury

Day 9: Kent Coast Sightseeing

On the final day of your adventure through the South East, make the short journey from Canterbury to the Kent coast.

The towns of Whitstable, Margate and Broadstairs ooze old school seaside charm: Whitstable is famous for its fresh seafood, Broadstairs boasts two Blue Flag beaches and Margate is the home of Dreamland and the Turner Contemporary Gallery. Overnight – Canterbury

Day 10: Depart Canterbury

After breakfast, it’s an hour and a half drive to London where your South of England Road Trip will come to an end. 

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

• Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 9 nights including traditional English breakfast
• Comprehensive information pack
• Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
• Map of England with our recommended driving route
• 10 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
• 24-hour emergency contact number
• Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

• Travel insurance
• Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your experience.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best England has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

• Collision Damage Waiver
• Super Damage Excess Waiver
• Third Party Insurance
• Theft Waiver
• Good for 2 people
• Maximum of 4 passengers
• 2 large suitcases
• Manual or automatic transmission
• Good for 2 – 4 people
• Maximum of 5 passengers

Intermediate

• Good for up to 4 people
• 3 large suitcases
• Good for 5 people
• Maximum of 7 passengers
• 3 – 4 large suitcases

Related blog posts

How do our self-drive holidays work.

Since 2004, we've led the way in planning remarkable road trips in the UK. Like a perfectly tailored suit, each itinerary is crafted around you. Learn more about us and our self-drive holidays in our new guide. Read more

The 16 Most Picturesque Villages in England

To celebrate the launch of our wonderful new self-drive holidays in England, we're shining the spotlight on England's picture-postcard villages ... Read more

Similar holidays

Edinburgh & The Highlands in Winter

From £675 pp.

Discover Ayrshire & Arran

From £1010 pp, make an enquiry.

Need something more tailored? Contact us via email: [email protected]

A journey of discovery

Uncover hidden gems and holiday inspiration from our team of travel specialists. Sign up today and start discovering.

" (Required) " indicates required fields

Expand your horizons

Sign up for our newsletter and unlock exclusive tips and inspiration from our team of travel specialists.

35 best places to visit on the South Coast of England!

Welcome to the enchanting South of England! Whether you’re yearning for a taste of the salty sea air along the South Coast UK or keen to meander through quaint countryside villages, there’s an adventure waiting for you here in southern England.

From Brighton’s bustling pier to the peaceful New Forest National Park , there’s an incredible variety of places to explore. Picture yourself sailing on Bournemouth’s sparkling waters or wandering through the charming Cotswolds , each place offers its own unique charm.

Navigating through this region is a breeze! With well-connected rail networks, hopping from one exciting place to another has never been easier. Driving through the rolling hills is also an option, but be sure to plan for parking if you’re exploring smaller destinations. Cornwall , with its winding country roads, can be a bit tricky, so don’t shy away from trains and buses for these routes.

Now, you’re probably wondering about the must-visit places in the south of England, right? Well, you’re in luck! Our guide will take you through some of the most breathtaking spots, from hidden gems to popular favourites, each with their own stories to tell and experiences to offer. Whether you’re planning a seaside day out or hunting for the most beautiful places in South East England, we’ve got you covered.

Get ready to dive into the charm of the south coast of England, find the best spots for your perfect day out in the South East, and unearth some of the unusual places to visit in South East England. So buckle up for the ride and let’s start exploring the South England highlights! Happy adventuring!

What areas are in the south of England?

The south of England typically includes the regions of Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire , Wiltshire, Bristol, Dorset , Devon , and Cornwall . It may also include the counties of Surrey and Gloucestershire. Additionally, the Greater London area is also often considered to be part of southern England.

South England – car hire

Check out our guide to the  best car hire company in the UK  or simply explore the options directly on  discovercars.com  if you need a car to visit the best places on the South Coast of England.

Is Southern England a good option for a UK weekend trip or a staycation?

Yes, Southern England is an excellent option for a UK weekend trip or a staycation . The region offers a wide range of attractions and experiences that are sure to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests.

For a weekend trip , you could explore one of Southern England’s vibrant cities, such as London, Bath, or Oxford. These cities are packed with historic landmarks, museums, galleries, and cultural attractions, as well as great restaurants, shops, and nightlife.

If you’re looking for a more relaxing break, you could head to the countryside, where you’ll find picturesque villages, scenic walks, and cozy pubs. The Cotswolds , the New Forest , and the South Downs are all popular destinations for a weekend getaway.

For a longer staycation , you could explore more of Southern England’s attractions, such as Stonehenge , Windsor Castle , or the Jurassic Coast . You could also combine a city break with some time in the countryside, or take a road trip along the scenic coastal roads.

Whatever your interests and preferences, Southern England offers plenty of options for a memorable and enjoyable weekend trip or staycation in the UK .

Holiday destinations south of England

The south of England is home to many popular holiday destinations, here are a few examples:

• The Isle of Wight : An island located off the south coast of England, known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities.
• Devon : A county in the south west of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Exeter, Plymouth and Torquay.
• Cornwall : A county in the south west of England known for its stunning coastal landscapes, picturesque fishing villages, and popular resorts like St Ives and Newquay.
• Dorset : A county in the south west of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Sherborne and Dorchester.
• Sussex: A county in the south east of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Chichester and Brighton.
• Kent: A county in the south east of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Canterbury and Royal Tunbridge Wells.
• Hampshire: A county in the south east of England known for its beautiful coastline, picturesque countryside and historic towns like Portsmouth and Southampton.
• The Cotswolds : An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and charming stone cottages.

Quirky places to stay in South England

The south of England is home to many unique and quirky places to stay, here are a few examples:

• The Treehouse, East Sussex: A secluded treehouse that is nestled in the woods and offers a secluded and peaceful getaway.
• The Tipi, Hampshire: A secluded tipi that is set in the heart of the New Forest , surrounded by nature and offering a truly unique camping experience.
• The Yurt, Dorset: A traditional yurt that is set in the beautiful Dorset countryside, offering a unique and comfortable glamping experience.
• The Houseboat, London: A houseboat that is moored on the River Thames in London, offering a unique and peaceful place to stay in the heart of the city.
• The Shepherd’s Hut, Wiltshire: A traditional shepherd’s hut that is set in the rolling countryside of Wiltshire, offering a unique and rustic stay.
• The Lighthouse, Sussex: A converted lighthouse that offers spectacular views of the coast and the sea, and a unique and historic place to stay.
• The Gypsy Caravan, Kent: A traditional gypsy caravan that is set in a secluded spot in Kent, offering a unique and authentic experience.
• The Hobbit House, Devon: A unique and cozy hobbit-inspired house that is set in the beautiful Devon countryside , offering a truly unique and magical stay.
• The Converted Windmill, Berkshire: A converted windmill that offers a unique and historic place to stay, complete with modern amenities and spectacular views.

South of England’s top places:

Explore the best places to visit on South coast of England and top ideas for things to do in South England:

Top 35 places to visit in South England:

Best places to go in South England? London is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in the world. There are so many things to see and do that you will struggle to fit them into a single visit.

Yes, you can visit London in one day , at least the central part of the city. But you might be best served by making a list of the top few you want to see and enjoying those rather than rushing from place to place. Some of the top landmarks in London to choose from include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye, the Science and Natural History Museum. Of course, there are many more to see too including the top romantic places to visit in London .

There is a lot more to London than the landmarks. There are wonderful restaurants, exciting shows and performances, parks and of course, shopping.

Without a doubt, London is one of the best places to visit in southern England!

2. Burnham Beeches

Best things to do South England? Part of Buckinghamshire, just to the West of London, Burnham Beeches is another fantastic location in the South of England. It has a bit of a reputation in the film and television world, considering that several big titles have had scenes shot in this very area.

These are not limited to the following: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, The Princess Bride, and First Knight. Suffice to say, it’s an atmospheric place to visit.

So, is Burnham Beeches on your list of beautiful places to visit south England?

3. Castle Combe

Looking for top South England countryside and villages? England has long been known for its myths, its legends, and its fairy tales. Castle Combe is a village in Southern England that has been called one of the prettiest villages that England has to offer.

This civil parish lies within the Cotswolds , and its Area of Natural Beauty in Wiltshire, England. It’s fairly close to the city of London and could be your next day trip destination that takes you out of London’s hustle and bustle for a few hours.

The fantasy vibe of the village is enticing, to say the least.

4. Richmond Park

Where to go South of England? Richmond Park is located just outside of London. It provides a beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is owned by The Crown but is open to the public and also operates as a nature reserve. On holidays and warm days, you will find the park filled with families enjoying a day out. You can enjoy the excited energy of the crowds, or if you are looking for a bit of tranquillity, it’s easy to find a quiet spot with all the open space available.

With so many things to do in southern England, Richmond Park is one of our favourite places to visit in the south UK and top woods near London !

There are a few activities that you should tick off the list while in the park. The first is to take afternoon tea at Pembrooke Lodge. Once used by prime ministers to conduct business, it is now a popular wedding venue.

Next up is climbing King Henry’s Mound. To the west, you get panoramic views of Thames Valley. To the east lies the City. With a telescope, you see St Pauls Cathedral through the carefully maintained keyhole in the hedge.

Finally, take the time to enjoy the natural life in the garden. Smell the flowers. Watch the deer. Let the natural beauty refresh you in one of the best parks in London .

Where to find the best UK South Coast attractions? A surfer town in the south of England, Newquay has long stretches of sand and plenty of places to relax. Known for Fistral Beach and the Boardmasters Surfing Championships that are held there, this Cornish town is a great seafront getaway with plenty of water-based activities.

For a wonderful afternoon, visit the Blue Reef Aquarium. This establishment has its own underwater tunnel; a feature that is always a hit with young guests.

6. Seven Sisters

Top South England places to visit? Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, a week or a bit longer, there are many great places to visit in southern England. And Seven Sisters is one of them!

Seven Sisters is the name for a stretch of cliffs that runs from Seaford to Eastbourne. The cliffs as the iconic white chalk cliffs that line the English Channel. There is a footpath that runs between the two towns. It’s about a 20km walk, so make sure you go prepared and with sturdy footwear.

Seven Sisters cliff really is one of the nice places to visit south east England and home to some of the best beaches near me from London !

If you want to see the cliffs but are worried about the walk or the weather, there are other options. There are plenty of bus tours that will take you around the area, giving you the chance to see the cliffs without risking the British weather. Taking a tour will also give you the opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of the area.

Getting to the Seven Sisters cliffs is relatively easy. There are trains to both Seaford and Eastbourne, as well as bus service. There are also plenty of parking spots along the coast if you have your own car.

Amazing things to do in the South of England? Part of Berkshire, Windsor is a historical town found along the River Thames. Located just west of London, in the southeast of England, Windsor is home to one of the British Royal Family’s residences.

Windsor Castle is certainly a highlight of the town of Windsor , but it is not the only sight worth seeing if one were to visit. However, if the castle is what brings you to southern England, know that you can take a public tour of some of the 11 th century castle.

8. Shere Village

Planning days out South East England? A village so quintessentially English that it charms all of its guests with its traditional features and postcard-like looks. Shere is located in the Surrey Hills, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and can be found in Tillingbourne Valley (between Guildford and Dorking).

But it’s more than the beauty of Shere that keeps its villagers happy. There’s a real sense of community that has been around for hundreds of years, which may have started with William Bray, who did so very much for the village, and whose family are still involved today.

Looking for great places to visit in south-east England? Head out to Kent!

Margate is a seaside town about 90 minutes outside of London. It has a place in pop culture for its appearance in ‘Only Fools and Horses’. While it is a relatively small town, there is a surprisingly large number of things to see and do.

There are many great things to do in south east England, and spending a weekend UK getaway in Margate is one of them!

Dreamland is the amusement park in Margate. It is filled with some amazing vintage rides and activities, including, a roller disco. Entry to the park is free, once inside you can pay for unlimited rides, or just pay as you go. As well as the vintage rides there are plenty of great modern thrill rides too.

If you want to get in a little bit of culture on your trip to the seaside, then a visit to the Turner Contemporary should hit the spot. The gallery has rolling shows featuring exciting and creative exhibits.

What trip to the seaside would be complete without a stop at the beach? There are several to choose from. Most tourist head to Margate Sands, but if you want something a little quieter then head for Botany Bay. Don’t forget your bucket and spade because these are some wonderful sandy beaches.

10. St Ives

Top things to do on the South Coast UK? One of Cornwall’s seaside towns , St Ives has been named one of the best family holiday destinations by Coast magazine, as well as being noted as one of Europe’s best beach locations. St Ives is located just north of Penzance and has its own train station conveniently placed near the coastline.

St Ives doesn’t only focus on its seaside links, though. The town is known for its art and museums, with the Tate gallery focusing on British artists above any others.

What to visit South England? Rye is a quaint historic town in East Sussex. Often overlooked by tourists, this town has a lot to offer. There is an abundance of quirky shops and characterful pubs all surrounded by a town with a lot of history. 

Some of the locals call it one of the best places to visit on south coast of England and is hard to disagree with them!

It’s hard to wander far in Rye without running into a historic landmark . There is the Ypres Tower, the monastery, the Land Gate and of course Rye Castle . There is one house in West Street, which you can explore which was home, at one time, to both Henry James and E F Benson.

If you have the chance, it is worth taking a tour of the town. The guides are sure to tell you, very proudly that, at one point, Rye was the smuggling capital of England. This has left its mark on the architecture and character of the town.

Without a doubt, you can call Rye one of the best places to visit near London .

12. Goring on Thames

Things to do in South of England? Goring-on-Thames is a village that is situated on the River Thames in Southern England. It’s approximately 5.5 miles south of Wallingford , and its location makes tourism in the area quite ideal. This is because there are several different villages and small towns along the River Thames, so a day trip to Goring-on-Thames could turn into a tour of the river’s small locales.

Goring , itself, is a lovely civil parish that local residents have agreed is perfect for young families with children.

13. Brighton

Looking for the best places to visit in England? Brighton is one of the prettiest cities in the south of England and it’s visited by many Brits and tourists from around the world.

The city located in the south of England really is famous internationally – you will see many tourists there and if you hear Südengland, Sud de l’Angleterre or Sydengland you know there are many German, French or Danish tourists too.

Brighton is a vibrant, bustling city, just an hour’s train ride outside of London. It’s small enough that it is easy to get around but big enough that you won’t get bored. One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive is the smell of the sea. Brighton is, after all, a quintessential British seaside town.

Brighton has lots to offer in terms of shops and restaurants. You can’t go wrong with fish ‘n’ chips near the seafront. If you fancy something a little different, then try one of the many vegan and vegetarian restaurants or seek out the zero-waste restaurant.

While you are down at the seafront, don’t forget to visit Brighton Pier Palace, which has plenty of rides and fun for the whole family. The Royal Pavilion is not to be missed, with its mix of Indian and Chinese styling. Then, why not get a taste of the deep at Sea Life Brighton?

Where to find beautiful places South England? One of the many market towns of England, you can find Marlow in the South of England, just a few miles from Cookham. The walk between Marlow and Cookham is 5.5 miles of wonderful scenery, and you can take part in the Cookham River Circular Walk to see more of the River Thames.

There’s also Bisham Woods right by Marlow , which has even more walking trails for visitors to enjoy. Essentially, Marlow is a bit of a walking village which leads to more walking routes. It’s great for spending a week exploring the country!

15. New Forest

Planning a South England trip? From all the places to go in south-east England, the New Forest probably is the most magical one!

The New Forest has long been a holiday destination. It’s around 90 minutes outside of London. The national park is filled with a wide range of natural life. You can fall in love with the peace and quiet of the ancient woods and the lush glades, then take in the majestic and lonely moors and heathlands. Among all these varied landscapes you will find wildlife roaming free. You never know when you might spot ponies, deer or even donkeys roaming the wilds.

There are many things to see and do in the New Forest . There are plenty of walking and cycling routes, with more than you’ll be able to explore in one trip. There are also plenty of attractions as well, such as Peppa Pig World, Paulton’s Park and the National Motor Museum, to name just a few. The New Forest is just waiting for you to explore and find its abundant trove of treasures.

16. Canterbury

Top places in South England to visit? A World Heritage Site that is protected by UNESCO, Canterbury has plenty to offer to historians and lovers of history, alike. There’s Westgate Towers, England’s biggest medieval gateway; Canterbury Cathedral, St Martin’s Church, and St. Augustine’s Abbey, which are all protected locations; and the unique Crooked House of Canterbury.

This list highlights just a few of Canterbury’s amazing attractions, for this South East city of England has plenty more to offer than an introduction can fit to tell you about.

17. Isle of Portland

Stunning places to see South England? One of the many islands around the UK, The Isle of Portland is a small, tied island that is 4 miles long by 1.7 miles wide. You can walk around the whole island in around four hours without any issues, setting your own leisurely pace to take in the views of the area.

Interestingly enough, this little island in the South of England is the core of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast ! It’s certainly a day trip destination, with a beach and road that joins it to the mainland of England. No boat is needed!

18. Isle of Wight

Looking for things to do in south England? As one of the most beautiful places in south England, the Isle of Wight really has to be top on the southern UK list!

It’s really easy to get to the Isle of Wight . You can cross the channel by plane, ferry or even hovercraft, and there are plenty of trains and coaches that will take you to the port. Once on the island, you will be bowled over by just how much there is to do on this picturesque island.

Looking for interesting things to do on the Isle of Wight ? Great news! The island is a great spot for walking and cycling. Its varied landscape will keep you enthralled as you explore. It’s so good that there is an annual walking festival. When you are done walking, there are beaches to explore and great food and drink to enjoy. There is always something going on, on the Isle of Wight.

Would you visit this great European island ?

19. Old Amersham

Best places to visit in South East England? Founded in the beginning of the 13 th century, Old Amersham and, consequently, Amersham are recognised as two of the best places to live in the Chiltern Hills area . You can find “new” Amersham above Old Amersham , with the latter sitting down in the Misbourne Valley.

The town is a market town with a long history. Some of the oldest buildings in the area are around 700 years old and are still standing thanks to the dedication of the town’s inhabitants.

20. Dorset Jurassic Coast

Best south coast holiday destinations? South East England is one of the most visited regions of the United Kingdom – and there is a reason. This southern region is simply stunning!

Dorset is one of the most beautiful counties in England . Located along the southern coast of England it has miles of beaches to explore. If you head a little inland from the coast, you will find acres of unspoilt countryside.

Dorset has a lot to offer any visitors. There are exciting and exhilarating family attractions like Monkey World, Adventure Wonderland, Lemur Landing and many amazing Dorset festivals .

If you are looking for a slower pace, then you could explore the castles and stately homes and gardens that litter the county instead. If you want something a little more mentally engaging, then you can try one of the many museums where you can get your chance to board the Concorde or even see Tutankhamun’s tomb.

One of the best places to visit in South-East England – a must-have on any UK bucket list !

21. Lizard Peninsula

Planning South England vacations? Found in West Cornwall in Southern England, Lizard isn’t an extremely well-known part of the country, but it has several elements that make the area worth visiting.

A peninsula is a section of land that is surrounded by a body of water, with just one connection to the mainland. Lizard Point is protected by the National Trust, and is located near Lizard village (or, “The Lizard”). The peninsula’s name comes from an old Cornish word meaning “fortress”.

22. Exmoor National Park

Need ideas for beautiful places to visit south west England? This is one of the best places to visit on the South coast of England!

Exmoor is 267 square miles of wild countryside. It is located in the south-west of England in the counties of Devon and Somerset. The landscape is varied and interesting as it could be described as being in a semi-natural state. Over the years, human agriculture has had some impact on the landscape but has not taken it over. The result is a unique landscape , unlike anywhere else in the world.

There are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the beauty of the area. Walking, cycling and horse riding are all great ways to go out and see the wildlife that roams the area. If you are lucky, you might get to see the famous wild Exmoor Ponies or the wild red deer.

23. Bibury village

Top South England things to do? Bibury Village is part of the Cotswolds . At first, it may seem like every other Cotswolds village that exists in the area, but Bibury Village is recognised as the most beautiful of all of these. You may recognise the village from films such as Stardust and Bridget Jones’ Diary.

An interesting fact revolves around the many tourists that the village hosts from Japan. The reason that Japanese guests come to stay in Bibury Village is because Emperor Hirohito once stayed there during his tour of Europe.

24. Dartmoor National Park

Best places on the south coast of England? Dartmoor National Park is found in the heart of Devon . It is filled with rugged woodland and wide-open spaces, deep valley lined with trees and breathtaking granite tors. The landscape is extreme and yet beautiful.

The Dartmoor ponies are an iconic feature of the area. These ponies are semi-wild and roam all across the moor. There is nothing more joyful than watching the ponies playing and frisking across the hills.

Dartmoor is a very welcoming place. There are lots of places to explore with the whole family, including the dogs. In fact, this is one of the most dog-friendly places in Devon .

As well as the wild open spaces which you can enjoy at your own pace, there are plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.

25. Turville Village

Where to find top South East England attractions? Within Southern England’s own Buckinghamshire , Turville Village sits within Chiltern Hills , just a handful of miles away from High Wycombe.

The most famous part of Turville Village is perhaps the Cobstone Windmill, which was featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and is still a huge source of tourism today. It’s a bit of a steep climb from the church to the windmill, but the views that show Turville Village and the greenery of Chiltern Hills on the horizon are more than worth it.

26. Bristol

Looking for top south England attractions? If south England cities are on your travel bucket list , then Bristol should be there as it’s one of the most popular cities in the southern region of the country.

Bristol is a bustling city that celebrates its historical roots in quirky and unexpected ways. There are not many cities where one of the most popular tours are given from hot air balloons. When your feet are on the ground, you can explore the cobbled streets finding performances around unexpected corners and art everywhere you look.

As a shopping destination, the city has a lot to offer. There are plenty of High Street fashion and big-name stores. But, there is also a healthy mix of unique and boutique stores to pick up some keepsakes as you explore the city.

As you might expect from a multicultural city, there are loads of great places to eat. Whether you are into street food or superstar chefs, you’ll find something to whet your appetite.

So, is Bristol on your list of the best places to visit in south England?

27. Cheddar Gorge

Best things to do in south west England? Hire a car in the UK and hit the road in south England! Thre are many great roads to drive on in southern England. One of our favourite ones is located in Somerset. Although the might suggest it, it is NOT made from cheese 😉

Cheddar Gorge is a stunning natural landmark, located between Bath and Bristol. The gorge and cave complex is filled with prehistory and amazing rock formations. You can easily spend a full day here and not see everything.

There are several show caves to explore. There are audio tours available so that you don’t miss any of the unique features that are hidden away. In one of the caves, there are multimedia displays and presentations that tell the story of early man and the area.

We have to be honest – we LOVE Cheddar Gorge and it really is one of the best places to visit south England! 🙂

There are cliffs to climb and caves to explore, all of which you can do with a guide and proper safety equipment. If you fancy something a little less adrenaline-fueled, then you could visit the museum of prehistory to learn about how early man survived the ravages of the ice age and how it created the landscape you see today.

28. Winchester

Looking for the best Southern England cities to visit? Home to a Cathedral that is famous all over the world, Winchester is situated in the south of England. If you seek medieval history and have a penchant for learning about ancient monarchs, then this is the perfect locale for your next tourism day trip.

Interestingly enough, Winchester was once the capital of England and remained as such for a number of years – until the 11 th century when William the Conqueror arrived.

29. Cornwall

Best places to visit in south west England? Alongside being the region with the warmest average temperature in the country, Cornwall is filled with the most beautiful places to visit in England. Millions of people visiting this souther region can’t be wrong! 🙂

It really is one of the top south England holiday destinations!

Cornwall thrives on its tourist trade. This means that wherever you go you will receive a friendly welcome and you will find things to do. The landscape is beautiful, and there is no lack of beaches. 

Cornwall has a lot of shorelines, so it really is easy to find a great beach. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy when you get there, such as surfing, sailing, and paddleboarding. You can also find plenty of family-friendly beaches, where you can set up your towels, and enjoy a day of sunbathing, paddling and exploring the tide pools.

There are plenty of attractions to explore, like animal sanctuaries, tin mines and museums. There is also an abundance of small villages to find and explore all with their own quaint charm.

30. Cotswolds

Looking for places to visit in South England? Why not try the Cotswolds ? This area is one of the top south places to visit!

The Cotswolds refers to an area of around 800 square miles. While each of the Cotswolds villages has its own personality, they are all brought together by their uniting features. You will find honey gold stones and rolling hills in every corner of the Cotswolds. From Castle Combe village to Broadway Tower – there are many great things to see in the Cotswolds !

The villages that dot the Cotswolds all feature the local stone, making them delightful to see, as are the castles, palaces, and country homes that are sprinkled throughout the area. Looking for something special in Southern England? Visit Bourton on the Water Model Village – it’s one of the most popular places to visit!

As well as the bustling market towns and quaint villages, there are nature reserves and arboreta that are known worldwide.

We have been to many of the Cotswolds villages as this region in southern England really a few nice places to visit 😉

31. The Minack Theatre

South England areas worth to visit? Raised above the Atlantic Ocean by one of the many naturally-occurring clifftops, the Minack Theatre is a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed by any individual with a love for architecture.

As an outdoor theatre that echoes the great and ancient stadiums of Rome, there’s something very extraordinary about this South England theatre. The Minack Theatre was originally built by just one woman and was originally the scene of the local village’s production of The Tempest. What became an open-air theatre was once the garden of Rowena Cade’s home.

If you think to visit south England, then Oxford will be very high of your list of places to visit in south England!

Oxford is one of the best cities to visit in England besides London. It is very popular amongst students but also families.

Oxford is a city steeped in history. Most famous for the university, it is also a place filled with fascinating architecture and plenty of photo spots. Culture is definitely waiting for you around every corner. The city is bursting with museums and galleries. Due to its location, Oxford is a great idea for a day trip from London .

There is so much to see and experience in the city that a tour is a great option. There are loads of walking tours to choose from as well as bus tours of the city. This way, you can see and learn everything there is to know and avoid missing the hidden gems of this ancient city.

Once the sun goes down, you will find that as Oxford is a university town, it also has a bustling nightlife. There are plenty of pubs, bars and clubs to visit or even just some fantastic restaurants. You should make sure to indulge in this aspect of the city as well during your visit.

33. Chiltern Hills

Best places to visit in south England? We absolutely love this region in southern England! From visiting stunning towns like Old Amserham or Marlow to spending a day in Wendover Woods – there are some many great places to explore and some of them are the top commuter towns near London !

If you picture the English countryside , you probably think of rolling green hills, dotted with country estates and small villages. What you are probably picturing is the Chilterns . It is an area of outstanding natural beauty. And, in the true British style, you can be safe in the knowledge that as you explore, you are never going to be far from a classic British pub or restaurant.

The Chilterns is a mecca for walkers. There are so many beautiful routes to explore. No matter your walking experience or fitness level, you will find a walk to suit you here. It is such a great place for walking near London that there is a walking festival held here every year.

34. St Michael’s Mount

Best places to visit South Coast England? It takes around 45 minutes to cross the causeway that would take you across the castle route and into the heart of St Michael’s. It’s a wonderful place that doesn’t take up much time for a visit and is definitely worth the trip.

It is, however, usually closed during the winter. So, be sure to check that they’re open before you decide to travel towards St Michael’s. Though, even if the Mount is closed, it’s still wonderfully picturesque!

35. Stonehenge

Top things to do in the south? When creating the list of top places to visit in the south of England, we couldn’t forget about Stonehenge . Could we?! 🙂

Getting to Stonehenge is easy from most major cities in the South of England. This popular destination is accessible by train, bus, car, bike and foot.

While the stone circle is probably one of the most iconic sites in England, it is not all that the site has to offer. After you have marvelled at the feat of engineering that allowed this monument to be created and to survive all this time, you can then marvel at the neolithic houses. These recreations have been built using techniques and materials that would have been used by the people who lived here over 4,500 years ago. 

As well as the stones there is a great visitor centre and museum, a lovely cafe. Oh, and of course the area is just beautiful. Make time in your trip to wander in the countryside. There are several walks that allow you to get a feel for the ancient landscape and natural beauty of the area.

So, is Stonehenge on your list of top places to visit in the south of England?

What attracts visitors to South England?

There are many reasons why visitors are attracted to southern England. Here are some of the top attractions and experiences:

• Historic landmarks: Southern England is home to many iconic landmarks, such as Stonehenge , Windsor Castle , the Tower of London, and the Roman Baths. These sites offer visitors the chance to explore thousands of years of history and culture.
• Picturesque towns and villages: Southern England is known for its charming towns and villages, such as Bath, Oxford, Brighton, and the Cotswolds . These places are characterized by their historic architecture, quaint streets, and picturesque countryside.
• Cultural events: Southern England hosts many cultural events throughout the year, such as the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the Hay Festival of Literature, the Glastonbury Festival, and the Notting Hill Carnival. These events offer visitors the chance to experience music, theater, literature, and art in unique and vibrant settings.
• Natural beauty: Southern England is home to many areas of outstanding natural beauty, such as the Jurassic Coast and the South Downs National Park. These places offer visitors the chance to explore rugged coastlines, rolling hills, and tranquil lakes and rivers.
• Food and drink: Southern England is known for its traditional cuisine, such as fish and chips, cream teas, and afternoon tea. The region also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many Michelin-starred restaurants, gastropubs, and craft breweries.
• Outdoor activities: Southern England offers many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, water sports, and golf. Visitors can also explore the region’s many gardens, parks, and nature reserves.

South England FAQ

Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Devon, Cornwall are the most famous areas in southern England.

Most people would say that the south of England is posh but this is mainly due to higher prices and expensive houses.

South of England really has to be visited! Go to Seven Sisters, Cheddar Gorge or New Forest for a great day out!

Holidays in south England really can be amazing. Visit Cornwall, Devon or the Isle of Wight for a great British holiday!

If you liked our article, then please check out the below posts too:

• Chiltern Hills England
• Midsomer Murders pub locations
• Tourist attraction in Oxfordshire
• Things to do in the Cotswolds this weekend
• Places to go in Buckinghamshire
• Most beautiful village in England
• What to do in Hertfordshire?
• Nice country pubs near me

3 days South England itinerary

Here’s a suggested 3-day itinerary for exploring the southern part of England:

• Start your day in Brighton, a lively seaside town famous for its pebble beach and colorful beach huts. Take a stroll along the pier, explore the quirky shops in the Lanes, and visit the Royal Pavilion.
• In the afternoon, head to the Seven Sisters Cliffs, a stunning stretch of coastline just east of Brighton. Take a walk along the cliff tops for panoramic views of the English Channel.
• Drive to the historic city of Winchester, located in the picturesque county of Hampshire. Visit the magnificent Winchester Cathedral, explore the city’s medieval streets, and learn about King Arthur at the Great Hall.
• In the afternoon, head to the New Forest National Park , where you can see free-roaming ponies and deer, and enjoy a walk or bike ride in the beautiful woodland.
• Start the day in the charming city of Bath, famous for its Georgian architecture and Roman Baths. Visit the Roman Baths Museum, take a walking tour of the city, and enjoy the views from the Royal Crescent.
• In the afternoon, drive to the nearby village of Lacock, a picturesque village that has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including Harry Potter and Downton Abbey.
• Finally, visit Stonehenge , one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, and marvel at the giant standing stones that have stood on this site for over 4,000 years.

Of course, this is just one possible itinerary, and there are many other wonderful places to explore in southern England, depending on your interests and preferences.

7 day South England itinerary

Here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary for exploring the southern part of England:

• Start your trip in London and spend the day exploring some of the city’s top attractions, such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, or the British Museum.
• Take a day trip to the university town of Oxford, known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich history. Visit the famous Oxford colleges, the Bodleian Library, and the Ashmolean Museum.
• Drive to the picturesque town of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Visit Shakespeare’s birthplace, the Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, and other important landmarks related to the famous playwright.
• Spend the day exploring the beautiful Cotswolds region , known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and quaint tea rooms. Visit some of the picturesque towns and villages, such as Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, or Broadway.
• Head to the historic city of Bath, famous for its Georgian architecture, Roman Baths, and beautiful gardens. Take a walking tour of the city, visit the Royal Crescent, and relax in the Thermae Bath Spa.
• Drive to the stunning Jurassic Coast , a World Heritage Site that stretches along the coast of Dorset and East Devon. Visit places like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Chesil Beach, and go for a walk along the South West Coast Path.
• Spend the day in the charming seaside town of Brighton, known for its vibrant atmosphere, beautiful pebble beach, and iconic pier. Take a walk along the seafront, explore the quirky shops in the Lanes, and visit the Royal Pavilion.

South England tourist information

Southern England is a popular destination for tourists, offering a wide variety of attractions and experiences. Here’s some general tourist information to help you plan your trip:

• Climate: Southern England has a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The weather can be changeable, so it’s a good idea to bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
• Transportation: Southern England has a good transportation network, with train and bus services connecting many of the region’s towns and cities. You can also rent a car to explore the area at your own pace.
• Accommodation: Southern England has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels and B&Bs to luxury hotels and holiday cottages. Popular areas to stay include London, Bath, Brighton, and the Cotswolds .
• Attractions: Southern England has many attractions to suit different interests and preferences, including historic landmarks, museums, galleries, gardens, beaches, and outdoor activities. Popular attractions include Stonehenge , the Roman Baths, the Tower of London, Windsor Castle , the Jurassic Coast , and the Eden Project.
• Food and drink: Southern England is known for its traditional cuisine, including fish and chips, afternoon tea, and cream teas. The region also has a thriving food and drink scene, with many Michelin-starred restaurants, gastropubs, and craft breweries.
• Events and festivals: Southern England hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including the Chelsea Flower Show, the Henley Royal Regatta, the Glastonbury Festival, and the Notting Hill Carnival.

South England history

Southern England has a rich and diverse history, dating back to prehistoric times. Here are some of the key historical periods and events that have shaped the region:

• Prehistory: Southern England is home to many important prehistoric sites, including Stonehenge and Avebury, which were constructed around 5000 years ago.
• Roman period: The Romans occupied southern England from AD 43 to AD 410, leaving behind many important landmarks and buildings, such as the Roman Baths in Bath and the amphitheater in Winchester.
• Anglo-Saxon period: In the 5th and 6th centuries, southern England was inhabited by various Germanic tribes, including the Saxons, Jutes, and Angles. This period saw the emergence of important kingdoms such as Wessex and Kent.
• Norman Conquest: In 1066, William the Conqueror invaded England from Normandy, France, and defeated the Anglo-Saxon king Harold Godwinson. This led to the Norman Conquest of England and the construction of many important landmarks, such as the Tower of London and Windsor Castle .
• Tudor period: In the 16th century, southern England was the center of the Tudor dynasty, which included monarchs such as Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, and Mary I. This period saw the construction of many important buildings, such as Hampton Court Palace and the Mary Rose.
• Industrial Revolution: In the 18th and 19th centuries, southern England played a key role in the Industrial Revolution, with cities such as Bristol, Birmingham, and Manchester becoming centers of manufacturing and trade.

Today, visitors to southern England can explore many landmarks and attractions related to these historical periods, including castles, museums, and ancient ruins, as well as cities and towns with rich architectural and cultural heritage.

South England cities

Some major cities in the south of England include:

• London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom
• Bristol, a city in the South West known for its maritime history and cultural scene
• Southampton, a port city in Hampshire and home of the Titanic
• Portsmouth, a coastal city in Hampshire known for its naval history and the HMS Victory
• Bournemouth, a coastal town in Dorset known for its beaches and Victorian architecture
• Brighton, a seaside town in East Sussex known for its vibrant arts and culture scene
• Oxford, a university city in Oxfordshire known for its historic and architectural heritage
• Reading, a town in Berkshire known for its links to the technology and business sectors
• Canterbury, a historic city in Kent and home of the Archbishop of Canterbury

These are just a few examples, there are many more cities, towns, and villages in the south of England that are worth visiting.

Family attractions South England

There are many family-friendly attractions in the south of England, here are a few examples:

• Legoland Windsor: A theme park in Windsor, Berkshire, featuring rides, attractions and Lego models.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour: A tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, where visitors can see authentic sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter films.
• Science Museum: A museum in London, featuring interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children of all ages.
• Chessington World of Adventures: A theme park and zoo in Chessington, Surrey, featuring rides, animal encounters, and live shows.
• Stonehenge : A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, that offers a glimpse into the history and mystery of ancient Britain.
• Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: A naval history museum in Portsmouth, Hampshire, featuring the HMS Victory and other historic ships.
• The Eden Project: A botanical garden in Cornwall , featuring indoor rainforests and outdoor gardens, with educational activities for children.
• Longleat: A safari park and stately home in Wiltshire, featuring animal encounters, adventure playgrounds and a maze.
• The Royal Windsor Castle : A royal residence in Windsor, Berkshire, featuring state apartments, exhibitions and guided tours.

Unusual places to visit in South East England

The south of England is home to many unique and interesting places to visit, here are a few examples of unusual places to visit in the South East of England:

• The Secret Nuclear Bunker, Kelvedon Hatch: An underground bunker built during the Cold War that has been converted into a museum.
• The Salisbury Museum, Salisbury: A museum that is home to the world’s oldest human DNA, the oldest human skeleton in Britain and the largest collection of Stonehenge artifacts.
• The Needles, Isle of Wight: A row of three distinctive stacks of chalk that rise out of the sea off the western extremity of the Isle of Wight.
• The Undercliff, Isle of Wight: A unique coastal landscape, formed by landslides, which has created a series of small beaches, coves and cliffs.
• The Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent: A historic spa town that features elegant Georgian architecture, scenic parks and gardens, and several interesting museums.
• The Kent and East Sussex Railway, Kent: A heritage railway that runs through the picturesque countryside of Kent and East Sussex, offering steam train rides and special events.
• The Chatham Historic Dockyard, Kent: A naval history museum that features historic ships, exhibitions, and interactive activities.
• The Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth: A 170-meter-tall tower that offers panoramic views of Portsmouth and the surrounding area.
• The Winchester Cathedral, Winchester: A beautiful cathedral that is one of the largest in Europe and features an impressive medieval architectural design, a beautiful garden and an underground crypt.

Places to visit on the South Coast

The south coast of England is home to many popular tourist destinations, here are a few examples of places to visit:

• The Jurassic Coast : A World Heritage Site that stretches from East Devon to Dorset and features a diverse range of geological formations, including cliffs, bays, and beaches.
• The Isle of Wight: An island located off the south coast of England, known for its picturesque beaches, historic sites, and outdoor activities.
• Brighton: A vibrant seaside town that is known for its lively arts and culture scene, historic pier, and charming architecture.
• Portsmouth: A coastal city that is known for its naval history and attractions such as the Historic Dockyard, home to the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum.
• The New Forest : A picturesque national park that is known for its unspoiled wilderness, wildlife, and quaint villages.
• Bournemouth: A seaside resort town that is known for its long stretches of golden sand, Victorian architecture and a lively nightlife.
• The White Cliffs of Dover: A iconic natural landmark that offers spectacular views of the English Channel and the coast of France.
• Southampton: A major port city that is known for its maritime history and attractions such as the SeaCity Museum and the Mayflower Memorial.
• The South Downs: A beautiful and varied landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodland and picturesque villages.

Most beautiful places in South East England

The south east of England is home to many beautiful places, here are a few examples of some of the most beautiful places in the region:

• Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex: A beautiful stretch of coast that features seven white chalk cliffs and a wide range of wildlife.
• The Cotswolds , Gloucestershire: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and charming stone cottages.
• The White Cliffs of Dover, Kent: A iconic natural landmark that offers spectacular views of the English Channel and the coast of France.
• The New Forest, Hampshire : A picturesque national park that is known for its unspoiled wilderness, wildlife, and quaint villages.
• The South Downs, Sussex: A beautiful and varied landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodland and picturesque villages.
• The Thames Path, London: A 184-mile-long footpath that follows the River Thames through some of the most beautiful and historic parts of the south east, including Oxford and Windsor .
• The Kent Downs, Kent: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that features rolling hills, woodlands and ancient landscapes.
• The Chiltern Hills, Oxfordshire: An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is known for its gently rolling hills, beech woods, and picturesque villages.

What famous film was filmed in South England?

Southern England has been the setting for many famous films over the years. Here are a few examples:

• Harry Potter: Several of the Harry Potter films were filmed in Southern England, including Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (which was filmed at Oxford University), and various other locations such as the Hogwarts Express, Godric’s Hollow and the Ministry of Magic (which were filmed at different locations in London).
• Bridget Jones’s Diary: The iconic British romantic comedy was primarily set in London but also features scenes filmed in the Cotswolds and Berkshire.
• The King’s Speech: This award-winning historical drama was filmed in various locations throughout Southern England, including Ely Cathedral, Greenwich, and Lancaster House in London.
• The Crown: This popular Netflix series, which chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, was filmed in numerous locations across Southern England, including Winchester Cathedral, Ely Cathedral, and various other locations in London.
• James Bond: Many James Bond films have been set and filmed in Southern England, including iconic locations such as the MI6 building, Buckingham Palace, and Stowe School.

These are just a few examples of the many films that have been set and filmed in Southern England. The region’s historic landmarks, picturesque towns and villages, and stunning natural beauty make it a popular choice for filmmakers.

Things to do in south west England

The south west of England is a popular tourist destination, here are a few examples of things to do in the region:

• Visit the historic city of Bath: Known for its Roman baths, Georgian architecture, and the Royal Crescent.
• Take a hike or bike ride on the South West Coast Path: This 630-mile trail offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in the country.
• Explore the Isles of Scilly: A group of beautiful islands located off the coast of Cornwall , known for its clear waters, white sandy beaches, and unique wildlife.
• Visit the Eden Project: A botanical garden in Cornwall, featuring indoor rainforests and outdoor gardens, with educational activities for children.
• Take a day trip to the historic town of Bristol: Known for its maritime history, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the SS Great Britain.
• Explore the Dartmoor National Park: A beautiful and rugged landscape of moors, tors, and ancient settlements in Devon
• Visit the ancient stone circles at Stonehenge : A prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, that offers a glimpse into the history and mystery of ancient Britain.
• Go surfing at Newquay: a seaside town in Cornwall , known for its beautiful beaches and surf spots.
• Take a boat trip to see the seals at the Farne Islands: a group of islands located off the coast of Devon , known for its seal colonies and bird-watching opportunities.

Things to do with kids in south east England

The south east of England is home to many family-friendly activities and attractions, here are a few examples of things to do with kids in the region:

• Visit the Science Museum in London: A museum that features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for children of all ages.
• Take a trip to Legoland Windsor: A theme park in Windsor, Berkshire, that features rides, attractions, and Lego models.
• Explore the Natural History Museum in London: A museum that features a wide range of exhibits on natural history, including dinosaurs and fossils.
• Visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire: A tour where visitors can see authentic sets, costumes, and props from the Harry Potter films.
• Have a day out at Chessington World of Adventures: A theme park and zoo in Chessington, Surrey, that features rides, animal encounters, and live shows.
• Take a trip to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: A naval history museum in Portsmouth, Hampshire, that features the HMS Victory and other historic ships.
• Visit the Royal Windsor Castle : A royal residence in Windsor, Berkshire, that features state apartments, exhibitions and guided tours.
• Take a trip to the Sea Life Centre in Brighton: An aquarium that features a wide range of sea creatures, including sharks, rays and turtles.
• Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London: A botanic garden that features a wide range of plants and gardens, including the famous Palm House and the Princess of Wales Conservatory.
• Visit the Beale Park, Reading: A wildlife park and garden that has a wide range of animals and a playground area for kids.

Is it worth visiting Southern England?

The South of England has a lot to offer. It is home to some of the prettiest villages in England . You can easily come to the south of the country and spend your whole visit in London. You would have a wonderful time, but you’d be missing out on all the rest that the area has to offer.

Whatever it is that you are looking for in a getaway from vibrant cities to relaxing nature, you can find something wonderful in the South of England.

Love England and the rest of the UK?

Read our other articles related to this stunning country:

Day trips from London

Weekend trips UK

Best Cotswold villages

Bourton on the Water Model Village

Things to do in St. Albans

Places to visit in the Cotswolds

So, there you have it! A taste of what the South of England has to offer, from the exciting buzz of its cities to the serene beauty of its countryside and coastlines. A place where adventure and relaxation meet, offering something for everyone.

Whether you’re planning a day out in the South East, seeking the thrill of the many things to do in South England, or just eager to discover the best places to visit in South England, this region is sure to captivate you.

Explore the charm of the South Coast UK as you hop from one picturesque seaside town to another, and indulge in the plethora of attractions that make this part of the country one of the places to visit in the UK. As you traverse the magnificent South Coast of England, you’ll stumble upon countless South England highlights and, if you’re adventurous enough, uncover some of the most unusual and captivating places.

Embrace the opportunity to encounter the region’s rich history, enjoy its diverse culture, and be mesmerised by some of the most beautiful places in South East England. And remember, there’s always something new and exciting to do, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, making southern England a destination that keeps on giving.

So pack your bags, set your GPS, and get ready to discover all the places to visit in the south of England that make this region so uniquely captivating and enjoyable. Happy exploring!

Articles you may like:

• How to visit Bourton on the Water Model Village in Cotswolds?
• Original things to do in Copenhagen Denmark: 7 Must-see places in CPH!
• 3 days Ring of Kerry itinerary – Is driving tour worth it?
• Eibsee Lake in Bavaria, Germany – the #1 lake in Bayern!

Further reading

27 Cotswolds Places So Ugly, Even the Birds Refuse to Sing

Dive into Darek and Gosia’s wickedly humorous guide to the Cotswolds’ most ‘ghastly’ places. Discover why the unbearable beauty of these top locations might just be too much for any sensible traveller to handle. Welcome to...

Looking for Magic? 30 Most Magical Places to Visit in the UK!

Discover the UK’s most “magical” destinations like you’ve never seen them before. We guide you through stunning places with a unique twist of British humour. Expect the unexpected! Welcome to the magical world of the UK...

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

South West England Tours & Trips

Discover amazing adventures through South West England visiting places like London and Cornwall . Most travellers enjoy exploring our South West England trips in May, making it the most popular time of the year.

41 South West England tour packages with 176 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year

5-Day Devon & Cornwall Small Group from London

Only the weather could have been better.

• Coach / Bus

3-Day Stonehenge, Glastonbury, Bath & the South West Coast Small-Group Tour from London

John was a very good host.Sam also was very good. We enjoyed the sites and agenda. We will use the tour company again.

Best of Devon and Cornwall (6 Days)

A lovely tour although we didn't see as much of Devon and Cornwall as anticipated. Overall it was very informative.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Highlights of South-West England

• Walking Adventure

London & Iconic England Tour - 6 days

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Cornwall tour starting in London

This was my second tour with Dacey's, called the revisit tour. It did not disappoint. Can't say enough to recommend Dacey's tours. So much to see in Cornwall and Dacey's gives a great experience with wonderful sites and great lodging experience. David is a superb travel guides providing fascinating information and also a few jokes along the way. A can't miss tour for anyone.

Iconic England 3 Day Tour with Stonehenge, Roman Baths & Windsor Castle

Cycle Devon - Coast to Coast

Stonehenge, Devon & Cornwall - 5 days

• Sightseeing

Isle of Wight Discovery (Hotel) - 3 days

Country Roads of Wales, Devon & Cornwall (Classic, 11 Days)

Corners of Cornwall

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Bath, Devon & Cornwall Small Group Rail Tour

Such a lovely part of Britain (Bath, Devon and Cornwall), the accommodations were wonderful, and tour leader (Barry) was knowledgeable, entertaining and made everything go smoothly.

Taste of England

• Self-Guided Cycling

Isle of Wight Cycle

What people love about south west england tours.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Devon and Cornwall tour with Jack. Jack is extremely knowledgeable about the area, so engaging with a lot of humour and an excellent driver! We would love to join another tour on our next visit to the UK.

We had a wonderful time! Our tour guide, Kate, was knowledgeable and accommodating for all of our interests and needs. I would highly recommend this trip.

It was a great adventure and experience, especially due to our excellent director Helen, an extremely cultured and warmhearted woman with a lot of historical and literary knowledge, not to forget her humour. Very intense six days with a full but balanced programme, including nature, culture and good food and fellowship. Thank you!

South West England Tours starting in:

• London (26)
• Fully Guided (31)
• Family (23)
• Explorer (22)
• In-depth Cultural (19)
• Coach / Bus (11)
• Hiking & Trekking (7)
• Personalized (5)
• Small Group (11)
• 3 Day Tours (6)
• 7 Day Tours (16)
• 10 Day Tours (9)
• Spring 2024 (23)
• Summer 2024 (28)
• Fall / Autumn 2024 (32)
• Winter 2024 / 2025 (7)
• Spring 2025 (13)
• Summer 2025 (7)
• Fall / Autumn 2025 (8)
• April 2024 (9)
• May 2024 (23)
• June 2024 (27)
• July 2024 (25)
• August 2024 (25)
• September 2024 (31)
• October 2024 (25)
• November 2024 (7)
• December 2024 (7)
• January 2025 (6)
• February 2025 (6)
• March 2025 (6)
• April 2025 (3)
• May 2025 (7)
• June 2025 (7)
• July 2025 (7)
• August 2025 (6)
• September 2025 (7)
• October 2025 (4)

Other Regions in England

• UK Lake District (17)
• South East England (9)
• Yorkshire (7)
• Cornwall (5)
• North West England (5)

Travel Styles

• Singles and Solo (32)
• For Couples (16)
• Seniors (26)

• Small Group Tours
• Epic adventures with like-minded people
• Hiking Collection
• Trail Running Vacations
• Mountain Biking Collection
• Wellness Collection
• Winter Collection
• Self-Guided Active Tours in the UK
• Experience adventure at your own pace
• Walk The West Highland Way
• Walk the Great Glen Way
• Walk Offa’s Dyke Path: South
• Walk Offa’s Dyke Path: Mid
• Walk Offa’s Dyke Path: North
• South Wales Coastal Cycling
• Road Trips & Rail Journeys
• Travel the UK by road or rail
• England Road Trips & Rail Journeys
• Wales Road Trips & Rail Journeys
• Scotland Road Trips & Rail Journeys
• Private & Corporate Groups
• Whether friends or colleagues, let us create the perfect escape for your group
• Private Groups
• Corporate Groups
• Choose an incredible UK adventure break or a gift voucher
• Gift Voucher
• Mini Breaks

Looking for action? Subscribe for the latest updates

• Our Adventure Promise
• Inspiration

CONNECT WITH US

• At Your Own Pace
• Physical Rating

SW660 Road Trip: North Cornwall, North Devon & Exmoor

Experience the finest views england has to offer on this beautiful uk south coast road trip.

Travel along the scenic coast of South West England, experiencing the beauty of North Devon, North Cornwall, Exmoor and Somerset. Spend 4 days travelling at your own pace, choosing your highlights from our expert recommendations.

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

Already a member.

Forget Password?

Guest Checkout

• Trip Essentials

The South West 660 is a 660-mile driving route that takes you along a selection of south England’s most scenic roads. On this 4-day UK south coast road trip in England you will explore the northern coasts of Devon and Cornwall, journey through Exmoor National Park and enjoy views of stunning Somerset.  

4 days, zero-hassle and all this included:

• 3 nights accommodation in one luxury B&B, one award-winning country hotel and one hotel with incredible sea views
• Breakfast daily
• South West 660 membership (includes detailed route notes & GPX files)
• Insider tips on all the best things to do/see/eat 
• Handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
• 24/7 telephone support during your road trip
• 1 native tree planted in our woodland

Plus flexible booking terms as part of our Adventure Promise , including instalment payments to spread the cost of your adventure. 

Check out the full itinerary in the tab above!

For adventurers who:

Are looking for a 4-day UK south coast road trip through some of England’s most stunning scenery, staying in luxury accommodation  

Day 1: Padstow

Your journey begins in Padstow, a charming fishing town with glorious sandy beaches. Take the first day of your UK south coast road trip at your own pace, explore the stunning beaches and treat yourself to the area’s culinary delights.

Cornwall is the place to be for a deep dive into surf culture, so why not get involved and try a surf lesson on Fistral Beach, one of the UK’s best beginner surf spots. Preferring to stay dry you could visit Rick Stein’s cookery school for a seafood cooking workshop. 

Victorian style at the water’s edge

Your home from home for the night is a Victorian hotel with beautiful views over the Camel Estuary. Named one of the best hotels in the UK by the times, you can be sure you’ll be well looked after.

Day 2: Padstow to Instow (SW660 Section 10)

Start as you mean to go on

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel it’s time to hit the road for another wonderful day on your UK south coast road trip. Today your journey takes you out of Cornwall and along the North Devon Coast. Enjoy travelling at your own pace, take in stunning surroundings, and choose things to see, eat and do from our expert recommendations. 

Castles and Kings

Your first stop today could be Tintagel Castle. Inextricably linked to King Arthur, this dramatic castle has been the inspiration for artists and writers for a long time and it’s not hard to see why. Set in a breathtaking position on Tintagel island, there are a number of viewpoints to take in the castle’s magic.

Best of Bude

Crackington Haven is a lovely shingle beach near Bude, with fascinating geological formations to explore. When you’re ready for a bite to eat, why not experience lunch on the Bude canal.  

A place of literary inspiration

Explore the rugged cliffs of Bideford Bay. With multiple walking routes available you could head up to Kipling Tors, a lookout point over Westward Ho named after the famous author Rudyard Kipling. Kipling spent his school years in the South West of England and Bideford Bay is thought to have inspired one of his most successful novels, Stalky & Co. 

Arrive in Instow and settle into your hotel on the edge of the estuary, where the rivers Taw and Torridge meet. Your hotel is the perfect blend of modern meets traditional comfort, with carefully styled rooms and spacious bathrooms.  

Day 3: Instow to Bossington ( SW660 Sections 11 & 12)

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to continue with your UK south coast road trip. Today’s journey takes you on a glorious drive along the Atlantic Highway as you pass between Kentisbury in North Devon and Bossington in Exmoor. The road climbs and drops into steep valleys, crosses wild open moorland, and passes through spectacular National Trust estates with wonderful views.

The rolling waves of North Devon’s surf beaches at Woolacombe and Croyde have made them world famous – but if surfing’s not your thing there’s still plenty to keep you occupied along this 50-mile stretch of coastline.

Feel the air in your lungs

Choose to tackle the walk up the Great Hangman, beginning in Combe Martin. Those who reach the top will be rewarded with far-reaching views across the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding hills. In the Spring walkers can enjoy the blooming primrose and violets. Listen out for warblers, as well as nesting seabirds on the cliffs and ravens can be spotted on the hillside.

Ride the world’s highest and steepest water-powered railway

The multi-award-winning and famous Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway opened in 1890 and holds a Green Tourism ‘Gold’ award for sustainable tourism. Choose to hop aboard this historic railway as it takes you to the cliff-top. Why not pop into the grade II listed clifftop cafe for one of the most scenic cream teas in the west of England!

After crossing the North Devon border your base for the night is a luxury B&B in Bossington, Exmoor.

Day 4 Bossington to Watchet (SW660 Section 12)

For your final day on the road, enjoy another fantastic stretch of the South West 660 as you head eastward toward Watchet. 

Pretty Porlock

Choose to visit the traditional village of Porlock, well-loved by visitors; it offers a great insight into English village life. Pop into a cafe for an English Cream Tea and settle the jam before cream debate, once and for all! Or maybe you get drawn in by one of the village pubs, for a homely lunch. 

English history

Along the way are a number of worthy stops. Pay a visit to Dunster Castle, with 1,000 years of history the castle and watermill have plenty of great stories to tell.

What’s happening in Watchet

On arrival in Watchet, you could head to the East Quay gallery & studios. Experience the different artist studios and explore walkways with incredible views of the Somerset coast. 

From Watchet you are a short drive from the M5, where you can easily continue with your journey home. If you would like to explore more of this beautiful area of the UK, why not enquire about completing another leg of this fantastic UK south coast road trip route.  

What's included

• 3 nights accommodation in one luxury B&B, one award-winning country hotel and one gorgeous hotel with incredible sea views
• breakfast daily
• insider tips on all the best things to do/see/eat 
• handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips

Supercharge Your Trip

• Private room – this trip is based on a 2-person booking in a shared room but you can upgrade to a private room each if preferred
• Solo traveller – this trip is based on a 2-person booking, but if you wish to travel alone please let us know
• If you would like to book any of the activities listed in the trip description, please include details in your enquiry form

What you need to bring

• Waterproof & windproof jacket – the weather can change quickly on the coast so it’s essential to carry one, even in summer
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Hat and gloves – even in summer it can get cold on the coast and in the hills
• Sun cream, sunglasses, insect repellent and a sun hat
• Day backpack – to carry hydration and snacks on walks/outings
• Activity-specific kit, e.g. swimming costume

What you need to know

• Dates are booked to suit you – please enquire about the availability of your preferred dates using the enquiry form
• This is your adventure and you’re in control – if you’d like any of the experiences listed or your stay extended, simply let us know when you submit your enquiry
• Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms & instalment payments, part of our Adventure Promise

How to get here

• The closest International Airport to Padstow is Newquay Airport approximately 25 minute drive
• The closest A road to Padstow is the A39 
• Padstow is approximately a 1hr 30 minute car journey from Plymouth, where you can catch a ferry from Europe

Experiences for you

Book your next getaway today.

SW660 Road Trip: Devon & Dorset

Explore the scenic coast of South West England. Take days at your own pace, choosing from our top highlights; treat yourself to foodie experiences or pack your itinerary with adrenaline-fuelled activities in truly beautiful places.

£495 View Trip

SW660 Road Trip: Devon, Dartmouth & Cornwall

Journey at your own pace, choosing to fill your days with handpicked highlights from our expert recommendations. Explore the south coast’s beautiful beaches, eat delicious food and stay in wonderful places on one of the best road trips in the UK.

£645 View Trip

Surf and Yoga Retreat

Surf’s up! This epic surf experience on Wales’ south west coast will immerse you into the world of surfing. Surf lessons each morning, yoga to perfect your balance and the chance to play your part in the conservation of south west Wales’ stunning beaches.

• South Wales

£665 View Trip

Share this adventure with your friends

At Adventure Tours UK, we set out to create the kind of breaks people like us go wild for. People who get their thrills in the outdoors and want to care for it too. Who want to disconnect from the daily grind and reconnect with nature. If you’re in search of adventure, you’ll find it with us.

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information Accept

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

• UK road trips

A magical coastal tour of Sussex and Kent

Andrew Ditton takes the slow lane on a tour along the colourful south coast from Bognor to Folkestone with a few detours inland to enjoy some quintessentially English villages, gardens and culture.

There is something magical and calming about the combination of sunshine and the seaside in the south-east of England. Colourful pebbles on the beach, handsome sandcastles, bright beach huts, ice cream emporiums, gift shops and vintage boutiques give the area a timeless, retro feel that is increasingly appealing to people looking to recreate simple, enjoyable holidays of yore. 

Our tour begins in West Sussex and ambles its way slowly and gently to east Kent, taking in much of the coastline but also popping inland to enjoy some quintessentially English villages, gardens and culture. 

The dignified resort of Bognor Regis is our first port of call, with a stay at the super-convenient Rowan Park Club site. Access directly off the main road will subdue the anxiety of members with larger outfits, and the proximity of a retail park just across the road means you don’t have to move the motorhome every time you need a loaf of bread. 

Go to Rowan Park Club site

Dog owners love this site: right next door is a delightful, canine-friendly nature reserve. It took me and my faithful friend almost an hour to walk the perimeter of Bersted Brooks, enjoying the recently planted trees that are well on their way to establishing mature woodland on the site. Another super outing is a stroll along Bognor’s promenade, a couple of miles from the site, while further afield, the charming coastal resorts of Pagham and Bosham demand relaxed exploration. 

Nearby Chichester Cathedral is a wonderful place to visit while fans of hit television series The Repair Shop should make a beeline for the Weald & Downland Living Museum. This (dog-friendly) open air collection contains more than 50 buildings, some of which are more than 1,000 years old. 

If you fancy pitching up somewhere a little less formal, try Upper Chancton Farm Certificated Location (CL), to the north-east of Bognor Regis (and directly north of Worthing). Set on a working farm and affording delightful views, this is an ideal spot for new caravanners – there’s a huge amount of space on offer, negating any need for difficult manoeuvres when pitching. 

Go to Upper Chancton Farm CL

Next stop is the utterly delightful Broomfield Farm Club site near East Hoathly and Lewes. For me, this was a trip down memory lane, as my parents used to bring my family here in the early 1970s. Despite modern upgrades such as EHUs and a healthy sprinkling of hardstanding pitches, the site has lost none of the simple, rural charm I remember from my childhood. 

Go to Broomfield Farm Club site

There are a couple of pleasant walks you can enjoy from the site. A 40-minute stroll takes you into the charming village of East Hoathly, where you can reward yourself with a pint at the Kings Head or a slice of something delicious with a cup of tea at Muffins Cafe. The second walk from the site takes about two hours and provides a sublime taste of what the South Downs can offer. If you prefer two wheels to two feet, it’s a four-mile ride to Horam, where you can pick up the Cuckoo Trail. This family-friendly route follows a former railway line; you can ride (or walk) as far south as Eastbourne on the coast if the fancy takes you. 

Heading further afield means taking the car or motorhome off site or walking to East Hoathly to catch a bus. The surrounding area is rich in culture, from castles at Lewes and Herstmonceux to Rudyard Kipling’s residence – Bateman’s – at Burwash, which was bequeathed to the National Trust by Kipling’s widow upon her death in 1939. As ever, call or check the website before heading off to see what’s available and to book a timed entry ticket. 

Leaving Broomfield Farm is a wrench but arriving at the immaculate Pondarosa CL to the north of Bexhill-on-Sea is compensation. “I’ve planted over ten hundredweight of daffodil bulbs along the drive!” says the owner, Mark. “When members arrive in the spring they will be greeted by a fairytale scene.” 

Go to Pondarosa CL

The area is popular with history buffs, and the site of the Battle of Hastings lies a short drive from the CL. Fans of history a little more ‘mid-century modern’ will love nearby Bexhill-on-Sea thanks to its eclectic mix of vintage and retro shops, not to mention the stunning modernist De La Warr Pavilion. 

After another lungful of sea air, it’s time to zig zag back inland to Bearsted Club site near Maidstone. Ease of access from the M20 motorway makes this a popular site for stopovers, but as the closest Club site to all that north Kent and the River Medway can offer, it makes for a great place to base yourself for a longer stay. 

Go to Bearsted Club site

The most obvious attraction is Leeds Castle. Known as ‘The Loveliest Castle in the World’, it’s a 30-minute walk from site, or a few minutes if you want to use the car park. Most of the attractions are outside, from the stunning view of the castle itself to immaculate gardens, falconry displays, a bird of prey centre, and adventure golf. 

A short hop down the M20 takes us beyond the town of Ashford to what could be described as a ‘Destination CL’. There is so much to keep you occupied at and around Hamilton Farm Airfield and CL that you might find you don’t need to take the car off site, especially if fishing is your bag. Carp, tench, bream, rudd and roach populate the various ponds and lakes on this 75-acre slice of rural heaven, and fishing is free to members staying on site. 

Go to Hamilton Farm Airfield and CL

I did not partake in what owner Richard calls ‘The Foot Fish Challenge’. This involves heading down to the stunningly scenic pond where fishing is not permitted, inserting a piece of bread between each toe, and lowering your foot into the water. Richard tossed a piece of bread into the pond, igniting hundreds of small fish into a feeding frenzy that made the water look as if it were boiling. “You can often hear the shrieks as far away as the caravan pitches!” laughs Richard. The less brave (like me) are welcome to enjoy the verandah overlooking the lake at any time. Time it right for a midsummer evening, and you’ll be treated to the sight of glow-worms lighting up the hedge. 

Following Hamilton Farm, Black Horse Farm Club site near Folkestone had a lot to live up to – and it rose to the challenge admirably. Motorhoming members in particular love this site; across the road you’ll find a friendly and well-stocked village store, and next to that an equally friendly pub that serves great food. To say that The Black Horse Inn is dog-friendly is an understatement – they even have a food menu for dogs! 

Go to Black Horse Farm Club site

From the site, there is a lovely walk that takes in nearby Reinden Wood or catch a bus – which leaves from right outside the site every 20 minutes during the day – if you’d like to venture into the charming town of Folkestone or the cosmopolitan city of Canterbury. 

Folkestone has enjoyed a renaissance during the past few years, thanks to the redevelopment of the area behind the harbour, which is now known as the Creative Quarter. I enjoyed wandering its cobbled streets, discovering the art, and meeting the colourful people who frequent and work in the area. 

The historic town of Dover tops the list for culture a little less modern and more suited to the history buff. Dover Castle is an absolute ‘must-see’, not just for its medieval Great Tower and tunnels, but for its Roman Lighthouse and First World War Fire Command Post, the latter offering stunning views across the channel (see english-heritage.org.uk for information). 

On your way back to the site, be sure to stop off at the newest piece of England, Samphire Hoe, signposted off the westbound A20 trunk road. This is a 30-hectare nature reserve created by the spoil from the excavation of the Channel Tunnel. From the car park you’ll find a network of paths, some of which are accessible to wheelchair users, which allow you to discover this beautiful and brand new part of the country. 

Samphire Hoe is one of the few places where you can garner easy access to the most impressive views of the White Cliffs of Dover. It is believed that Shakespeare was a regular visitor to Dover, and that the very cliffs that tower above Samphire Hoe inspired those in his play, King Lear . The name of the cliff here is Shakespeare Cliff, and it’s at this point I bring this stupendous tour of the south-east of England to an abrupt and reluctant close. You could say I’m leaving you with a cliffhanger. I’ll get my coat. 

About the author

Andrew Ditton (and Dougal)

I have been caravanning since I was knee-high to a jockey wheel, originally in a 1969 Thomson Glenmore, and first joined the Club when I was 17. Nowadays you’ll find me with Dougal, my trusty dog, living the dream in a variety of caravans, van conversions, and motorhomes. We tour the length and breadth of Europe on a year-round basis, but my heart is very much in Scotland and especially the beautiful Western Isles. I love the Outer Hebrides so much, I even learned to speak the Gaelic.

Touring is all about freedom, adventure, discovery, and spontaneity. Club Sites are great when I need to relax in the knowledge that I'm going to have everything I need to hand in order to feel safe and comfortable. However, in the warmer months, my preference is to find a quiet and remote CL where I can get back to basics and back to nature. 

Sarah Riches | 27 August 2021

7 pretty towns on the uk’s south coast.

With quaint tearooms, lively harbours and beach huts as colourful as India’s Holi festival, south England’s seaside towns are perfect for a short break this bank holiday

Turner Contemporary, Margate (Thierry Bal/England's Creative Coast)

Once down at heel, Margate has morphed into a hip seaside town thanks to the Turner Contemporary, which opened on the edge of the beach in 2011. Art fans should look out for Michael Rakowitz’s April is the Cruellest Month sculpture, which is modelled after a soldier who served in Iraq in 2003 – one of seven outdoor artworks by top artists that are strung along the south coast.

Once you’ve explored Margate’s art scene, stroll around Old Town, a knot of streets that’s as on-trend as New York’s Bushwick neighbourhood. It’s lined with photography galleries, independent shops and vegan-friendly cafes such as The Greedy Cow. Don’t miss the The Shell Grotto nearby – the 21m-long tunnel is adorned with 4.6 million shells and dates back to the early 1800s.

2. Broadstairs

Stone Bay, Broadstairs (Shutterstock)

Broadstairs may be just 5km from Margate – as the crow flies – but it has a much more laidback feel. Like Margate, the town is set around an arc of sand, and its main beach, Viking Bay, is a popular spot for surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders. Victoria Gardens looms over it. Buy an ice cream at the 1950s parlour Morelli’s Gelato and eat it in the bandstand in the gardens, or stroll 2km south along the cliff tops towards Ramsgate.

3. Ramsgate

Ramsgate harbour (Shutterstock)

If you’re arriving in Ramsgate on foot from Broadstairs, have a pit stop in the Italianate Glasshouse in King George VI Park, or a picnic in Victoria Gardens. Ramsgate Tunnels are at the southern end of the gardens. Once part of a railway network, the tunnels opened in 1863 before being used as air raid shelters during the Second World War. You can join a guided 1.5-hour tour. The tunnels are a short walk from Ramsgate’s picturesque harbour, which is filled with yachts and a ship dating back to 1912 – the Sundowner . Ramsgate Maritime Museum is next door.

Read next The best beaches near London

Deal (Shutterstock)

Halfway between Ramsgate and Dover, Deal is a delightful seaside town with an old port, castle and independent galleries and boutiques. Once you’ve taken in the views from the pier, explore Middle Street, which is within a conservation area and home to pastel-coloured terraced cottages. You can also join a walking tour with a local guide.

5. Folkestone

Public art in Folkestone (Visit Kent)

Like Margate, Folkestone has had a renaissance in recent years and now it has a lively creative quarter. The quarter is really just a single steep cobbled lane, but it’s pretty none the less, with cafes, bookshops and galleries. The beach is at the bottom of the street. A path made from repurposed beams winds its way across the sand to a garden at the bottom of a cliff. Look out for Pilar Quinteros’ Janus Fortress Folkestone on top of the cliffs, which is a nod to Janus – the Roman god of beginnings – which is usually depicted with two faces. The sculptures gaze inland and towards the sea.

Read next  England’s 7 most intriguing chalk figures and the stories behind them

6. hastings.

Hastings' seafront (Thierry Bal/England's Creative Coast)

Hastings has everything you want from a British seaside town: fish and chips, stripy beach huts on a pier and a funicular – with the added bonus of castle ruins set on West Hill and a network of caves nearby. Hastings Old Town meanwhile is lined with Tudor and Georgian buildings, while George Street is home to antique shops, a bakery and friendly pubs. Hastings Contemporary is nearby. Look out for Andreas Angelidakis’ Seawall sculpture outside, which resembles the concrete blocks used as flood defences along the coast.

7. Eastbourne

Towner Eastbourne (Thierry Bal/England's Creative Coast)

If you’re up for a long walk, base yourself in Eastbourne and explore Beachy Head, Birling Gap and the Seven Sisters nearby. Back in the town you can circle the marina, stroll along the pier and traipse along its pebble beach. The town is home to a number of galleries – Towner Eastbourne is the best known thanks to its distinctive rainbow-hued exterior. The gallery has collaborated with Mariana Castillo Deball to create the interactive artwork, Walking Through the Town I Followed a Pattern on the Pavement that Became the Magnified Silhouette of a Woman’s Profile .

Read more about the UK's south coast: 

British break in dorset, british break: the kent coast, 5 hidden gems to discover in whitstable, kent, related articles, looking for inspiration.

Join our newsletter

Get the very best of Wanderlust  by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.

I'm Just A Girl

Affordable Luxury Travel

The Ultimate South Coast England Road Trip – 2-Week Itinerary

This post about the ultimate South Coast England Road Trip contains affiliate links.

Planning an epic road trip to the South Coast of England but not sure where to start when it comes to creating an itinerary? I’ve got you covered with my ultimate South England road trip itinerary!

The lead-up to two-week our trip along England’s magnificent South Coast was pretty hectic in itself as we headed up to Durham/ Darlington for one night , then down to London for a work party and then to the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford the following day, before spending the night in St Albans and eventually heading off on an epic South England road trip.

Our trip door-to-door from our house in York was 18 days in total, but the below itinerary for a South Coast England road trip is 14 days as I haven’t included all the bits on either side of the trip that we did as they won’t be relevant to you!

How long it takes you to tick off all the amazing things on this epic England road trip itinerary will depend on where you start your road trip and all the other bits you want to see/do in between, but to get you started, here’s my ultimate South Coast England road trip itinerary for 2 weeks!

Planning your South England road trip last minute?

Check out some of the top tours and attractions to experience on a road trip along South Coast England below!

• Canterbury Guided Walking Tour
• White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury Day Trip From London
• Brighton i360 Ticket Entry
• Portsmouth Spinnaker Tower Entry Ticket
• Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door Day Trip From Bournemouth
• Seven Sisters & South Downs Tour From London
• Stonehenge Admission Ticket
• Introduction To Surfing Lesson In Newquay
• 1 Hour Scenic Harbour Cruise In Plymouth
• Poole Harbour & Islands Cruise

I’m so excited to share my South England road trip itinerary in today’s post, so if you’re looking for some epic UK road trip inspiration, you’ve come to the right place!

Here is a rough map route that you can follow (our route varied quite a lot with all the little places in between, but if you follow the rough route below, you should have an awesome time on your Southern England road trip!).

How many days do you need for a south England road trip?

I think 2 weeks is the perfect amount of time for a road trip in south England ! Two weeks will give you plenty of time to travel all the way from Margate in Kent, along the South England coast towards Devon and Cornwall!

South Coast England Road Trip Map

Unfortunately, Google Maps only lets you put a certain number of stops when planning a route, so there are a few places that it’s missed as part of our Southern England trip, but you should hopefully get a good idea!

South Coast England Road Trip itinerary summary

• Canterbury, Margate, Ramsgate
• Dover & Hastings
• Eastbourne, Seven Sisters & Brighton
• Southampton, Salisbury & Stonehenge
• Bournemouth, Old Harry Rocks
• Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door & Exeter
• Torquay, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Looe
• Polperro, Lantic Bay, Eden Project
• Truro, Lizard Point, Kynance Cove
• St Michael’s Mount, Penzance, Porthcurno Beach
• Minack Theatre, Land’s End, Sennen Cove
• St Ives, Gwithian Beach, Perranporth, Newquay
• Fistral Beach, Port Isaac, Tintagel Castle
• Woolacombe & Ilfracombe

Day 1 – Canterbury, Margate & Ramsgate – south England road trip

As I mentioned above, our Southern England trip officially started in London/Watford the day before we visited Canterbury when we went to the Warner Bros. Studios Harry Potter Tour , but I suppose it officially began in Canterbury.

The beautiful cathedral city of Canterbury was a great place to start our road trip as it had a truly quintessentially British feel to it. With the spectacular cathedral, awesome pop-up food market (be sure to try the souvlaki, it was so delicious!) and gorgeous streets to explore, Canterbury is a great stop on any England road trip itinerary for a few hours.

Best things to do in Canterbury – 2-week South Coast England Road Trip

• Canterbury Cathedral
• Eat at City Feast
• Visit the Catching Lives bookshop

Next up, we drove the relatively short 45-minute journey to Margate ; a place that I’ve wanted to visit for years ! I was so happy to discover that it didn’t disappoint and while I don’t think you really need to spend longer than a day or two there (although I’m sure you easily could!), it’s a fab place to tuck into some fish and chips (get a £5 portion from Peter’s Fish Factory – they’re honestly the best fish and chips I’ve had in a long time) and mooch around the cool streets and along the seafront.

Of course, no trip to Margate is complete without a brief visit to Dreamland Margate, so be sure to factor in some time for a quick whizz around on the rides while you’re there!

We were originally planning to spend the night at a free campsite just outside of Margate but it didn’t feel suitable, so we drove to a little pub in Ramsgate instead where we parked in their car park for the night.

I’ve written a detailed list of all the places where we stayed on our road trip as we found so many great free sites that I want to share with you to keep your South Coast England road trip costs as budget-friendly as possible!

Best things to do in Margate

• Go on the rides and attractions at Dreamland
• Eat fish and chips from Peter’s Fish Factory
• Enjoy a pint at Margate Harbour Arms

Read more: 17 Epic Things To Do In Margate, Kent This Year

Day 2 – Dover – South Coast England itinerary

The next morning we drove to Dover and we were originally going to spend the day exploring Dover itself and of course, the famous White Cliffs of Dover , but the weather was so terrible that we decided to have a “day off” (remember at this point we’d already been on the road for five days!) and so we parked up at Little Satmar Campsite & Holiday Park for the day/night where we got a bit of work done, as well as some laundry and we had our first shower in three days.

When you’re on a road trip for an indefinite period of time, it can be easy to think that you’ll spend every single day doing something epic and exploring everything you possibly can, but it’s also important to schedule some rest days and downtime as well, otherwise, you’ll inevitably end up with road trip burnout!

Best things to do in Dover

• See the White Cliffs of Dover
• Visit Dover Castle
• Walk to St Margaret’s Bay

Day 3 – Dover & Hastings

While the weather still wasn’t glorious sunshine the next day, it was just about as good as we could hope for given the ridiculously temperamental British summertime, so we had resolved to go out and explore the White Cliffs of Dover regardless of whether it was raining or sunny.

Thankfully, we were blessed with no rain and the occasional glimmer of blue sky and I was delighted to finally see the infamous White Cliffs. I was somewhat slightly underwhelmed by them, especially when I reflect on the trip in hindsight as we saw so many other cooler things, but I do think they’re worth a visit as part of your South Coast road trip in England.

You can park at the National Trust car park for the White Cliffs of Dover (at a flat rate of £5 per car and I think £7 for motorhomes but we got away with paying for a car as our camper is pretty small!) and then enjoy a leisurely walk from the visitor centre to various viewpoints along the coast.

Read more: An Ultimate Guide To The White Cliffs Of Dover – What You Need To Know

In the afternoon we headed to Hastings which is a cool little seaside town that I’d never even considered visiting until we were in the area.

There are plenty of fun activities for families and kids to enjoy in Hastings, including a crazy golf course, plus plenty of funfair rides and even a mini rollercoaster! You can also take the funicular up the hill to get an awesome view of the beach, pier and sea below.

Top things to do in Hastings – South Coast England Road Trip

• Stroll through Hastings Old Town
• Play mini/crazy golf near the beach
• Ride the East Hill Cliff Railway

Day 4 – Eastbourne, Seven Sisters & Brighton

The next day we drove through Eastbourne and we were planning on parking up and spending an hour or two there, but it didn’t strike us with a desperate need to visit, so we continued driving right through it and made our way to the Seven Sisters Country Park instead.

The Seven Sisters were much more impressive to me than the White Cliffs of Dover and when I saw how cloudy and grey it was outside, I was really gutted at first as I thought it would make the cliffs look rubbish, but the moody weather actually made them look even cooler, so I don’t think it matters too much if you don’t get “perfect” weather as they’re definitely one of the best spots to visit on a south coast itinerary!

To see the Seven Sisters cliffs from the beach, park at the National Trust car park (we paid £3 for two hours which is more than enough time to have a mooch about on the beach and take plenty of pictures of the cliffs) and then walk down the steps to the beach.

After the Seven Sisters, we drove to Brighton which is a place that’s been on my UK bucket list for as long as I can remember. I recall watching Zoella move there when I was around 13/14 years old and ever since then, I’ve wanted to spend some time there!

Brighton certainly is as lively and hectic as they say it is and it had that big city energy that I absolutely love (it’s why I adore New York so much!). The sounds, sights, smells and people are so eclectic that it can be a bit of a culture shock at first, but there’s so much to see and do and while we only spent one day there, I’m sure you could spend a good few days soaking everything up!

Best things to do in Brighton

• Go up the British Airways 1360 Viewing Tower
• Walk along Brighton Palace Pier
• Visit the Royal Pavilion

Read more: The Best Things To Do In Brighton – Ultimate Travel Guide

Day 5 – Portsmouth – South Coast road trip

The following day was more of an “admin” day as we’d not had a shower in a good few days at this point, so we stopped in a little town called Havant where we spent an hour or so at the local leisure centre and we also popped into the local Wetherspoon’s where we got 99p coffee and tea refills while we charged our laptops and phones for an hour! See, life on the road really isn’t all that glamorous!

Once we were all freshened up and fully charged, we made our way to Portsmouth where we had a little mooch around before setting up camp for the night on a quiet little road overlooking the harbour in Port Solent. It was an absolutely gorgeous freedom camping spot, and we were treated to the best sunset of the whole trip while we were there!

Top things to do in Portsmouth – 2-week South Coast England road trip

• Wander around Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
• Go up the Spinnaker Tower
• Visit the Mary Rose Museum

Day 6 – Southampton, Salisbury & Stonehenge

The next day we drove to Southampton which I wasn’t particularly struck on. We only spent around an hour or so there before moving on to Salisbury, although we did eat a yummy gyro while we were there!

Salisbury is a pretty small cathedral city with plenty of cute cafes, shops and little market stalls. It’s probably most famed for its spectacular cathedral that dates back to the 13th century and is home to an original copy of the Magna Carter.

After Salisbury, we drove the very short 9 miles (20-minute drive) to the world-famous Stonehenge ; a site that I’d never been to before but always wanted to visit. However, tickets for Stonehenge are pretty pricey for my liking and only the night before, we’d been talking to a fellow camper who said that there was a huge country road where dozens of campers stay the night completely for free with an incredible view of Stonehenge right from where you park up.

As we’re typically British tight-arses when it comes to spending lots of money on things we don’t have to, we found an epic spot to park up for the night for free with an epic view of Stonehenge all day/night!

Book tickets to visit Stonehenge here!

Day 7 – Christchurch

The following day we drove to a paid campsite near Christchurch, Bournemouth where we spent the day doing general admin and chores in and around the van, before chilling out for the evening as we knew we had a very busy week or so ahead of us as we gradually approached Dorset, Devon and Cornwall.

Day 8 – Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre

The next day we spent a couple of hours in a nearby laundrette as the campsite we stayed at didn’t have any laundry facilities and then we headed to Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre which was just over the road from where we were staying at Longfield Caravan Park.

Unfortunately, they only had availability for one person to take part in snowboarding lessons, so Matt went ahead and snowboarded for the first time while I got some work done in the restaurant area. We then went for dinner at a local Toby Carvery (which is very overrated!) and then drove to a little layby just outside of Bournemouth where we parked up for the night.

Day 9 – Bournemouth, Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door & Exeter

Day 9 of our South Coast England road trip was our busiest and best day so far as we did and saw so much! Firstly, we drove into Bournemouth for an hour at around 9 am as we were awake early and we knew we had a busy day ahead of us so we wanted to get in before the crowds hit and the whole town was virtually empty when we arrived!

After that, we went headed for the South West Coast into Dorset National Park and our first stop was the Old Harry Rocks walk from Studland. This was probably one of my favourite things we did on the entire trip and the rock formations are crazy impressive, I’d recommend heading there if you’re a fan of the White Cliffs and Seven Sisters.

We only paid for two hours at the car park (£4) which was plenty of time for us to walk to the rocks and back. You can walk to South Beach as well, but we weren’t too bothered about doing this.

Our day just kept getting better and better after that as we headed to Lulworth Cove car park where we paid for 4 hours of parking for £5. We didn’t realise at first that you could park at Lulworth Cove and then walk to Durdle Door (we were originally going to drive and park at Durdle Door car park), but it’s well worth the walk, even if it is insanely exhausting!

Lulworth Cove itself is so beautiful and there are plenty of ice cream shops and fish and chip eateries to sate your appetite and a walk down to the cove, as well as up to the little viewing point can’t be missed either!

Durdle Door is arguably one of the most famous natural landmarks in the whole of England so you can imagine that my expectations were pretty bloody high and I was so relieved when they were not only met but vastly exceeded too; Durdle Door is so awesome and definitely worth adding to your south England road trip itinerary.

Read more: The Best Things To Do In The Jurassic Coast – Ultimate Dorset Guide.

After our incredibly busy day of exploring epic sights on the South Coast of England, we then drove to Exeter for the sole purpose of ticking the letter ‘X’ off our AtoZ UK road trip bucket list . OK, so Exeter doesn’t quite begin with the letter ‘X’, but it was as close to it as we could find, so we made do! We didn’t spend very long in Exeter as we arrived after 7.30 PM so there wasn’t really an awful lot we could see or do, so we drove to the Ten Tors Inn; a lovely pub about halfway between Exeter and Newquay where we had a few drinks and then stayed in the pub car park for free overnight.

Day 10 – Torquay, Dartmouth, Plymouth, Looe

After the incredibly busy antics of the day before, day 10 was slightly more chilled but we still did a fair bit of driving; first of all through Torquay. Torquay was positively jam-packed with tourists as it was a pretty nice day after we’d been having a fair few cloudy days, so we didn’t spend too long there, but it seemed like a nice enough place and I’d probably recommend spending a little longer there than we did if you get the chance.

It’s a great place to stop on your way to Cornwall to break up the journey a bit.

Top things to do in Torquay

• Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves
• Visit the Babbacombe Model Village
• Spend some time at Meadfoot Beach

We then drove over the Dartmouth Crossing; you can drive around so you don’t have to go over the crossing (a 3-minute drive-on ferry that saves you about 25 minutes and costs £6.70 one way), but I think it was worth doing as we wanted to see Dartmouth which is a beautiful, albeit pretty tiny town and it just seemed much easier and more convenient.

Once we’d had a little mosey around Dartmouth, we made our way towards Plymouth which we pretty much drove straight through as neither of us was particularly bothered about seeing or doing anything there. I have heard a few good things about it though, so it might be somewhere that you allow a little more time for as part of your road trip in south England.

By this point, we’d officially arrived in Cornwall and that evening, we’d had a bit of a faff trying to find a free place to stay for the night and the first few places we tried were terrible, so after consulting my trusty park4night app for the millionth time, I came across a campsite that was only £5 each per night with an additional fee of £3 for electric hook-up. We headed there, got some chips from the on-site fish and chip van and had an earlyish night ready for the following day’s antics.

Day 11 – Polperro, Lantic Bay, Eden Project, Truro, Lizard Point, Kynance Cove

This day turned out to be our busiest in terms of distance and steps walked (we did over 30,000 steps and covered more than 20km of walking!). We woke up and made pancakes (check out my ultimate guide to the best campervan meals that aren’t boring !) and then headed off to Polperro; a beautifully quaint seaside town.

There’s not a tonne of things to do in Polperro, but it is a very sweet little village with plenty of yummy places to eat and of course, myriad places to try a famous Cornish pasty! We parked at Polperro Car Park and paid £5 for 3 hours which I believe was the minimum amount of hours you could get. I definitely don’t think you need to spend 3 hours in Polperro, but I’m sure you could find plenty of ways to kill the time and it’s a very cute spot to add to your coastal road trip in the UK.

Our next stop was Lantic Bay which was another one of my very favourite spots on our South England road trip as the views of the bay on the walk down to the beach are absolutely phenomenal. You can park in the National Trust car park which costs £2 for 1 hour or £4 for up to 4 hours. We were only going to put £2 in and spend an hour there as it said that’s how long it took to walk the circular route but the ticket machine gave us a ticket that lasted until midnight which was awesome!

We didn’t originally have The Eden Project on our list of things to do in Cornwall as part of our road trip and even though I’ve always said that I wanted to go, I completely forgot about it until we drove past and decided to pop in for a nosy.

I will say now that it is massively over-hyped. I don’t know if it’s because we’ve been to Gardens by the Bay in Singapore which truly blew my mind and then The Eden Project paled into insignificance compared to that, or if it’s just not our thing but I don’t think it’s worth the money at all. If flowers, plants and trees are your kinds of thing, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, but we just found that a ticket price of £32.50 was pretty hefty for what it actually is.

Once we’d driven through Truro, we made our way to Lizard Point which positively blew me away and I think I preferred it to Land’s End! 😱

The scenery at Lizard Point is truly magical and even though we weren’t blessed with great weather during our visit, I think the storminess of the sea and the sky made it look even more impressive. You can pay to park at the National Trust car park for Lizard Point, but you can park for free (with a recommended voluntary donation of £3) just in Lizard itself on the grassy area in the main square. We didn’t arrive there until after 7.30 PM and there was virtually no one else around which made the whole experience even more remarkable.

As it was getting dark, we knew we were pretty pushed for time but we wanted to see Kynance Cove that evening as the following morning was forecast to rain for the entire day, so after Lizard Point, we drove the short 10-minute journey to the Kynance Cove car park where we quickly paid £2 for 1 hour and hurried down to the beach.

Kynance Cove is a place that I’ve seen looks truly magical in glorious sunshine and blue sky weather and unfortunately, it was pretty stormy and getting quite dark while we were there so my pictures don’t quite do it justice, but I still thought it looked incredible regardless. I’d love to revisit it on another Cornwall road trip to see it in all its fabulous glory.

We stayed in the Mullion village car park that night but we didn’t get there until after 9 PM so it was pretty much pitch black by the time we got there.

Read more: The Best Things To Do In Cornwall – Ultimate Travel Guide.

Day 12 – St Michael’s Mount, Penzance, Porthcurno Beach, Minack Theatre, Land’s End, Sennen Cove

The weather the following day was absolutely dreadful and we both had a lot of work that we needed to finish before the end of the week so we spent about 4 hours in a Wetherspoon’s in a little town called Helston while we waited for the rain to stop and the cloud/fog to clear so that we could go and see St Michael’s Mount.

Unfortunately, as we visited so late in the day, we couldn’t walk across to see St Michael’s Mount up close as the tide was in, so we just saw it from Marazion Beach instead. If you can, I’d recommend trying to time your visit here when the tide is out so that you can walk across to the island. The causeway is only open for a few hours each day, depending on the tide times, so check the website before you visit.

Afterwards, we drove briefly through Penzance where the weather was still pretty shocking so we didn’t hang around too long and instead continued all the way to Porthcurno where we parked up and walked to the viewing point for Porthcurno Beach, right next to the Minack Theatre. The water at Porthcurno Beach was absolutely stunning and so blue and clear, despite the weather not being too great earlier in the day.

We were going to go inside the Minack Theatre as we thought you could just have a look around it, but you have to buy tickets to a performance to go inside so we didn’t bother and instead just enjoyed the view of the coastline from the nearby clifftop.

Once we’d had our fill of the beautiful beach views, we headed to arguably one of the most famous places in Cornwall and indeed, in the UK; Land’s End. We didn’t realise beforehand but we’d managed to coincidentally time our visit to Land’s End with one of their fireworks shows and as you don’t have to pay anything extra (just the £7 car entrance fee), we decided to stay all evening to watch the show!

Of course, Land’s End certainly is incredibly cool and well worth a visit, but I think that places like Lizard Point, Kynance Cove and Lantic Bay look cooler…

While we were at Land’s End, we also walked on one of the walking trails so that we could see Sennen Cove from the Mayon Cliff Old Coastguard lookout point.

Day 13 – St Ives, Gwithian Beach, Perranporth, Newquay, Fistral Beach, Port Isaac, Tintagel Castle

The following morning we drove through St Ives and genuinely spent about 40 minutes driving around the entire town to every single car park but there was not a single place to park in the whole place! I’ve heard great things about St Ives so I’d definitely be interested in heading back there again (properly) one day. If you do manage to add St Ives to your South Coast England road trip travel itinerary and you find a car park space, please let me know how it is 😉.

Gwithian Beach was our next stop and we parked at a little free car park just a couple of minutes’ walk from an awesome walking trail that took you right on top of a (small) cliff that overlooked the beach. I’m gonna be bold and say that Gwithian Beach is probably the best and most beautiful sandy beach we saw on our whole trip and it was surprisingly empty, especially considering how pristine and lush it was!

Read more: the best beaches in Cornwall.

Next up was Perranporth which is a place that I’d been to on holiday with my family when I was really young but I didn’t remember it at all. The beach here is also beautiful but it was absolutely heaving when we visited; it was our fault that we timed our South England road trip with the summer holidays 😂.

We did eat some delicious cheesy chips in Perranporth though and I have to say, I’m a much bigger fan of Southern chips from the chippy; they’re much crispier and generally yummier than the ones we have up North! No one tell my fellow Northerners though 😜

A drive through Newquay and a stop at Fistral Beach were next on our two-week Southern England road trip itinerary and I was pretty excited to see the hotel from The Witches film that I loved as a kid.

We didn’t go inside the hotel, but it was cool to see it from the outside and remember all the scenes that were filmed there. Fistral Beach itself is also lovely, although again, it was positively teeming with people!

Port Isaac was another lovely little fishing village that we spent an hour or two in on this day of our road trip and while there aren’t tonnes of things to do there, it is very quaint and cute and worth popping by if you have time.

Our final “official” stop on our epic 2-week Southern England road trip itinerary was incidentally (probably) my favourite place on the entire trip. As soon as we approached Tintagel Castle from the short walk from the King’s Arms pub car park that we were spending the night in, I was truly blown away by how spectacular and captivating it was.

We didn’t get to Tintagel Castle until after 8 PM as it was pouring rain just a few hours before and we wanted to be able to see it clearly.

Unfortunately, this meant that the bridge to access parts of the castle was closed (which was actually kind of a blessing as we didn’t have to pay to go to the viewpoint!), but we could walk right down to the beach below and also admire the breathtaking views from several viewpoints above.

Tintagel Castle truly is like a scene from Game of Thrones and the landscape here rivals almost every spot we’d seen on our trip so far; if you get the chance to visit Tintagel Castle and the village of Tintagel itself, DO IT!

Read more: The Best Beaches In Cornwall You Need To Visit – Top Cornwall Beaches

Day 14 – Woolacombe & Ilfracombe – Cornwall road trip itinerary

On the final day of our 2-week Southern England coastal road trip, we ventured to Woolacombe and Ilfracombe where we mosied on the beach for a while and then headed across to Castle Cary to spend the afternoon/night with our friend who we met while travelling which was truly the perfect way to end our South Coast England road trip.

I’ve always been one to seek adventure in far and distant lands, but our recent road trip around Southern England has truly taught me that there is beauty everywhere; you only need to look for it.

I’ll be sharing so many more pictures and top tips for every place we went to in upcoming posts over the next few weeks in the form of dedicated travel guides, so if you’re looking for more in-depth guides to places like Canterbury, Margate , Brighton , the Jurassic Coast , Cornwall and more, be sure to keep checking back on my blog over the next few weeks as I have so much content planned!

Related posts:

• The Best Things To Do In Cornwall – Ultimate Travel Guide
• 17 Epic Things To Do In Margate, Kent This Year
• The Best Things To Do In Brighton – Ultimate Travel Guide
• The Best Things To Do In The Jurassic Coast – Ultimate Dorset Guide
• The 40 Best Campervan Meals To Make That Aren’t Boring

Pin for later – South Coast England road trip

Which spots would you most like to visit on a two-week South Coast England road trip? Let me know in the comments or on Instagram at @imjustagirl_16 .

20 Best UK City Breaks For Couples In 2024

Center Parcs Whinfell Forest Review – What You Need To Know

18 Fun Date Ideas In Yorkshire – Best Things To Do For Couples

Whitby Day Trip – How To Spend A Day In Whitby

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

We will never share or sell your personal data and we promise to keep your details safe and secure. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information click  here

+44 (0)1202 093429 [email protected]

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to discover new places to explore.

We will never share or sell your personal data and we promise to keep your details safe and secure. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more information click  here .

Explore England's Coast this year

Our website makes it easy for you to plan your next adventure. 

Use our interactive map to discover things to do, or for general inspiration explore our coastal regions page or read our travel blogs to help you decide where to go.

Explore Regions

Choose a region and click on the map to discover more on England’s coast!

Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 7 must visit villages in england’s south coast – uk.

Last Updated on February 20, 2024 by Talita

When you’re travelling around England, there are so many beautiful villages along the way that are scenic, and easily missed if you’re going by train . It is recommended to renting a car and travel to at least 4 to 5 places within 2 days. They’re not that far from each other, you’ll be spending a fortune on train ticket to one area alone.

You should expect to see the South Coast of England with clear and long winding roads, and you’d often see sheep and cows, a wide opened space of green valleys, green land with woodlands and forests. Imagine yourself going back to the 14 th Century hunting for deer, and living in a small wooden peasant house, the forest would still look the same. 

Insider’s Tips: 

If you are visiting London and traveling from there, a train ticket for one adult single to one area in the South Coast alone can cost around £28 – £37 pounds for an hour’s journey on the day, so make sure you buy your tickets in advanced so it’s cheaper. 

Before you arrive, make sure to spend no more than 1 hour in each area. Also, make sure you’ve planned your trip correctly and have written down all the places you want to visit. Make sure you have enough time to see all the locations too, like a three week itinerary in England or a week for each city.

Without further ado, here are 7 South Coast areas you must visit when you visit England:

• Camber Sands
• Pevensey 

Table of Contents

• 1     1. Rye and Bexhill
• 2     3. Hastings
• 3     5. Eastbourne
• 4 Map of the 7 best villages on the South Coast of England
• 5 Planning your next trip?

    1. Rye and Bexhill

If you want to see a perfect postcard picture of an English countryside, then Rye and Bexhill-on-Sea are two of the places you should visit. Situated in East Sussex, it’s advisable to stay in either a self-catering, Airbnb or an accommodation with a cottage feel since there are no 4* or 5* star hotels.

The villages are only an hour’s drive to the beach, and there’s lots of parking per hour. Parking is relatively cheap ranging from £2 per hour depending on where you park, however, if you’re going by train from London, it will take approximately 2 hours. 

Rye to Bexhill is an hour’s journey by train, and it will be around £8 per adult, cheaper than taking the train from London.

When in Rye, explore the Rye Nature Reserve where you’ll discover wildlife, the history of the village and the stories behind it. You’ll also be surrounded by marsh, woodlands, scrub, sand and many more. You can visit Rye Castle, a cost of £7.50 for non-members, and free for members. 

Rye Castle was once a tower built between the 13 th – 14 th Century against the French, you could still feel the echoes of the war in the Tudor times as you wonder through different areas of the castle. 

Although the open grassland space inside the ruin is a nice area to go for walks with your dog, £7.50 is quite expensive, it’s better to walk on a grassland cliff and park nearby. It’s free.

Bexhill is comparatively like Rye in terms of the village environment, but Bexhill’s stony beach is unlike Camber Sands, full of sands. Between April to May, it can get windy, but people will usually walk their dogs by the sea and feel the breeze sweeping their faces. 

If you have small kids, why not stop by Egerton Park close to the seafront where you can paddle on boats and let them roam free in the playground? You can also eat in the De La Warr Museum by the sea. 

The food is a little expensive for what it’s worth, and you must tick boxes with your order, but if you eat at the top of the museum, you get a great view of the beach.

    2. Camber Sands

Once you’re done with visiting the village of Rye, drive up to Camber Sands beach. Camber Sands is only a 10-minute drive from Rye, or you can take the 102, which will take you there in 30 minutes. Camber Sands beach is a long shoreline beach. 

Out of all the beaches around the South Coast, if you’re looking for sand and dunes, then Camber Sands beach is the place to make sandcastles and eat fish and chips, although can be overpriced. It’s better to have fish and chips in Brighton or Eastbourne.

There aren’t that many activities to do around this area such as fun fair rides like Brighton, but if you just want to relax, have fish and chips, and splash your feet in the water, then Camber Sands is the best place to be. 

    3. Hastings

Hastings and its beach are smaller versions of Brighton. If you want an alternative to Brighton, then Hastings is another option. Between April to May, it’s quieter but it can get windy, but in August, it’s hotter but busier. 

Depending on how you get there, if you walk through the neighbourhoods, you’ll see bright white houses, a picturesque white cliff, and colourful houses by the beach. At the peak of Hastings, check out Hastings Castle, a 1066 ruin castle overlooking the sea underneath. 

Hastings Castle was once a stoned fortress William the Conqueror built during the Battle of Hastings when he landed in Pevensey, a neighbouring area. The ruin is surrounded by grass and stones, and it’s a nice area to go for a walk, take your dogs and children there, but the castle is just that, full of ruins. 

When I visited, I could feel the ghost of the past during the Battle of Hastings, and if you’ve been to Rye Castle, it’s nothing different. The castle is around the same price as Rye Castle for non-members.

Hastings Old Town is a must to visit. There are many Tudor houses as well as medieval pubs to try out beer and fish and chips. The cobbled pathways between houses have many old churches dating back to the 10 th Century, antiques, furniture shops, and many more. Although it’s busy, staying in Hastings is a nice getaway from city life.

    4. Pevensey

Pevensey Bay is located near Eastbourne, and the village is also like Rye, Hastings, and Bexhill. Like many other beaches around the South Coast, Pevensey Beach can be stony and windy between April to May. 

You can also check out Pevensey Castle built by William the Conqueror. Like any other castles around the South Coast, it’s all in ruins, and would have to pay to get in, but it’s a great place to go for walks by yourself, with family or your dog , but once you have visited Rye or Hastings Castle, Pevensey is nothing unique. 

Save your money! If you want to stay here, check out the Pevensey Holiday Park and the Pevensey Court House Museum and Geol, which talks about the history of Pevensey.

    5. Eastbourne

Unlike the other South Coast areas of England mentioned here, Eastbourne is a bigger area and there are many things to do. Near the beach, you will also see big mansions and apartments, if you want to see what traditional English houses look like, and it’s only a short walk away from the beach.

Beachy head is a great spot to enjoy the view of the white cliff, the small red lighthouse, and a few houses at the bottom of the cliff. Park your car nearby and take a walk up to the cliff to see the view of the South Coast. Be careful, there’s no fence on the cliff edge.

Don’t spend hours here since it’s just a small spot to go for walks on the grasslands below the cliff. Alternatively, visit Birling Gap and Seven Sisters. Like Beachy head, it’s just a small area full of seaweed, sand, and a great view of the white cliff. 

No one really swims here, but like the rest of the beaches, between April to May, it’s a great area to take a breezy walk.

Other areas worth visiting include Eastbourne Pier and the Sovereign Harbour Marina. Eastbourne Pier has the same environment as Brighton Pier, with white 19 th Century hotels and apartments by the beach, several shop fronts, souvenir, and gift shops, and a stony pebbled beach. 

Like Brighton, you can hear seagulls squawking everywhere you go. During the peak of summer, it can get busy, but if you go between April to May, it’ll be more peaceful but windy.

The Sovereign Harbour Marina is in the middle of a dual carriageway, and you’ll see many fast-food restaurants, cafes by the harbour front, and several million-pound yachts and boats docked alongside apartment buildings. 

You can go on a boat trip to see the other side of the marina for £6 per adult, and £5 per child/senior, but the view of the harbour is the same as the view of the rest of the South Coast in England. 

There are many public transports that take you to the Marina using Stagecoach, but if you miss one, you may have to wait another 20 to 30 minutes for another one. Check out the Stagecoach website for more information on buses.

If you’re coming from London, you can get to Eastbourne in one and a half hours from London Bridge, one of the biggest stations in London going to the South. While you’re in London Bridge, check out 31 things to do in the Southbank , an area worth visiting for the family.  

    6. East Dean

Like the other South Coasts, East Dean consists of a high white cliff on the edge of the sea. The village is like Rye, Bexhill, and Pevensey, but smaller. There is also a row of English cottages with a small village pub if you want to grab some fish and chips. 

While you eat here, you can enjoy the view of the green valleys with sheep and cows, as well as the quiet and peaceful environment of the English countryside.

Under the white cliff, take a walk with your dog or with friends and family along the pebbled coastline surrounded by large stones full of seaweeds.

As for things to do, check out Michelham Priory where you can visit a historic house and garden dating back to Medieval times. When you’re there, you’ll see a large lake next to the house. 

You can also take advantage of the working mill open between Tuesday – Sunday from 2 pm. It’s peaceful and serene compared to the busy Eastbourne Pier.

For a great day out with the kids , check out the small Redoubt Fortress. Located by the beach and the row of houses, this Redoubt Fortress has been built to defend against Napoleon in the 1800s. 

Although it’s not a big tourist attraction, the Redoubt Fortress is a great hang out for the family, and when you visit, you’ll be haunted by the past. Don’t spend too much time here though.

    7. Brighton

The famous Brighton needs no introduction. Brighton has been a tourist attraction since tale as old as time, and it’s a favourite spot to get away from London as a day trip. Although the environment is like the other South Coast areas of England, Brighton has many things to do and see. 

In summer, it gets busier, and livelier than many of the areas mentioned above. Apart from walking across the stony beach, you can see the view of Brighton when you go up the British Airways i360. 

You can also visit Brighton Pier where you can get your hands on the arcade, go on a rollercoaster ride, and bumper cars, and walk on the pier above the water. 

When you visit the town away from the beach, walk through the small pathways where you’ll see quirky shops from vintage, antiques, and fashion. You can also take advantage of the British pubs, Airbnb’s and B&Bs, as well as 5-star hotels around here. 

Compared to the modern 5-star hotels in London, most Brighton 5-star hotels still have the 18 th Century character to it and there’s plenty to choose from. All in all, if you’re looking for a busy, vibrant, and lively atmosphere, unlike Rye or Hastings, Brighton should be number one on your bucket list. 

You can also get to Brighton from London Bridge Station, which will take you there in one hour. Check the trainline website for more information on trains to the South Coast.

Map of the 7 best villages on the South Coast of England

So that you can organize yourself better I made this map with all the villages mentioned in this article. I hope it helps!

The 7 best places to visit in the South coast of England are…

Conclusion….

Well, that’s it for 7 must see villages in England’s South Coast. If you have one or two days to spare in London, please feel free to give these places a visit. 4 days in London , is ample time to visit the city, so spare a day or two in one or more areas of the South Coast for day trips. 

Even if your purpose of visit is to the South Coast of England, never miss a day trip to London. There are so many areas that are worth visiting, and it’s easily accessible from the South Coast. 

Check out walking in the West End , recommended if you only have 1 or 2 days to spare if you want to see the famous landmarks. There is also an itinerary for 1 day and 2 days in London as well in my blog.

If you have any questions about England’s South Coast, feel free to contact me on Facebook. For now, take care and be safe!

Hi, I’m Annisa. I’m an Indonesian national living in London. I’ve been living here since 1991. My family and I packed our bags to pursue a better way of living. My father thought London was a prosperous city with many opportunities.

Since living here, I noticed London is rich in history and culture and I had an idea of writing about it in a blog. As a resident here, I’ve learned the ins and outs of London and every time visitors see London, there’s always something new to see and do. 

It’s impossible to see everything in a short amount of time, so that’s why I made it my mission to write about London and give visitors tips and tricks for planning a great holiday. 

For more information on London Travellers, follow me on  Instagram @londontravellers22, Facebook , and Pinterest (londontravellers).

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

One Response

[…] International vacation options may be few this summer, but who needs them when there are so many wonderful vacation spots in the United Kingdom? […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Next stop….The DMZ, South Korea

• South West Coast Path (Cornwall)

Why go walking on the South West Coast Path (Cornwall)?

• Experience the beautiful and dramatic Atlantic coastline of west Cornwall and follow part of the longest and most spectacular National Trail in the UK around Lands End - the most westerly tip of Britain.
• Our South West Coast Path tours focus on the most spectacular section of the trail from Padstow to Penzance along the south-west coast of Cornwall, also known as the Cornwall Coastal Path .
• Walk over miles of fine, sandy beaches, through secluded coves and along remote clifftops while looking out for seals, dolphins, basking sharks and maybe even whales.
• Enjoy fresh Cornish fish, Cornish pasties and Cornish ice-cream and discover Cornish place names (‘Zawn a Bal’, anyone?) as you visit quiet villages in one of the 'Celtic Nations’.

What's Included:

• Top-Choice Accommodation
• Detailed Itinerary, Maps & GPS Tracks
• Baggage Transfer
• Insider Tips
• 24/7 Support
• Access your tour details & documents on the go with your designated Hillwalk Tours account

What's Excluded:

• Travel to and from tour start and end points
• Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
• Travel insurance
• Hiking equipment

The South West Coast Path is an official National Trail and the longest waymarked long-distance footpath in England and Wales. It stretches for 1,014 km (630 miles), from Minehead in Somerset, along the coasts of Devon and Cornwall, to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

The Path was originally created by coastguards, patrolling the south west peninsula, looking out for smugglers. On their walk from lighthouse to lighthouse the coastguards needed to be able to look down into every little bay and cove. For that reason the path closely hugs the coast and provides excellent views and opportunities to observe the landscape and wildlife.

Today the South West Coast Path has been transformed into a recreational trail that has twice been voted ‘Britain’s Best Walking route’ and regularly features in lists of the world’s best walks. The route takes in tiny fishing villages, rocky headlands, bustling seaside resorts, wooded estuaries and golden beaches washed over by Atlantic surf. The area is rich in wildlife such as seabirds, wild flowers, dolphins, seals and even whales.

Our walking tours focus on the 173km (107.5 miles) long central section of the South West Coast Path in south west Cornwall, between Padstow and Penzance. This part of the trail is also known as the ‘Cornwall Coast Path’ and offers some of the best coastal walking in Europe.

Walking the path is one of the best ways to explore what makes Cornwall, a land of myth and legend, so unique and special. In addition hikers are often reminded of the industrial past in the form of quarrying, mining, lime burning, fishing and boat building. In acknowledgement of centuries of tin and copper mining, six areas adjacent to the South West Coast Path are now part of the Cornish Mining World Heritage Site.

Choose Your Hike

Prices / what's included, accommodation, extra days/activities, travel info, why choose hillwalk tours, more reading.

We offer different tour grading levels depending on the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require

Gentle Hikes

Our Gentle Hiking Tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind.

People for whom taking photos, meeting the locals and enjoying a long lunch are as important as the hike itself.

Average Hiking Distance: 12-13km (7.5-8 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 3.5-5 hours per day

Moderate Hikes

Our Moderate Hiking Tours will suit people who are used to regular exercise.

Hikers will appreciate the chance to cover plenty of ground each day without going beyond their limits.

Although this tour is graded as 'Moderate' there are some days that are more challenging, due to length of the hikes, the amount of ups and downs and/or rugged terrain. This applies in particular to the section between St Ives and Porthcurno.

Average Hiking Distance: 18-19.5km (11-12 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 4-7 hours per day

Challenging Hikes

Are you the type of hiker who sets off in the morning and doesn’t stop until they reach their destination?

If yes, then our Challenging Hiking Tours will be just right for you.

Average Hiking Distance: 23-31.5km (15-20 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 5-8 hours per day

Starting in Padstow, a charming fishing port surrounded by glorious sandy beaches, at the head of the Camel River, the route follows the shores of the Camel Estuary. Winding through little coves the trail then descends to Porthcothan Bay, passes the large Iron Age fort remains at Trevelgue Head and continues to bustling Newquay, surfing capital of the UK.

Coves and headlands lead to Perranporth Beach. From there onwards the remains of tin mines often dot the landscape. Clifftop paths lead past Porthtowan to the harbour at Portreath. The trail now slowly climbs for a few kilometres before descending to a ‘Hell’s Mouth’, a spectacular breach in the cliffs.

Look out for seals and other wildlife as the trail passes near the lighthouse at Godrevy Point. A long beach walk leads to the busy port of Hayle. Sand dunes and more beaches link this with the delightful seaside resort of St Ives, once the most important fishing port in Cornwall.

Further on, the route passes the ‘Carracks’, notorious ship-wrecking rocks, before continuing west along the coast past coves and old tin mines. After Pendeen Watch lighthouse the path visits Cape Cornwall and skirts a little inland past St. Just village. It then, once more, hugs the coast on its way to the pretty fishing village of Sennan Cove.

Nearby is famous Land’s End, where the Atlantic pounds landmarks such as ‘Wolf Rock’ and the ‘Long Ships’. Continuing to Porthcurno the trail passes a famous open-air theatre at Minack Point. A little further a sheltered, seemingly sub-tropical valley at Lamorna invites for a break in an old smuggler’s pub.

Not far from there, the impressive St. Michael’s Mount can often be seen on the far side of Mount’s Bay. Passing through the pretty fishing village of Mousehole the route enters the busy resort of Newlyn and finally Penzance, the end of our longest tours.

Terrain Overview

The walking on the South West Coast Path is generally easy with well maintained footpaths and pleasant beaches and, for most sections, the route never strays far from villages and towns. The terrain between St Ives and Pendeen is more rugged and challenging, but is not beyond anybody with a reasonable level of fitness

The highest point of this section of the trail is only 110m above sea level and in general the route stays well below 100m. However there are many ups and downs throughout the route where the trail climbs from cliff height down to sea level and then back up again. The total aggregate ascent adds up to approximately 5,300m over the route from Padstow to Penzance.

Elevation Profile

Terrain by Stages

Padstow to Porthcothan Bay: Mostly grassy trails along exposed cliff-top paths with occasional pleasant beach walking. Like most of the Coast Path there is a bit of ‘up and down’ throughout the day.

Porthcothan Bay to Newquay: For most of the day the trail follows coastal paths with several short ascents and descents. There is some walking on paved footpaths and roads into Newquay.

Newquay to Perranporth: The first part of the walk is mainly in an urban or suburban setting. You then have a choice of four different options to cross the River Gannel by ferry or tidal bridges. After that the trail becomes more rural along quiet paths, tracks, beaches, sand dunes and grassy clifftop paths. The day’s walk also contains some steep but short climbs.

Perranporth to Portreath: The route first passes through some heathland and then follows grassy cliff top paths and tracks. These can be rugged and stony in places. Frequent climbs in and out of coves and bays.

Portreath to Hayle: After a few short, but rather steep climbs at the beginning of the walk, the trail settles down and continues at a gentler gradient. A mixture of cliff-top paths, trails through sand dunes and a little bit of road walking.

Hayle to St Ives: Roads and paved footpaths out of Hayle are taking the trail inland at first. From Lelant, the walk passes through some dunes on sandy paths. It then follows wooded paths through green areas all the way into St Ives.

St Ives to Gurnard’s Head: A particularly beautiful but remote and exposed section with regular steep ascents and descents. Rocky and sometimes very rugged and wet underfoot.

Gurnard’s Head to St Just: Regular steep ascents and descents with some wet sections before you reach Pendeen. Easier terrain after passing Geevor Tin Mine and less remote around Cape Cornwall.

St Just to Porthcurno (via Land’s End)

: A good mix of walking along relatively even surfaces but also regular steep ascents and descents. Easy gravel paths between Sennen Cove and Land’s End and more remote after passing Land’s End.

Porthcurno (via Land’s End) to Penzance: Regular ascents and descents in and out of remote coves with some rugged terrain and sometimes wet ground on the way to Mousehole. After that the hike finishes with level and more urban asphalt walking.

What’s Included in the Price?

• Stay in our friendly, family-run guesthouses
• Relax in luxurious en-suite bedrooms *
• Big breakfasts will keep you going all day long
• Luggage? Don’t worry, we’ll move it for you!
• Detailed maps, route notes and GPS tracks mean you’ll never get lost
• Walking directions written and updated by the Hillwalk Tours team
• Local alternative/supplementary route options based on local knowledge
• Our waterproof map-case keeps your maps and documents dry
• If you need to contact us, we’re here 24/7 to help
• Insider tips on the best places to eat and drink **
• Explore the local history and culture in our fascinating guides
• Discover the most interesting attractions on the trail
• Need info on transport ? We’re happy to help

* Unless already booked out in which case we’ll try to secure a private bathroom

** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, your hosts will usually look after this for you upon request.

Please Note:

We occasionally charge additional supplements on the Southwest Coast Path (Cornwall)  for tours starting during the high season. This is due to higher costs involved in booking our upgrade option or in cases where our normal accommodation suppliers do not have availability, and an alternative, more expensive, supplier is sourced with your approval.

Transfer Note: Due to the popularity of Cornwall and the remoteness of some parts of the path, transfers on and off the trail are required, as are multiple night stays in some accommodation locations. Standard transfers are mentioned on our itinerary pages, but more may be required in order to book your tour. The cost of all transfers is built into the price but for groups of 4 walkers or more, additional transfers may be required which can incur a small surcharge.

Accommodation Note: Twin Rooms (two single beds) and Triple Rooms (three single beds) are unavailable in most accommodation on the South West Coast Path (Cornwall). Double Rooms (one double bed) and Family Rooms (one double bed and one single bed) may be provided. Alternatively, we can book two separate rooms which will incur a single supplement charge.

The South West Coast Path (Cornwall) passes through many coastal villages. Treat yourself to a day off along the way and relax on the beach!

Padstow: With its lively harbour and shops, cafes and restaurants Padstow is an ideal base to soak up the unique Cornish atmosphere .

St Agnes : Relax on one of the four golden beaches in this picturesque village with its thriving community and many galleries and craft workshops.

St Ives: Explore the narrow cobbled streets and picturesque harbour of this bustling fishing town where museums, cafes, galleries and beautiful beaches invite to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Penzance: Stroll along the magnificent promenade with its famous Jubilee Pool or visit the nearby amazing island world of St Michael’s Mount with over a thousand years of history.

Booking Extra Days

• Choose WHERE you wish to stay.
• Decide HOW MANY NIGHTS you need.
• Go to the BOOKING FORM and fill in the ‘Extra Nights Required/Other Requests’ section

The costs of extra nights during your South West Coast Path (Cornwall) hiking tour start from  £75 per person per night and from £100 for single hikers who will have their own private room. 

Please note that if you book any extra nights in a location not included in your tour itinerary, you will have to make your own arrangements to transfer your bags to this location.

Staying at the very best accommodation during your time in England can transform a “good” hiking tour into a “great” hiking tour.

That’s why, at Hillwalk Tours, we take the quality of our accommodation partners seriously. So much so that you will find we strive to only work with high-quality and well-reviewed accommodation. Additionally, most of our accommodation partners have been personally checked by a member of the Hillwalk Tours team to ensure your comfort.

As keen hikers ourselves we know you’ll want somewhere relaxing to put your feet up in the evening. A place where a warm smile from your hosts makes you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door. If your hiking gear gets wet, it’s nice to know that you can dry it or, if you ask, it may even be taken from you and returned nice and dry the next morning.

Comfy beds, en-suite bathrooms (where available), tasty breakfast menus, and a friendly & cosy atmosphere – these are all the things that we like so you can rest assured that we’ll do our best to find them for you as well.

To find out more about the types of accommodation you can expect to find on a Hillwalk Tours walking holiday, read here: Accommodation on your Walking Tour

In addition, if you’d like to stay an extra night at any location during your hiking tour, just let us know.

Due to limited accommodation options in some locations on your tour, we may need to book you into accommodation which will require transfers to/from your hike start/end point or where you will have private bathroom facilities instead of an ensuite. We may also need to book you into the same accommodation for more than one night to cover multiple locations. The cost of this is covered in your basic tour price and will not affect your tour itinerary.

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the hosts of the accommodation that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Getting to and from your South West Coast Path (Cornwall) hiking tour is easy… when you know how!

In your walking pack, you will receive all the necessary public transport information you need to make your journey as convenient as possible.

In the meantime, if you’d like to do some advance planning yourself, here are our tips:

Most Convenient Airports

• Newquay Airport
• Bristol Airport
• Exeter Airport

Sustainable Travel (from Europe)

• Travel by Ferry to the UK Sail from ports in the Netherlands, France, Ireland and Spain to Dover, Hull, Harwich, Portsmouth & others in the UK. See list of Routes from Continental Europe & Ireland to UK Ports
• Travel by Train to the UK From Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam or Amsterdam to London via Eurostar
• Travel by Bus to the UK From Europe to London / Manchester From Europe to the UK From the Netherlands & France to London

Public Transport

• Most Starting Locations Train Bus

Departing from Cornwall after your Hiking Tour:

Use train or bus services to Newquay, Bristol, Exeter or London.

Travelling by car?

If you would like to leave your car at the first or last accommodation on your tour, for the duration of the tour, then you can directly contact the accommodation owners before the start of your tour to check that this is possible. We will provide contact details for the accommodation provider.

• About Our Tours

Tour Grading

How to book, don't forget.., during your tour, about our england hiking tours.

The Hadrian’s Wall Path can be hiked both from East to West (towards Bowness-on-Solway) or from West to East (towards Newcastle). The ‘original direction’ was to start from Newcastle and hike towards Bowness, but recently many hikers are hiking the trail from West to East, towards Newcastle.

If you are looking for Hadrian’s Wall Tours running from East to West (Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway), please click here .

If you are looking for Hadrian’s Wall Tours running from West to East (Bowness-on-Solway to Newcastle), please click here .

There are arguments that can be made for either direction and it really is down to personal preference:

Why walk the trail in a West to East direction?

In recent years many hikers choose to walk the trail from west to east, i.e. starting from Bowness-on-Solway and hiking towards Newcastle. The main reason for this direction is that the prevailing winds in the UK are usually blowing from the west. If you are walking from west to east you will therefore generally have the wind at your back.

Another reason is that many of the best views along the centre section of the route are from west to east and some say that you also get a better understanding of how the Wall was laid out by travelling in this direction. Lastly, it is a lot easier to travel onwards after finishing in Newcastle, when compared to Bowness, and some hikers feel that there may be something poetic about finishing a hike along the Wall in a place called ‘Wallsend.’

Why walk the trail in an East to West direction?

The official guidebook describes the route of the Hadrian’s Wall Path from east to west, i.e. starting from Newcastle. Many hikers feel that it is ‘more natural’ to walk out of a big city into the open country, and to finish on the quiet Solway estuary, which seems a better place to reflect on your achievement than urban and industrial Wallsend in Newcastle.

It usually also makes getting to the start of the walk easier due to the better transport connections to Newcastle. Furthermore, starting this way, you get the long stretch along the B6318 Military Road out of your way early on in your tour. You also get a little more Roman archaeology from each day to the next and the scenery improves the further west you go – up to a point. Lastly, you will be following the direction in which the Romans built the Wall, which is why the turrets and milecastles are also numbered from east to west.

Our “Slow Adventure” hiking tours of the Hadrian’s Wall Path focus on the most exciting central section and cover less daily distance than our standard Gentle itineraries. They are designed to provide hikers with a more immersive and relaxed experience while exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This type of tour is perfect for those who prefer a slower pace, allowing them more time to enjoy and explore the archaeology and attractions along the central section of Hadrian’s Wall.

Highlights and Features

• Leisurely Pace: The primary focus of this “Slow Adventure” tour is to encourage a more leisurely pace, allowing participants to take their time to appreciate the sites and scenery. This means shorter daily walking distances of 12-13 km (7.5-8 miles)
• In-Depth Exploration: The shorter distances give you more time to explore the history and archaeology of Hadrian’s Wall and visit the attractions along the route where in-depth explanations and stories bring the fascinating history of the Wall back to life.
• Hidden Gems: This tour is designed to let you spend more time at some of the lesser-known and less-visited sections of Hadrian’s Wall where you have the opportunity to discover hidden archaeological treasures and enjoy moments of solitude.
• Flexible Daily Itinerary: The daily hikes are short, which allows you to adapt to your own pace and interests. This means more time to linger at a fascinating ruin, enjoy a breathtaking view, or chat with fellow travelers.
• Leave No Trace: Emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the natural and cultural heritage of Hadrian’s Wall is preserved for future generations.

In summary, our “Slow Adventure” hiking tours of the Hadrian’s Wall Path are all about taking your time, immersing yourself in the history and beauty of the area, and savoring every moment of the journey. It’s an opportunity to connect with the landscape, the archaeology, and the stories that make Hadrian’s Wall such a unique and captivating destination.

A self-guided hiking tour means you are hiking without a guide.

Hillwalk Tours will provide you with all the resources you need to successfully complete the trail alone or in the company of good friends. We’ll plan your route, transfer your bags and show you all the best places to visit but you decide whether you want that extra hour in bed in the morning! All this gives you the freedom to enjoy the trails and the wonderful countryside at your own pace.

Find out more about the benefits of a self-guided hiking tour in comparison to a guided tour here .

Choosing the right hiking tour can be tricky. It’s important to consider the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require. To make your decision easier, we have drawn up a menu of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging hiking tours.

Before we explain the difference between the various grades, it is important to note that each hiking tour within a specific region follows the same official hiking trail. For example, if you choose to go walking in Kerry in Ireland, it doesn’t matter whether you pick a ‘Gentle’ tour or a ‘Challenging’ tour – you will still be walking along the official ‘Kerry Way’ trail. To make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have either 1) picked out the sections of the walking trails that are less demanding or 2) shortened the average daily hike between accommodations.

• Same Trail, Easier Sections: For example, on the Kerry Way in Ireland, our ‘Gentle’ tours are restricted to the less demanding sections of the trail while our ‘Challenging’ tours cover the entire trail including the most difficult sections.
• Same Trail, Shorter Distances: For example, on the Hadrian’s Wall Path in England, you can walk the entire trail on a 8-Day Challenging Tour, a 10-Day Moderate Tour or a 11-Day Gentle Tour. However, while the Challenging tour requires you to keep up a brisk pace of 23km (14.5 miles) per day on average, the Moderate tour has a more leisurely average of 18km (11.25 miles) per day and the Gentle tour only requires an average walking distance of 15km per day.

Below is a general overview of each tour grading level. Note that the figures for ‘Average Daily Hike’ and ‘Hiking Time’ may vary between regions. Poor weather conditions can affect the average hiking time which is based on a person of normal fitness walking at a moderate speed of around 4km/h (2.5 mph). The hiking time takes into account the terrain covered but not the time required for lunch stops, photos, etc. For more details on daily distances, the level of ascent and the terrain the trail crosses; refer to the itinerary page of each individual tour.

12-18km (8-11 miles)  3-6 hours

Our Gentle Hiking Tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind. While you can still expect some climbs, these tours offer the shortest average daily hikes, which in turn means less ups and downs. This will give you plenty time to enjoy the sights and scenery, take photos, have a long lunch and, if necessary, negotiate the more tricky sections of a walk.

 16-23km (10-14 miles)   4-7 hours

Challenging

 22-30km (14-19 miles)   5-9 hours

Our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to create experiences that make people happy. Some of the ways we try to achieve this, and ensure you have the best possible experience with us, include;

The biggest choice of itineraries for the trails we offer, guaranteed –  We want you to explore these areas of outstanding natural beauty at your own pace, with nearly 400 itineraries to choose from across 21 different trails (and we’re always looking to add more).

We book your tour direct, always –  We don’t book third-party companies to organise tours for our customers. We don’t resell tours from other third-party companies. We always directly book and operate all of our tours ourselves.

Creating memorable self-guided hiking tours is all we focus on, nothing else! –  We just focus on creating and organising self-guided hiking tours, and nothing else! And we’ve been doing it for quite some time (since 2008), with over 20,000 hiking tours taken with us so far, and growing…

You can access your tour information easily –  You will receive a designated Hillwalk Tours account where you can login to access all your tour documents, trail GPS file, and other important details. Access your tour information anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

We don’t do off-the-shelf guidebooks  – We personally walk each trail we offer & create our own detailed route notes. By doing so, it allows us to provide you with more itineraries, route options and alternatives than any other walking tour company!

We come highly recommended by other hikers  – Our tours & service have consistently received 5* reviews from walkers. Check out our reviews on  Google ,  Facebook  &  Tripadvisor .

You can start your tour on any day / date you like  – We don’t confine you to book your tour on specific dates. Instead, you can book your tour to start on any day / date you like during the walking season.

We have itineraries to match your fitness levels  – We provide 3 levels of hiking; ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ & ‘Challenging’, which are designed to suit all types of fitness levels and abilities of hikers.

You can walk at your own pace  – As all our tours are self-guided, you can walk the trails at your own pace as opposed to adhering to a strict schedule, allowing you the freedom to enjoy the beautiful nature & surrounds.

We’re here to support you 24/7  – You can reach us by phone 24/7 if you ever need additional support while on the trail.

We have a very low booking deposit  – Our booking deposit of £100 is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the industry.

Guided hiking tours are not available from Hillwalk Tours.

However, don’t be put off doing a self-guided hiking tour. With help from the documentation that you are provided in advance i.e. Route Notes & Directions, Local History & Attractions, Places To Eat / Evening Meal Suggestions etc., you are well prepared, making it perfectly manageable to complete the trail by yourself – and without missing out on any of the local information & history as you walk along the trail!

You can start your hiking tour on any day / date you wish within the walking season. Generally, the walking season for most of our hiking tours takes place between March to October, but there are some exceptions. Please see the individual trail pages for further information on the start and end dates of the walking season for each individual trail.

Our 7-Day tours include 5 days of hiking. The first and last days of all our hiking tours are travel days used to transfer to/from the town where your hike will begin/end. If you would like to hike for 7 days, simply select one of our 9-Day tours.

Our 7-Day tours include 6 nights of accommodation – specifically the first 6 nights on your hiking tour. Your tour finishes on the seventh day when you check out of your last B&B.

A single supplement is an additional charge for walkers booking single accommodation (a room for one person).

This is due to the fact that most accommodation providers price their rooms for double occupancy, meaning that they don’t discount the rooms even if they are only occupied by one person. Furthermore, accommodation providers have outlined that the cost of cleaning the room is the same regardless of how many people are in it, and also the potential cost of giving up a double occupancy (or more) sized room for just one person at a cheaper rate, when they could sell the room to more than one person at the normal rate, is too high.

Therefore, the total tour price for individuals who request a single room is “the price per person plus the single supplement”. This added supplement covers the extra costs associated with accommodating a single person in their own room.

It is not possible to bring your dog on a Hillwalk Tours hiking holiday. Unfortunately, the majority of our accommodation providers do not accept pets of any kind. Furthermore, on many of the trails you will pass through farmlands where livestock are present, and where dogs are not permitted as a result.

Yes, most bus and train tickets can be purchased online in advance of your trip. Specific transport information is available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the Travel Info section for each tour for more information.

Upon booking you will also receive a step by step public transport guide which will outline some potential public transport options you can take in order to get you from your arrival airport to the start location of your tour.

We can generally arrange for you to park at your first accommodation.

If you are bringing your car, please contact us in advance.

About Luggage Transfers and Accommodation

No, on all our English hiking tours your luggage will be transported to your next accommodation each day as you walk and will arrive before 4pm. Weight limits apply to each piece of luggage, and vary from trail to trail, so please refer to your walking pack documents and communications sent to you in advance of your tour for the maximum weight limit allowed per bag on your selected tour.

You will mostly be staying in traditional English Bed & Breakfasts (B&B’s) / Guesthouses and small Hotels during your hiking trip. B&Bs / Guesthouses are often private lodging houses, where the friendly hosts welcome travellers into their homes. To ensure your comfort, most accommodation you will stay in has been personally checked by a member of the Hillwalk Tours team. At your accommodation, you can expect a warm welcome, en-suite facilities (where available) and a tasty breakfast each morning (but usually no other meals).

If you are planning to walk the Camino Francés pilgrimage trail in Spain, you will mostly be staying in family-owned hotels, boutique pensiones (guesthouses), casas rurales (country cottages) and traditional pazos (manor houses) during your hiking trip.

For more details on the types of accommodation you can expect to find on a Hillwalk Tours walking holiday, read here:  Accommodation on your Walking Tour

Yes, you will receive a list of all accommodation that you will be staying in prior to the departure of your travels. Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a digital PDF copy of your walking pack documents such as your route notes, accommodation details and evening meal suggestions etc. It’s within PDF copy of your walking pack documents that you’ll be able to find what accommodation you will be staying in each night*. You will also be posted a walking pack (either to your home address or the first accommodation on your tour) which will include essential physical items for your tour such as the required maps for the trail and luggage tags.

*If you’d prefer to receive a physical copy of your full walking pack documents too, it’s essential that you reply by email within 48 hours of booking your tour in order to let us know.

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the owner of the B&B / Guesthouse or Hotel that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Please be aware that occasionally, due to the limited supply of accommodation, we may have to make reservations for you at a nearby B&B / Guesthouse or Hotel and arrange transfers to and from the walking trail accordingly. In most locations, this is not a concern but in certain places, availability can be an issue. For more information, just have a chat with the person who is booking your tour.

A ‘twin’ room is a room for two people with two separate beds. A ‘double’ room has just one large bed (for two people).

For more detailed information on the different room type options, please see the following page: Room Types

About Your Walking Pack

Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a digital PDF copy of your walking pack documents such as your route notes, accommodation details and evening meal suggestions etc. You will also be posted a walking pack (either to your home address or first accommodation on your tour) which will include essential physical items for your tour such as the required maps for the trail and luggage tags*.

A breakdown of the documents and items you can expect to find in your walking pack are as follows; – Route notes (prepared by a member the Hillwalk Tours team who has walked every step of your tour) – Detailed hiking map(s) – A high-quality waterproof map-case – Full details of your accommodations and where you will be staying – Our tips on the most interesting attractions to visit along the trail – A look at fascinating local history – A guide to the best places to eat and drink – Safety information, emergency contact details & the country code for walkers

You will find GPS coordinates for each overnight accommodation on your tour in your walking pack, which you will receive prior to departure. Additionally, you will find the GPS coordinates for the trailheads (i.e. the start and end points of your daily hikes) for most of our tours.

GPS tracks for your walking route will also be provided and available to download prior to your tour. Please note that while we are reasonably confident that the tracks are correct and up-to-date, we recommend that they are not used as the only tool for navigation. The most important means for navigation should be the way markers along the trail, our route notes and the maps we provide in the walking pack.

Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a PDF copy of your hiking documents. This PDF document can then be forwarded to as many people within your walking group as you’d like.

For the walking pack which includes physical items such as luggage tags, map-case, maps etc. and which will be posted to you (or awaiting at your first accommodation) – one walking pack will be provided per four people. Therefore, for a group of 1 – 4 people, one walking pack will be sent. For 5 – 8 people, two walking packs will be sent, etc.

The contents of your walking pack (route notes, accommodation information, history, etc.) will all be in English .

About Fitness Levels

We try to provide trail itineraries that cater to a large range of hikers & abilities. To achieve this, we provide 3 different levels of difficulty i.e. Gentle, Moderate, and Challenging itineraries. The difference between each level of difficulty is in the average distance that you will walk each day. It does not differ in relation to the elevation, as the exact trail will still be followed. Therefore, the same elevations (the up’s and down’s) of the trail are usually present regardless of the level of difficulty. Depending on the trail, you may find in your route notes some alternative & easier route options for sections of the trail in order to help you navigate & bypass more difficult parts of the trail, but this isn’t always the case.

It’s important to note that levels of difficulty provided by Hillwalk Tours should only be used as a guide against where your own level of fitness is at, and what you feel you will be able to manage on a daily basis. At the end of the day, it’s you that knows your own level of fitness best. We strongly encourage you to review the distances & walking times for each itinerary that you may be considering, along with any additional notes on the specific tour page, in advance of booking.

The difference between these tours is the distance that you will hike each day:

• Gentle tours cover an average of 12-18 km (8-11 miles) per day
• Moderate tours cover an average of 16-23 km (10-14 miles) per day
• Challenging Tours cover an average of 22-30 km (14-19 miles) per day

For a more detailed breakdown of how we grade our hiking tours, please see the following question: Tour Grading

Yes, we are more than happy to organise an additional night for you at any location along your tour.

Suggestions on interesting places to take a rest day are available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the ‘Extra Days/Activities’ section of each tour for more information.

About Money, Flights and Insurance

ATMs (cash machines) are available in most larger cities, towns and villages. Remember that your home bank will likely charge you for withdrawing money overseas. Additionally, if you have a debit card, you can often get cash through the ‘cashback’ system at some shops and pubs when you make a purchase with the card (ask for ‘cashback’).

Credit and debit cards can now be used for payment almost everywhere. However, there are still some smaller businesses that may only accept cash, such as smaller shops, B&Bs (for packed lunches) or taxis (for transfers to or from restaurants). We therefore recommend that you carry some cash (local currency) with you as a back-up.

Contactless card payments are also increasingly accepted in many places (please check daily card limits in advance of use).

The currency used in the United Kingdom (i.e. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) is Pound Sterling (£). Therefore, if you are taking any hiking tour in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you will need Pound Sterling.

Flights and transport to the start and from the end of your hiking tour are not included on our tours. However, we do provide a detailed step-by-step guide of suggested options on how you can make it to the start location of your hike by public transport from numerous major airports. In addition, for further travel information, see the ‘Travel Info’ section on the individual tour page for each trail.

Although travel insurance is not required to take a hiking holiday, we strongly encourage you to take out adequate insurance cover prior to travel.

Unfortunately 3rd party travel insurance is not available through Hillwalk Tours, and must be booked separately.

Which England Hiking Tour Should You Choose?

Choosing the right hiking tour can be tricky. It’s important to consider the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require. To make your decision easier, we have drawn up a menu of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging hiking tours.

Before we explain the difference between the various grades, it is important to note that each hiking tour within a specific region follows the same official hiking trail. But to make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have shortened the average daily hike between accommodations for the gentle and moderate tours.

Below is a general overview of each tour grading level. Note that the figures for ‘Average Daily Hike’ and ‘Hiking Time’ may vary between regions. Poor weather conditions can affect the average hiking time which is based on a person of normal fitness walking at a moderate speed of around 4km/h (2.5 mph). The hiking time takes into account the terrain covered but not the time required for lunch stops, photos, etc. For more details on daily distances, the level of ascent and the terrain the trail crosses; refer to the itinerary page of each individual tour.

1. Browse through our website to find your preferred hiking trail.

2. Choose the type of hiking tour you want to take: ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ or ‘Challenging’.

3. Next, identify the number of days you want to spend on your hiking tour.

4. Click the ‘Make a Booking’ button on the top right of our webpage.

5. Finally, fill out our booking form and make a €100 deposit per person.

Deposits and Final Payments can be made using:

1. Credit Card – through Stripe, for Sterling Payments

Stripe is a quick and secure way to accept credit card and debit card payments online. Stripe handles millions of transactions every year for businesses around the world and is now the preferred payment partner for many major companies.

2. Bank Transfer – Instructions & account details on how to make a bank transfer payment can be found on our booking form and also within the final payment email. Alternatively, you can contact us directly for the required account details.

1. If you paid by credit card or debit card, you will receive an e-mail within 24 hours verifying receipt of your booking form and deposit payment.

In this email, you will be asked to confirm your tour details. If you paid by bank transfer, payment will take a few days to reach us. Therefore you will receive your email confirmation and request to confirm your tour details shortly after we have assigned the bank payment to your booking form. In this case, you may receive an automatic email outlining that a booking form has been received, but no deposit has been received – you can disregard this email.

2. Once your confirmation is received that all details on your booking form are correct, we will begin making the arrangements for your tour. Therefore, the sooner you send us this confirmation, the sooner we can start to book your tour.

3. After all the arrangements for your tour have been confirmed (this process can normally takes between five to ten working days) you will be sent a breakdown of the balance outstanding for your tour and a due date for payment.

4. Once your final payment has been received, we will send you an e-mail confirming receipt.

5. PDF soft copies of your walking pack will then be sent to you by email which will include all your tour details, and physical items required for your tour (e.g. maps, luggage tags etc.) will be posted to your home address, or to the first accommodation on your tour where it will be waiting for you on arrival. Alternatively, if you have requested that your full walking pack be printed, this will also be either sent to your home address or to your first accommodation on the tour where it will be waiting for you on arrival.

6. You will receive an automated email from us, one week in advance of your tour start date, providing you with some additional information to help with your preparation before travel.

7. During your tour, if you have any issues, you can reach us 24/7 on our emergency contact number which is found in your walking pack.

8. After your tour has finished, we will send you a feedback form in relation to your tour and how it all went. We place a huge importance on our customers feedback and experience of our tours, so when you have some free time, we strongly encourage you to fill out this feedback form as it helps us to continue to provide a high quality service and to further improve where necessary.

9. Lastly, if you would like to tell others about your experience with Hillwalk Tours, you can leave an online review on our Google , Facebook or Tripadvisor pages.

ESSENTIALS:

Please note: A detailed ‘Recommended Equipment L ist’ will be included in your walking pack

◻ WATERPROOF JACKET AND OVER-TROUSERS  – You never know when you will need protection from wind and rain – so prepare for unpredictable weather by packing a waterproof, breathable jacket and over-trousers. You may not need them, but you will be happy to have them if you do.

◻ BASE LAYER  – This is what you wear against your skin and the best options are breathable and wicking fabrics instead of cotton. They will move moisture away from the skin so that you feel more comfortable when you are walking.

◻ FLEECE – It keeps you warm in the cooler months and on top of the hills, and will allow you to shed layers when you are working hard in the summer.

◻ LIGHT AND COMFORTABLE TROUSERS – Make sure you choose trousers that are stretchy or allow enough space to move your legs freely.  Jeans / Denims are not suitable for hill walking and dry very slowly once they get wet.

◻ WICKING SOCKS – Choose non-cotton socks that fit well and will move moisture away from your feet to stop them feeling sweaty. Some people wear two pairs: a sock liner against the skin and wool or wool-blend socks over that. This will help to reduce the likelihood of blisters and ‘hot spots’. Our tip: Apply a little Vaseline or a similar anti-blister ointment each morning and then put on your socks, this reduces rubbing and helps to prevent blisters.

◻ FOOTWEAR – We recommend that you bring comfortable, waterproof, lightweight shoes or boots, that provide good ankle support and offer good grip on rock, grass and mud. Remember that the trails in many of our regions can become quite wet and muddy after periods of rain. Our tip: If you buy new boots for your holiday make sure to try them out on one or two longer walks before your tour!

For the South Downs Way we recommend footwear with good soles for the sections of exposed flint stones.

House Shoes: Some B&Bs don’t allow boots or shoes in the house, so you may wish to bring some ‘house shoes’ i.e., slippers, flip-flops, etc.

◻ GAITERS – By covering your upper boot and lower leg these help to keep your feet and trousers dry in wet grass and boggy terrain. We recommended you bring gaiters especially for our tours along the western coast of Ireland and the Cotswold Way, but they are a good thing to have on your feet wherever the ground gets especially wet.

◻ BACKPACK / RUCKSACK (with Waterproof Cover or liner) – To store all your essentials and keep them dry – including extra layers of clothing, your waterproofs, first aid kit, camera and your lunch, snacks and drinks. Don’t forget how important it is to stay hydrated and bring at least 1 – 2 litres of water per person each day, depending on the weather! Also, make sure to bring some emergency snacks, to help keep your energy up!

◻ WARM HAT & GLOVES – Essential, even in summer, at higher altitudes and on exposed places.

◻ CASH – Bring enough for the duration of your tour/hike as ATM/cash machine & credit card services may be limited (see your Welcome Letter for more details) .

◻ FIRST AID KIT – It’s a good idea to have a small, basic first aid kit to deal with little injuries such as sprains, scrapes, cuts and blisters. Good things to bring are plasters & wound dressings, sterile cleansing wipes, pain killers, tweezers (for splinters & ticks), bandages and, zinc oxide tape.

◻ WHISTLE – This standard piece of hiking equipment is for the very unlikely event you need to signal for help (the standard signal is three long blasts).

◻ HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS & TORCH – Many trails, particularly in Ireland, have sections that follow roads. For those hikes you may wish to bring a High Visibility Vest which will increase your visibility, especially in bad weather or if it gets dark when your walk takes longer than expected. A torch can help on off-road sections.

◻ PLUG ADAPTER (CONVERTER) – 3-square pin plugs are used in Ireland and the UK – voltage is 230V.

◻ MOBILE PHONE – We strongly recommend that you bring or purchase a mobile/cell phone. It will allow you to contact your accommodation and transfer providers from the trail and call for help in an emergency.

• Visitors from other European Countries: As it stands many European network operators also don’t charge for roaming in the UK (Scotland, England, Wales & Northern Ireland), but please check this with your operator before you travel.
• Visitors from the United States, Canada and elsewhere: If your phone is unlocked and GSM/UMTS compatible, you can also purchase a UK SIM card from a variety of mobile phone stores and supermarkets and use it in your own phone. Alternatively, you can purchase a cheap pre-pay phone when you arrive. It is often possible to buy a very basic pre-pay phone for as little as £15. You can then top-up with vouchers or a credit/debit card. If you phone supports digital eSIM cards, you may be able to purchase a separate plan from your phone network provider for use abroad or a prepaid plan from local network provider in your destination country.
• To make international calls in Europe you must dial 00 as the international access code (and not 011 as in the US or Canada). If you are dialling from a cell phone, enter + instead of 00, or simply hold down the 0.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged before you start your walk. Please note that you might not always have a phone signal on the trail but, in general, the level of coverage is quite good.
• If you have a smartphone, we recommend you have a mapping app like Google Maps installed and your location/GPS service turned on. This will let us better help you should you need assistance while on the trail by identifying your location.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:

◻ SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES AND SUNHAT  (April to Sept) – Let’s hope you’ll need those!

◻ MIDGE/INSECT REPELLENT & MIDGE NET (May to September only) – can be useful for all regions.

◻ CAMERA  – Vital for capturing photos of the stunning scenery along your trip, which help you brag to your friends about your holiday.

◻ COMPASS – A compass (and the ability to use it) is a good idea but not a requirement for our English tours.

◻ WALKING POLES  – Assist forward movement, reduce impact on your knees, and help with balance in difficult terrain. A pair is best but many hikers also just use one.

◻ EARPLUGS  – We know how important it is to get a good night’s rest. However, as there may be other guests in the guesthouse with different plans for their night, we recommend bringing a pair of earplugs to ensure sweet dreams!

Your room will be ready each day from 4pm at the latest and sometimes sooner.

Check-in times to your accommodation is generally not before 4pm. You may be able to check-in a bit earlier (e.g. around 3pm), but this is not guaranteed. To request an earlier check-in time, please contact your accommodation host in advance to discuss.

If you expect to arrive later than 6pm to your accommodation, please inform you accommodation hosts in advance (in particular B&B’s & Guesthouses). Reasons for this can be that your flight is delayed, that you are still on the trail or because you might have stopped for food or a drink before check-in. By letting them know in advance, it allows the hosts to plan accordingly and to also put their minds at ease that you are OK.

Check-out time is usually 10am , but it can vary, therefore it’s often best to discuss check-out times with your accommodation hosts directly.

Your luggage will arrive by 4pm each day

A tasty breakfast is important to prepare you for the day of hiking & adventure ahead. At your accommodation you can find either, a hot breakfast, a continental breakfast, or perhaps even both!

In some cases, where we have no other option but to book you into accommodation where no breakfast is served, we will deduct the cost of the breakfast from your tour price which can instead be used to purchase breakfast in a nearby café / restaurant.

Most accommodation hosts will always try and cater for dietary requirements as best they can, provided they are notified in advance. Therefore, if you do have any dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, etc.) please let us know in the “Any Dietary Requirements/Allergies?” field on our booking form when booking.

Please note, not all businesses may readily accommodate dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc., especially in more remote and rural areas. If you require a specific diet, we recommend you enquire in advance or talk to your hosts. You may also find it useful to download an app such as Vanilla Bean or Happy Cow , both available on Android and iOS, to help you find a venue which meets your needs.

In your Route Notes, we list places where you should expect to find at least one café, pub, shop or restaurant along each day’s hike. However, opening times can change, some places may only open in afternoon, and businesses can close unexpectedly. We therefore recommend you also check with your accommodation hosts where you can get lunch the next day, either along the route or at the start of the hike.

If it is unlikely that you will be able to purchase food or drink during the day, you may wish to purchase a packed lunch before you start in the morning, especially if it is a long hike. If there are no shops nearby, your host will be able to provide a packed lunch at a reasonable price on request.

You can generally buy an evening meal in one of the local restaurants, cafes or pubs close to your accommodation. If there aren’t any restaurants/cafes/pubs in the local area, evening meals can be obtained from your host.

The majority of accommodation hosts will be able to assist you in drying your clothes and boots.

1 kilometre = 0.62 mile 1 mile = 1.61 kilometres

Many of the English hiking trails can pass through private farmland. This means that farmers can have their livestock (such as cattle, sheep, goats etc.) grazing in the same fields that you walk through. Some livestock may look intimidating. However, don’t worry, you will find these animals are actually quite timid. Continue walking in a normal fashion (do not run) and you should have no problems. In addition, take note of any signs which the farmer may have put up.

You can find more information on how to deal with animals on your hike in the Safety Information & Country Code document you find in your walking pack.

Most areas have mobile / cell phone reception, even while you are hiking. However, you may pass through some remote areas where reception will be either limited or unavailable entirely.

It is important to note that, if you are ever in an emergency, mobile/cell phones can still contact the emergency service numbers even without mobile/cell phone reception.

Yes, in most accommodation Wi-Fi is available, however it’s not guaranteed. In addition, due to the remote locations of some accommodations, the Wi-Fi quality may not always be the best.

Yes, in general most routes are very clearly way-marked with a marker directly before and after each turn. If you are ever in doubt, you can also check the Hillwalk Tours route notes or maps provided in your walking pack.

Yes, it is possible that your tour may include taxi transfers to bring you to and from the trail. The reason for this is;

•  Due to limited accommodation options in some locations on your tour, we may need to book you into an accommodation which will require transfers to/from your hike start/end point.
•  Due to limited accommodation options or no availability in accommodation, we may need to book you into the same accommodation for more than one night to cover multiple locations, in which case taxi transfers will be required to bring you to and from the trail.
•  Due to minimum night stay requirements in accommodations on certain trails, we sometimes have no other option but for you to stay multiple nights in the same location and use transfers to get you to and from the trail.

The cost of these taxi transfers bringing you to and from the trail is covered in the tour price, and they will not affect your tour itinerary i.e. you will still walk the exact route as listed.

In England, famous for its rain and the lush green of its countryside, the Gulf Stream ensures mild, maritime influenced weather. The warmest months are July and August with temperature averages between 16 and 21°C. Rain falls throughout the year, and the weather in England can sometimes change very quickly. Average annual rainfall in the north is more than 1,600mm, but central and southern England receive an average of less than 800mm. April, May and June are the driest months.

Ultimate Guide to Hiking the South West Coast Path (Cornish Coastal Path)

The South West Coast Path is an official long-distance National Trail in the UK. This article focuses on hiking the popular Cornwall Coast Path section of the trail, which offers some of the best coastal hiking in Europe.

7 things to do in Cornwall

Discover one of the most beautiful regions in England! Between Padstow and Penzance, the coastline is full of nature reserves, majestic...

Why hiking in Cornwall is worth it

Cornwall is a place of longing for many. The region in the south-west of England has a lot to offer for...

Cornwall Coastal Path – 7 Trail Highlights

The Cornwall Coastal Path is part of the legendary  South West Coast Path. At over a thousand kilometers (630 miles), this is...

See More Reviews Here

You Might Also Like

Privacy Overview

• All Ireland Tours
• Wicklow Mountains
• Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast
• Connemara & the West of Ireland
• Burren Way & Cliffs of Moher
• Kerry Camino
• St Kevin’s Way & Glendalough
• All Scotland Tours
• West Highland Way
• Rob Roy Way
• Great Glen Way & Loch Ness
• Speyside Way Whisky Trail
• Fife Coastal Path
• All England Tours
• Hadrian’s Wall Path (East to West)
• Hadrian’s Wall Path (West to East)
• Cotswold Way
• South Downs Way
• Pembrokeshire Coast Path
• Camino Frances (Spain)
• Kerry Camino (Ireland)
• St Kevin’s Way & Glendalough (Ireland)
• Map Of Trails
• Camino Frances
• Book Your Tour With Confidence
• Reasons To Book With Us!
• Resource Centre
• Gift Vouchers
• Meet The Team
• Sustainable Tourism
• Work With Us

• Opening Hours:

Mon-Fri 8.30am - 6pm

Saturday 9am - 5pm

Sunday 10am - 4pm

• Toggle Navigation Menu

Cruise Search

• All Cruises

The South Coast of Britain in Five Nights

For full Terms and Conditions please click here  

Your cruise at a glance

Hand-crafted highlights.

This short yet rewarding spring Bank Holiday cruise gives you the chance to uncover the floral highlights of the British Isles. Before revelling in the beauty of the British coastline on a scenic cruise around the Channel Islands, Balmoral will head to the remote island of St Mary’s in the Scilly Isles, home to picturesque countryside, charming towns and historic fortifications. The Cornish coast follows with a call into Falmouth, only accessible to smaller ships. Both destinations on your itinerary boast climates that are perfect for growing plants, and you will be well-placed for finding out why at horticultural sites such as the Eden Project, the Lost Gardens of Heligan, and Tresco Abbey Gardens.

• On Board Experiences

+441473746175

Cruise Itinerary

Life On Board

Introducing balmoral.

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate some of Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising. Balmoral retains a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open deck space.

Beautiful Balmoral is small enough to navigate Europe’s most picturesque waterways so guests can enjoy hours of scenic cruising.  Balmoral offers a warm, civilised atmosphere and features comfortable accommodation, stylish restaurants and plenty of open-deck space.

Our Signature Experiences

To make your experience even more special, our Journey Planners have designed a unique programme of Signature Experiences which will allow you to discover real insights about the culture and nature of the places we are visiting, so you can arrive in each destination fully prepared to get the most out of your visit.

We have carefully curated a programme of events to give you a deeper understanding of each of the destinations you will be visiting

Our Scenic Discoveries are designed to allow you to enjoy seeing the world from the unique perspective of our ships

Maritime is in our DNA - our history in shipping goes back almost 200 years

There’s very little in the natural world more beautiful than a clear night sky, sunrise or sunset seen at sea

We love to bring a taste of the region's food, drink, local tastes and culinary traditions to life on board

Sample Shore Tours

At each port of call on your cruise, we carefully research and hand pick Shore Tour options for you, designed for you see as many of the world's best destinations as possible.

Below, you will find some sample Shore Tours which will give you an example of what to expect on your cruise. Your Shore Tours will be available to book approximately 8-13 weeks prior to departure via your My Cruises account.

St. Mary's Garrison Walk

Enjoy a guided tour of St Mary's Garrison, one of the most remarkable and impressive coastal defence systems in England, delving into its rich history, which spans 350 years. 

St. Mary's

Tresco Abbey Gardens

Explore the sub-tropical botanical paradise of Tresco Abbey Garden home to an impressive collection of 20,000 plant species, some heralding from as far as New Zealand. As you explore this ‘Perennial Kew’, keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels darting about in amongst the trees.

The Lizard Peninsula Ramble

On this walking tour, explore the stunning coastline of the Lizard Peninsula, the most southerly point of mainland Britain, as your guide regales you with tales of shipwrecks, smugglers and secret tunnels. 

The Eden Project

Explore the eighth wonder of the world, the internationally acclaimed Eden Project, on this tour. Have time at leisure to explore the biomes which house a wide range of plants and trees. 

Treats & Pastimes

In addition to our Signature Experiences, we have a selection of lovely Treats & Pastimes for you to enjoy when on board. Just check your Daily Times each day for full details.

Cabins, Prices & Offers

Cabin Options On Your Cruise

* Prices correct as of 15:00 26/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on two people sharing a twin cabin. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

* Prices correct as of 15:00 26/04/2024, based on the lowest available Cruise Only fare, and on sole occupancy. Please call +441473746175 for live availability & prices.

Cabin Grades

From £1,699 pp

From £1,599 pp

From £899 pp

From £799 pp

From £1,299 pp

Balcony Junior Suite (BJ)

Balmoral's Balcony Junior Suites have a large cabin area and private balcony

Superior Suite (SS)

Located on decks 9 & 10, Superior Suites have a balcony and large cabin area

Marquee Suite (MS)

Situated on deck 10, Marquee Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Premier Suite (PS)

Located on deck 10, Premier Suites have a private balcony and large cabin area

Owner's Suite (OW)

Exclusive Suite - please call for more details

Balcony Cabin (BA)

Located on Deck 8 & 9, Balcony Cabins have a private balcony and spacious cabin area

Ocean View (F)

Two portholes in Balmoral's F Grade Ocean View cabins offer ocean views

Ocean View (E)

The E Grade Ocean View cabin on Balmoral features a picture window

Ocean View (D)

Balmoral’s D Grade Ocean View cabins have a picture window

Superior Ocean View (C)

Balmoral's C Grade Superior Ocean View cabins feature a picture window.

Superior Ocean Fully Obstructed View (CO)

CO Grade Superior Ocean View cabins have a fully obstructed picture window.

Superior Ocean View (B)

These cabins feature a picture window offering ocean views

Superior Ocean View (A)

These cabins feature a picture window offering ocean views.

Interior Cabin (I)

I Grade Inside cabins on Balmoral offer everything you need on a cruise.

Interior Cabin (H)

Balmoral’s H Grade Interior cabins offer all the features you need on a cruise

Superior Interior Cabin (G)

G Grade Superior Inside cabins on Balmoral are perfect for a relaxing cruise

Single Interior Cabin (N)

N Grade Single Interior cabins are located on decks 3 & 6

Single Interior Cabin (M)

M Grade Single Interior cabins are perfect for a relaxing cruise

Single Ocean View (K)

K Grade Ocean View cabins on Balmoral offer scenic views from the picture window

Single Ocean View (L)

Balmoral's L Grade Single Ocean View cabins offer ocean views from the porthole

Single Balcony Cabin (J)

On Lido Deck 8, Balmoral's J Grade Balcony cabins have a picture window

Single Balcony Suite (JB)

Balmoral's Single Balcony Suites have a private balcony and airy inside area

From £3,228.10

From £3,038.10

From £1,573.25

From £1,485.75

From £1,299

Cruise Offers

Free on board spend   freedom fare, what's included, so much already included.

As well as our Signature Experiences, there are a host of other treats to enjoy on board our ships.

Dining & Lounges

• À la carte breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Daily buffet dining options
• Late night Supper Club
• Afternoon tea
• Self-service tea & coffee
• In-cabin dining & snacks
• Evening shows
• Live music & dancing
• Dance classes
• Lectures & talks
• Cookery demonstrations
• Traditional deck games
• Daily games & quizzes

Relaxation & Fitness

• Swimming Pools
• Fitness Centre
• Fitness Classes

Enhance your cruise

Each of our cruises has been carefully designed for you to get the very best out of your time on board; and now you can enhance your cruise to make it even more special.

Need Some Help?

Take a look at our faqs, what do i pack for a cruise.

The handy checklist below has been created to assist in making sure you remember all the important things to pack for your cruise.

Are there any visa requirements I need to be aware of?

Visa and health requirements can change at any time. It is your own responsibility to ensure that you check with a professionally qualified source and comply with such requirements. UK passport holders will need visas for certain Fred. Olsen cruise holidays and will advised at the time of booking. Your cruise booking information will also detail any requirements applicable to your holiday.

What's the difference between Freedom and Saver fares?

On certain sailings we offer two types of cruise fares; Freedom and Saver Fares.

I'm travelling alone, how will I get to meet people?

Our single guests feel right at home on board our ships; Fred. Olsen have the reputation of sailing the friendliest fleet afloat. 

How do I get off the ship if we're at anchor?

Disembarking when your ship's at anchor is a very different experience to when it's docked portside. Getting ashore in this instance often involves the use of the ship's tender, which is accessed via the steps of a secure gangway.

The Ultimate 2 Week South West England Road Trip Itinerary

01 apr 2024 29 mar 2024 | dan.

Explore quaint villages, medieval castles, ancient places and spectacular coastlines with our epic 2 week, self-drive south west England road trip itinerary. Starting and finishing in London, this is a looping drive to Cornwall and back via the beautiful counties of Surrey, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire.

England, with its beautiful rolling landscapes and winding country lanes, is made for road tripping. But where to even start?   

We’ve been pulling out the old AA road map and exploring English laneways for years now, and we still find the sheer diversity of towns and villages, landscapes, historical sites (and old pubs!) makes putting together any kind of England road trip itinerary a special kind of torture. We just want to see and do everything. 

The south west of England is a case in point. It is quite literally packed with the kinds of destinations and experiences that make for an unforgettable road trip.  

Quaint medieval villages? Too many to count. Ancient sites? The highest concentration in western Europe. World Heritage? All kinds, from ancient mines, neolithic standing stones and two-thousand-year-old Roman baths, to a stunning coastline with a unique geological and fossil story. 

You’ll also find sweeping coastal landscapes and moors scattered with granite tors and traces of structures built by ancient people in a distant past. Moody castles and abbey ruins that whisper of bygone heydays. And of course, a virtually endless choice of cosy old pubs where you can nurse a pint of ale under the low rafters and imagine what the walls would say if they could talk.  

What it all adds up to is a looping road trip from London to Cornwall and back that’s something of a tour de force.

This itinerary packs a lot in, but it’s designed as an introduction to this wonderful corner of the country. It takes on board our own learnings and experiences, and has evolved as we’ve visited and revisited these areas. Ultimately, this itinerary showcases what we reckon are some of the very best places to visit in south west England.  

Our itinerary takes two weeks, but you could certainly make it longer and slower by giving more days to any of the places it includes.  

If you have only one week, we would suggest leaving the Cornwall road trip component of this itinerary for next time. Or do the opposite and focus all your time there instead – it’s a magical place. 

Read on for our day-by-day, self-drive south west England itinerary, and our top take-outs and tips for a road trip you won’t soon forget. 

South West England Road Trip Itinerary Snapshot Start & Finish: London Heathrow, United Kingdom  Distance: At minimum, around 1,350km (840 miles) How long do I need ? This is a jam-packed 2 week looping road trip from London Heathrow, travelling to Cornwall and back via the English counties of Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Wiltshire.  Overnight stops: 1 night in Winchester, 1 night in Lyme Regis, 1 night in Dartmouth, 2 nights in Porthleven, 2 nights on the Penwith peninsula (eg. Penzance or St Ives), 1 night in Padstow, 1 night in Tintagel, 1 night in Exeter, 1 night in Wells and 2 nights in Bath.  

What’s in this post?

What’s the route? Day 1 – London to Winchester Day 2 – Winchester to Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coast Day 3 – Lyme Regis to Dartmouth via Exeter Day 4 – Dartmouth to Porthleven via Polperro Day 5 – Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall Day 6 – Penwith Peninsula, Cornwall Day 7 – Penwith Peninsula, Cornwall Day 8 – St Ives to Padstow, Cornwall Day 9 – Port Isaac & Tintagel, Cornwall Day 10 – St Nectan’s Glen, Boscastle & Bodmin Moor, Cornwall Day 11 – Wells & Glastonbury Day 12 – Bath Day 13 – Castle Combe, Lacock Abbey & Bath Day 14 – Bath to London via Stonehenge Planning a South West of England Road Trip Getting to London Best time to visit south west England Where to stay in the south west Driving and renting a car in England

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to keep Two for the World running. Thanks for your support.

What’s the route?

Our starting point for this south west England road trip itinerary is London Heathrow Airport, which is to the west of central London.  

This is a convenient launchpad as there are extensive car hire options at Heathrow and it’s close to the M25 motorway, which is the first major road we’ll be taking as we head into the south west of England.  

You could also start this road trip at Gatwick Airport to the south of London. There are plenty of car hire options here too. 

You’ll need a car for this itinerary, so unless you plan to drive your own car, you’ll need to rent one. We use Rentalcars.com and Discover Cars to search for and hire cars and we suggest checking prices on both to find the best deal you can.

Over two weeks, you’ll make a looping road trip from London through the counties of Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Wiltshire.  

You’ll drive through picturesque country lanes visiting castles, abbeys and cathedrals, medieval villages, neolithic and Bronze Age sites, ancient places, World Heritage sites, all while immersing in spectacular coastal and countryside scenery.  

There’s a huge amount to see throughout this journey. We’ve cherrypicked what we feel are among the best sites and scenery in each region, to give you a feel for these places and the wonderful diversity of landscapes, history and culture of south west England.  

This road trip through the south west of England is one of the entries on our  Bucket List of 100 Ultimate Road Trips Around the World . Check out what else is on the list  here .

Our 2 Week South West England Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – london heathrow to winchester.

Highlights: Farnham Castle | Waverley Abbey | Winchester historic centre   Total driving distance :  appx . 100km (62 miles) assuming a Heathrow starting point   Total driving time:   appx. 1.5 hours   Overnight:  Winchester  

Let’s hit the road! There are two historic stops on this first morning of our south west England road trip, as you travel from London to the ancient city of Winchester. 

Once you’ve collected your hire car, set your GPS for today’s first stop, Farnham Castle.  

If you’re coming from London Heathrow, you’ll head south on the M25 (the London orbital road) to the M3, where you’ll head west. If you’re coming from London Gatwick, take the M25 north west to the A3 and then head west. 

If you’re travelling from somewhere else, make Farnham Castle your starting point. 

Farnham Castle

Our first stop is  Farnham Castle , an impressive motte and ‘shell keep’ ruin attached to a beautifully preserved medieval house in Surrey.

It usually opens from 9am on weekdays and 10am on weekends, but check ahead before you visit as this can vary. Time your arrival for opening, or head into the charming little village for a coffee first.

Farnham Castle was home to Winchester’s bishops in the 12th and 13th centuries, and it’s been occupied almost ever since.  

If you’re lucky, you’ll have the ruins and their wonderful views all to yourself as we did. Even the ghostly presence rumoured to hang around the old stones had better things to do on the day we visited. 

Waverley Abbey

Just 10 minutes down the road, and well worth the detour, are the wonderfully evocative ruins of Waverley Abbey .  

The site is free and open during daylight hours. Park at the abbey carpark and head through the nearby field for around 5 minutes to the ruins. 

Spread out over the field next to the pretty River Wey, this ambient site was home to the first Cistercian monastery in Britain, founded in the early 12th century. Today you’ll see the fine stone remains of a vaulted refectory and surrounding buildings. 

Keep an eye out also for the famous Waverley Yew , a vast tree that’s been standing sentinel here for around 500 years.  

Travel tip : We recommend bringing decent and durable outdoor shoes for this road trip. They’ll come in handy almost immediately for this walk across the field to the abbey ruins, especially if it’s been raining. While we were delighted by this site, we were less so with the state of our shoes afterwards . It was a sentiment that carried through our entire trip, but muddy shoes is usually par for course when exploring the great outdoors in England.

From the abbey, it’s an easy 45-minute drive to Winchester . This important cathedral city was established as King Alfred the Great’s ancient capital of Wessex in the 9th century, and it remained England’s premier town until the Normans arrived in 1066.  

The history here goes back thousands of years, and the city is imbued with a sense of this long and varied past.

If you’re craving lunch by this stage, park up in one of the city’s paid public carparks (we generally use Google maps to search for car parks) and either pick up something to go on the high street, or head to our favourite spot, The Bishop on the Bridge pub, for lunch on the terrace by the river. You’ll find the city’s large statue of Alfred the Great just nearby.    

After lunch, set off on an afternoon meander around the main sites and highlights of the old town. You can go self-guided as we did with this downloadable City Walk .

If you’d like to discover the city with a real guide, this 2-hour guided tour departs daily at 10am. You’d just need to head straight to Winchester this morning to be there in time.

Or tonight, for something quirky and different, why not get out with a guide for a tour of the city’s darker side on this ghost walk .

Highlights of Winchester include the awe-inspiring Winchester Cathedral (it has a charming little Christmas market that we recommend visiting if you’re around in December), the impressive ruins of Wolvesey Castle , and the medieval Great Hall with its Arthurian-inspired round table hanging on the wall. 

Travel tip: There’s plenty to do and see in Winchester, and while our itinerary spends just an afternoon and evening here, you might consider staying longer and exploring more. Or return another time – Winchester is a great short road trip from London.

Where to stay in Winchester

You have plenty of options across the board in and around Winchester, from budget chain hotels on the city outskirts to charming pub stays right in the historic centre.

We stayed at the lovely Bugle Inn at Twyford, 10 minutes’ drive from Winchester. The breakfast was great and there was parking on site.

The following centrally located stays also get great reviews, though check the parking situation with the accommodation provider.

• Good value: The Westgate – modern rooms in historic pub | clean and quiet | close to historic centre
• Mid-range: The Old Vine – characterful rooms | great breakfast | central location
• Spend a bit more: Hotel du Vin Winchester – brightly decorated | comfortable rooms | Well located

Day 2 – Winchester to Lyme Regis along the Jurassic Coast

Highlights: Old Harry Rocks | Corfe Castle | Durdle Door | West Bay | Lyme Regis  Total driving distance : appx. 200km (125 miles)       Total driving time: appx. 3.5 to 4 hours   Overnight: Lyme Regis

On Day 2 of our south west UK road trip itinerary, you’ll be exploring some of the highlights of England’s spectacular  Jurassic Coast . 

Named for the extraordinary geological record packed into its landscape, rock layers and fossils, the natural history captured within this 150km (95 mile) stretch of coast spans 185 million years.

The Jurassic Coast is so geologically important, it’s been listed as World Heritage. It sweeps westward from Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset, to Orcombe Point in Exmouth, Devon. 

Aim to start early as our itinerary packs a lot in today. If you want to slow the pace or spend more time in some places, consider skipping some of the stops below.  

If you’re into fossils, check the tide times and aim to get to Lyme Regis earlier today so you can max your time exploring the beach (which is tide dependent) and the museums there. 

Old Harry Rocks

The striking, chalky stacks of  Old Harry Rocks are our first stop today, and your first opportunity to stretch your legs on a very small section of England’s famous South West Coast Path. 

You’ll need to make an early start as it’s around 90 minutes’ drive from Winchester along the A31 to this easternmost point of the   Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site .  

Once you’ve parked up at the National Trust South Beach car park in Studland, you have a couple of options, depending on your energy levels.  

You can head straight out along the signposted trail (head past the Bankes Arms Inn and turn left at the public toilets) directly to Old Harry Rocks. It’s a walk of around 20 minutes out to the lookout. This is what we did.  

If you’d like a longer wander to take in this impressive time-worn coastline, continue on once you’ve reached the lookout and follow the Old Harry Rocks Walk in a 5.6km loop back to the car park. Set aside a couple of hours if you intend to do this (and look to skip some of today’s subsequent stops).  

If you’d prefer to take in the scenery without breaking a sweat, head to Knoll Beach Café at Studland and enjoy views of Old Harry Rocks with a cuppa. It’s open from 9.30am. 

Another option, and one we’d like to go back and do sometime, is to get out on the water and see the coastline on this boat tour . If you’re keen to do this, make your way from Winchester directly to The Quay in Poole this morning as that’s where the boat trip departs from.

Corfe Castle

To get to our next destination, you’ll take the same route out that you came in on to Old Harry Rocks. Keep an eye out on the way for signs to Corfe Castle.  

Perched dramatically on a hill, Corfe has been watching over the countryside in one form or another for over a thousand years. It looks every bit as old as it is. 

The castle’s dark history of murder, siege and treachery lends the collapsed hunks of stone and brick a strong sense of melancholy, especially on a day as grey and gloomy as when we visited. If ghosts hang out anywhere, they hang out here. 

In our opinion, this is one of the most hauntingly evocative ruins in England and among our favourite castle ruins on this trip. It’s a must for a south west England itinerary. 

Corfe Castle is managed by the National Trust and there’s an entry fee. It’s open daily between 10am and 4.30-5pm.

Durdle Door

Half-an-hour to the west of Corfe Castle is another spectacular geological showcase of the Jurassic Coast, the quirkily named Durdle Door.  

It sounds like the gateway to somewhere magical, and being on the Jurassic Coast, it really is. Durdle Door is an impressive limestone arch at the head of crystal clear waters and a lovely crescent of beach. Striking white chalk cliffs rise and fall away to the west. 

It’s a steep 15 minute walk from the carpark down to the beach, but worth it if the weather is nice. Otherwise, you could enjoy the view from above the beach and walk along the cliff path. If you hike east for 30 minutes, you’ll reach the lookout over pretty Lulworth Cove . 

Durdle Door is near the village of West Lulworth. There’s a paid carpark which you can reach via the holiday park, and coastal walking tracks weaving off in both directions. Just be aware that this is a highly popular spot in summer and holiday periods and it may be difficult to find parking at those times.  

The weather wasn’t awesome when we stopped by Durdle Door, so we were content to make this a short stop, take some pics and go for a brief wander along the clifftop trail. If you’d like to spend longer here, skip the next stop at West Bay.  

A further 50 minutes’ drive around the Jurassic Coast will bring you to West Bay , a seaside village that doubled as the town of Broadchurch in the binge-worthy crime drama (the UK version).  

A popular seaside holiday spot in summer, West Bay (which is also known as Bridport Harbour) was very quiet when we visited in the late wintertime. The sea was choppy and chocolate-milky but it certainly didn’t diminish the Jurassic Coast view we came here to see.  

West Bay’s striking east cliff is a sheer, mustard-coloured sandstone rise, and could not be more different from the white chalk cliffs of this morning. 

If you’re lunching here, pop by one of the fish and chip kiosks if they’re open, or settle in for a traditional ploughman’s lunch in one of the town’s seaside pubs as we did. 

Travel tip: English pubs generally finish their lunch service at 3pm, although hours can vary on weekends, especially Sundays. Lunching in a quaint village pub is a quintessential feature of an England road trip, so this is a critical piece of information when you’re planning your day, especially on packed days like this one. Despite having lived in the UK on and off for years, we still turn up at pubs looking for a late-arvo bite to eat, only to find we’re too late. If it looks like you’re going to be pushed for time, aim for a high street bite instead.

Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis

Our next stop is 25-minutes down the road from West Bay. Monmouth Beach  is in Lyme Regis , which is world-renowned for its Jurassic Coast fossil treasure-trove and the pioneering work of palaeontologist Mary Anning.  

If you’re into fossils and dinosaurs, you’ll want to give yourself more time here today so you can join a fossil tour and visit the museums. 

First up, head to Lyme Regis Museum for a full immersion in the local fossil world. Guided fossil walks on the beach can also be organised through the museum, lasting around 2.5 hours.  

A couple of minutes away, there’s also the Dinosaurland Fossi l Museum , which has thousands of fossils on display.  

Both museums have entry fees and varying opening hours, particularly during winter, so be sure to check their websites before visiting. 

We missed the fossil walking tour sadly, but spent a happy hour on the beach anyway, trailing through the pebbles searching for fossils, which emerge and trickle down from the eroding cliffs above.  

There’s also a very cool ‘ammonite graveyard’ here, which you can see at low tide around 15 minutes’ walk west of the carpark along the beach. Just be sure to check tide times before you visit and don’t attempt the walk while the tide is up.

If you’re interested in learning a little more about Lyme Regis, check out this self-guided smartphone heritage walk .

Where to stay in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is only small but there are a number of accommodations both in the town and in the surrounding countryside. The following stays get great reviews:

• Good value: Shepherds Hut – tiny home in rural setting | good facilities | free parking
• Mid range: High Tides – on the beach | renovated apartment in historic building | parking nearby
• Spend a bit more: Dower House Hotel – elegant and spacious rooms |excellent breakfast | onsite parking

Alternatively, if you’d prefer a larger range of choice for stays and dinner, you could continue on to the city of Exeter, about an hour’s drive to the west. This is what we did, staying at the Leonardo Hotel Exeter close to the city centre. With hindsight though, we would have preferred to stay in Lyme Regis on this night rather than make another hour long drive after dark, hence we’ve adjusted this itinerary.

Day 3 – Lyme Regis to Dartmouth via Exeter

Highlights: Exeter Cathedral | Exeter historic centre | Totnes Castle | Dartmouth village | Dartmouth Castle   Total driving distance: appx. 120km (75 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 2 hours 15 minutes   Overnight: Dartmouth

This morning, you’ll be exploring the cathedral city of Exeter, so make your way there after breakfast. It’s around an hour from Lyme Regis. 

Park up in one of the city’s central car parks. These are generally pay and display parking spaces. If you’re visiting during peak periods, there’s also a park and ride option for Exeter. 

Exeter’s history goes back to Ancient Roman Britain, when this was a legionary military base on the edge of the Roman Empire.  

The 12th century Exeter Cathedral was built during the city’s religious heyday and is one of the oldest in south west England. It’s an absolute must while you’re here. Be sure to head inside to see the cathedral’s magnificent ceiling, it’s the longest stretch of unbroken Gothic vaulting in the world. 

Spend this morning exploring Exeter’s historic streets and sites. There are several self-guided walks you can do, which bring the city’s story to life through its ancient walls, its medieval period and the wool trade that brought it great wealth in the 17th century.  

There’s also this fun, self-guided smartphone heritage walk you can do at your own pace.

Alternatively, a range of free 90 minute guided tours run each day from the Cathedral green.  

Totnes Castle

Our ultimate destination today is Dartmouth, but en route, you’ll be making a brief stop in the quirky market town of Totnes. It’s a 45 minute drive south west of Exeter. 

Totnes dates back to Saxon times. Today, it’s known for its large artistic community, and thousand-year-old Totnes Castle , which is the focus of our visit. 

This tiny hilltop fortress is renowned as one of the best preserved examples of a Norman motte (hill) and bailey (lower yard) earthworks still in existence. 

Climb up to the stone keep and you’ll be rewarded with captivating views over the valley to the River Dart, and a garderobe (a medieval loo) still in situ. Wander the bailey below and keep an eye out for the tree graffiti left by prisoners held on site during WWII.  

Totnes Castle is managed by English Heritage and there’s a fee to enter. There is pay and display parking nearby.  

The Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm, but it’s only open on weekends during the winter months. If you’re travelling in winter and today is a weekday on your itinerary, skip this stop and make straight for Dartmouth. It’s a 30 minute drive south. 

Sitting pretty at the head of the River Dart, the town of Dartmouth is a lovely little spot to while away this afternoon and evening.  

Dartmouth was once an important fishing and trading port, and two medieval forts stand vigil at the entrance to the Dart Estuary to this day: Kingswear Castle and Dartmouth Castle . The latter is lauded as one of England’s most picturesque fortifications and it’s one of the showpiece castles of our south west England road trip.   

There’s a paid car park close to the river and town centre. There’s also a cheaper park and ride option just outside of town, however the shuttle between the car park and town doesn’t run between November and late March (it’s around 30 minutes to walk to town).  

Dartmouth’s cute little central streets are worth a wander, and there are a couple of self-guided town trails you can follow for an intro to the local history. The Castle Trail will take you along a section of the South West Coast Path from town to  Dartmouth Castle .  

The Castle’s passages and walkways offer stunning views and fascinating insights into its defensive history right up till WWII, including the set-up for the huge chain that could once be pulled up to block off the estuary mouth.  

The site is managed by English Heritage, has a fee for entry and is open daily, except for the winter months, when it’s only open on weekends – check ahead if you’re keen to go inside.  

If you’re visiting outside of winter, you can jump on the Castle Ferry for a 10 minute river cruise back to town. If you’d like to get out on the water for longer, there are a couple of other river boating options departing from town, like the one-hour Greenway Ferry river cruise. 

The Great Sc one Debate   It’s a requirement of this itinerary that as you pass through Devon, you search out that most quintessential of English afternoon traditions: the cream tea. There are various places in Dartmouth you can stop for tea and scones, including the Dartmouth Castle Tearooms.   As you pay homage to the humble scone, consider this: there’s a very real divide in the UK about the etiquette of the cream tea, and whether jam or cream goes on the scone first.    In Devon, where cream tea is believed to have originated, the Devonshire tea tradition has cream on first followed by jam. Over the border in Cornwall, however, you put the jam on first then the cream.    We personally follow the Cornish tea tradition. Not that we’d quibble if it came out the other way. Try it both ways and you decide!  

Where to stay in Dartmouth

Dartmouth is a small but popular town, especially in peak periods, and accommodation prices can reflect it.  

We actually drove on for another couple of hours when we did this trip, but it was too much for one day. Hence we suggest staying in or around Dartmouth tonight. We’ve included a couple of local stays with great reviews below: 

• Good value: St Elmo House – comfy rooms and beds | short walk to centre | street parking
• Mid-range: The Ship in Dock Inn – colourful rooms in historic building | central location | parking permits provided
• Spend a bit more: Harbourside 3 – modern rooms | overlooks river | free parking

Day 4 – Lizard Peninsula via Polperro, Cornwall

Highlights: Polperro | Truro Cathedral | Royal Cornwall Museum | Gweek Seal Sanctuary   Total driving distance: appx. 190km / 118 miles   Total driving time: appx. 3.5 hours   Overnight: Porthleven   

Today you’ll cross into Cornwall, starting with the charming fishing village of Polperro and then spending the afternoon and all day tomorrow on the Lizard peninsula, known simply as The Lizard .  

This wedge of land is one of the highlights of Cornwall, and a must-visit on our south west England road trip itinerary. Plus, the best way to experience this ruggedly beautiful stretch of Cornwall coastline is on foot. So having a couple of days in this area gives you more time out of the car, so you can get a proper feel for this wild corner of the country.

Travel tip: Take note today as you drive the bridge over the River Tamar on the western edge of Plymouth. This is the ancient eastern boundary of Cornwall, set by King Athelstan in the mid-10th century to separate the feisty Celtic people in that part of the island from the newly united state of Wessex.   Speak to a Cornish person today and you may find sentiment isn’t much changed. As one local character told us over a beer in the historic Blue Anchor Inn at Helston, ‘This is Cornwall. Not England’.

Polperro is a good 1.5-hour drive from Dartmouth so aim to set out early. This is a designated conservation area and, for us, it really does feel like wandering into another, older time. Winding lanes and charming stone cottages snuggle around a wee harbour where swans nap between the boats at low-tide. 

You’ll need to leave your car at the paid public car park at the top of the village and make the 10-minute stroll down to the harbour along the canal and cute houses.  

Once there, wander the pretty streets , look out for the Roman Bridge , and learn more about the history of this fishing village and former smuggler’s haunt at the tiny Harbour Museum , located in what was once the town’s busy pilchard factory (it’s closed over winter).  

If you’re up for some lunch before moving on, then this is a great spot to sample another classic England tradition: fish and chips. There are some quaint old pubs in Polperro and we enjoyed a delicious pile of fish, chips and peas at the oldest of them, The Three Pilchards .

Our next stop is an hour’s drive from Polperro along the A30. Believe it or not, there’s only one actual city in Cornwall, and Truro is it. This is effectively the region’s capital and while it’s far from the madding crowds of London, it’s still busier than most places you’ll visit on this road trip.  

Still, Truro makes a good spot to stretch your legs en route to The Lizard, particularly if you like a good cathedral and a museum showcasing the history of the area you’re exploring. Truro has both.  

We were able to find a space at the paid Old Bridge Street Car Park, which is right around the corner from Truro Cathedral . This soaring gothic revival church was built in the late 1800s and has three spires, just one of three in the UK to do so.   

Up the road you’ll find the Royal Cornwall Museum , which has a small but interesting collection of finds documenting Cornwall’s journey from prehistory to the industrial era. There are some other exhibitions in here too, including a random but quirky little Egyptian space with a mummy. There’s a fee to get in but it lasts a year. 

Our final destination today is Porthleven and you’ll spend the next two nights here as you explore the Lizard peninsula.

Apparently ‘The Lizard’ comes from a Cornish phrase, ‘Lys Ardh’, referring to the area’s high cliffs, rather than any resident fauna or land shape. En route though, you will be making a stop to meet some local wildlife of a different kind.  

Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek

When we were planning to road trip south west England, we spotted a town on the map called ‘Gweek’. Of course we had to go there. What we found was the Cornish Seal Sanctuary and we’re forever grateful. 

The sanctuary is a rescue centre for rehabilitating sick and injured seal pups. It’s a delightful place to linger, set on 40 acres by the picturesque River Helford .  

In addition to plenty of opportunities to see and learn about the recovering and resident seals, including underwater viewing areas, it offers peaceful woodland walks by the tidal estuary. As of early 2024, the centre also has baby beavers!  

The sanctuary is open every day from 11am to 4pm (last admissions at 3pm) and it’s advisable to book in advance . You’ll save on the ticket price if you book at least 2 days ahead. 

Blue Anchor Inn, Helston

By now, it’s definitely beer o’clock and while you’re in this area, we highly recommend a visit to the Blue Anchor Inn in Helston.  

The Blue Anchor is Cornwall’s oldest pub and it’s a little warren of low-ceilinged rooms with a properly ancient feel. We’ve spent a couple of memorable evenings here yarning with locals. 

The onsite brewery has been in operation since the 15th century and is renowned for its medieval ‘Spingo Ales’. Our favourite is the rich and smooth ‘Middle’ ale but if you like beer then by all means, try them all (unless you’re driving, in which case, get a takeaway so you can try it later). 

Afterwards, move on to your overnight stay in the lovely little fishing village of Porthleven , a 7 minute drive down the road. 

Where to stay in Porthleven

Wee little Porthleven has a clutch of accommodations tucked into the streets around the harbour. More options can be found in nearby Helston and in the surrounding area. We suggest the following stays, they all have great reviews.  

• Good value: No 52 bed and breakfast (Helston) – on the high street | nicely decorated rooms | great breakfast (we’ve stayed here and it was a convenient overnighter, with parking a 5 minute walk away or free overnight street parking right outside if you can swing luck and timings. It’s also virtually next door to the Blue Anchor Inn – no excuse not to try those Spingo ales!) 
• Mid-range: Harbour Inn (Porthleven) – historic pub stay | right on the quay | really friendly staff (we’ve also stayed here and love the location; we parked in the Kitto’s Field Long Stay Car Park, a 2 minute walk away) 
• Mid-range: The Artist Loft (Porthleven) – comfy beds | very short walk to harbour | free parking 
• Spend a bit more: Housel Bay Hotel (The Lizard) – If you’re after something special, have a look at this grand hotel. We hiked past it on the Lizard loop walk (see tomorrow’s itinerary) and we’ll be back one day to stay. It’s perched high above the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic and offers direct access to the South West Coast Path. It has a minimum 2 night stay and parking onsite. 

Day 5 – Lizard Peninsula

Highlights: Porthleven Harbour | Kynance Cove | Lizard Point | Lizard loop walk | Halliggye Fogou   Total driving distance: appx. 45km (28 miles)     Total driving time : appx. 1 hour 15 minutes   Overnight: Lizard Peninsula (Porthleven or Helston)

Day 5 of our south west England road trip has you exploring more of the spectacular coastal landscapes of Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall. 

Start your morning with an early stroll around Porthleven harbour . This is the UK’s most westerly port and, with its 19th century inner walls, is an important safe harbour on a coastline notorious for shipwrecks over the centuries. 

The creation of the harbour also unintentionally turned Porthleven into one of the UK’s best surf spots. We stopped for a bit to watch some hardy souls braving the freezing swells crashing onto the harbour wall. 

The Harbour Markets run on various days throughout the week and year. If you’d like to slow the pace today, hang around and check out the markets from 10am and then pick and choose from the rest of today’s suggested destinations around The Lizard.  

Kynance Cove

From Porthleven, set out to explore the rest of the peninsula by car, starting with the legendary Kynance Cove , a dramatic landscape of rocky outcrops, white sand and crystal clear water. It’s around 40 minutes south. 

Kynance Cove often makes lists of the world’s best beaches, with pearly white sand and turquoise water, which is why it made it on to our itinerary. We were also keen to get up close with the famous red and green serpentine rock stacks to be found here. 

We found Kynance to be ruggedly dramatic but our visit was on a day of wild weather so we didn’t get to see it in all its list-making glory. Hopefully you do!   

Park up at the National Trust car park and make your way down the steep and rocky path to the beach. Be sure to check tide times before you do though as the beach can disappear completely under a high tide. 

Lizard Point

Twenty minutes from Kynance Cove is our next destination,  Lizard Point. This is the southernmost tip of Lizard peninsula (and the UK in fact).  

This is a prime opportunity to stretch your legs on another section of the South West Coast Path . This segment is a 6.5km loop walk of Lizard Point .  

The Lizard loop walk starts and finishes in the village of Lizard, so make your way there and park on the village green. There are a number of cutbacks along the way if you’d prefer a shorter walk.  

Alternatively, you can park further towards the point at the National Trust car park and enjoy a short walk to the southernmost point lookout, or along the coast in either direction.  

This coastline around Lizard Point is rugged, beautiful…and lethal. The ocean off the headland has been a graveyard for ships for about as long as people have braved the seas here.  

While our first attempt at the Lizard loop was thwarted by wild weather, we’ve since returned to complete the hike and can confirm it is 100% worth doing if you have the time and inclination (and the weather is cooperating). It ranks very high on our list of awesome things to do in south west England. Set aside around 3 hours to do the full walk, with stops along the way. 

Travel tip: Keep an eye on the weather if you’re planning to walk The Lizard coastline. And do stop by Polpeor Café at Lizard Point. We retreated here to wait out the storm on our first visit and drip dried over the biggest scones we’d ever seen. Cornish tea on the cafe’s terrace overlooking the ocean would be superb on a sunny day. The café closes at 4pm (or as weather dictates).

Halliggye Fogou

Sounds like something a Viking might say, but Halliggye Fogou is the name of an Iron Age site on The Lizard.  

Halliggye Fogou is around 20 minutes north of Lizard village. En route, make a quick pit stop at the Old Cider Barn Arts & Crafts Centre to check out the bric-à-brac and perhaps pick up some traditional Cornish cider. 

A ‘fogou’ is a Cornish word for ‘cave’ and at these sites, it refers to networks of underground passages built in stone around 2,500 years ago as part of Iron Age farming settlements. Their purpose is unknown.  

Halligye Fogou is managed by English Heritage, is free to visit and open during the day, although you can’t go inside the fogou over the winter months.   

Day 6 – Penwith Peninsula, Cornwall

Highlights: St Michael’s Mount | Penzance | Merry Maidens Stone Circle | Minack Theatre   Total driving distance: appx. 40km (25 miles) plus the drive to your chosen accommodation   Total driving time: appx. 1 hour plus above   Overnight: Penwith Peninsula

We’re up early today for a time travel through the  Penwith peninsula , home to western Europe’s largest concentration of ancient sites and arguably the gem in Cornwall’s crown.  

Whether you do it as part of a longer driving adventure like this one or on its own, we reckon the Penwith peninsula is one of the best UK road trips you can do. 

There’s a huge amount to see over the next two days. Penwith peninsula is small enough though that you could reorder any of the sites and experiences to suit your interests and timings (it takes around 30 to 40 minutes to drive the length of the peninsula between St Ives in the north and Land’s End in the south). There is a fair bit of driving to see all the things, but you’ll be getting out of the car often.  

You’ll also be spending two nights in this region so you can choose to base yourself in one spot for both nights as you explore the peninsula, or stay in two places and max your time around each area.  

Travel Tip: Before you leave Porthleven this morning, don’t pass up the opportunity to pick up another local-gone-global speciality that you absolutely must indulge in while travelling around Cornwall: the Cornish pasty.   If you’ve never encountered one before, pasties are baked flaky pastries folded over a savoury filling. The traditional filling is beef and veg, but you can get all sorts of fillings, as well as gluten-free and vegan options.   There are a couple of excellent pasty bakeries in Porthleven (and right across Cornwall). We picked up a giant pasty to-go from Philps Pasty Shop . Whatever else you do, do this. In fact, get two. It was one of our great regrets that we only bought one the first time we visited and had to share it.

St Michael’s Mount

Today’s sightseeing is dictated by the tides, so we encourage you to check the local tide times and plan today’s itinerary to suit.

The reason for this is that you’ll be visiting St Michael’s Mount offshore from Marazion , and if you visit at low tide, you can walk across the causeway. 

You can also take a boat to St Michael’s when the tide is in. But there’s something special about walking the ancient cobbled causeway across to this offshore rock before climbing the steep path to explore the castle. 

It’s no coincidence that St Michael’s Mount bears the hallmarks of Mont Saint Michel, the impressive monastery-capped tidal island across the English Channel off Normandy in France. It was a monk from Mont St Michel who commissioned the monastery on St Michael’s Mount in the 12th century.   

For the last four hundred years or so though, this has been the seat of the St Aubyn family and they still live there today. 

It’s 20 minutes from Porthleven to Marazion and there are a couple of paid car parks in the area opposite St Michael’s Mount. You’ll need to book your tickets in advance. Check out this website .  

From Marazion, make your way to the historic market and port town of Penzance , backdrop to the famed play, The Pirates of Penzance .

While the comic opera is a fiction, piracy and smuggling did give this coastline a notorious reputation for hundreds of years. By the 19th century though, Penzance was a fashionable seaside resort. 

Head to the Harbour Long Stay Car Park and spend a couple of hours wandering Penzance’s streets and gardens. This self-guided walk will introduce you to the town’s history and key spots.   

Merry Maidens & Tregiffian Burial Chamber

Our next stop is the  Merry Maidens Stone Circle . You’ll find it in a field by the side of the B3315 road around 6km south of Penzance. 

The 19 standing stones here were erected in the mists of time, somewhere between 3500 and 4500 years ago. It’s not known why the circle was built, but it’s thought to have been a sort of astronomical tracker and ceremonial site. When we visited, we had the ambient stone circle all to ourselves.  

Walk a little further along the road on the same side and you’ll come to the Tregiffian Burial Chamber . This large neolithic chambered tomb was damaged in the creation of the road, but it’s still an interesting example of what’s known as an ‘entrance grave’.

If you’re particularly keen, there’s also a tall menhir stone called Gun Rith in the field opposite this site. Like the tomb, it’s believed to be linked to the Merry Maidens. 

All of these sites are free and can be accessed from a small layover parking area on the left side of the B3315 as you head south west – look out for the bus stop sign. For the stone circle, climb the steps over the gate and head into the field. 

Minack Theatre

From the Merry Maidens, it’s a 15 minute drive to stunning Minack Theatre , the single-minded creation of the extraordinary Rowena Cade, and possibly one of the most spectacularly-sited open air theatres since the ancient Greeks and Romans were in the business. 

It’s recommended you book your visit to Minack in advance as there is timed entry. Opening days and hours also vary so check ahead.  

The 750-seat theatre built into the rocky cliffs is impressive enough on its own, but if you can, try and time your visit for a performance. The theatre season for 2024 runs from late March until late September, with mainly evening but some afternoon shows. We’ll definitely be back to do this. 

Where to stay on the Penwith Peninsula

You have tonight and tomorrow on the Penwith peninsula so you could opt for two nights in one place and use that as a base, or stay in two different parts of the peninsula.  

Your choices in this area are extensive, and range from boutique B&Bs and guest houses to self-catering seaside cottages, remote pub stays and luxe hotels. There are also campgrounds and holiday parks right across the peninsula. 

If you’d like to stay in a slightly larger town with more amenities and eating options, look to quirky Penzance or chic St Ives , or another village on the peninsula like Zennor or Mousehole . Aim to book well ahead if you’re planning a visit during summer or holiday periods.  

• Check out your accommodation options in Penzance here .
• See what’s available in St Ives here .

We personally stayed near the village of Zennor at The Gurnard’s Head , a beautiful historic inn surrounded by coast and countryside. It’s a short short drive from St Ives and they have a fantastic restaurant serving up local seasonal deliciousness. 

Day 7 – Penwith Peninsula, Cornwall

Highlights: Land’s End | Boscawen-ûn Stone Circle | Carn Euny Ancient Village | The Tin Coast – Botallack Tin Mine   Total driving distance: appx. 25km (15.5 miles) plus travel to and from your accommodation and any additional activities today   Total driving time: appx. 45 minutes plus the above   Overnight: Penwith Peninsula  

Our view when we awoke in Zennor was of rolling moors and cows gathering on the road outside. This is another truly stunning stretch of Cornwall coastline. With an array of walks winding through moorland and along cliffs scattered with tin mine ruins, you could easily spend the day in this area alone. 

For your second day in the Penwith area, however, you’ll be exploring the west coast and heartland of the peninsula, and more of the historic sites that set this ancient corner apart. 

Depending on where you’ve stayed overnight, you might reorder the following sites to suit. Otherwise, make your way first to Land’s End. 

Land’s End

There’s something strangely compelling about standing at the most extreme ends of a place, and that’s the draw of England’s most westerly point, Land’s End . 

The Atlantic views here are spectacular, but be prepared for the crowded theme park it is. If the ‘attractions’ and gift shops don’t appeal, do as we did and make for the coastal paths. 

There’s an easy 4. 9km loop walk starting and finishing at the Land’s End car park, which you might consider if you want to make time for it today. Otherwise, take a short stroll along the cliffs and soak up the views instead. 

Boscawen-ûn Stone Circle

We haven’t been ourselves, but if you’re keen to go searching, there’s another impressive prehistoric ring of monoliths en route from Land’s End to our next stop, Carn Euny.  

Boscawen-ûn Stone Circle is believed to have been a significant ceremonial centre in its day. Like the Merry Maidens, there are 19 standing stones here, one of which is notably made of white quartz. 

There’s access to the stone circle via a signposted path from Boscawen-ûn Farm, though apparently parking is tricky along the farm lane. Instead, on your way from Land’s End, keep an eye out for a layover on the right hand side, about 800 metres before the farm lane. You can park here and there’s a sign and path to the stone circle.  

Carn Euny Ancient Village

There are two fascinating ancient settlement sites on the Penwith peninsula, Chysauster and Carn Euny. 

Chysauster Ancient Village , around 15 minutes north of Penzance, is a 2000-year-old Romano-British settlement with stone-walled houses. It’s managed by English Heritage and there’s an entry fee. It’s closed over winter. 

The other site, around 20 minutes inland along the A30 from Land’s End – and the one we visited – is Carn Euny Ancient Village . It’s also managed by English Heritage but it’s free and open during the day year-round. It does, however, require going off-piste around 600 metres from the small car park through farmland that can get seriously squelchy when it rains.  

Carn Euny was inhabited from Iron Age to Roman times, and features stone house foundations and another of those mysterious underground passages called a fogou. The site serves up impressive views for miles around. 

The Tin Coast

People have been digging metals out of the earth in Cornwall for four thousand years. Today, the remnants of historic mining sites and engine houses pockmark the region.  

In fact, mining is such an important part of the Cornish story that the ‘Tin Coast’ has been declared World Heritage, and there are a number of sites where you can get your Poldark on. 

At Botallack , a National Trust site 20 minutes from Carn Euny Ancient Village, you can follow the paths on this map to see the impressive 19th century engine houses clinging to the cliffs, and the shafts, chimney stacks and other remnants of the busy mining site this once was. There’s parking just past Botallack Count House.  

Less than 10 minutes north is the Levant Mine and Beam Engine , another National Trust site. Among the mine buildings and industrial remains here, there’s a working 19th century steam-powered beam engine. The site can only be visited on a 1.5 hour pre-booked tour , but it’s a great way to learn more about the history of tin mining in the region and the perils of the industry.

More exploring on the Penwith Peninsula

If you’ve still got energy (and daylight hours), there are plenty more ancient sites dotting the Penwith peninsula.  

Two other great sites in the northern area include the 5000 year-old  Lanyon Quoit,  a classic stone dolmen thought to have been a burial chamber covered in earth once upon a time. Near the quoit, you’ll find  Chûn Castle , a 2500 year-old circular Iron Age hillfort. 

There are also a ton of opportunities to get outdoors and explore on foot. The epic South West Coast Path traverses the entire coastline, while hundreds and hundreds more kilometres trail across the countryside.

The Epic South West Coast Path   One of the most impressive discoveries when you road trip England’s south west is that there’s also a walking trail winding its way along most of the coastline!  The South West Coast Path is the longest national trail in the UK, stretching around 1,015 kilometres (630 miles) between Poole Harbour at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, right around to Minehead in the north of Devon.  This is definitely on our list of long (loooong) walks we want to conquer in our lifetime. But the great thing about the South West Coast Path is that you can get out of the car and stretch your legs on short lengths of the trail virtually everywhere you stop along the coast.   There are hundreds of short loop walks you can do, which you can find here . Or just park up and set off for a stroll in either direction. Being able to do this is one of the absolute highlights of this south west England road trip itinerary. 

Day 8 – St Ives to Padstow

Highlights: St Ives | Fistral Beach, Newquay | Wine & cider tasting | Padstow     Total driving distance: appx. 80 km (50 miles) plus travel to St Ives from accommodation   Total driving time: appx. 1.5 hours plus above   Overnight: Padstow  

Today, we’re heading further north into western Cornwall to visit a couple of the region’s most famous seaside villages: St Ives and Padstow. 

Between the two towns, there are a couple of activity options today. Just note that if you do the boat trip out of Hayle, you’ll spend most of the day in St Ives.

Start today with a coffee in boho St Ives . We’d seen so much written about this place over the years, we just had to come and see for ourselves what all the fuss was about.  

Summer in this fishing-village-turned-art-hub can be chaotic but we’d heard it could be a ghost town in winter. Not so on the day we visited. The sun was out and by mid-morning, the harbour-front was humming with people and the small beach was filling up. 

We popped into a tiny, side-street café and then wandered the streets. There’s no shortage of pubs, bakeries, bric-à-brac shops, museums and galleries. You’ll also find the highly regarded Tate St Ives Gallery, for which you can book a visit ahead of time here .  

Parking can be a challenge in St Ives, especially in the peak. Perhaps the nicest way to get in and out without losing time searching for a car space is to park up at St Erth Station over in the nearby village of Hayle, and take the 10 minute ‘park and ride’ train to St Ives. You’ll have gorgeous sea views as you travel into the village along the coast. The train runs twice an hour, every day.  

St Ives Station is also the starting point for this 3km self-guided walk around the town.  

If you are parking at Hayle, you might also consider spending more time in this area today and doing a boat trip like this one to experience the dramatic Cornwall coastline from the water. Boat trip itineraries usually depend on the weather, but some do head out to nearby Seal Island  to visit the local seal colony.

Surf’s Up or Bottom’s Up?

From St Ives, it’s a 1 hour 15 minute drive north to the wee fishing village of Padstow. On the way though, you have a couple of diversions to choose from.

En route to Padstow, you’ll pass the town of Newquay, home to the UK’s most famous surfing beaches.  

This is a very popular seaside getaway for Brits, especially in summer. It’s also renowned as a bucks and hens party destination and has the nightlife to go with it.  

We’ve opted not to include Newquay in this itinerary as it’s a bigger town and we feel there are other, prettier places to visit in this area. However, if you’d like to see why the beaches here are considered surfing meccas, you could break up today’s journey to Padstow with a stop at the most popular surf spot, Fistral Beach.

There’s a paid car park at the beach and various shops and places to eat (including a well-priced Rick Stein restaurant) at the International Surfing Centre.  

It’s also worth noting that there are more budget accommodation options here if you’re looking for an alternative to the higher prices in St Ives and Padstow for tonight’s accommodation. 

Wine tasting and vineyard tour

If wine trumps beach for you (it most definitely does for us), then a lovely alternative as you head towards Padstow today is a wine tasting or tour at Trevibban Mill Vineyard .  

English wine’s star is definitely rising and we absolutely recommend taking the chance to sample locally grown and produced vino and cider at this beautiful, high-ceilinged establishment overlooking the countryside. They also serve delicious grazing boards. Check their website for availability. 

Charming Padstow has its share of highlights, but it’s also garnered something of a reputation for its food scene. In fact, this was the catalyst for our original London to Cornwall road trip. 

As far away as Australia, Rick Stein’s way with seafood is legendary and Padstow is where his business empire first flourished. These days there are four Rick Stein restaurants in the village. We decided to go to the source, The Seafood Restaurant. We packaged it up with a stay in one of Stein’s nearby hotels. 

This is just one of many awesome eating opportunities in Padstow however, from the upmarket to the understated. If you don’t feel like a flashy meal this evening, go for a bag of takeaway fish and chips (there’s a Rick Stein joint for this too) and head to the harbourside.   

Food aside, this medieval fishing village is a nice little place to spend the late afternoon, particularly down by the working harbour. Across the water, you’ll see the village of Rock , a posh escape for the rich and famous. Ferries cross back and forth during the day (there’s a timetable down on the pier).  

A wander through the backstreets of Padstow will bring you to the 15th century St Petroc’s Church . This has been a site of worship since the year 518AD and has all the feels of a very ancient place. Outside of the winter months, you can also visit the 16th century manor house, Prideaux Place .

There are a couple of car parks down by the harbour in Padstow but they can fill quickly. We lucked out with a space in the South Quay Car Park. Otherwise, there are a couple of parking lots up the hill, including Padstow Main Road Car Park, a 10 minute walk into town. All of the car parks are paid parking. If you’re staying in town overnight, check with your accommodation provider for your best parking options.

Where to stay in Padstow

For a small village, Padstow has lots of accommodation, reflecting its popularity. But it can book out well ahead of time. Cast the net wider if needed as there are also lovely stays in the area surrounding Padstow.  

• Good value: Drang House – excellent location | clean & comfy | historic building 
• Mid-range: The Old Custom House – cosy pub stay | overlooking the harbour | great brekkie  
• Spend a bit more: Harbour Hotel Padstow – harbour front | lovely views | great staff 

Rick Stein also has a range of accommodations in Padstow, complementing his restaurants around town. We stayed in a very cosy room at Rick Stein’s Café , part of a birthday splurge including dinner at his famous Seafood Restaurant.   

Day 9 – Port Isaac & Tintagel

Highlights: Fishing village of Port Isaac | Tintagel Castle & Village   Total driving distance: appx. 40km (25 miles) plus any additional exploring in this area   Total driving time: appx. 1 hour   plus the above Overnight: Tintagel area

Today you’ll set out into northern Cornwall to visit a charming historic village and the legendary birthplace of King Arthur, Tintagel Castle.  

Leaving Padstow by 9am, make your way north 30 minutes to the tiny fishing village of Port Isaac.  

If you’ve yet to have breakfast (or you’re ready for second breakfast), consider stopping en route at the St Kew Farmshop and Café along the A39 for a bite. We stopped here briefly to browse the pantry and the smells coming from the café were divine! It opens at 9am six days a week (it’s closed Sundays).  

Pretty Port Isaac, with its white cottages decorating the coastal clifftops and the narrow harbour, is the famous ‘Port Wenn’ of the TV series Doc Martin .  

Park at the paid New Road (St Endellion) Long Stay Car Park at the top of the hill and wander along the sea path down into the village.  

Take an hour or two to enjoy a stroll along the tight paths between the village’s cottages, shops and pubs, keeping an eye out for the narrowest of them all, ‘Squeezy Belly Alley’. 

If you’re a fan of the Doc Martin series, you might want to stay a little longer here and make time for this 1.5 hour guided Doc Martin tour of the town. 

Tintagel Castle & Village

It’s a drive of around 25 minutes from Port Isaac to the dramatic bluff where Arthurian myths have swirled for centuries.  

We weren’t sure what to expect on our first visit, but Tintagel and surrounds has turned out to be one of our favourite places to visit in south west England.  

There are five paid car parks in the village of Tintagel. We usually get a space at the good-sized King Arthur’s Car Park in the centre of the village.  

Aim to spend the afternoon in and around Tintagel Castle and village. 

Tintagel Castle

Crowning two dramatic clifftop sites joined by a long bridge, the evocative crumbling ruins of Tintagel hint at the serious fortress it once was. 

The rocky outcrop on which part of the castle clings is also scattered with the stone remains of a Dark Age settlement. 

Tintagel Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm but check the website before visiting as it can be closed during high winds and poor weather, and isn’t open every day during the winter period.  

It also has timed entry and can get busy, so while you can buy a ticket on the day, it’s useful to book ahead if you can. You’ll save money by booking in advance online too, up till 8.45am on the day you visit. The castle is managed by English Heritage. 

There’s a steep hill down and some stairs up to reach the castle bridge. There’s also a land rover that runs visitors up and down for an additional fee.    

Spend a couple of hours wandering all over and re-imagining this mythical site. Don’t miss the ethereal sculpture, Gallos , on the far side of the island – it’s a fitting tribute to Tintagel’s mystique. 

Travel Tip: For sensational views of the coastline here and of Tintagel island itself, we highly recommend heading out for a walk along the South West Coast Path to the right and/or left of Tintagel Castle. We’ve walked both sides and both serve up fantastic scenery and different perspectives of the castle, bridge and island. The weather was wild when we last hiked but it was exhilarating all the same.   On the south side, you can also walk along the coast path to the spectacularly-sited 12th century St Materiana’s Church . For a shorter walk, you can park at the church and head along the path towards Tintagel instead. 

Tintagel Village

Once you’ve finished exploring Tintagel Castle, take a stroll through the village high street.  

When you see a higgledy-piggledy, ancient-looking stone and slate-roof building, you’ve reached the Tintagel Old Post Off ice , a cottage from the 1300s.  

This is a National Trust site set up as it would have been several hundred years ago when the cottage was a Victorian post office and home, with lots of insights about life in earlier times. We weren’t here long but found it a quaint and fascinating little spot. 

Unless you’ve had lunch on the go, you have plenty of options for a late lunch or early dinner in Tintagel village.  

Alternatively, take a 10 minute drive into the nearby countryside for a stop at beautiful Tintagel Brewery Bar & Bistro for a paddle of beers and something delicious from their menu (we’re still talking about the pork belly Scotch egg with Thai spiced sauce we had here). Check their website for opening hours and serving times.

Where to stay in Tintagel and surrounds

Tomorrow, you’ll be spending a good part of the morning in the area between Tintagel and Boscastle and there’s a range of accommodation in and between both villages. So you can either stay in Tintagel tonight, or in Boscastle, or anywhere between. Boscastle is just 10 minutes up the road.  

The following stays get great reviews: 

• Good value: Bosayne Guest House – friendly and welcoming | near to beach and Tintagel village | free parking 
• Mid-range: King Arthur’s Arms – historic pub stay | centre of Tintagel | free parking 
• Spend a bit more: The Wellington Hotel – elegant, historic building | centre of Boscastle | free parking   

Day 10 – Boscastle to Exeter via Bodmin Moor

Highlights: St Nectan’s Glen Walk & Waterfall | Boscastle fishing village | Bodmin Moor      Total driving distance: appx. 145km (90 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 2.5 hours   Overnight: Exeter  

Today you’ll explore some of the natural and historic man-made highlights of this area before leaving Cornwall as you start your journey back east. 

Depending on where you’ve spent the night, you can do either Boscastle or St Nectan’s Glen first this morning. St Nectan’s Glen is between Tintagel and Boscastle.

St Nectan’s Glen & Waterfall

After a couple of days of poor weather and muddy trails, we very nearly passed up this little nature trail. We’re really glad we didn’t. St Nectan’s Glen and Waterfall is a real delight and wholly unexpected when you park up in the gravel car park off the B3263 road.  

Have £3 in coins with you for the pay and display car park as it’s cash only. Also, wear your decent walking shoes as it can get muddy and there are a bunch of slippery steps at the visitor centre and waterfall. 

From the carpark, follow the signs to cross the road, head up the short path and then off to the right. Soon enough, the trail will start to follow alongside a lovely bubbling river through a mossy, green forest.  

You’ll climb quite a few stairs out of the glen to the visitor centre, where you pay an £8 entry fee and then head back down a heap more steps on the other side of the river. If you go this route, you’ll need to wade into the river to see the falls. We took our shoes off and embraced the freezing, ankle-deep water to go and stand in the spray of the cascade. It’s magic.  

Once you climb the steps out again, you can stop by the café before making your way back through the glen, or looping out and back to the car park along a very rough and ready single-lane dirt road. We went this way and can confirm it’s an easier downhill walk but far less picturesque.    

The trail is open anytime, but access to the waterfall and visitor centre is daily from 9am to 5pm. We suggest being on the trail around 8.30am and getting to the centre for opening. Give yourself around 1.5 hours to do the walk there and back, with some time at the falls. 

Ten minutes north of the St Nectan’s Glen car park and 15 minutes north of Tintagel, tucked into a small inlet between narrow and winding sea cliffs, you’ll find the tiny harbour village of Boscastle . This was another marvellous little stop for us, and definitely worth a visit.  

Park up at the paid Cobweb Car Park. A river runs through the village along a shale-stacked canal and meets the sea at a quay built in Elizabethan times. Pretty stone cottages and some ancient looking buildings line the way. 

Enjoy a wander through the hamlet and stop for a break in one of the tea rooms or at The Wellington , a 16th century coaching inn. Look out for the red telephone box out the front that’s been converted into a donation-based second-hand bookshop.  

If the spirit of Tintagel has fired up your interest in legends and myths, there’s a Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle (it’s closed during winter). The Wellington is also said to be haunted!    

In our opinion, the real magic happens here with a walk out along the right side of the bay, up to the high shale rock pile that forms a natural protective barrier for the village. From up there, you’ll have views only nature can conjure, right out over the Atlantic and the coastline and back towards the village. 

Bodmin Moor

From Boscastle, make your way inland and take the A30 road into the granite wilds of Bodmin Moor. There’s only time to visit a couple of the many sites – natural and manmade – that make this landscape so special, but don’t leave Cornwall without at least a drive through part of this ruggedly beautiful place.  

Hurlers Stone Circles

Our first stop is the  Hurlers Stone Circles , a 50 minute drive from Boscastle.  

Hurlers is a series of three stone circles in a line, and a unique formation in England. Legend has it the stones are local men who were punished for playing the Cornish game of hurling on a Sunday. 

The site was particularly ambient on the day we visited: brooding sarsens on the misty, sodden moor with a couple of wild black ponies watching nearby.

You can park for free at The Hurlers car park. If time is on your side, this is also the starting point for our next stop, which involves a walk on the moor.

The Cheesewring

Apart from Bodmin Moor’s highest point, Brown Willy, The Cheesewring is perhaps the next most well-known natural feature on the moor.

Named for cheese presses of old, The Cheesewring is a stack of large individual stones, smoothed over millennia and balanced precariously on top of each other to tower over the surrounding landscape.   

It’s a 20 minute walk from the car park to The Cheesewring. Just beware that weather can change very suddenly on the moor, so dress appropriately and wear decent shoes. If the weather looks to be closing in, or your hours of daylight are limited, consider giving this a miss. 

Trevethy Quoit

Ten minutes south, just outside Bodmin Moor in Liskeard, you’ll find  Trevethy Quoit .  

Known hereabouts as ‘the giant’s house’, this is the tallest neolithic portal dolmen burial chamber we’ve ever seen, standing at 2.7 metres high and in good condition.  

It’s an impressive megalithic structure, if not a little juxtaposed by the modern-day houses right next door.  

Overnight in Exeter

From Trevethy Quoit, set the GPS for the city of Exeter. It’s a drive of around 1 hour 15 minutes. Tonight is spent back in the cathedral city in order to get a headstart on tomorrow’s itinerary, which kicks off in Glastonbury. 

If you’d prefer to head straight to Glastonbury tonight, and don’t mind a long drive, it’s a further 1 hour 15 minutes up the road.

Where to stay in Exeter

As a much larger town, you have plenty of options for a stay in Exeter. As we’ve already spent some time in Exeter on this trip, you could stay on the outskirts tonight. But if you do want to stay closer in, we recommend taking a walk around Cathedral Yard to see the cathedral lit up at night.

The following stays get great reviews:

• Good value: Leonardo Hotel Exeter – modern and clean | close to historic centre | paid parking nearby (we stayed here and it was comfortable and convenient).
• Mid-range: Townhouse Exeter – quiet and comfortable | short walk to centre | paid parking nearby
• Spend a bit more: Mill on the Exe – historic mill house | riverside location | free parking

Day 11 – Glastonbury & Wells

Highlights: Glastonbury Abbey | Glastonbury Tor | Wells Cathedral  | Wells historic centre Total driving distance: appx. 100km (62 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 1.5 hours   Overnight: Wells  

You may have left Cornwall behind now but you’re still firmly within the borders of the ‘West Country’ for these final days of our south west England road trip itinerary.  

It’s a drive of around 1 hour 15 minutes from Exeter to Glastonbury.

Glastonbury

From King Arthur’s mythical birthplace at Tintagel to his fabled burial place in Glastonbury, the mythical ‘Isle of Avalon’, we’re hot on the trail of English legend and folklore as we roll into this world-renowned Somerset town.  

Apart from being home to the famous Glastonbury Festival, this is also considered the birthplace of Christianity in England, and it’s been a spiritual centre for millennia. 

It can get very busy here. We learnt this the hard way the first time we visited and kept going as we hadn’t planned our parking. The next time, we had our options ready in advance.  

The most central carpark is the pay and display St Dunstan’s Car Park at Glastonbury Abbey, and you can take a bus from here to Glastonbury Tor between April and September (that’s if you don’t feel like making the 30 minute walk; there’s no parking at the Tor). This isn’t a large carpark though and it’s closed for a market on Tuesdays, so have a back-up.  

Head into Glastonbury Abbey for a wander around the ruins and look out for the spot where King Arthur and Queen Guinevere are said to have been buried. There’s a fee for the abbey, but you can save by booking online in advance.  

From the abbey, make your way along the High Street and check out Glastonbury Market Cross , the Glastonbury Goddess Temple , the 15th century Glastonbury Tribunal and St John the Baptist Church . 

It’s then a 15 to 20 minute walk to Glastonbury Tor . Coming from town along the A361, turn left onto Wellhouse Lane and then make an almost immediate right onto the narrow lane which takes you up to a gate and on to the Tor. A little further up Wellhouse Lane is the White Spring in a Victorian well house.  

You can also head up the Tor from the opposite side, off Stone Down Lane.  

Glastonbury Tor is free to visit but you earn it: it’s a steady uphill slog from both sides. The reward, however, is absolutely worth it. At the top you’ll find St Michael’s Tower , all that remains of the 14th century church that once crowned the hill. And the views over the ‘Isle of Avalon’ are something else.  

Travel tip: On this itinerary, you’ll visit Glastonbury in the morning and spend the afternoon and evening in Wells. We’ve also had the chance to appreciate Glastonbury at sunset though and it’s pretty special (though unsurprisingly it does attract crowds).  As Wells and Glastonbury are only 20 minutes apart, you could easily flip today’s itinerary if you’re keen for sunset atop the Tor. Or head back from Wells just for sunset or sunrise.

Wells, our next stop, is just 20 minutes up the road, so after coming down off the Tor, you can either lunch in Glastonbury or in Wells.  

Aim to arrive in Wells in the early afternoon, which will give you plenty of time to wander and appreciate this lovely little city, England’s smallest. Wells is actually more village than town and is only designated a city thanks to its cathedral. 

If you haven’t eaten yet, head to one of the pubs in the pretty Market Place.  Then enjoy a leisurely afternoon meander around the 800 year-old Bishop’s Palace . There’s a fee to go in, or you can do as we did and wander the outskirts of the palace and along the   path through the Palace Fields . There are lovely views over the countryside from here back towards Glastonbury Tor. 

Afterwards, tour the magnificent Wells Cathedral . It’s open till 6pm. We came back out just as the sun was turning the façade a golden honey colour. Entry to the cathedral is by donation until late April; after that, there’s an entry fee (reduced on Sundays). 

From the cathedral, pop over to marvel at the adjoining 14th century Vicars’ Close . It’s said to be the oldest original and continually inhabited residential ‘street’ in Europe (the image up near the beginning of this article is of Vicar’s Close). 

For some fun and offbeat self-guided walking tours through Wells, check out this audio guide .

Head back to the vibrant Market Place for dinner before turning in for the night.

Where to stay in Wells

Lovely little Wells has a range of options both in the historic centre and the surrounding area. We stayed in a charming, 600-year-old building overlooking the cathedral green, The Ancient Gatehouse, which we’ve included below. The following hotels all have solid reviews.

• Good value: Premier Inn Wells – budget friendly | clean and comfortable | 20 minute walk to centre
• Mid-range: The Ancient Gatehouse – heritage listed building | central location | nearby paid parking
• Spend a bit more: The Sheep and Penguin – beautifully refurbed pub stay | nearby paid parking

Day 12 – Bath

Highlights: Ancient Roman Baths | Royal Crescent & Circus | Pulteney Bridge & Weir | Bath’s Georgian architecture   Total driving distance: appx. 35km (22 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 40 minutes   Overnight: Bath  

Today, you’re headed to the World Heritage city of Bath, a drive of around 40 minutes northeast of Wells.  

Bath has been drawing people to its therapeutic waters for nearly 2000 years. The Ancient Romans, no doubt desperate for some home comforts in the strange, grey world of Britannia, tapped the hot springs here around 70AD and built the Roman baths that gave the town its name and which you can still see today.  

In the 18th century, Bath’s reputation as a spa town flourished once more, along with the population. Much of the elegant Georgian architecture is from that period.  

As UK cities go, Bath is one of our favourites. It’s strikingly beautiful and, as a university town, there’s always plenty going on and lots of great eating options.  

Day 12 of our itinerary is wholly dedicated to exploring Bath, and you’ll be staying here for the next two nights.  

There are a number of parking lots around Bath. Unless your accommodation has parking, ask them for their advice on the most convenient place to park. We parked at the Charlotte Street Long Stay Car Park, which is huge but not cheap; it was around £18 for 24 hours (cost is dependent on your vehicle’s level of emissions). 

Tours of Bath

There’s a bucket load to see in Bath and we highly recommend exploring it with a guide of some sort to get the most of out of your visit.

You can join a guided walking tour like this . Or go at your own pace and download a self-guided walking tour app like this one . This is what we did and while the commentary is hilariously flowery at times, it does provide a really good insight into the history and the buildings of this beautiful town. We were also able to do it over the course of the day and take our time.

Check out wide range of other themed walking tours you can do in Bath here .

Just make a note of any sites or museums you might want to visit before you rock up, and book ahead where necessary so you don’t miss out during busy periods.

Things to do in Bath

With or without a guide, you can take your pick of the many, many things to do in Bath. Exploring the A ncient Roman Baths is, of course, a must. Do this first thing if you can. We were there at opening and it was already getting crowded.  

While you can’t swim in the ancient baths these days, you can channel the Romans and experience for yourself Bath’s soothing thermal waters with a spa session at Thermae Bath Spa . Or literally take the waters as the Georgians did with a glass of the magic liquid during a high tea at The Pump Room , which is right above the ancient baths.    

Wander up to the Royal Crescent and the Circus to see the city’s most famous Georgian buildings. Cross the impressive the 18th century Pulteney Bridge , one of just four in the world with shops spanning both sides.  

Join a tour of Bath Abbey and go up the tower for views over the city (plan ahead if you want to do this, we missed out).  

If you’re here on a Saturday, head to Green Park Station for the weekly Bath Farmer’s Market and browse the yummy local produce. Or head to the historic Guildhall Market any day but Sunday and browse the stalls. 

Jane Austen lived in Bath and you can learn more about her life and the times at the Jane Austen Centre . Or head to the free Victoria Art Gallery or the Ho lburne Museum for a dose of art and sculpture.  

We also found Bath to have a really extensive and varied eating scene, from Michelin star restaurants and gastropubs to hole-in-the-wall street food. Keeping it low key on our first night, we had a tasty beef stew and a pint of delicious IPA in the cobbled backstreets at The Raven pub. 

Travel Tip: Don’t leave town without delving into the curious world of Bath’s historic ‘buns’. The city gave rise (pun intended) to two unique types of bun that are famous here today – the Sally Lunn Bun and the Bath Bun. Both have interesting backstories and they couldn’t taste any more different. We recommend a parallel taste test. We picked up a Sally bun from Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House & Museum, and stuffed it with ham and cheese from the Guildhall Market, which is also where we bought a much sweeter Bath Bun.   Which will win your vote? 

Where to stay in Bath

You’ll be spending the next two nights in Bath. As a World Heritage city, a university city and a popular tourist destination, Bath offers accommodation right across the spectrum, from backpacker stays to serious luxe. The stays below are all in the city centre and have great reviews. If you’re after onsite parking, you’ll find more options outside of the historic centre.

• Good value: The Z Hotel – great location | tiny but comfy rooms | friendly staff (we stayed here and while the room was teeny and the bathroom walls are frosted glass, which may not suit everyone, it was perfect for our stay and we loved the location)
• Mid-range: The Henry Guesthouse – centrally located | cosy & comfy | lovely staff
• Spend a bit more: Eight – restored historic house | big, beautiful rooms | close to abbey

Day 13 – Castle Combe, Lacock Abbey & Bath

Highlights: Cotswolds village of Castle Combe | Lacock Abbey | Final evening in Bath   Total driving distance: appx. 60km (37 miles)   Total driving time: appx. 1.5 hours   Overnight: Bath

You have another night Bath tonight, so you’ll have a second bite of the Bath dining scene. Today, though, we’re back in the car to explore some of the countryside highlights in this area. 

Castle Combe

Stretching north of Bath is the beautiful Cotswolds National Landscape. This is quintessential English country-and-village touring, and we recently spent a wonderful few days travelling through the area. There’s so much to see across this landscape though that it really deserves a couple of days at bare minimum.  

For this reason, we haven’t included the Cotswolds more broadly in this itinerary. What we have included is a taster, with a visit to a hamlet on the southern edge of the Cotswolds, Castle Combe. The bonus is that Castle Combe is one of the most photogenic of all the Cotswolds villages. It’s around 35 minutes’ drive north of Bath. 

Castle Combe village, as you see it today, dates largely back to the 14th and 15th centuries, when the cloth industry took off. The village flourished until water levels in the Bybrook River, critical for powering mills, dropped to the point the industry had to move. There have been virtually no new buildings in the village since. So what you see is an authentic snapshot of a village from a time long passed. 

Have a wander, taking in the pretty Cotswold stone cottages , the market square with its 14th century market cross , and historic St Andrew’s Church . The village’s two pubs, the Castle Inn and The White Hart , date back to the 12th and 14th centuries. 

The Manor House , a country house-turned-hotel, sits on the site of the former Norman castle that gave the village its name.    

There’s very limited street parking in and on the approach to the village. Your best bet for Castle Combe parking is in the paid Dunns Lane public car park, a 5 to 10 minute walk up the hill. 

Lacock Abbey

Our next stop today is the 800 year-old Lacock Abbey . It’s a 20 minute drive from Castle Combe. 

Built in the 13th century as a nunnery, Lacock Abbey became a grand country home following Henry VIIIs Dissolution of the Monasteries. It went on to be redecorated and remodelled throughout the ensuing centuries to suit ever-changing architectural and artistic tastes. 

Today’s, Lacock Abbey is a National Trust site. It’s open daily till around 5pm but check the National trust website before you go. There’s an entry fee plus a car park charge.

Late afternoon and evening in Bath

Back in Bath this afternoon and evening, check out whatever you didn’t get to see and do yesterday and pick somewhere awesome for dinner. It is, after all, the last night of our road trip! 

Day 14 – Return to London via Stonehenge

Highlights: Standing stones and museum of Stonehenge     Total driving distance : appx. 160km (100 miles)   Total driving time : appx. 2 hours 15 minutes, but keep an eye on traffic and factor in extra time as Greater London traffic is often seriously congested (especially the M25) and can add quite a bit of time to your journey.  

It’s the final day of our epic two week south west England road trip itinerary! 

Today you’re headed back to London, a 160km (100 miles) drive east of Bath. But we’ve included one more stop to break up the journey. It’s a tourist magnet, sure, but there’s a good reason for that: this is, after all, the pinnacle of ancient places to visit in south west England, if not the whole of the UK. We’re talking, of course, about Stonehenge. 

Stonehenge is around an hour’s drive south east of Bath. It’s open from 9.30am to 5pm daily and we recommend getting there for opening as it gets busy.   

Improvement programs in recent years have changed Stonehenge dramatically since our first visit some 20 years ago and we love coming here now.  

Tour the excellent visitor centre and museum and then take a walk (or the shuttle bus) out to the henge itself, where a redesign of the walkways means you can actually see and photograph the stones without a million people in the scene. 

Wander back to the visitor centre through the fields and past prehistoric mounds and monuments. Today’s experience is an entirely new and enlightening perspective on this incredibly ancient place and not to be missed. 

We also recommend downloading the English Heritage Stonehenge Audio Guide before you visit.

There’s a large car park at the site and you can book tickets on arrival, but you’ll save money if you buy them online ahead of time. English Heritage and National Trust (England) members can visit for free.

Time for one last classic pub lunch, if you can spare the extra hour. There are some excellent old pubs in the region around Wiltshire, like cosy 17th century pubs, The Swan at Enford and The Crown Inn at Cholderton, both around 15 minutes’ drive from Stonehenge. 

Back in the car, set the GPS for Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport or your London base, and enjoy the remainder of the journey recapping the many, many highlights of this magical taster of England’s incredible south-west. 

Planning a South West England Road Trip

Getting to london.

The start and finish point for this itinerary is London Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport, and a convenient location to collect and drop off a hire car. It’s also in the west of London, so it makes a good launchpad for our journey through the south west. 

You could also start this itinerary from London Gatwick, which has a huge range of car hire options as well and is south of London.  

Both airports are serviced by flights from around the world. Both can also be reached by direct and regular trains from central London, which in turn can be reached by trains from all over the UK mainland and from several cities in Europe.

Best time to visit south west England

People joke about it always being grey in England. And they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. It certainly feels like it’s overcast and drizzly a lot of the time, especially in winter. But there can also be lovely dry, sunny spells. 

Come expecting it to be overcast, always carry a rain jacket, and don’t let it get in the way of your day. In our experience, all the grey days just make the sunny days that much more welcome and enjoyable.  

But is there a best time to visit England’s south west?

Summer – Some would say summer is best, when the chance of sun is greater and the days warmer. It’s a good time to get outdoors, go walking and visit the beaches of the south and south west coasts.  

July and August are the busiest months in these areas, for both tourists and locals. Prices go up and accommodation can book out well in advance, especially in some of the coastal towns we visit on this itinerary. We don’t enjoy crowds or the hassle of trying to find parking in peak periods. So we’d personally avoid road tripping the south west in summer.  

Winter – Over December to February, London and the bigger cities are still busy with tourists but it gets much quieter in the countryside and smaller villages. At this time of year, the days are shorter and it can get really chilly if you’re spending time outdoors. On the plus side, the low sunlight (when it makes an appearance) at this time of year casts everything in a beautiful golden glow.  

Most importantly though, many cafes, restaurants, accommodations and historic sites close over the winter season, generally reopening around late March. We’ve travelled the south west in the wintertime and it’s beautiful, but all the closures can take a bit of the fun out of the itinerary. It’s definitely something to consider when planning your trip.   

Spring and Autumn – In our opinion, the shoulder periods of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best times to road trip south west England. Outside of holiday periods, it’s not quite as busy and the countryside colours are at their best: bright and vivid in spring, and warm and muted in Autumn. 

Where to stay in south west England

You’ll find just about every kind of accommodation in the south west, to suit every price point. There are campgrounds, vacation rentals, apartments, B&Bs, boutique and budget chain hotels – everything.  

A uniquely British accommodation experience, and one of our favourite types of stay when we travel here, is a room in an historic coaching inn or pub. It’s a wonderfully ambient experience, and often includes an epic Full English breakfast – required eating at least once on road trips in the UK (but maybe not every day like we tend to).  

When we road trip, we usually stay in comfortable mid-range hotels and apartments, preferably with parking onsite or nearby. Throughout this post, we’ve included suggested budget, mid-range and higher price point accommodation options that have excellent reviews and which we’ve either stayed at ourselves, or which we would choose to stay in.   

Book accommodation well ahead, particularly if you’re wanting to stay somewhere particular or you’re travelling during the summer peak period.

We mainly use Booking.com to find and book accommodation when we travel.

Driving and renting a car in England

Some key points to note if you’re coming from overseas and plan on driving in England, or anywhere in the UK: 

• You need to carry a valid driving licence from your home country to drive a car in the UK. However, if your home licence is not in English, you’ll need an International Driving Permit. 
• In the UK, you drive on the left side of the road and your steering wheel is on the right side of the car. 
• Familiarise yourself with the road rules and signage .  
• Always make sure you have appropriate travel insurance. 
• If you’re renting a car, aim to do so well in advance to get the best deal and the right car for you. We use RentalCars.com and Discover Cars to find our hire cars.  

If you have any questions, thoughts or updates to share about our south west England road trip itinerary, let us know in the comments below!   

If you’re looking for more great road tripping itineraries and adventures,  check out our Road Trips page , and our bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world .

6 thoughts on “The Ultimate 2 Week South West England Road Trip Itinerary”

Thanks for sharing amazing information and ideas about road trips and travel in the UK. Regards: Lux Transfers UK

Thanks Maroof, glad you found it useful.

Would like mor information on your tour. Is sounds terrific. Please send information

Thanks for your message! You might be able to find organised tours for this kind of trip by searching on TripAdvisor and similar sites. However, if you’re driving your own car or hiring a car, we hope you might find our post useful as a suggested itinerary for travelling this route independently.

All the best! Danielle and John

The Wells Cathedral looks beautiful. I would love to explore its architecture from inside out. Another landmark that I dream of exploring is the Stonehenge. I would love to do this road trip.

Hey Rezmin, both amazing destinations and well worth a visit! Thanks for your message!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

A campervan holiday on England's South coast

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• campervan-holiday-england-south-coast

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

written by Aimee White

updated 27.08.2021

England’s south coast makes for an epic summer road trip, with the Jurassic Coast stretching from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks; fishing villages tucked into ancient coves; and plenty of sandy beaches. As the old adage goes, it’s about the journey, not the destination, and what a journey I had on my first campervan holiday with three pals and a dog. To plan your own adventure on England's south coast, the Rough Guide to Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the Rough Guides Staycations Devon and Cornwall are your essential guides.

The campervan

Day 1: kingsbridge, south devon, day 2: salcombe, south devon, day 3: weymouth, dorset, day 4: durdle door and poole, dorset, day 5: sandbanks, dorset, the trip lowdown.

Your writer on her campervan holiday companion: a VW Transporter

Tailor-made travel itineraries for England, created by local experts

20 days  / from 2994 USD

The Great British Road Trip

Get ready to explore Britain on this unique self-drive road trip. Choose the car of your liking before you hit the road: from the Cotswolds and its picturesque villages over the Beatle's favorite hang-out in Liverpool to Scotland's capital Edinburgh: this trip includes many highlights to be explored

7 days  / from 1350 USD

Magical 7-Day Family Adventure in Scotland and England : From Harry Potter to Loch Ness!

Searching for an unforgettable family adventure? Scotland is the perfect destination! With a perfect balance of nature, adventure, and Scottish culture. This 7-day trip offers a delightful mix of activities that everyone in the family will enjoy. Get ready to create life long lasting memories!

5 days  / from 638 USD

Refreshing English Countryside Break

Outside of London, England is known with a countryside full of history, picturesque villages, patchwork hills, and winding country roads. Explore the countryside with its castles, parks, and historical cities such as Oxford.

Together, my friends and I covered Salcombe, Weymouth, Durdle Door, Poole and Sandbanks - read on to discover why you too should consider a road trip along England’s south coast – and how to do it on a budget.

We hired a Volkswagen Transporter from Kamperhire.co.uk and collected it from a local company in Portsmouth that we’d found listed in our Rough Guide to Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight . The campervan accommodated four people – the seats in the back folded down into a bed (aka ‘downstairs’) and the roof popped up to create another double-bed space (‘upstairs’).

There was also cupboard space, a fridge, sink and gas hobs. If four people travelling together wasn’t enough, we also had Betsie the French Bulldog with us as well; she, of course, had her choice of sleeping arrangement each night.

But why a motorhome? We found that it was an affordable way to take in a wedge of the south coast which, let’s face it, can be pricey if you want to visit multiple places - especially notoriously costly spots like Salcombe and Sandbanks. As we set off, we accepted this challenge and prepared ourselves for the next four nights and five days ahead of us. What could possibly go wrong?

Snoozing on the road: Betsie the dog

Setting off from Portsmouth, we made the 170 mile trip down to Kingsbridge in South Devon . We had decided to start with the longest part of the route first so that our journey back felt less tedious and more enjoyable. There were a few hold-ups along the three-and-a-half-hour journey – road closures, trailers coming off the back of caravans, but it was easy enough to stop for breaks or to let Betsie out for a drink.

After squeezing down a zig-zag of narrow country roads, we eventually reached our campsite, Karrageen , a family-run campsite in Kingsbridge. Kingsbridge is the closest camping spot to Salcombe, roughly a 15min drive away, but is only a five minute walk from Hope Cove, which contains two coves (one is dog-friendly), a post office and a pub.

Ready to explore England's glorious southwestern coast? Don't miss our guide to the best things to do in Devon .

The view over Kingsbridge Estuary in Salcombe © David Hughes/Shutterstock

Karrageen campsite has 70 pitches spread out over a main camping field and the top field, and you are assigned a pitch when you check in at reception. There was a real community-like feel to this campsite, so if you’re looking to befriend your fellow campers, this is a good place to stay.

It’s also a good place for a first-night stay if you haven’t stocked up on food supplies; when we arrived (much later than planned), we had just missed the stone-baked pizza night which had taken place in the gazebo outside the reception. But, in true friendly Karrageen style, a very kind family of happy campers donated one of their pizzas to us.

That night, we stayed in the campervan and played card games while we listened to the rain pelt against the campervan. Betsie curled up and went to sleep downstairs.

Picturesque Hope Cove in Devon © Andrew Roland/Shutterstock

We were up early the next morning to collect our pre-ordered pastries from reception, and afterwards, we bundled into the other car and headed down to Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa .

The drive was short but the roads were narrow and hilly. As we drove down Fore Street – the ‘high street’ – we were glared at by the pedestrians who had practically reclaimed the street. That said, it was actually quite nice to see so many people and barely any cars, despite our stop-start drive.

At the very other end of Fore Street is the glamorous Salcombe Harbour Hotel & Spa, which offers superlative views over the picturesque estuary. While it might sound like a swanky option for a camping trip, it felt good to treat ourselves – and there are hacks to enjoy these places on a budget.

The harbour at Salcombe, South Devon © Gordon Bell/Shutterstock

After leaving the car with the valet driver, next to a Lamborghini, we ate lunch at the on-site restaurant, The Jetty. Here we tucked into starters (think whitebait with sriracha sauce, truffle mac’n’cheese) and shared a bottle of organic wine. And while you can book spa packages and treatments, it’s also possible to just use the spa facilities for £5 an hour (ring on the morning of your planned visit to reserve up to three hours) where you can enjoy a pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and sun loungers separated by long, white veils. Who needs Mykonos?

That afternoon, Betsie joined us as we mooched along Fore Street and passed by fellow dog walkers, wetsuit-clad teens and barefooted children. There are plenty of independent stores and high street names that serve the well-heeled locals of Salcombe, including the first Jack Wills store.

We sat in the outside section of the Victoria Inn pub, which was actually located in a car park – nicer than it sounds – with a pint of cider overlooking the estuary where RNLI coastguards, paddleboarders and kayakers alike weaved their way in between the moored fishing boats and dazzling yachts.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way back to the campsite and enjoyed a barbecue on our pitch. Aside from accidentally setting the car alarm off enough times to wake up the rest of the campsite, we all enjoyed a good night’s rest. That night, Betsie the dog slept on the passenger seat.

Heading to England's glorious south coast? Discover the 15 best things to do Devon and Cornwall .

Early morning fog in the harbour at East Porttlemouth, Kingsbridge © Peter Turner Photography/Shutterstock

Day three started with another morning of rain. The great English weather wasn’t going to ruin our mood, though; it was the day of the Euros Final and we had a table booked at a pub in Weymouth. After packing up the van and disposing of our rubbish, we made the 160-mile drive to Weymouth, where the grey clouds loitered and Three Lions played on repeat.

We arrived at Rosewall Campsite , located in Osmington Mills in Weymouth, and offers a sea view from as soon as you enter the site. There’s also a horse stable nearby with riding opportunities, and further down is a lake which makes for a pleasant stroll around. The campsite itself spans 13 acres and we could choose our own pitch; there was plenty of room for Betsie to run around and greet the other dogs, too.

After setting up, we sat underneath the opened boot of the car and passed the afternoon in the most English way possible: rum in hand, raincoats on, watching the rain hit the grass around us.

That evening, we went to KIKABeach for dinner, a tapas bar with a beach theme and colourful cocktails. The restaurant was closing at 7pm for the Euros football final, so we headed to the pub and experienced a rollercoaster of emotions – congratulations, Italy. That night, we returned to the campsite with only a dampened spirit (and our other shoes that we’d forgotten to take in). Betsie the dog slept upstairs.

If you're planning a trip to Dorset, don't miss West Bay: the real-life Broadchurch location .

The Weymouth lifting bridge opens to allow a yacht to pass through © allouphoto/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

We awoke to near-silence, which was quite strange as we’d become somewhat used to the rain waking us up. The five of us walked down to the lake, passing the stables and a field where inquisitive horses trotted over to see who we were and what we were doing. After taking a slow walk around the lake, and making sure Betsie didn’t go in after any of the fish, we returned to the campsite and set off for our next stop.

It took roughly half an hour to drive to Dorset's iconic landmark and beauty spot, Durdle Door. I’d never been before, but had seen enough photos and read enough articles about it to want to visit. I was itching to see it for myself. We purposely picked a weekday to avoid the crowds, but it was still quite busy as we arrived at the upper car park, which costs £5 for an all-day ticket. We enjoyed a picnic on the field overlooking Durdle Door, amid a crowd of selfie-takers, before stomping our way down the steep hill and towards the flatter gravel path.

The gravel path provides a sweeping view down over Durdle Door, but if you carry on straight ahead you can also see the Man O’War Cove. There was hardly anyone at this cove despite the turquoise water glistening; it looked remarkably different from the dark-blue sea surrounding it. When the sun peeked out from between the clouds, it almost felt like we could be in Ibiza. Almost.

Durdle Door, the Jurassic Coast's most famous landmark © Patryk Kosmider/Shutterstock

There are a series of wide steps leading down to Durdle Door, but it’s important to take great care as you make your way down – especially if it’s been raining, as the muddy sludge will ruin your shoes if you’re not careful. I felt a pang of sympathy for the girl in front of me who complained about this as she made her way down in socks and designer sliders.

The beach on Durdle Door is a pebble beach, and it’s easy to set yourself up for the day, whether you want a sunbathe, picnic or photoshoot. There were swimmers splashing around the iconic arch – although swimming around this point is advised against – but it has a very pleasant atmosphere, and dogs are welcomed.

Once we had spent a relaxing stretch of time here, we headed back up to the car park. It’s definitely a good idea to wear proper trainers or walking boots, especially for the steep sections for your grip and comfort. Before driving onto our next stop, we enjoyed an ice cream and then made the 27 mile route through Lulworth and onto Poole.

Poole Harbour at sunset © Joe Gough/Shutterstock

Poole felt like more of a return to a typical busy city, which already felt a world away from the pedestrianised ‘high streets’ of Salcombe and country roads through Lulworth. It goes to show, though, that this route will really appeal to those who want to combine a chill-out stay with more active adventures.

We parked up at Branksome Beach car park, just behind a fish and chips restaurant and mere metres from the sandy beach. The car park allows overnight stays so we made ourselves at home behind the row of beach huts, with a view of the caramel-coloured beach. We dashed into the nearest restaurant just in time to avoid the thrashing rain and noisy thunder and lightning.

Later that evening, the rain miraculously stopped, so we sat on the beach and watched a group of paddleboarders before walking along the promenade and counting the number of volleyball nets and checking out the beach gym. If you’re looking for beach fun and fitness, Poole’s the place to come. For our final night in the campervan, Betsie the dog curled up on the driver's seat.

Pretty thatched houses in Lulworth village, Dorset © SusaZoom/Shutterstock

It was the last day of our road trip; we had the best weather for it and we were in the best place to embrace the sun. We got up early and drove ten minutes down to Sandbanks, an affluent part of Poole that is renowned for its pricey holidays pads – some of the most expensive in the country – and a gorgeous, sandy beach. As we set ourselves up on the beach, surrounding us was a lifeguard’s training session, a few early morning joggers and keen paddleboarders; otherwise, we practically had the beach to ourselves.

It was the perfect spot to practice yoga; the cooling breeze, the soft sand beneath our feet, the sun beaming down on us. Afterwards, we continued this relaxing experience with a coffee and bacon-and-cheese baguette from the kiosk along the beachfront.

This was a great way to end our road trip along the south coast, and we made the final leg of the journey before dropping the campervan back in one piece. If you’re thinking of heading out on a road trip of your own, my advice is to prepare for a bumpy ride – but it’s totally worth it!

Old Harry Rocks cliffs in Dorset © januszkurek.com/Shutterstock

Find out more about where to stay and what to see in Devon and Cornwall . Ready to plan your own adventure on England's south coast? Check out the Rough Guide to Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and the Rough Guides Staycations Devon and Cornwall .

Who we hired from: Kamperhire.co.uk

What we drove: VW California 6.1 Coast; sleeps 4

What we paid: £120 per day

Extra costs: £30 per dog

Aimee is an in-house Senior Travel Editor at Rough Guides and is the podcast host of The Rough Guide to Everywhere. She is also a freelance travel writer and has written for various online and print publications, including a guidebook to the Isle of Wight. Follow her on Twitter at @aimeefw .

• Coasts & Islands
• Inspiration

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

Travel advice for England

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to England

• Eating and drinking in England
• Sports and Outdoor activities in England
• Travel Tips England for planning and on the go
• Getting around England: Transportation Tips
• How to get to England
• Shopping tips for England
• Best time to visit England

Find even more inspiration for 57 here

Ready to travel and discover england, get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Travel advice
• Where to stay

South England road trip - The best of the UK from London

Looking to experience the best of the UK on a road trip? We've planned the ultimate south England road trip just for you. It's an epic 12 day round trip from London, taking in some of the major cities like Oxford, Bath, Bristol and Exeter, before cruising along the Jurassic Coast, hitting up Stonehenge, and heading along the south coast to Brighton. Read on for all the best restaurants to eat at, museums to visit, hotels to stay in and activities to do.

Day 1: London to Oxford - Brunch, the University of Oxford, & punting

Pick up your hire car and drive to oxford in time for lunch.

Welcome to the first day of your road trip! Arrive in London as early as possible, pick up your hire car if you're renting one, and set off for Oxford. The drive is only 60 miles direct along the A40 and M40 and takes about an hour and 45 minutes.

Parking in Oxford is pretty easy if you can't leave your car at your hotel, with a good number of car parks available that allow you to stay overnight. If you want to leave your car in the city centre, then opt for Oxpens car park, or for a park-and-ride service Redbridge is your best bet.

Once you've made it into town, make your way to the Vaults & Garden Cafe for some food. Housed in a 14th-century building with a beautiful vaulted ceiling connected to the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, this cafe will give you an introduction to the historic city you're about to explore, with the addition of some great breakfast.

Lunch is served between 11am and 2pm, and includes dishes from all over the world such as curries, tagines, and of course British delicacies. Enjoy your food either inside beneath the vaults or outside in the garden.

The cafe sources all local, organic and ethically sourced ingredients, and operates a 'no waste catering' policy, so it's a great business to support.

Visit the sights in Radcliffe Square

Conveniently, the cafe is located right next to your first Oxford stop, Radcliffe Square, so once you've finished your brunch step outside and begin your sightseeing.

Cobbled Radcliffe Square forms the heart of the University, and is home to three main sights: Bodleian Library, Radcliffe Camera (also a library), and University Church of St Mary the Virgin.

The Bodleian Library will be the main place you visit, and includes the ornate Divinity School (the oldest teaching hall of the University), Convocation House (two grand chambers which have hosted the English Parliament), the Chancellor's Court (where writers Oscar Wilde and Percy Bysshe Shelley went on trial), and Gladstone Link which connects the library with Radcliffe Camera.

Fun fact: parts of the Bodleian Library were used as filming locations for the Harry Potter movies, including the Divinity School which served as the Hogwarts hospital wing, and Duke Humfrey's Library which you might recognise from Harry's late-night library trip under the invisibility cloak in the first movie.

Access to the two libraries is limited without a tour, so we recommend you opt for one of the following four options (tickets can either be purchased online or at the Great Gate ticket office):

• A 30-minute tour which takes you round the most beautiful parts of the Bodleian Library, including the Divinity School and Duke Humfrey's medieval library. The tour costs £6 and runs regularly every afternoon.
• A 60-minute tour that covers the same as the 30-minute option with the addition of Convocation House and Chancellor's Court. This tour costs £9 and runs regularly every morning.
• A 90-minute tour which includes all of the above plus the Radcliffe Camera (only available to view through this tour) and Gladstone Link. This tour costs £15 and only runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9.15am, and Sundays at 11.15am and 1.15pm.
• There is also a short option that lasts ten minutes and takes you around the Divinity School only. This costs £1 and runs between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday, and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays.

Note: the majority of what you'll visit in Oxford is connected to Oxford University, so we advise downloading the 'Explore the University of Oxford' brochure from their website to guide you.

Leave the library and admire the Bridge of Sighs

Another iconic Oxford landmark, the Bridge of Sighs, is just around the corner from the main entrance to the Library, so head there next.

Located on New College Lane, the bridge is a skyway connecting the old and new quadrangles of Hereford College, and bears an uncanny resemblance to the bridge of the same name in Venice. Legend has it that the bridge borrowed this name from its Venetian cousin to symbolise the sighs of worrying students on their way to exams, but that's just one of many myths to do with this landmark.

Walk under the bridge, snap some photos, and let out some symbolic signs of your own before you move on.

Walk through the pretty Oxford streets to Christ Church College

A trip to Oxford wouldn't be complete without a nosey round one of the University colleges, so take a picturesque stroll from the Bridge past Exeter, Jesus, and Lincoln Colleges to get to one of the largest and most famous - Christ Church.

This college is made up of a group of stunning buildings, including the Tom Tower designed by Sir Christopher Wren (of St Paul's Cathedral fame), the Tom Quad, the largest quad in Oxford, and the Great Dining Hall which also featured in Harry Potter.

This college's list of alumni is also super impressive, including 13 British prime ministers and the author of Alice in Wonderland. Today, the college welcomes around 450 undergraduates and 150 graduate students from all over the world to study at this historic, prestigious institution, mingling modern student life with rich history.

Standard admission to tour the college costs £8 to £10 (depending on the time of year) and grants access to the Quads, Cloister, Hall Staircase, and Dining Hall, with tickets available online (released each Thursday for the following week), or from the Meadow Gate ticket kiosk.

You can opt for an hour-long tour if you prefer which cost between £13 and £17, but be aware that this isn't possible in July and August.

Note: if areas of the college are in use by the students or staff during your visit they may be closed; for example, you won't be able to visit the Dining Hall during meal times.

Spend the rest of the afternoon punting on the River Cherwell

You should have a little time left before it gets dark, so walk east from Christ Church to the Magdalen Bridge Boat House to hire a traditional punt.

These long wooden boats are propelled by a pole pushed against the river bed, and lounging on one along a British waterway is an iconic and relaxing activity, as long as you don't fall in the water, that is…

Punts take up to five people, and you can either hire one and brave steering it yourself, or pay a professional chauffeur to take you along the river; we'd recommend going without the driver, as steering is great fun and not very difficult once you get the hang of it! Punts cost £22 per hour to hire.

Drive to Gee's Restaurant & Bar for dinner

Collapse at your hotel for a while after your busy day, then hop in the car and drive to Gee's Restaurant & Bar for dinner.

Although the restaurant isn't that far away (it's around a ten-minute drive), we're guessing you'll be all walked-out by this point, so take the car and park on Canterbury Road where you can stay for free for two hours.

This Mediterranean restaurant is housed in a beautiful Victorian Glasshouse filled with plants and olive trees, and has a menu that changes daily to reflect the best of the season. Expect great vegetarian options as well as delicious meat and fish dishes, plus a tempting cocktail list to go alongside your food (with non-alcoholic concoctions available for whomever's driving).

Day 2: Oxford to Bath to Bristol - Bath sights & coffee on your way to Bristol

Drive to Bath via the Cotswolds

Have breakfast and set off early on day four to drive to Bath.

Rather than connecting with the M4 when you reach Swindon, take a scenic detour by following the A419 up to Cirencester, then wriggling south through the country lanes of the Cotswolds. This route beats taking a boring motorway any day, and will take you past sprawling green fields and quaint British villages for a taste of rural England.

The drive should take around two hours, but take your time on the small country roads - passing other vehicles can be a tricky manoeuvre!

Travel tip: if you're a less confident driver and don't fancy squeezing past other cars on tight lanes, then follow the A433 - it's still really scenic, just a little wider!

Park the car and walk into the centre of Bath to visit the Roman Baths

Park the car in Manvers Street car park which is a short walk from the centre of town. You have to pay upfront for the number of hours you're going to stay, so have a rough idea of what time you want to leave to arrive in Bristol later on.

Staying for four hours costs £6.40, and for six hours costs £9.60.

The Roman Baths are just a five-minute walk from the car park, so head there first. Probably the most iconic landmark in the city, this complex of thermal baths is a well-preserved Roman site that was once used for public bathing.

Geothermal energy and pressure cause the warm water to rise from thousands of metres under the ground to the surface, supplying both these ancient baths and the modern Thermae Bath Spa with steaming hot water.

You can't bathe in the Roman Baths anymore, but nearby Thermae Bath Spa is a beautiful modern complex where you can safely enjoy water from the same source, if you want to.

It's thought that the baths could have also been a centre of worship for the Celts, with the springs dedicated to the goddess Sulis, so this is a spiritual as well as recreational landmark to visit.

Admission costs £16.50 and grants you access to all areas of the Baths, including the Great Bath, the Temple Precinct where the Romans once worshipped, the changing areas of the East Baths, and the icy plunge pool of the West Baths.

Your ticket includes a free multimedia guide available in 12 languages, and also allows you to join informative public tours that start at the Great Bath on the hour every hour from 10am.

Grab lunch and admire Bath Abbey

By the time you've finished at the Baths it'll be time for lunch, so grab a quick bite nearby. There are loads of great cafes in the area, but we recommend Mokoko Coffee which serves up generous plates of colourful salads and slices of quiche that'll be sure to fill you up for the rest of your Bath exploring.

Mokoko and the Baths are right next to Bath Abbey, so have a quick look at this historic church before moving on to explore the rest of town.

Built with iconic golden Bath stone, it's definitely worth popping inside this towering Gothic abbey, even just for a quick gaze at the vaulted ceiling, impressive stained glass windows, and huge organ.

It's free to go inside, but it's recommended that adults give a donation of £4 which goes towards maintaining this beautiful building.

Wander round Bath and visit the Royal Crescent

From here stroll up Union Street and through the main pedestrianised shopping area, taking in the historic buildings and enjoying Bath's friendly atmosphere - travel tip: if you're visiting around Christmas, you'll find many of it's Christmas market stalls here.

Connect up with Milsom Street, then cross over the A4 and walk up tiny Bartlett Street, passing its cosy cafes and boutique shops which lead to the elegant 18th century Bath Assembly Rooms.

Admire the outside of this beautiful building, before heading west on Bennett Street to The Circus - a historic ring of Georgian townhouses that will make you envy anyone lucky enough to live there.

Continue walking west from here and you'll get to an even bigger curve of impressive houses at the Royal Crescent. Synonymous with Bath, this half-moon of houses is a must-see attraction, and one of the greatest examples of Georgian architecture in the whole of the UK.

The crescent overlooks a pristine green lawn, so just enjoy this space and snap some photos of the houses, or if your curiosity gets the better of you, number one is a museum that has been furnished as it might have been in the 18th century, so you can get a feel for how it's residents would have lived. Admission costs £10.30 for adults.

Go for coffee at Colonna and Small's

Walk back to The Circus then south down Gay Street to Queen Square where you'll find Colonna and Small's in the southwestern corner.

This speciality coffee shop is all about the vibrant, varied, and exciting flavours that come from coffee beans, serving up the ultimate brew. The modern interiors are chic and minimalist whilst remaining cosy, and the staff are really friendly and on hand to talk you through the options and suggest which bean and style of coffee would be ideal for you.

If you love coffee or you're in the market for learning more about it, then this is the place to go. Relax with your ideal coffee, buy a bag of beans to take home, and head back to the car to drive to Bristol.

Drive to Bristol and go for dinner at Bosco Pizzeria

Driving to Bristol from Bath is super easy and takes less than an hour - simply follow the A36 and A4 to join up with Victoria Street in Bristol.

Find your hotel, park your car, freshen up and head to Clifton Village for dinner. This is one of the nicest areas of the city, made up of stunning Georgian houses, leafy green spaces, elegant boutiques, amazing cafes and restaurants, and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

You'll be back in Clifton on day five to really make the most of this picturesque area of town, but for now head to Bosco Pizzeria for a well-earned dinner.

This classy pizza joint is actually the offshoot of its hugely successful original restaurant on Whiteladies Road, and is a celebration of the freshness and simplicity of Italian cooking.

There are loads of different dishes on the menu, including mouthwatering pasta, tasty small plates, and hearty meat and fish options, however the real star of the show is their wood-fired pizza which is made fresh to order in the open pizza kitchen in the centre of the restaurant.

For the meat-eaters among you, we'd recommend the Emilia Romagna topped with Italian sausage, creamy fior di latte mozzarella, sweet roasted peppers, basil, and crunchy breadcrumbs, and for the veggies the funghi - a pizza bianco (with a creamy instead of tomatoey base) topped with mushrooms, mozzarella, mascarpone, and truffle oil (yes, it's as good as it sounds).

Book ahead online to ensure you get a table, and order a Negroni or Aperol Spritz to sip as you wait for your food to arrive.

Visit the Clifton Suspension Bridge by night

Seeing as you're in Clifton after sundown, walk around the corner to the Clifton Suspension Bridge; you'll see it again on day five, however it's quite a different sight admiring it all lit up and floating above the Avon Gorge at night.

Designed by world-renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this bridge has become one of Bristol's most recognisable landmarks, so it's the ideal way to kick off your sightseeing.

Gaze at the lights for a while, then head back to your hotel to get some rest ready for a busy day five.

Day 3: Bristol - Explore the city, dinner, & an evening activity

Start day 5 at bristol harbourside and visit the arnolfini gallery.

Kick off day five at Bristol Harbourside. This central area of the city was once a busy dock, buzzing with merchants trading goods and ships setting sail for epic voyages. Today it's a little more modern, and filled with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels, as well as some of the city's top attractions including Brunel's SS Great Britain ship, the We The Curious science museum, Bristol Aquarium, and the Watershed independent cinema.

Have a walk around the area, then head to the Arnolfini arts centre as your first stop.

Founded in 1961, this modern gallery space exhibits everything from quirky art to visual performances, and is a must-see Bristol attraction to get a feel for this city's creative flare.

The centre is predominantly an art gallery and is partnered with the famous Tate, so expect some great visual art during your visit. The centre is free to enter, however it's a good idea to drop a few pounds into the donations pot as it's a charity that relies on the generosity of its visitors to run.

Spot Banksy's graffiti on Park Street and climb Cabot Tower

When you leave the gallery, head north towards the Bristol Hippodrome theatre, then east past College Green and Bristol Cathedral to walk up famous Park Street.

This hill is lined with boutique, music, and book shops as well as quaint cafes, cosy restaurants, and lively bars, and offers a super scenic walk with the University of Bristol's towering Wills Memorial building at the top.

Before you head up the hill make sure you spot one of Bristol's most famous pieces of street art by the elusive graffiti artist Banksy, one of the city's most famous natives.

The piece, provocatively named 'Well Hung Lover', is painted on the side of a building on the right hand side at the bottom of the street.

Once you've admired the graffiti continue walking most of the way up the hill, dipping into the shops to give your legs a rest (it's pretty steep). Just before you reach the top, turn left onto Charlotte Street to get to Brandon Hill park.

The park is, you guessed it, on top of a hill, so you get amazing views of Bristol's rows of colourful houses and the sprawling countryside just outside its limits.

For even better views and a proper look at the Wills Memorial building, climb to the top of Cabot Tower located in the centre of the park.

The tower is a free public fixture, so climb its narrow staircase and make sure you walk the full way around the viewing area at the top for 360 degree views of the city.

Go for lunch at The Epiphany Cafe

Leave via the north end of the park and make your way through Berkeley Square to Queen's Road. Walk past the Wills Memorial to see it up close, then follow the road east towards the Royal West of England Academy, an art school and gallery which is home to The Epiphany Cafe .

This stylish, fuss-free cafe is super friendly and welcoming, and all about award-winning coffee, the freshest locally sourced ingredients, and mouth-watering cakes, making it an amazing lunch spot.

Their offering is simple yet delicious, with a selection of toasties, soups, quiches, and salads that can all be served up in either the cosy plant-filled cafe or on the academy's roof terrace overlooking another of the University's beautiful historic buildings - the Victoria Rooms.

Make sure you leave room for coffee and cake (try the raspberry chocolate brownies or polenta cake if they have them on the counter that day), before you set off for your next stop, Clifton Village.

Wander round Clifton Village and visit the Camera Obscura or the Giant's Cave

From the cafe walk west into Clifton Village, following Queen's Road past the University Student Union and across grassy Victoria Square.

The western corner of the square will lead you through a picturesque archway into a lovely pedestrianised area of cafes and shops that marks the start of the village.

Spend some time exploring the area of your own accord - it's easy to walk around Clifton for hours admiring the beautiful houses on Royal York Crescent and the local businesses on Princess Victoria Street.

When you're ready to visit your next attraction, walk to the Clifton Suspension Bridge (notice how different it looks in daylight) and choose one of the following:

• Enjoy 360 degree views of the Bridge and Clifton through the Bristol Camera Obscura - This clever type of camera projects a live image of the outside through a pinprick hole, and Bristol's room-sized version allows you to see people milling around and cars cruising over the bridge in real time - it's pretty magical. Entrance to the Camera Obscura costs £2.50.
• Climb down to the Giant's Cave - Bristolian folklore states that two giants, Goram and Ghyston, once lived in this cave in the Avon Gorge, and today you can climb through the 61-metre long tunnel to the cave which opens out onto a viewing platform right on the cliff face. It's something a little bit different and you'll get a completely unique view of the area you can't get from anywhere else. Entry to the Giant's Cave costs £2.50.

Note: if you fancy doing both things, you can get a combined ticket for £4.

Have an early evening drink at the iconic Coronation Tap pub

As the afternoon comes to a close it's about time for a drink, and there's nowhere more iconic in Bristol than the Coronation Tap.

Known by locals as The Cori Tap, this centuries-old pub is the oldest cider house in the city and brews its own Exhibition cider which is exclusively sold on-site. You can only get it by the half pint because of its notoriously high alcohol content, so just have one or two whilst you soak up the pub's character. You'll find The Cori Tap in the heart of Clifton Village at the end of Portland Street.

Alternatively, if strong cider isn't your thing or the evening is too nice to be sat inside a pub, head to the White Lion Bar in the Avon Gorge Hotel which has one of the biggest terraces in the South West.

This outdoor area overlooks the Suspension Bridge (we've mentioned it a lot but views of the bridge don't get old, promise!) and surrounding countryside, and is heated for when things start to get a bit chilly, so you can comfortably sit back, sip your favourite drink, and enjoy your surroundings.

Book a table at Souk Kitchen for dinner and enjoy an evening activity

Book ahead to make sure you get a table at Souk Kitchen for dinner on day five, then head there either straight from the bar or via your hotel.

This Mediterranean restaurant has a rustic Middle Eastern feel inspired by markets and street food stalls of Arab and Berber cities, and gives diners the choice between mezze small plates and bigger main dishes.

We think the mezze is the best option, and the menu regularly changes depending on the season so there's always something fresh and delicious to get stuck in to. T

he dishes and dining style are relaxed, with warm flickering candles and colourful furnishings making it a welcoming, elegant spot for your final Bristol dinner. There are two branches of the restaurant, but opt for the one on Apsley Road as it's on the edge of Clifton.

Make time for one last activity to tie up your stay in Bristol and get a feel for this buzzing city after dark. We've selected three different options to suit every mood:

• Something lively - Check ahead what's going on aboard Thekla during your stay and go to a gig. This alternative music venue is actually a boat that's permanently docked on the harbour that hosts bands and DJs, and is a really fun place to head for an evening of music. You can access most of the boat, so make sure you explore both floors and the outside deck, and it turns into a club every Thursday and Saturday (and occasionally other nights too) so you can stay and dance the night away if you want to.
• Something easy-going - Head to the Watershed and catch a film. This cultural arts centre focuses on digital media and is home to three cinemas screening everything from new releases, to foreign films, to old classics, and is a great place if you're in the market for a relaxed evening of entertainment.
• Something social - If you fancy going somewhere for a chinwag with your road trip companion then we recommend heading for a cocktail at Milk Thistle . This off-the-beaten-path prohibition bar mixes up some of the best cocktails in the city, including twists on the classics, their own unique concoctions, and tailor-made creations for their customers. Don't drink alcohol? Not a problem - just tell the skilled bartenders your favourite flavours and they'll mix you up something delicious.

Day 4: Bristol to Exeter via Glastonbury - Cheddar Gorge drive & lunch in Glastonbury

Take a scenic drive through cheddar gorge.

Leave Bristol on the morning of day six, driving south out of the city towards the Mendip Hills. This stunning area of rolling hills and green fields offers one of the most scenic routes from Bristol to Exeter and is a really pleasant drive.

As with your route through the Cotswolds you can follow the smaller country lanes if you want to, however we'd say following the bigger B3134 and B3371 is a just as scenic and hassle-free way to drive through the hills.

Once you've reached the end of the B3371, head west onto Cliff Road which will take you down through Cheddar Gorge.

This limestone gorge is home to a number of caves, one of which is where Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, thought to be over 9,000 years old, was discovered in 1903, and has become one of Somerset's most popular tourist attractions.

Either just drive through the gorge and enjoy the scenery, or stop and explore; there are loads of things to do including visiting Gough's Cave where the skeleton was discovered, climbing the 274-step Jacob's Ladder for amazing views, looking around the Museum of Prehistory, and going for a cliff-top walk.

There are three car parks, however the one at Gough's Cave is the biggest with 300 spaces so that might be your best bet to find a spot.

Have lunch at Rainbows End Cafe in Glastonbury

After you've spent enough time at Cheddar Gorge follow the A371 southeast to join up with Glastonbury Road which will take you south into Glastonbury town.

As well as giving the famous music festival its name, Glastonbury is a really pretty, quintessentially British town to visit and is ideal for a lunch stop-off to break up your drive to Exeter.

Have a walk through the town and enjoy its famously hippy culture before heading to Rainbows End Cafe on the High Street for some food.

This award-winning family cafe is completely vegetarian and renowned for its homemade food. They have an inviting, colourful salad bar with loads of tasty and healthy options, as well as soups and main dishes that change daily and a selection of tempting cakes.

Although everything on offer is exclusively veggie or vegan, their home-cooked, British food will satisfy even the most avid meat-eaters, so definitely choose this cafe to refuel.

Climb up Glastonbury Tor

After lunch, leave the car in Glastonbury and walk to famous Glastonbury Tor (it's a short walk along the A361).

This hill rises above the town and is topped by historic St Michael's Tower (the remains of 14th century Church of St Michael) and boasts 360-degree views of the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury, and Somerset.

Make your way to the top to take in the beautiful Somerset countryside one last time before walking back into town and picking up the car to drive on to Exeter.

Drive to Exeter and go for dinner

Drive southwest along the A361 to join up with the M5 which will take you the rest of the way to Exeter, with the whole drive taking around and hour and a half.

You'll probably arrive in the early evening, so just find somewhere for dinner before you call it a night. We've got two restaurant suggestions to give you some inspiration:

• Old Firehouse - for a lively, informal meal we'd recommend going for your second pizza of the trip at the Old Firehouse. Popular with both locals and students alike thanks to its buzzing atmosphere, this pub serves up giant 14-inch square pizzas with loads of different meaty, veggie, and vegan toppings to choose from.
• @Angelas - this quiet restaurant it tucked away in the western quarter of the city and is a great place for a quality, relaxed meal. Serving up classic dishes using the best local and seasonal ingredients, everything is sure to be delicious and a true celebration of the area.

Day 5: Exeter - See the sights & have a Devon cream tea

Visit exeter cathedral.

Have a lie in to start day seven (we've given you enough early mornings!), and set off to look around Exeter whenever you're ready; as cities go it's pretty quiet and slow-paced, so expect a more leisurely sightseeing experience compared to your time in Bristol.

Start at Exeter Cathedral located in the centre of town. This vast church is one of the greatest cathedrals in England, and has a whole load of stunning features to look out for, including colourful stained glass windows, an ornately decorated nave, the earliest complete set of misericords, and one of the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceilings in the world.

It costs £7.50 to enter the church which goes towards its maintenance, and free audio guides are available to tell you all about its history.

Get cultured at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum

From the Cathedral, walk north for a few minutes to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (or RAMM) for an educational peruse of the exhibitions.

This museum covers a really diverse range of topics, including antiquities, fine art, natural history, and world cultures, so there's bound to be something that catches your interest.

If the vast number of exhibitions is a little overwhelming, we'd recommend prioritising the art collection (which has around 7,000 pieces), and the fascinating specimens in the zoology collection.

From here just have a stroll around the centre of the city, stopping for lunch when you get peckish and generally taking in Exeter's charm at your own pace.

Have a traditional Devon cream tea at Tea on the Green

End up back at the Cathedral mid-afternoon just in time for a classic Devon cream tea at Tea on the Green cafe.

This quintessentially southern British treat consists of freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam washed down with a cup of tea, and it's definitely the best way to spend an afternoon in Devon.

Top tip: the Cornish have their own version of this tea time favourite where the scone is split in two and topped first with the jam then the cream, whereas in Devon it's strictly clotted cream first.

Locals can get pretty passionate about which way round you spread your toppings, so make sure you're an honorary Devonian this tea time!

Top off the afternoon at Exeter Quayside

Spend what's left of your afternoon enjoying Exeter Quayside, a historic yet contemporary area of the city which straddles the River Exe.

Once a prehistoric port, this bustling area is full of charming antique shops, cosy cafes, and classic British pubs and restaurants, so there's plenty to choose from to occupy the last couple of hours before dinner.

If you're after something a little more active after your very laid-back day, you could head to The Quay Climbing Centre - one of the South West's largest climbing walls - on the south side of the river, or rent a kayak or stand up paddle board for an hour to enjoy the water as the sun sets. You can hire kayaks and boards from Kayakhub on Maritime Court.

Either go for dinner at the Quay or walk north from the river towards the Cathedral where you'll find loads of great places to eat before retiring to your hotel ready for an early start on day eight.

Day 6: Salisbury via the Jurassic Coast - Visit Lyme Regis & go fossil hunting in Charmouth en route to Salisbury.

Take a scenic drive along the jurassic coast to lyme regis.

Time for another scenic drive! Leave Exeter as early as possible and drive south from the city to Exmouth, following the local roads all the way down to the rocky cliffs of Orcombe Point which mark the start of the stunning Jurassic Coast.

This World Heritage Site stretches along 95-miles of coastline and is one of the country's most famous areas for discovering fossils and understanding the past through its incredible rock formations.

You'll only be driving about half of this rocky stretch, hugging the coastline from Exmouth through the small towns of Sidmouth and Seaton to get to Lyme Regis.

Wriggling through the local roads will get you to Lyme Regis in around an hour and 45 minutes, however you could just follow the A3052 all the way from Exeter and get there in an hour if you're not fussed about the scenery (although we'd strongly recommend the longer detour).

Take a break from driving and enjoy the seaside charm of Lyme Regis

Located at the heart of the Jurassic Coast where west Dorset and east Devon meet, Lyme Regis is renowned for its beauty, so stop off here to stretch your legs and soak up the stunning landscapes.

Park in Monmouth Beach Car Park then wander along The Cobb, a long stone pier which forms the harbour, and breathe in the fresh sea air.

If the weather's not great and the sea is a little wild then you might not be able to make it right the way to the end of the pier, however if it's safe to do so definitely give it a go.

Walk back down The Cobb and have a stroll along the unspoilt seafront of Sandy Beach with its fishing boats bobbing on the water, before wandering back to the car to continue your drive.

Drive on to Salisbury, stopping to go fossil hunting in Charmouth

A visit to the Jurassic Coast wouldn't be complete without some fossil hunting, so hop in the car and drive a few minutes down the road to neighbouring Charmouth.

This large shingle beach with its dramatic, rugged cliffs is known internationally for its fossils, so walk down the beach and see if you can find any.

A visit to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a good idea if you want a higher fossil-finding success rate as they have loads of information on the best ways to find them, and even run group fossil walks if you're really serious about taking home a souvenir.

Go for a classic British fish and chips with lashings of salt and vinegar for lunch before you hit the road again (Charmouth Fish Bar is your best bet for where to get it), and go back to the car to drive to Salisbury.

Just follow the A35 to connect up with the A354 which should get you to Salisbury in around an hour and a half.

Day eight has already been super busy, so when you arrive put your feet up in your hotel room and rest before grabbing a light dinner (portions of fish and chips are notoriously large so you'll probably still be full from lunch) and calling it a night.

Day 7: Salisbury - Visit Magna Carta, go to Stonehenge & have dinner

Go to salisbury cathedral to visit magna carta.

Wake up refreshed on day nine and head to Salisbury Cathedral.

We know we've sent you to a handful of cathedrals already, however Salisbury's offering is more than just a religious building as it's home to the best preserved of the four surviving copies of Magna Carta, a charter of rights agreed to by the king in 1215 that promised justice, fairness, and human rights.

This historic document inspired movements towards freedom all over the world, so is a pretty incredible sight to behold which you'll find in the Chapter House of the Cathedral.

Magna Carta itself is housed in a darkened tent-like structure in the middle of an insightful, interactive exhibition that will get you clued-up on the making of the document, why it's housed in Salisbury, and its importance around the world.

Have a look around the rest of the Cathedral whilst you're there (it has the tallest spire in Britain), and bear in mind that whilst it's free to look around and visit Magna Carta, the recommended donation of £7.50 per adult is greatly appreciated to keep the Cathedral open for visitors.

Have lunch then drive to Stonehenge

After you've finished at the Cathedral have a little wander around the green and the surrounding area (travel tip: walk through High Street Gate, it's really pretty), before heading to a nearby cafe for lunch.

Some suggestions include the Bell Tower Tea Room overlooking the Cathedral, and Boston Tea Party, a South West chain that feels like a cosy, independent cafe selling home-cooked food and great coffee.

After lunch, pick up the car and set off for legendary Stonehenge which is only a 20-minute drive north along the A360.

This famous stone circle is one of Britain's most iconic landmarks and is thought to date back around 4,500 years with archaeologists believing it was constructed gradually from 3000 BC to 2000 BC.

Its construction and purpose, however, are still debated today as there are no written records detailing its origins, and the myths surrounding the stones are one of the best parts of this attraction.

Theories range from the spiritual to the supernatural, and there's loads of speculation as to how the stones were moved and positioned so perfectly without the sophisticated tools and machinery to do so.

Go for a walk around the stone circle and come up with your own theory on how the stones got there (our bet is aliens), and stick around to visit some of the sight's other attractions if you want to. These include a group of Neolithic houses built to replicate how people lived 4,500 years ago, the Standing in the Stones exhibition which offers a 360-degree virtual simulation of what it would be like to stand amongst the stones during the summer and winter solstices, and the Stonehenge Exhibition which offers some insight into the landmark and displays over 250 objects uncovered in the area.

Every part of this amazing attraction is super interesting, so we'd recommend spending the whole afternoon here seeing as much of it as you can. General admission costs £17.50 for adults and last entry is at 3pm with the site closing at 5pm.

Enjoy some classic British pub grub for dinner

You've had a Devon cream tea, you've devoured a classic fish and chips, now it's time for another British staple - hearty pub grub (aka a meal at a pub) - so drive back into Salisbury, freshen up at your hotel, and head to the 14th-century half-timbered Haunch of Venison.

As one of Salisbury's oldest pubs, this is the ultimate rustic spot for your British pub experience, and to fully soak up the atmosphere we'd recommend first having a drink in the characterful downstairs bar before heading upstairs to the simple yet elegant restaurant.

Admittedly the food has a touch more class than some of your standard British pubs, but they still sell many of the classics including sausages and mash, steak and chips, fish pie, and of course fish and chips (if you're up for round two).

Expect to also find some great vegetarian options, and to head back to your hotel (very) full of your new favourite British dish.

Day 8: Salisbury to Chichester to Brighton - Explore Chichester & drive to Brighton

Drive to chichester and either relax on the beach at west wittering or explore the city.

Set off early on day ten - you've got a lot of road to cover to get you from Salisbury to Brighton, taking the most scenic route possible through the South Downs National Park and stopping off in Chichester along the way.

Your scenic route from Salisbury to Chichester avoids the busy M27 motorway and instead takes a detour slightly north through the South Downs.

To get to the picturesque rolling hills of this national park, take the A36 east out of Salisbury and join up with the B3335 before enjoying this lovely area of countryside as you use your map or sat-nav to follow the B roads east.

Try to end up close to South Harting where you can join up with the B2141 which will take you south into Chichester.

Relax on the beach at West Wittering or explore Chichester city

By day ten of your road trip things could go one of two ways: either you'll be brimming with enthusiasm to make the most of what little time you have left and want to do as much sightseeing as possible, or your energy levels will be wavering a little and you'll be in the mood for something relaxing before you hit up Brighton tomorrow.

Either way we've got you covered, and have come up with two different suggestions to suit your mood (as well as cater for the unpredictable British weather).

Option 1 - If it's a warm and sunny or crisp winters day and you're after the chilled option, we'd recommend staying in the car and driving south past Chichester to the Witterings.

These two sleepy seaside villages, East and West Wittering, are perfect for a spot of relaxed wandering and gift shop browsing, followed by a sprawl on the golden sand or a chilly walk along the water at nearby West Wittering beach.

The beach holds a Blue Flag Award, and is a beautiful unspoilt spot to enjoy some sandy coastline in contrast to the rocky shingle of the Jurassic Coast. Spend a leisurely few hours here, grabbing a hot tea or an ice cream from the cafe (depending on the time of year) and enjoying the area's natural beauty.

Option 2 - If the weather's not great or you're just in the market for some more sightseeing, drive into Chichester centre, leave the car in New Park Car Park and go for an explore.

This city has a fascinating history as a Roman settlement, and is home to another stunning cathedral, so take a look around to get a feel for the place. We'd recommend walking the city walls (the most intact circuit of Roman defenses in the south of England) to see the heart of the city, following the mile and a half trail around its historic sights, before ending up at the Pallant House Gallery for a cultural indoor activity where you can shelter from the weather if you need to.

This modern British art museum explores contemporary art from 1900 to the present day, and is housed in a beautiful 18th century townhouse that's a work of art in itself. Spend a couple of hours browsing the art and taking a break at the Pallant Cafe before you're ready to drive on to Brighton.

Drive to Brighton in time for an evening activity

Set off from Chichester with enough daylight left to make the hour and a quarter drive to Brighton before it gets dark, heading back into the South Downs National Park and following the A283 east.

Be sure to drive through the picturesque village of Steyning for a little more British small-town charm before heading south and along the coast to Brighton.

We're giving you even more options to choose from once you've arrived in this vibrant seaside city, so select one of the following suggestions to get to grips with Brighton's evening scene:

• Play a round of UV crazy golf at Globalls - quirky, jungle-themed crazy golf course Globalls features life-sized animal sculptures and crazy wall art, all glowing in a rainbow of neon colours under the UV lights (wear white so you can get in on the glowing action). This is putting like you've never experienced it before, and a unique way to spend a fun evening in Brighton.
• See a movie at the Duke of York's Picturehouse - recognised as the oldest function-built continually operating cinema in the UK, the Duke of York's was built in 1910 and screens a diverse range of movies, from new releases, to foreign productions, to cult classics. Head here for a spot of cinematic culture, or just catch that film you've been meaning to see for ages.
• Have a pint in a cave at The Tempest Inn - if you just fancy a quiet drink, then The Tempest Inn is a must. This seafront pub sits right on the beach, boasting uninterrupted sea views and selling local Sussex beers and great cocktails. The real gem of this pub is, however, downstairs, where you'll find a warren of pink-hued caves where you can cosy up with a pint; you may not get the beach views, but for the ultimate drink-with-a-difference, it's definitely worth the sacrifice.

Day 9: Brighton - Brighton walking tour, take in the views from the British Airways i360 & go for your final dinner

Visit the royal pavilion and wriggle down through the lanes.

It's the final full day of your south England road trip, so make the most of it with one last early morning, kicking off your self-guided walking tour with a visit to the unique Royal Pavilion.

Originally built as a seaside pleasure palace for King George IV, this quirky building mixes regal opulence with exotic architectural styles from India and China, and it's unlike anything you will have seen so far on your road trip.

Just seeing it from the outside is impressive enough, however you won't regret choosing to go inside to admire the enviable bedrooms, stunning reception rooms, lavish banqueting room, and vast kitchen all making it an impressive sight to behold.

Admission costs £13.50 (or is 10% cheaper if booked online).

Travel tip: if you're visiting around Christmas, part of the grounds is transformed into an ice rink between November and January where you can skate against the backdrop of the Pavilion as it glows with festive lights. An hour's skate costs £10 and it's best to book online in advance.

The Lanes are another of Brighton's most iconic attractions, so once you've seen enough of the Royal Pavilion find this historic maze of alleyways which stretch south from nearby North Street.

Located at the heart of what was once the fishing town of Brighthelmstone, these quaint lanes are lined with independent shops and boutiques selling all manner of antiques, jewellery, and one-of-a-kind clothing alongside quirky cafes, jazz bars and restaurants.

Explore the whole area, indulging in some window (or actual) shopping as you soak up the atmosphere.

One shop we'd definitely recommend having a look inside is the fabulously-named Choccywoccydoodah which sells the wackiest chocolate creations and cakes that are nothing short of works of art.

Walk along the seafront and have some fun on Brighton Palace Pier

Walking all the way through to the south side of The Lanes will naturally bring you out at the seafront (either via Black Lion Street or Ship Street), so go for a short stroll east along the beach to end up at the famous Brighton Palace Pier.

This 1,722-foot long Victorian pier is probably the most iconic sight in the whole city, stretching out into the sea and buzzing with thrill-seeking roller coasters, indulgent food stalls, and the Palace of Fun arcade which will transport you back to your childhood.

Discover the length of the Pier, go on some rides if you're up for it (brave the Turbo Coaster if you fancy an adrenaline rush), and treat yourself to some naughty fast food for lunch (fish and chip round three?) to do this sight justice.

Travel tip: whilst you're on the Pier make sure you look west across the water and spot the old Brighton West Pier.

It was built in the 1860s and suffered various bouts of damage in the 1970s and 1980s, before catching fire in 2002 and being deemed beyond repair. Today you can just see its shell sitting on the water as a reminder of where Brighton's seafront entertainment began.

Top off your sightseeing with a trip up the British Airways i360

From the Pier, walk back east along the beach (stop for a sit down if your feet are getting tired), and head towards the British Airways i360 for you final Brighton activity.

This giant glass viewing pod slowly rises 450 feet into the air offering panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the rolling hills of the South Downs in the distance. There's a bar on board, so grab a drink and toast your road trip as you enjoy the views, making sure you do a full circuit of the pod to take in the scenery at every possible angle.

'Flights'depart every half an hour and cost £16.50, offering a magical way to salute the beginning of the end of your road trip.

You'll probably have a little time left before you need to get ready for dinner, so pick up some last minute souvenirs, have one final Brighton stroll, then head back to your hotel to get ready to go to the restaurant.

Treat yourself to a celebratory dinner at The Gingerman

Have a table booked at The Gingerman and head there in the evening to celebrate the amazing trip you've just experienced - you've seen a lot!

This intimate, cosy restaurant close to the seafront is the perfect spot for a special yet unfussy meal focused on simple, quality ingredients and amazing flavours.

The imaginative menu celebrates seasonal produce, with a great selection of British meat, fish, and veggie options and irresistible desserts (you can opt for either two or three course for a set price, and we definitely advise going for a pudding).

Enjoy your food, reminisce about your favourite memories from the trip, and make the most of the final night of your holiday.

Day 10: Brighton to London - Drive to London and make the journey home

The only thing on the agenda for day 12 is driving back to London to start your journey home, so pack your things and hop in the car whenever you're ready to go.

Once you've made it back to London, drop off your hire car if you have one, spend a little time in London if you fancy it, then make your way to the airport or train station. We hope you've enjoyed your trip!

Join our email list!

By joining our email list, you give LazyTrips permission to use your email for sending you newsletters, emails and updates including for marketing purposes. Your email will not be provided to third parties.

Related posts

British tour group ‘Strictly Elvis UK’ drops in on Coast venues

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - The British tour group “Strictly Elvis UK” made a stop in South Mississippi on Thursday.

The first port of call was the site of the old Slavonian Lodge in East Biloxi, a site where Elvis performed back in 1955. The group makes an annual journey to Graceland in Memphis and to Elvis’s birthplace in Tupelo.

They also checked out key historical areas that were vital in the king’s upbringing.

Viva Biloxi? Mayor Fofo Gilich & others are regaling these British tourists with stories of Elvis‘s time on the Coast. The group is called Strictly Elvis. Each year the group travels and walks in the King’s footsteps from Memphis, Tupelo to other points around the globe. pic.twitter.com/xYPhO4IFp7 — Bill Snyder (@BillSnyderWLOX) April 25, 2024

Biloxi Mayor Fofo Gilich served as an unofficial tour guide and gave the group some personal history on Presley’s time in Biloxi.

See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE .

Copyright 2024 WLOX. All rights reserved.

Local developer aiming to build shipping container homes near Pass Road

Expect delays on I-10 in Harrison County as crews work on several projects

Man sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing retired NFL star Will Smith

South Mississippi viral TikTokers react to possible ban

Gulfport issues boil water notice for some residents

Latest news.

Crash with injuries on I-10 in Harrison County

Death investigation underway at bus stop in Biloxi

National Bobblehead Hall of Fame unveils Margaritaville-themed bobblehead in honor of Jimmy Buffett

Wesley's Friday Morning First Alert Forecast

Breezy warm and humid into the weekend

Train strikes in May 2024: Full list of dates and lines affected

Rail lines are set for disruption in the week following the first May bank holiday as train drivers at 16 rail companies strike on different days.

Thursday 25 April 2024 10:29, UK

Train drivers will stage a fresh wave of strikes and overtime bans in May, causing disruption to the rail network.

The strikes are part of a long-running dispute over pay.

Members of Aslef union at 16 rail companies will walk out on different days from 7 to 9 May.

Additionally, all members will refuse to work any overtime from 6 May to 11 May.

Here is a full list of the services affected by strikes and when.

Rail strike dates

Tuesday 7 May

Strikes will affect c2c, Greater Anglia, GTR Great Northern Thameslink, Southeastern, Southern, Gatwick Express and South Western Railway.

Wednesday 8 May

Strikes will affect Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway and West Midlands Trains.

Thursday 9 May

Strikes will affect LNER, Northern Trains and TransPennine Express.

Overtime ban dates

From Monday 6 May to Saturday 11 May union members will not work overtime.

Overtime bans, an action short of a strike, means some services may not be running or may be reduced as drivers refuse to work their rest days.

People are advised to check before they travel, as some areas may have no service.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

How do strikes and overtime bans affect services?

Strikes tend to mean services on lines where members are participating are extremely affected or cancelled entirely, whereas overtime bans often lead to reduced services.

Are there strikes on the Tube too?

There have been regular strikes on London Underground too recently, and while there aren't any planned walkouts for drivers, customer service managers are set to walk out on Friday 26 April in a dispute over terms and conditions.

There will also be an overtime ban for the customer service managers on the following days:

Monday 29 April

Tuesday 30 April

Wednesday 1 May

Tuesday 2 May

Wednesday 3 May

Thursday 4 May

Friday 5 May

The Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA) says the action by its members is likely to cause Tube stations to close at the last minute, including on the Saturday following the strike (27 April), while TfL has said on its website "some stations may need to close at short notice".

Despite the warning, a TfL spokesperson has said they aren't expecting significant disruption.

This action follows strike action taken by the same workers on 10 April, which the TSSA said had a "real impact" with "many stations shut at short notice".

They say they are "extremely concerned" about TfL's 'Stations Changes' proposals.

"We have made it clear that our union will not accept the continued threats to our members' roles, locations, terms, and conditions to stand unchallenged," a TSSA spokesperson said.

"We will continue to take sustained action until London Underground is prepared to negotiate with us in good faith."

Commenting on the impending strikes, a TfL spokesperson said: "We are disappointed that TSSA is continuing with this strike action following a consultation process.

"While we don't expect this action will cause significant disruption, we urge TSSA to continue to work with us to help find a resolution.

"There are no planned job losses as part of these vital changes which will improve the service we provide to customers at our stations."

How can I stay in the loop?

You can use the National Rail's journey planner to see when trains are running.

Be sure to check it close to when you plan to travel, as it will be updated regularly.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Why are the strikes still happening?

Aslef rejected a two-year offer of 4% in 2022 and another 4% this year, saying it is way below inflation, and is linked to changes in terms and conditions.

Aslef said train drivers have not had an increase in salary for five years, since their last pay deals expired in 2019.

The union said after its members voted overwhelmingly in February to continue taking industrial action, it asked the train operating companies to hold talks.

General secretary Mick Whelan said the year-old pay offer of 4% and another 4% was "dead in the water".

Related Topics

• London Underground
• Rail strikes