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A 7-day Dorset road trip itinerary

Updated On 10th May, 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Dorset and are wondering what your Dorset road trip could look like or what you should do with your time there, you’ve arrived at the right blog post. In this blog post, I am going to share a 1-week Dorset road trip itinerary with you, going from east to west, jam-packed with all the best adventure on offer in this beautiful  place to visit in England .

I will be taking adventures from my  best things to do in Dorset blog post and plotting them on a route that will take you on an epic Dorset road trip. It will encompass all of the adventures I’ve been on in Dorset and more: exploring the Jurassic Coast and seeing Durdle Door, marvelling at Corfe Castle, seeing the squirrels on Brownsea Island, having a day at the beach at Lyme Regis, and more!

Dorset is so much more than the impressive Jurassic Coast and its famous landmarks such as the awe inspiring Durdle Door. Dorset has rolling hills that offer miles upon miles of views, including one of England’s National Parks (the New Forest ). It offers a crisscrossed landscape of picturesque farmland and countryside and dozens of quintessential English villages tucked away in the nooks and crannies of this county full of rural beauty.

If you’re planning a road trip in Dorset, I advise you to enjoy both the coast and countryside because I assure you, you will not be disappointed! 

Of course, this Dorset road trip itinerary is going to assume you have a car with you. I’m not sure it would be of any use for me to write an itinerary for you whilst staying at your hotel lol. However, if you have booked to stay in one place during your time in Dorset, you may want to use this post to inspire a day trip in Dorset or to add an extension to your existing booking.

Make sure you check out my  UK road trip planning guide  and my  UK road trip checklist  so that you are fully prepared for this Dorset road trip itinerary! After all, road trips are the best!

Other blog posts you might find useful…

• The best day trips in Dorset
• The best things to do in Bournemouth
• A 3-day itinerary for Bournemouth
• New Forest National Park: the best things to do and my complete guide
• The best places to visit in the UK
• The best things to do in England
• How to plan your UK road trip
• Van life in Europe: a bucket list of Europe road trips

A 1-week road trip itinerary for Dorset…

I’m going to begin this Dorset road trip itinerary in Lyme Regis, one of the best places to visit in Dorest, and then finish in Wimborne. I’m going round Dorset from east to west, but there’s no reason why you can’t do it the other way around! The driving time for each day indicates the total time spent in your car or van that day, so you can factor this into your exploring.

This is a 1-week Dorest road trip itinerary, but there’s no reason why you can’t adapt it to be longer, taking your time to spend 10 days or even two weeks completing this route! On days where you want to take it slower in this 1-week itinerary and I’ve suggested a couple of activities or places to visit, you might like to prioritise and choose one so that you can take it all in. Another way to slow it down would be to skip a couple of stops and spend longer in your favourite, must-see places to visit in Dorset.

For more ideas on how to extend this Dorset road trip itinerary, check out my best day trips in Dorset . 

EXPLORE ROAD TRIPS ON MY BLOG HERE

How to get to Dorset…

Luckily, if you’re wondering ‘how to get to Dorset’ or ‘where is Dorset’, you’ll find it is a pretty accessible county. Dorset is located on the south coast of England, shares its borders with 4 other counties ( Devon , Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire) and has 9 A roads leading in, around and out of Dorset. It also has an airport, 2 ports and 23 train stations so however you plan on getting to Dorset, it shouldn’t be too much trouble! 

Bournemouth airport (BOH)

There are direct flight connections to over 30 destinations from Bournemouth airport. On arrival at the airport, there is a bus service operating between BOH and Bournemouth train station. The yellow bus service 737 runs 5 days a week Monday – Friday from 6am – 1:30pm connecting passengers to Bournemouth centre and the train station. If you are planning on hiring a run-around car for this Dorset road trip itinerary then you can hire a car from the airport from Hertz car rental. Click here for more information on transport from Bournemout airport.

Check out the best things to do in Bournemouth in this blog post. 

There are 2 ports in Dorset, one being Poole port and the other Portland port.

• Poole has ferry arrivals from France and the Channel Islands with rail, bus, road and cycle links.
• Portland is popular with cruise ships and has shuttle buses to Weymouth for train and bus links.

There are 23 train stations within Dorset and 3 main train lines that operate including Southern Western Railway, Great Western Railway and Cross Country Trains. These train lines connect Dorset to London and then almost all other areas of the UK.  Book your train tickets online on  thetrainline.com .

If you don’t arrive in Dorset with four wheels of your own, there are many companies that offer vans for hire. A few options include:

• Jurassic Van Hire (Bournemouth) from £112/night
• VW camper Van Hire (Wimborne) from £71/night

Check out top tips for your UK road trip here. 

Where to stay on your Dorset road trip…

If you’re wondering where to stay in Dorset or your looking for places to stay in Dorset, it’s certainly one of the best places to England to bring your van. There are dozens of campsites dotted across Dorset and plenty of places to park up. Luckily Dorset is small enough that you could choose one place as a base, but varied enough that you could also spend one night in each town! 

If van life isn’t your cup of tea, I’d recommend you check out Airbnb , booking.com or Dorset hideaways for unique stays. 

Day 1: Home – Lyme Regis/Weymouth

• Driving time: depends on where you start!

A lot of day 1 of our Dorset road trip itinerary is likely to be spent getting to Dorset. The drive down is beautiful, so if you have time I recommend coming off the motorway earlier than your navigation suggests and exploring some of the countryside in this area. 

Once you’re in Dorset, I recommend parking up and basing yourself in either of the Weymouth or Lyme Regis areas. We are starting this Dorset road trip itinerary in Lyme Regis with the main adventures tomorrow, but you’re likely to come off the motorway in Weymouth, so it could be a good place to visit in Dorset for a couple of hours. Check into your accommodation or campsite and relax for the afternoon before you get to know the surrounding area, grab a bite to eat and go for a coastal walk. 

We’re going to spend more time exploring Lyme Regis tomorrow, but if you’re looking for things to do in Weymouth and you have time to spare, consider exploring Weymouth Harbour, enjoying a swim and fish and chips on Weymouth Beach, walking along some of the South West Coast Path, or enjoying the panoramic views from the Jurassic Skyline or the Portland Bill Lighthouse. 

Day 2: Lyme Regis, Seatown and the Golden Cap

• Driving time: 1 hour (if you stay in Weymouth the night before) / 15 minutes (if you stay in Lyme Regis the night before)

In my opinion, Lyme Regis is exactly what pops into my mind when someone asks me to picture a typical British seaside town. The sea front is lined with bright and colourful houses, dotted with numerous ice cream shacks and the classic scent of fish and chips is always in the air begging you to go and buy a bag of one of the nation’s most popular dishes. The white, sandy beach is the perfect spot to soak up some sun and in the summer is enjoyed by laughing children building sand castles and families splashing around in the sea. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in Dorset and it’s easy to see why. 

But unlike most other seaside retreats, this particular town in Dorset is graced with beautiful views down the very famous Jurassic coastline. Lyme Regis is the starting point of the South West Coast Path in Dorset and from here you can see the sea cliffs that hundreds of people ramble upon each year.

As well as the very popular sandy beaches in Lyme Regis (Lyme Regis beach and Monmouth beach), there is also an ammonite pavement that is ideal for fossil hunting and one of the best places to visit in Dorset for beginners to try their hand at finding some real ancient treasures. Remember though to check the tide times and wear plenty of sun cream, as patience is key when finding prehistoric treasures.   

After enjoying a morning and a spot of lunch in Lyme Regis, we’re going to take a short drive down the coast to Seatown, another of the amazing places to visit in Dorset, and take a hike (at your own pace) to Golden Cap, which is the highest point along the Dorset coast. Standing at 191 meters, the views are truly breathtaking and on a clear day you can see for miles and miles. 

Where to eat in Lyme Regis…

Lyme Rigis is plentiful with cafes, restaurants and takeaways so finding a bite to eat should not be hard! You could enjoy some pub grub at The Cobb Arms or you could even grab yourself a take away from The Cornish Bakehouse and go and have a beach picnic. Other great options all within close proximity to Seatown and Lyme Regis which will keep the whole family happy are The Anchor Inn, The George Inn and The Clock House Inn.

More things to do in Lyme Regis:

• Take a fossil hunting tour
• Visit Lyme Regis Museum and/or The Dinasourland Museum 
• Go for a stroll along The Cobb 
• See who could go pro at the Lister Gardens mini golf 
• Get excited in the Marine Aquarium
• Hold on a tight on a boat ride  

Day 3: Dorchester and Hardy’s cottage

• Driving time: 45 minutes

Dorchester is Dorset’s county town and is one of the best places to visit in Dorset. This is a town rich in history and there are so many places just waiting for you to go and have a nosy! Among the modern and the new, you can find real classic, old buildings from the Victorian era. If you are into art deco, you have to stop at the Old Plaza Cinema that has proudly carried its art deco style through to modern day. If you are a history buff, you can learn more about Dorsets history in the Dorset museum, where artifacts date back to as far as the iron age period. Or for a more family friendly scene, visit the Dinosaur museum and the Teddy bear museum. 

If you are crazy about literature, then you will probably already know that this is the birthplace of the famous writer and poet, Thomas Hardy. Just a short drive out of Dorchester, in Thorncombe Woods, you can find Hardy’s cottage, the place where the acclaimed writer produced his best work. If you’d like to get to know the writer even more, you can step back in time and follow “Hardy’s trail” and witness the surroundings that awed and inspired the writer to put pen to paper and stop at places that he often referred to in his work. 

Where to eat in Dorchester…

There are many family favourites found in Dorchester including a Nandos, Pizza Express and a Vivo Lounge. But if you fancy something a bit different from these restaurant chains, you can get messy at The Cow and Apple Burger and Cider Bar, or for something a bit more refined try the french inspired Cote Brasserie. Or if you’re simply stopping somewhere for a spot of lunch try the quirky cafe, The Horse with the Red Umbrella, for a selection of homemade cakes, light bites and cafe classics.   

More things to do in Dorchester:

• Wander around the gardens at Kingston Maurward and say hi to the animals at the animal park 
• Browse the shops along Dorchester’s high street 
• Take a walk to Maiden Castle
• Visit Poundbury and its array of shops and cafes 
• Jump on a Purbeck breezer (number 30) and enjoy a ride through the Isle of Purbeck

Day 4: Ringstead Bay, Bat’s Head, Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

• Driving time: 30 minutes

Avid hikers say that hiking along the coastline is one of the best things to do in Dorset. Tourists who visit the coastline say it’s one of the best places to visit in Dorset, and I am now inviting you to experience the Dorset’s beautiful coastline and also go on about the coastline long after your trip to Dorset has ended! 

The Jurassic Coastline is by far one of the best places to visit in Dorset. Immense cliffs jut up from the sea offering miles of stunning coastal walks and views that no one could ever get bored of. One of the best things to do in Dorset is to put on your walking boots and enjoy nature and the sea breeze. In fact, the Jurassic Coast is one of the best places to go walking in England . On day 4 of this Dorset road trip itinerary we are going to go for a long walk along the South West Coast Path!

There are so many famous spots and hidden gems situated along this stretch of coast, it can be hard to fathom where to begin or visit first. So let me decide for you!

Ringstead Bay, in my opinion, offers some of the best views that I’ve seen along the South West Coast Path. Standing in the top car park (which is National Trust owned) you are met with beautiful views out over Weymouth and Portland Bill. As you walk, you really get to appreciate the scale of this rugged coastline. 

The South West Coast Path then continues to take you towards Durdle Door. This is one of the most famous places to visit in Dorset, visited by thousands of people each year. Some even say, have you ever even been to Dorset if you didn’t get a picture of the Door?  

Along the way to this natural arch, there are a few places worth a mention. The first is White Nothe. As well as this being the first point in the walk from which you can just about see Durdle Door hiding round the coastline, there is also a ‘secret’ smugglers’ path that takes you to the beach below. But be warned, this was a path used by the sneaky back in the day and is not a path for the faint hearted (or possibly for children) as it really is on the cliffs’ edge.

The second place I want to mention is Bat’s Head. A very well photographed part of the coastline in its own right, due to its little mini arch that can be seen when the tides low, this is the perfect spot to take a break and look down over at Durdle Door before attempting the last short but steep climb up and over to the famous location. 

If you started your day early and are feeling energized, after Durdle Door you may wish to extend your walk an extra mile or two and visit Lulworth Cove, another of the most popular places to visit in Dorset. Don’t miss the views across Man O’War beach on the way.

Lulworth Cove is a sheltered cove and the perfect place for a dip and a cool down. Here you can also find plenty of yummy options for lunch before making your way back along the coast path to Ringstead Bay and the car. The loop walk from Ringstead Bay to Lulworth Cove should take 4-5 hours in total, or longer if you stop to swim!

Once you’ve got back to your van, I’d recommend driving down towards Lulworth Cove for dinner and the sunset, as well as to stay the night. If you don’t want to stay in a campsite in Lulworth Cove, another option would be to check out Lulworth Holiday Cottages where you can find quirky cottages, luxury houses and glamping pods all situated within the lovely Lulworth estate.  

Where to eat near Lulworth Cove:

Lulworth Cove has a few options if you fancy dining by the sea.

• The Boat Shed is open till 5pm (4pm in the winter) and serves a selection of cakes, cream teas and seasonal specials.
• Just a little way up the road is The Weld Arms which offers dishes made with local and wild ingredients and they are focused on using local, seasonal and sustainable produce. 

Day 5: Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks

• Driving time: 35 minutes

Corfe Castle is a place of mystery and ruin, and one of the highlights of this Dorset road trip. Quite literally a ruin as the castle that stood 21 metres tall in its prime was sanctioned to be demolished by an act of parliament in the 1700’s. Commissioned for King Henry I in the 12th century, it was built upon the top of a 55 metre hill and was designed to be impressive and imposing. It withstood many uprisings, battles and scandals and is one of the best places to visit in Dorset if you want to walk amongst ghosts and learn more about this formidable ruin. 

The village of Corfe is the complete contrast of its famous tourist spot. A place dotted with cute tearooms and pubs and lanes of pretty cottages made from purbeck stone; before leaving Corfe, you really must have a walk around! 

Once you’ve visited the castle, you have plenty of options of what to do next on day 5 of your Dorset road trip itinerary. You could drive to Studland and enjoy an afternoon wandering the trails across the nature reserve and then catch some rays on the pristine beach. Or you could drive to Swanage where there are plenty of independent shops to browse and visit the beach there instead.

Whichever direction you choose to take, these 2 spots are the perfect starting points to walk up to another of the best places to visit in Dorset and visit Old Harry Rocks.

Sat at the end of The Isle of Purbecks on the Jurassic Coast, Old Harry Rocks is in a prime spot to see just what Dorset’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all about. Sculpted and shaped by the waves over hundreds of years, Old Harry Rocks used to be attached to The Needles on the Isle of Wight and on a clear day, you can see these rock formations in the distance across the sea.

The chalk and limestone hills of the Isle of Purbeck offer a spectacular chance to lookout for some of England’s finest wildlife. Birds of prey such as Kestrels, Buzzards and Red Kites are quite often spotted here as well as smaller birds like the Song Thrush, Meadow Pipits and Skylarks (season dependent). Butterflies are also found here in abundance due to the wide variety of lime-loving plants that flourish along the Purbeck Hills. So when visiting Old Harry Rocks and the surrounding area, don’t forget your binoculars and cameras!      

Where to eat in Swanage and Studland…

If you choose to dine on the Swanage side there are plenty of options to suit everyone’s needs. You could try the Gee Whites Seafood Bar and admire views across Swanage beach, The 1859 Pier Cafe and Bistro or one of the many pubs dotted around this small seaside town. 

Over on the Studland side there aren’t as many places to choose from however that doesn’t mean they should be overlooked! The Bankes Arms, located down by South Beach, has a huge outdoor seating area so you can dine alfresco. If you fancy something a little more up market, The Pig on the Beach is renowned for its use of local produced and is situated in a stunning location with views over Studland and Old Harry Rocks. 

More things to do in Swanage and Studland:

• Visit the castle ruins
• Pop into Margaret Green’s Animal Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Church Knowle and visit the animals
• Go for a walk along the Purbeck hills 
• Wander around Swanage 
• Go sunbathing at Studland Bay 
• Have fun at Dorset water park 
• Hire paddle boards, kayaks and more at Studland’s Knoll Beach 

Day 6: Brownsea Island and the Red Squirrels

• Ferry time: 20 minutes each way

Brownsea Island is one of the most unique places to visit in Dorset and is a true treasure. This is a must see spot on your Dorset road trip if you are a nature and wildlife lover because there are some true diamonds to be found here!

Measuring at only 101 hectares, this small island is home to one of the rarest mammals in the UK, the very cute Red Squirrel. Roughly 250 Red Squirrels currently call Brownsea Island their home and they are quite often seen scurrying around, always on the lookout for food. The best time to visit the Red Squirrels is in autumn as they are busy storing food for winter, but chances are you will catch a glimpse of them during the other seasons as well. 

As well as Red Squirrels, this nature reserve is also home to plenty of different bird life. Year round, birds flock here for the safety of the lagoon and reed beds so whatever time of year you choose to visit, there is always something feathery to see. In summer you have the chance to see Kingfishers and Sandwich Terns whereas during the winter months you can watch Avocets and Spoonbills sift for food in the shallow waters. 

Good to know: Brownsea Island is usually open from April to October. To get to Brownsea Island, you will need to catch the ferry from Poole Quay. As well as admissions for the ferry, you have to pay to enter the island so if you are a National Trust member, don’t forget your card! You cannot stay on Brownsea Island, so it’s best to stay the night in the Poole area on your way back. 

Where to eat in Poole

Depending on whether you make a day out of Brownsea Island or just make it a morning trip will influence the choices you have for food as there are no food options available on the island. However, a great option if you are planning on spending the day there is to pack a picnic, which you can enjoy whilst observing the wildlife or looking out over views of Poole Harbour.

Otherwise Poole has an abundance of options for you to enjoy. Along Poole Quay there’s La Lupa, Dorset’s oldest Italian restaurant, or the Rockfish Seafood Cafe that has its own boat that goes out and catches fish to serve daily. Or if you want something a little more homely, there’s The Rope and Anchor pub that serves a selection of great ales and traditional, tasty pub meals.    

More things to do in Poole:

• Jump on a City Cruise boat ride and take a tour out to Old Harry Rocks and see this popular spot from the water 
• Hope on a River cruise boat and sail up the Wareham river 
• Browse the shops down Poole High Street 
• Catch the chain ferry over to Shell Beach 
• Have a stroll along the quay and over to Whitecliff 
• Visit Poole park and hire a pedalo, paddle board or kayak on the lake or play a game of mini golf     

EXPLORE VAN LIFE ON MY BLOG HERE

Day 7: Wimborne and Kingston Lacy

• Driving time: 25 minutes + your journey home

This historic market town nestled within east Dorset’s amazing countryside offers plenty of fun things to do in Dorset to keep you busy for the entire day! There is so much to see and do here you really are spoilt for choice.

The most obvious place to start your exploring is in the Wimborne Minster as it stands out loud and proud from the rest of town dominating the skyline. Within the Church there is a chained library that contains handwritten books dating back to the 1300s and even books that once upon a time belonged to Catherine of Aragon. There’s also a fascinating astronomical clock that will delight the young as well as the old.

Another place to visit in Dorset when you are in the Wimborne area is the National Trust owned, Kingston Lacy. If you love wandering around celebrated estate gardens, parklands and peering through grand houses, then a stop here is just for you.

Kingston Lacy was the former lavish family home of the Bankes family (who also owned Corfe Castle before its demolition) and has seen many changes over the years. But it was William John Bankes who made the changes that you see today. Before he inherited the home, it was constructed out of red brick but William soon changed that and had it cladded with chilmark stone, giving the house its very regal and grand appearance. Heavily inspired by Venetian palaces and with a keen eye for art, he collected many pieces and precious artifacts over the years and had them sent back to Kingston Lacy to be displayed in specific rooms. The many halls and rooms of the house hold some of the most important art collections the National Trust own and include works from Rubens and Sebastiano. 

Where to eat in Wimborne…

There are many, many, cafes dotted around wimborne that finding a place to fill your bellies will not be hard! If you are fancying a light lunch and a good cuppa, there’s Cloisters, The Riverside Cafe or The Short and Sweet Co. Or if you want something a bit different and “trendy” with freshly baked bread and pastries there’s the Le Petit Prince Patisserie which I personally can highly recommend.   

More things to do in Wimborne:

• Go and browse the art collections and treasures at Walford Mill
• Step back in time and visit the Museum of East Dorset
• Become a giant at Wimborne’s model village 
• Hire a dreamboat and try not to fall in the River Stour
• Visit the ancient iron age rings at Badbury Rings
• Search for goodies in the shops of Wimborne 
• Take a stroll along the River Stour at Ibridge 
• Have a picnic at Pamphill Green 

And just like that, our 1-week Dorset road trip itinerary has come to an end! I really don’t think you will be disappointed and I hope you love the scenery, places and history that Dorset has to offer as much as I do!  

If you want to extend your Dorset road trip further west, check out my favourite things to do in Bournemouth here. 

Have you been on a Dorset road trip?

Where are your favourite places to visit in Dorset? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring,

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A South England Road Trip to Dorset & The New Forest

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The Best New Forest & Dorset Road Trip Itinerary

This ten day to two week southern England road trip itinerary will see you exploring the best of Hampshire’s New Forest and Dorset’s incredible Jurassic Coast.

With world-class attractions, incredible landscapes, and the sea at your fingertips, this wonderful part of England’s south coast makes a superb road-tripping holiday destination, for couples and families alike. 

One of our favorites, this UK road trip covers some of the most glorious and diverse landscapes of any England itinerary. 

The woods and heathlands of the New Forest National Park are rich with nature, wildlife, outdoor adventures, and activities, where wild ponies, rare breed cattle, and deer roam free.

The Jurassic Coast offers ancient history and a geological legacy over 250 million years old. Spectacular views, dinosaur footprints, bucket, and spade beaches, and great days out make this a perfect England road trip destination.

Getting to The New Forest

If you’re visiting from outside the UK , fly into Southampton International Airport . With excellent connections to Europe, we recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Are you planning to rent a car in the UK? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental car prices, which benefits you when you’re planning your South Coast road trip.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and wild camp surrounded by fields, on the edge of a beach or with incredible sea views.

Dorset & New Forest Road Trip Map & Itinerary

• Get the Travel Guides
• Dorset Slow Travel: Local, Characterful Guides to Britain’s Special Places
• The Rough Guide to Dorset, Hampshire & the Isle of Wight
• DK Eyewitness England’s South Coast

Dorset & New Forest Road Trip Itinerary

Fordingbridge – brockenhurst – lymington – bournemouth – corfe castle – west lulworth – weymouth – lyme regis.

• Distance 103 miles
• Duration 10-14 days
• Drive Time 5 hours

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Is this your first time visiting the United Kingdom? Get all the information you need in our UK Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Fordingbridge

Start your south coast of England road trip in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, on the western edge of the New Forest. For me this is one of the best forests in England – there’s so much to do and its easily accessible from London in a few hours.

Fordingbridge sits on the River Avon and is recorded as far back as the Domesday Book. Check out the beautiful Avon Valley walk, and the medieval seven-arched Great Bridge that spans the pretty river.

This is a great spot to base yourself for a few nights and visit various local attractions across the 219 square miles of forest, which is actually a mix of woodlands, heath, and open pasture that carpets the softly rolling hills and plains which characterize the forest. 

One of the best ways to stay in the forest is in a campsite pod, or for something different, try  New Forest glamping  – both options get you into the heart of the forest, surrounded by lush foliage and wild animals.

• Where to Stay in Fordingbridge

Upmarket: The Three Lions – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Railway Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Ship Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Things to Do Nearby

Visit Historic Salisbury & Stonehenge

Head north across the beautiful English countryside to Salisbury and the ancient monoliths of Stonehenge, and the hill fort at Old Sarum, steeped in history and legend.

Visit  Salisbury Cathedral , one of the leading examples of early English Gothic architecture, which was completed in 1258. Take a walking tour of the lofty cathedral, with the tallest spire in the United Kingdom and the original 1215 Magna Carta on display, to fully understand this spiritual and historic place.

Step back even further in time and  visit Stonehenge , to the north of Salisbury. This iconic prehistoric monument rises from the earth in a circle of enormous stones and has to be on any  European bucket list . Surrounded by mystery and myth, the true origins of Stonehenge remain unknown.

On the return journey, stop off at Old Sarum, the site of the earliest settlement of Salisbury. On a hill about two miles north of modern Salisbury, Old Sarum is a mighty Iron Age hill fort where the first cathedral once stood. The Romans, Normans, and Saxons have all left their mark here and the air is thick with the past. On a windy day, it’s also a great place to fly a kite!

Although the A338 to Salisbury is an easy drive, by far the most scenic route is to head east, along country lanes and through the forest village of Nomansland to the A36. 

Once on the A36, you’ll soon pass the  New Forest Lavender Farm  in Landford, where they serve the most amazing savory scones with bacon and maple syrup, until 11am every morning – right next to the beautiful lavender fields . A bonus of your cross-country drive!

Take a Ride at Paultons Park

If you’re visiting England with kids , head for  Paulton’s Park , the premier theme park on the south coast and home to Peppa Pig World. Just a few miles from Brook, and with lots of rides for all ages, this makes one of the best New Forest days out for families.

Have Fun at the New Forest Water Park

Just six miles from Fordingbridge is the  New Forest Water Park . With wakeboarding and water skiing opportunities, you’ll also find an enormous inflatable aqua park at the edge of the lake.

Fantastic for families and couples, trying to stay on will have you giggling like kids, and wear you, and them, out in an hour – it’s the best fun you can have in a swimming costume!

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Brockenhurst

Brockenhurst is a pretty and traditional village in the heart of the forest and a perfect base to explore the 26 miles of coast that the New Forest enjoys.

Brockenhurst is also the hub of 140 miles of New Forest official graveled cycle tracks that snake across the National Park. If you didn’t bring bikes, there are several places to hire them in the village.

You’ll also find a great fish and chip shop here, and several tea rooms to try a Hampshire cream tea – there’s no special cream and jam order here, just slather it on and enjoy the quintessential  English experience !

There are a couple of good campsites here if you’re planning on sleeping under canvas, or are touring in a motorhome for your New Forest visit. Search for Hollands Wood and Roundhill, both run by  Camping in the Forest .

• Where to Stay in Brockenhurst

Upmarket: Balmer Lawn – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Huntsman of Brockenhurst – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Avalon House B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

Visit Pretty Lyndhurst

Head for Lyndhurst, the ‘capital’ of the forest, and stop at the  New Forest Heritage Centre  to learn about the fascinating history of the area, commoner’s rights, and how the Verderers once had their own court and ruled the forest with an iron fist.

There is also a New Forest Visitor Centre here where you can pick up information about attractions and events in the area.

Take a gentle stroll out to Bolton’s Bench, to the east of town, and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the open forest.

Local legend has it that a noble knight and a fearsome dragon lie beneath this iconic hill, but all you’ll see are the magnificent yew, atop the hill, lots of New Forest ponies, and maybe a cricket match on the nearby pitch in the late afternoons of summer.

Discover Beaulieu

The charming village of Beaulieu is home to the  National Motor Museum , where you can see over 280 cars, buses, and motorcycles from history, and the historic 13th century Palace House.

With strong WWII connections, Palace House was used to train SOE operatives prior to missions into occupied France, and the Beaulieu river played a significant role in the D-Day landings. A visit here is one of the best things to do in the New Forest.

The beautiful Georgian village of Bucklers Hard, on the Beaulieu river, also has a historic past. This was the site where warships were built using wood from the surrounding forest, for Admiral Lord Nelson prior to the Battle of Trafalgar.

You can still see the slipways today, which look tiny compared to modern-day warships that dock just across the Solent, in the naval city of Portsmouth – in a prophetic twist of fate, you can also see Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory, at the  Historic Dockyard  in the city.

You can visit the  Bucklers Hard Maritime Museum  to learn about the trading and ship-building history of the village, built by the Duke of Montagu as a staging post to the West Indies.

If you’re not a museum person, pop into the cozy  Master Builders  for a drink and wander through the bar into the atmospheric village of Bucklers Hard and the waterfront.

Take a Coastal Walk in Lepe Country Park

To the south is  Lepe Country Park , right on the coast of the Solent. With views across to the Isle of Wight, this is a great spot for a bracing beach walk. Head east from the car park – keeping the sea on your right – and you’ll find the 4th/7th RDG D-Day Memorial, along with the remains of Mulberry Harbours that were built here to assist with the D-Day landings.

You can walk all the way to Calshot, where water sports enthusiasts and activity lovers use the  Calshot Outdoor Centre , alongside people watching the strangely fascinating huge cruise liners and cargo ships departing Southampton docks.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting England . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

A traditional Georgian market town, Lymington has a lively harbour and is a perfect base for a couple of days, particularly if you enjoy messing about on the water. 

There are numerous coastal walks and bike paths from the town, opening up the coast of the New Forest for you to explore, as well as the  Lymington Sea Water Baths , a lovely place for a dip in the summer.

Make sure to sample the delicious New Forest Ice Cream which is made in the town, the clotted cream flavor is a firm favorite.

Lymington also offers a regular car and passenger ferry service to the Isle of Wight if you fancy taking a day trip, or even extending your road trip for a few days to the smallest county in England, and also the sunniest place in the UK!

• Where to Stay in Lymington

Upmarket: Stanwell House – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Bosun’s Chair – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The New Wheel Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Be Wowed by Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle  was a Henry VIII stronghold and dates back to 1544. The castle is built on Hurst Spit, a long stretch of shingle reaching into the Solent, and also acted as a military barracks and defense post during WWII. With spectacular views of the Isle of Wight Needles from the battlements, this is a favorite spot for many.

Park at Keyhaven car park and make your way to Hurst Castle from there. You can either take the 45 minute, 2.2 mile walk out to the castle, via Saltgrass Lane, or get the boat to the castle, which leaves every 20 minutes or so from Keyhaven harbor and costs £4 one way.  A return ferry ticket costs £7 – we like to walk there and get the ferry back. 

If you decide to walk, turn left once you reach the enormous shingle spit, at the top of Seagrass Lane, and keep going – it will take around an hour or so. It can be quite hard walking on the pebbles of the spit, so make sure you have sturdy footwear on.

On the way back, stop for fish and chips at Mister Pinks in Milford-on-Sea, some of the best in the area.

Take to the Water

Whether you’re into sailing, stand-up paddle, kayaking or fancy a rib ride, you can do it from Lymington.  From yacht charters to hiring a kayak for the day, this is a perfect place to get out on the water.

Visit the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum

Sammy Miller is a motorcycling legend, eleven times British Champion, winner of more than 1400 events, and still winning competitions more than 50 years after his first victory.

The Sammy Miller Museum houses one of the finest collections of fully restored motorcycles in the world, including factory racers and exotic prototypes, with the collection constantly evolving as new bikes are acquired. This is a living museum with almost every motorcycle in the museum in full running order. 

Sammy is often at the museum, tending to his collection, and is always happy to stop for a chat.

Bournemouth

You’re now most definitely in west England, although there is no official definition of this! One of England’s most popular seaside resorts, Bournemouth in Dorset is a true bucket and spade destination. Whether you visit south England as a family or couple, you must go to Bournemouth. 

No longer the preserve of the elderly, Bournemouth is now a young and lively town, with lots of water-based activities and a great evening scene, as well as nine world-class, blue flag beaches along the seven miles of sands it shares with the neighbouring town of Poole.

• Where to Stay in Bournemouth

Upmarket: The Nici – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Green House – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Spyglass & Kettle – Booking.com | Agoda

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Things to Do in Bournemouth

Enjoy Bournemouth’s Famous Beaches

Bournemouth would not be one of the top tourist resorts in the UK without its famous long stretch of golden sands. Cleaned and raked daily, the beaches are one of the jewels in Bournemouth’s crown, and Alum Chine, Manor Steps, Durely Chine beaches all hold the coveted blue flag.

There are always lots of activities taking place on the sands including beach volleyball, play areas, sand art, and lifeguard displays, and the town’s colorful beach huts add a dash of seaside nostalgia. 

If you prefer your beach a bit wilder and more natural, you’ll find Hengistbury Head a few miles east of Bournemouth. A Site of Special Scientific Interest, Hengistbury Head features a pebble beach and a nature reserve that is home to rare wildlife and plants.

Wander the Glorious Gardens

It’s impossible to miss the lush swathe of green that cuts through the town. The Upper, Central, and Lower Gardens extend for two miles following the Bourne Valley and its stream from the boundary with Poole, all the way to Bournemouth Pier.

Listed Grade II in the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens, Bournemouth’s gardens are home to lots of activities and facilities, including tennis, putting, mini-golf, art exhibitions, and of course, the town’s trademark tethered balloon which, on a clear day, offers a panoramic bird’s eye view of Bournemouth and beyond.

Most of the action is in the Lower Gardens, close to the town center and sea. It features a number of major events including the enchanting one-hundred-year-old tradition of the ‘Candlelit Illuminations’ which attract thousands of visitors on summer evenings to the candlelit gardens.

The Central and Upper Gardens are quieter and maintain a natural feel. The Central Gardens includes several commemorative trees, the town’s war memorial, and an area dedicated to the memory of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

Visit the Russell-Coates Art Gallery & Museum

Just a few minutes walk from Bournemouth Pier, the  Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum , high on East Cliff Promenade, houses one of Britain’s finest art museums.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this charming and quirky mansion was once the home of the charismatic traveler, philanthropist, and art collector Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Annie. Showcasing a mix of architectural and design influences that includes Italian, French, and Scottish, it was a home that oozed style and influence.

A one-time Mayor of Bournemouth, Russell-Cotes gifted the building and its fantastic collection of art and artifacts to the town, including its world-famous Pre-Raphaelite works. The museum and gallery are now a major tourist attraction and a magnet for lovers of both art and architecture.

The next stop on your south England itinerary is the Isle of Purbeck and England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the dramatic Jurassic Coast. This place is a hotspot for geologists and fossil hunters, as well as travelers who come to enjoy rugged cliffs, sea views, and peaceful coastal villages.

Purbeck is not really an island, but a peninsula that is bordered by water on three sides – the English Channel to the south and east, where the steep cliffs of the Jurassic Coast fall to the sea, and the marshy lands of the River Frome and Poole Harbour to the north.

You could go the long way round from Bournemouth via the A31 and Wareham, but we think the four minute  chain ferry crossing from Sandbanks  in Poole to Studland is more fun! As you make your way to the terminal, admire the houses en route, Sandbanks is home to some of the most expensive real estate in the whole world!

Corfe Castle

From the Sandbanks ferry terminal, ignore the signs for Swanage and take the road to Corfe Castle. Commanding a gap in the Purbeck Hills, between Wareham and Swanage is the castle of the same name, one of the most iconic buildings to survive the English Civil War, even though it was partially demolished by parliamentarians in 1646.

The ruined  Corfe Castle , which has been a treasury, military garrison, royal residence, and family home, towers over the picture-perfect village, keeping its secrets of treason and treachery within.

Corfe Castle is a great place to stay for at least a few days, placing the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck at your feet, and all the major attractions within easy reach.

• Where to Stay in Corfe Castle

Upmarket: Mortons Manor – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: The Scott Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Anglebury House – Booking.com | Agoda

Drink & Stroll in Worth Matravers

The collection of limestone cottages and farmhouses that collectively make up Worth Matravers are traditional and picturesque. The hub of the village is centered around a village green, complete with a duck pond and a pub called the Square and Compass, a Grade II listed 18th century house where they still serve beer straight from the barrel.

After a pint and a pasty, there is a great walk from the pub, through the fields to Seacombe Cliff and along the breathtaking South West Coast Path to Dancing Ledge, a gently sloping plinth of rock, complete with a naturally made pool for wild swimming.

From Worth Matravers, it’s just a few miles to  The Spyway Trust  and Keates Quarry, where the rocky landscape of the Jurassic Coast recently gave up some of its 250 million-year-old secrets – over 100 dinosaur tracks and footprints, kept safe for millennia in the rocks of the Mesozoic Era.

Ride the Steam Train to Swanage

Jump on the  Swanage Railway  steam train from Corfe Castle into the center of Swanage. You can even book a driving experience, where you get to drive and fire the engine. 

With fairground rides, crazy golf, amusements, a restored Victorian pier, and lots of spots to treat yourself to an English afternoon tea , Swanage is a very typical English bucket and spade holiday destination. It’s also a great spot from which to organize diving, coasteering activities, and jet-ski safaris.

Go Rock-Pooling at Kimmeridge

Continuing east along the stunning Jurassic Coast, make a slight detour south to Kimmeridge Bay, which lies within a marine Special Area of Conservation and boasts great rock-pooling, safe snorkeling, and easy fossil hunting.

You won’t find much sand here, but huge slabs gently shelving into the sea, formed by oil trapped in rocks that were laid down on a stagnant sea floor millions of years ago.

There’s a  Wild Seas Centre  where you’ll find information about what you can see snorkeling and rock-pooling. Take rock shoes or jelly sandals and check the tides before going, you won’t be able to snorkel if the tide is high.

The road to Kimmeridge Bay, past the village, is privately owned and charges a £5 vehicle toll to access the bay. You can park and walk down from the village for free, it’s around 0.7 miles and a 15 minute walk, although uphill on the way back.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip.

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door

The quaint, thatched village of West Lulworth is known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast and is home to the famous Lulworth Cove, one of the world’s finest examples of a circular bay. No south coast trip would be complete without exploring Lulworth Cove and the neighboring beaches.

From Lulworth Cove, you can take the cliff path east to the other-worldly fossil forest, the remains of an ancient submerged forest from Jurassic times. Or go west for Durdle Door, the famous arch over the sea, backed by a beautiful beach.

• Where to Stay in Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door

Upmarket: The Smugglers Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: Castle Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: The Frampton Arms – Booking.com | Agoda

Visit Peaceful Tyneham

Tyneham is a fascinating village where time stopped in 1943 when the villagers were evacuated by the Ministry of Defence to make way for training and range firing activities and never came back. Now known as a ghost village, you can visit the tiny school and church to see how they were when the village was evacuated.

Tyneham is one of the best places to go in the south of England for a glorious coastal walk. Head up the steep hill to the high cliffs of Pondfield Cove and the South West Coast Path. Turn east for the distinctive and windswept Tyneham Cap, or west for Tyneham Beach and the spectacular Warbarrow Bay, unspoiled and usually deserted because of its remote location and lack of vehicular access. 

Tyneham and Warbarrow Bay are within the Lulworth Ranges and managed by the Ministry of Defence. Don’t walk if you see a red flag flying, that means live firing is taking place. Even if you don’t see the flag, you’ll hear the firing of powerful Challenger 2 tanks – this is not a small firing range!

Say Hello to the Primates at Monkey World

Just a ten-minute drive from West Lulworth, the famous primate sanctuary and rescue center,  Monkey World , is home to over 250 rescued and endangered primates.

You can visit the enclosures, watch the monkeys and primates at play and being cared for, and enjoy talks by the experts who work there. Monkey World is one of the best places to visit in the south of England for a great family day out.

Get up Close at The Tank Museum

Head inland to the excellent  Bovington Tank Museum , where you can learn about the history of these war-winning machines and see 300 tanks on display, including a British First World War Mark I, the oldest surviving combat tank.

To see a real Challenger 2 or Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle in action, drive through the village of Bovington towards  Clouds Hill , one time home of Lawrence of Arabia, and now a National Trust property.

Just before the Lawrence of Arabia Memorial on the left side of the road, is the ‘knife edge’, a huge mound of sand, used by trainee tank drivers and commanders to test their skills at driving a tank or smaller APC (armored personnel carrier) and stopping it on a knife edge. If you’re lucky, you might just see some modern-day tracked vehicles in action.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Another traditional British seaside town, Weymouth has a fine, award-winning sandy beach, backed by a Georgian seafront and a lively town. There’s also a very active historic harbour, pretty beach huts, and great seafood dining.

Weymouth makes a good base from which to explore the western end of Dorset, and offers a multitude of accommodation options.

• Where to Stay in Weymouth

Mid-Range: No. 98 Boutique Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Alexandra Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Marvel at Chesil Beach

The incredible Chesil Beach is a vast eighteen-mile-long shingle barrier beach stretching from West Bay in the north, to Portland in the south. Made up of over 180 billion pebbles, this iconic beach is a fascinating feat of nature, and one of the best wild and unspoiled places to visit in the south of England.

Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens  offers one of the best views of Chesil Beach from above, with the beach, sea, and sky stretching endlessly in either direction.

Pop into Abbotsbury Swannery after the gardens, the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans.

The swannery is also a little-known filming location; the swampy reed beds were used as the entrance to the Weasley family home in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

Go South to Portland Bill

Probably one of the most famous lighthouses in all of Great Britain,  Portland Bill  overlooks the English Channel from the southernmost tip of Dorset. The sea here is wild, with huge frothing waves crashing against the coastline as the tides on either side of the promontory rush to meet each other.

You can learn more about this working lighthouse in the visitors center and see the original lighthouse keeper’s quarters, and there is also a good cafe close by for hot chocolate on a cold day.

Make a Sandcastle at Sandworld

Over the years, Weymouth’s sandy beach has become known for sand sculpting and a walk along the front would see sculptors perfecting their art for the enjoyment of visitors. No one is really sure when or how this tradition started, but it became so popular that the  Sandworld Sculpture Park  was opened.

Sandworld is now home to some of the best sand sculptors from around the globe, who create sand masterpieces that defy logic and gravity. With different themes annually, Sandworld attracts the world’s best sand sculptors and is one of the best things to do in Dorset with kids – big or small!

Our last stop on this south coast road trip itinerary is the elegant town of Lyme Regis, right on the edge of the Dorset Devon border, and well known as one the best places on the Jurassic Coast to hunt for fossils.

Popular with families and foodies,  Lyme Regis has lots to do , including a great beach, ripe for finding fossils, and a growing sea-food gastro scene, whether good old-fashioned fish and chips or freshly caught local oysters are your thing. 

Take a stroll around the iconic and busy Cobb harbour, and while away a few hours watching the sea. On a clear day, there are fine views along the coast in both directions.

• Where to Stay in Lyme Regis

Upmarket: Rock Point Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range: St Andrews House B&B – Booking.com | Agoda

Budget: Room at the Inn – Booking.com | Agoda

Take a Fossil Walk

Head to Charmouth to find out more about the Jurassic Coast and why it is the perfect hunting ground for dinosaur fossils and footprints.

A  guided fossil walk  through time will reveal over 185 million years of life on earth, showcasing the three dinosaur periods known as Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.

You’ll also learn how to hunt for fossils safely and where you have the best chances of finding them.

Visit Lively Bridport

The vibrant market town of Bridport lies to the south of Lyme Regis and is just two miles from the fishing village of West Bay. Bridport has a rich, rope-making heritage and a great reputation for arts, culture, events, and food.

The town is a hive of activity with a welcoming atmosphere and an eclectic mix of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.

In between souvenir shopping, visit  Palmer’s Brewery , England’s only thatched brewery where all the beer and ales are made using a centuries-old process. Enjoy a tasting and maybe purchase a drop of your favorite ale to take home.

Explore the South West Coast Path

Although the  South West Coast Path  stretches for 630 miles between Minehead in Somerset, and along the Cornwall and Devon coasts to finish in Poole harbour, the 100 miles that run along the west Dorset coast are some of the most glorious. 

Easily accessible, there are stunning views along the route, including from Golden Cap, the highest point on the whole of the south coast.

To the west of Lyme Regis is the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve, one the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, where you’ll find exotic flora and wild landscapes.

England Road Trip Resources

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in England.

• Search for affordable flights to England with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in England with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in England with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in England with Rentalcars.com
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Get highly rated, reliable and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Information About Driving in England

Whether you’re road tripping England in a car, camper or motorbike, make sure you’ve got all your documents handy and your spare tyre is in good condition. If your England road trip itinerary is longer than a few weeks , you may want to consider a vehicle service before you go, and breakdown cover is probably a good idea.

• Drivers from non-EU countries may require an International Driving Permit. The general rule is that if your licence is not in Latin script, then an IDP will be required. Check with your hire company or embassy if you’re in doubt.
• You must have at least 3rd party insurance for your vehicle.
• Your car must be considered roadworthy in the country in which it is registered.
• Your headlights must be adapted for driving on the left if your vehicle is registered outside the UK.
• Unlike France, the UK does not have laws that require you to carry certain equipment in your car, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t. Being prepared in the event of an accident or a breakdown is invaluable. Ideally, you should carry a reflective jacket, a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
• Understand insurance options, mileage limits and fuel policies before booking a rental car.
• Check the car for damage on collection and make sure anything you spot is noted, and the same again when you drop it off.
• Remember to drive on the left during your trip to England!

RELATED POST: Driving in Europe – Everything You Need to Know

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Road Trip Dorset’s Jurassic Coast for Fossils, Pubs and Gorgeous Beaches

Home » Destinations » Europe » UK » Road Trip Dorset’s Jurassic Coast for Fossils, Pubs and Gorgeous Beaches

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Updated: 14th February 2024

I might be biased, but the Dorset coast is one of the best places you can visit in England , and indeed the UK. Being my childhood home, I’m ashamed to say it took me nearly thirty years to take a road trip along the entire 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast, but it was absolutely worth the wait. From pre-historic fossils to beaches so beautiful you wouldn’t believe they are in Britain, this is one of the best coastal getaways (or multi-day hikes ) in the country.

The Jurassic Coast gets its name thanks to the 185 million years of history imprinted into the towering cliffs along the coastline. Long before towels and parasols dotted this coastline, Dinasaours were leaving their lasting impressions. Even now, you can occasionally still find fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods while taking a stroll along the beach. Recently, fossils from  mammals dating back 145 million years  were discovered.

Beyond the mind-boggling discoveries in museums, you’ll be spoiled with shimmering shorelines, proper coastal pubs, fish and chips, and ample ambling coastal trails. All in, this is a top-notch three day road trip in Dorset. Or you can bundle it together with more of the best places in South West England for a longer seaside holiday.

How to get to the Jurassic Coast

From London (or other parts of the UK) you can arrive by train to Poole, Bournemouth or Weymouth. All three are good starting points to explore the coastline. Some European airlines fly into Bournemouth and Southampton, or it’s just a few hours by coach from the main London Airports.

How to explore the Jurassic Coast

While you can see a fair bit of the Jurassic Coast using a mixture of trains and busses, not only does this quickly get costly, but it will also be harder to visit some of the most scenic spots and limit your options for times. I’d recommend hiring a car to maximise time and have a true Jurassic Coast road trip. Keep in mind that this isn’t a fully coastal-hugging road trip. You will be mainly using country roads, taking detours down lanes to reach the coastal spots.

Be warned: parking is usually not free in Dorset, so you’ll need to carry about £20 of change with you for this road trip or use the parking apps where required. For this, an eSIM might be handy if you’re travelling from abroad.

Where to stay on the Jurassic Coast

Good starting points are in Poole or Bournemouth, where you can pick a car rental to begin your road trip. There is a whole host of accommodations across the Dorset and Devon coasts, ranging from small BnBs to larger chain hotels. If you are travelling as a family or group, consider booking a  cottage along the Jurassic Coast . Expect prices to rocket and availability to be low during the summer months.

For a more affordable option, check out Travel Lodges (a chain in the UK), which has some hotels at the start and end of the route. You can usually save even more money by getting a Travel Lodge voucher code , as they don’t usually have rooms bookable on the major OTAs.

Jurassic Coast Road Trip Itinerary: Stops En Route

After driving from either Bournemouth (my hometown) or Poole, take the Sandbanks ferry across to Studland Bay, where the Jurassic Coast official begins in Studland Bay. Your first after Studland will be Swanage. This is one of the larger towns along the coast, and the sweeping arc of shoreline is the perfect place to get your first ice cream or fish and chips lunch on the beach. Think deck chairs and quintessentially British seaside escapes, and you’ll be spot on with expectations.

Nearby, Chapman’s Pool Beach is one of the wilder and more secluded swimming spots along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. This means no lifeguards and a step narrow access path, but if you don’t mind, you’ll be rewarded once you reach the waters.

Durlston Country Park and Museum

This vast 320-acre nature reserve stretches all along the Isle of Purbeck just beyond Swanage and is included in the Jurassic Coast’s UNESCO Heritage Site . There is a small museum inside the castle, but enjoying a hike along the coastal cliffs towards the lighthouses beats being inside.

Corfe Castle

Take a little detour inland to visit  Corfe Castle . The ruins of this fortification stand above the village of the same name, which has a handful of pubs and small tea houses, perfect for an afternoon tea with scones, cream and jam. The old defensive castle, which dates from Roman times, is one of the most popular National Trust sites in the country.

Kimmeridge Bay

This tiny fishing village is actually on private land. This means you must pay an entrance/parking fee to drive down here. The rocks stretch out into the water, and it’s one of the most popular spots to look for fossils on the beach, thanks to the continual erosion of the cliffs here. While many people do skip Kimmeridge because of the cost and it being a little bit of a detour, it is one of my favourite beautiful places to spend a few hours along the Jurrasic Coast.

The Etches Collection museum nearby houses some of the more significant and more impressive fossil findings from the bay. While it’s certainly interesting, you’ll want to factor in the £9 entrance fee and consider if you’d prefer to go to the more extensive and slightly lower-priced museum in Lyme Regis instead.

Lulworth Cove

One of the Jurrasic Coast’s most famous locations and photo spots, Lulworth Cove is the perfect place to park up and enjoy a swim on the pebble beach, followed by lunch in a traditional stone-built pub. Afterwards, take the short one-mile walk along the cliffs to Durdle Door – without a doubt, the ‘poster child’ of this region.

Man O’War Beach & Durdle Door

The water at Man O’War looks more like the Med than England on a decent day, making it one of the best beach destinations in the country. This means the beaches can be crowded in summer when everyone descends to Dorset to visit one of the most famed spots on the Jurassic Coast.

Durdle Door itself, an impressive limestone arch that reaches into the sea, attracts droves of photographers. It’s not just because of its dramatic location but also because of the pretty bay backed by white cliffs. Expect to spend a good few hours here, although the crowds can be intense in Summer as it’s a popular UK staycation destination .

Isle of Portland

The Isle of Portland gained some international fame as Great Britain hosted part of the Olympics here in 2012. This was the location where many of the UK’s water adventure activities competed.

The limestone island juts out from the mainland with a spectacular arc of sand. From the top of the hill, the views are even more impressive. This is technically the most southern point of Dorset, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. There’s not much to visit in the town, so this is more of a beach and views stop.

Abbotsbury Swannery

Did you know that the King owns all the swans in England?

Take a little detour to the Abbotsbury Swannery, and you can see hundreds of these beautiful white animals relaxing atop little lakes as you walk the shaded path. You’ll need to pay to get in, but it’s also a good place to spot various other bird life which thrives along the Jurrasic Coast.

One of the biggest towns in the region, Weymouth, has spruced itself up in the last few years. It’s a pretty decent place to overnight. There’s the pretty side of the town, with cute canals and colourful houses, and then a slightly more grim centre that still needs a bit more TLC. In July, with the Weymouth Festival in full swing, the town is a cracking place to be for some sunny pints.

By far the best location for fossil hunting, often people will just be walking along the beach when they spot and pick up pre-historic fossils for themselves. A little museum and gift shop will fill you in on more details about the region’s fossil history. The beach itself isn’t the best for relaxing and sunbathing. However, the impressive cliffs and chance to find your own Ammonites or Belemnites make Charmouth a must-visit.

In the far reaches of West Dorset, not far from the Devon border, Lyme Regis is about as dreamy as the British seaside gets. With plenty of quirky and cosy pubs, seaside cafes, relatively still swimming conditions in the bay and a host of pastel-shaded houses, it is a popular spot for UK families to have a summer getaway. Often nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Dorset’, you’ll quickly see why this is regarded as one of the stars along the Jurrasic Coast.

The famous fossil collector Mary Anning hails from Lyme Regis. Visit the geology-focused Lyme Regis Museum and the impressive fossil collection at Dinosaurland for further insight. Spend a night here before speeding back to your starting point in Dorset or continuing on to Devon’s section of the Jurassic Coast.

Seaton and on to Devon or Cornwall…

Seaton is another seaside town with a fair few amenities and your gateway to continue to Devon or even as far as Cornwall .

If you want to cover the whole of the Jurassic Coast, it stretches from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon. If you keep driving, you’ll find some other beautiful spots along this 100-mile of coastline in the park.

Whichever part of the Jurassic Coast you explore, you won’t be disappointed; just make sure not to miss my fantastic home county when planning your visit to England, as it’s truly one of the best – if slightly chillier – beach destinations in Europe .

Related Posts:

• Where To Stay in Cornwall: Which Place Is the Best Base?
• 17 Beautiful Places to Visit in South West England for a Unique Getaway
• 12 Fantastic Things To Do in the UK
• 10 Awesome UK Adventure Holidays: Active Coastal Hikes To Scuba in Scotland
• Best Places To Visit in Cornwall: Attractions, Beaches and Pretty Villages
• 12 Epic Multi-Day Hiking Destinations: From Famed Peaks to Offbeat Trails

Hi Dan, Bit of a long shot here. I’m an artist with a bit of a disability which prevents me from getting to some of the landscapes I would like to paint. I live in Dorset and would very much like permission to paint some of the scenes in the photos on your website. Would it be possible to put me in touch with the photographers or whoever owns the copyright please? Many thanks Rosie

Hi Rosie! Hope you’re well, thanks for your message. I’m from Dorset too and all of the photos are mine (as are 99% on this site).My email is [email protected] incase you require it, but I’m more than happy for your to paint them, it’s quite the compliment. Thanks! Dan

Hey Dan thinking of taking 3 kids with us on a road trip for 3 days – want a bit of scenery and beach where do you recommend stopping to get best of both worlds ?

Along the J. Coast? Around Seaton you’re pretty close to the Blackdown Hills AONB which gives you a bit of both, or combining the New Forest with the Dorset part of the coastal route.

says 145-years, when its meant to say 14- million years

Thanks for the spot, updated!

Looking for an anchor spot to spend 3 nights to explore the Jurassic Coast (you convinced me!) Your thoughts?

Location wise Lyme Regis might be a good spot, and quite central, although I don’t know any accommodation there personally – otherwise Weymouth if you want to be closer to the Durdle Door side. Have an amazing time!

Hi, Thanks for that will be visiting all these places on our next trip soon it’s such a beautiful place & having visited Bournemouth,Poole,Sandbanks & Christchurch these places are a must! Thankyou!

Great insight and imformation. I am visiting the area

Pretty Lit Brother

Hey Dan – Great blog post! In the 3 days, in what towns did you stop to stay overnight?

Hey Ana, Weymouth and Seaton, although Weymouth has a lot more going on I’d plan accommodation based on how much driving you want to do a day and if you plan on going all the way on through the Devon section :)

Hey Dan, your blog is great. I’m heading to the UK this year so its been super useful. Durdle door looks amazing. Definitely adding that to my list! Thank you!

Thank you, have an amazing time in the UK!

Amazing Place, Amazing clicks!

Thanks for a very well written and detailed blog.

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The Ultimate 2 Week South West England Road Trip Itinerary

01 apr 2024 29 mar 2024 | danielle.

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

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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!

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Best of Dorset Coast (and New Forest) Road Trip Itinerary

• Last Updated 7 December 2023

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Over the weekend, I headed down to the Dorset coast for a road trip. Armed with a new TomTom satnav, a few very old CDs, and with one of my best friends in the driver’s seat, we headed out on the ultimate Dorset road trip.

Along the way we stopped at some of our very favourite spots on the Jurassic Coast and in Dorset . We also discovered a few new things – like our amazing seafood lunch at Rick Stein’s!

I’ve uploaded my route to the TomTom community (more on that below) and also written out the itinerary in full here – so you can recreate it. This is a perfect way to spend a weekend in Dorset, making the most of the gorgeous coastline and some of the idyllic countryside around the area. Think epic seafood, beautiful beaches, and some amazing geographical wonders!

RELATED POST: Fun things to do in Southampton , the perfect stop before you hit the New Forest.

Dorset Coast Road Trip Route

If you fancy recreating my amazing New Forest and Dorset coast road trip, you can check out the route below.

My version starts in Southampton, so you can take the scenic route down through the New Forest to Dorset. But if you’re coming from London, add in a stop at Winchester before heading to the New Forest. Keep reading for a look at the best stops along my epic Dorset coast road trip route…

RELATED POST: My First Solo Road Trip Abroad

New Forest Scenic Drive

First up is the New Forest. Despite the name, it’s not all that new! It was named the “New Forest” by William the Conqueror in the 11th century – because it was his new hunting ground. There’s loads to see and do in the New Forest, and to be honest, it deserves its very own road trip. But it’s also a very lovely drive and the best way to head down from Hampshire to Dorset.

READ MORE: 15 Epic England Road Trips

If you have time, take the scenic route through Lyndhurst, following the back roads through the national park. The A31 is quicker but not as pretty. Following the scenic route gives you many more photo ops, the chance to spot the famous New Forest ponies, and of course allows you to stop off at some cute tearooms or cafe in one of the idyllic villages. There are several routes you could take, but I like to head through Lyndhurst as it’s such a nice village.

Welcome to the Dorset coast! Our first stop in Dorset is at the stunning Sandbanks beach – famously the most expensive seaside town in Britain. In this millionaires’ playground, the average house price is over £660,000 – and many are worth several million. So be sure to keep an eye out for some of the amazing architecture as you drive around the peninsula. The beach itself is gorgeous, with a calm bay that’s perfect for watersports like SUP or kayaking. Stop for a swim or an ice cream, or do like I did and head to Rick Stein’s for a delicious lunch of local seafood.

RELATED POST: Best Beaches in Dorset – According to a Local!

Sandbanks Ferry to Studland

From Sandbanks, drive along Banks Road to the end of the spit of land. Here, you can take the Sandbanks chain ferry to Studland. The cost is £4.50 per car, and ferries leave every twenty minutes. Check the timetable here . The ferry crosses the entrance to Poole Harbour, which is the largest natural harbour in the world.

On the other side, you’ll be in the  Studland Nature Reserve . The beaches here are more wild than Sandbanks, with sloping sand dunes laced with seagrass and wildflowers. It’s a beautiful area, and one that often goes overlooked – so take your time here. If it’s lunchtime, head to The PIG at the Beach for a locally sourced and foraged meal. Or, simply enjoy a nice walk along Knoll Beach or through the nature reserve.

READ MORE: 5 Dorset Gins you Have to Try!

Corfe Castle

The drive from Studland to Wareham via Corfe Castle is one of the most scenic parts of this Dorset coast road trip. Once you leave the cliffs and sea views behind and turn inland, you’ll be passing through idyllic countryside and farmland. This is also the best way to approach Corfe Castle. The iconic ruin appears as you pass beneath the stone bridge of the old steam railway, and it’s a pretty gorgeous sight!

Corfe Castle is one of my top recommended things to do in Dorset . With over a thousand years of history, this ancient castle has been a fortress for the Saxons and the Normans, a royal palace, and a family home. It was destroyed in the English Civil War, and now only an imposing ruin survives, perched on top of a hill and overlooking the whole of the Isle of Purbeck. Stop here for fascinating history, gorgeous views, and maybe a cream tea in the local village!

If you’re making this a two-day road trip, Weymouth is the perfect place to spend the night on the south coast of England . There are plenty of hotel options and B&B’s, especially along the seafront. But my recommendation is to stay in one of the AirBnb’s on the harbourside, as there are loads of unique options.

Weymouth is a super pretty, vintage seaside town with a gorgeous beach. Be sure to take a stroll around the historic harbour in the evening, with its colourful cottages and lively pubs. Grab some fish and chips for dinner, and eat them on the harbour wall as the sun goes down. Or if you want a sit down meal head to the Crab Shack cafe on Chesil Beach – a local favourite and a great place to enjoy the local seafood.

READ MORE: 50 Unique things to do in Weymouth

Durdle Door

After a lazy morning in Weymouth (head to Cafe Oasis for breakfast on the beach) set off for day two of the road trip. The first stop is a Dorset coast icon and an absolute must visit if you’re exploring the Jurassic Coast: Durdle Door .

This natural limestone arch, forged by waves and weather over millions of years, is more than a fascinating geographical sight. It’s also in one of the prettiest bays along this stretch of coastline. The water is usually a vivid green colour, and the views from the top of the cliff back towards Weymouth and Portland are gorgeous. Be warned – there’s a pretty steep cliff path leading down to the beach from the carpark. Thankfully, there’s a small cafe and an ice cream stall at the top to help motivate you on the way back up!

Lulworth Cove

My next road trip stop is right next door. You can actually leave your car parked at Durdle Door and take the cliff path over to Lulworth, but it’s a pretty steep climb both ways. If you decide to drive it, I won’t judge you. We did!

Lulworth Cove is another top spot on the Dorset coast. A white pebble beach skirting bright blue waters, it’s a really beautiful location, and the small village is also lovely to explore. Don’t miss the visitor centre to learn more about the Jurassic Coast, and to see some of the amazing fossils found on this part of the coast. Lulworth Cove Inn is one of my favourite places to get some lunch, and their menu features lots of lovely local food.

READ MORE: 50 Unique things to do in Dorset

Return Home

The journey back to the A31 from Lulworth is another pretty one, through gorgeous Dorset countryside. If you have time, the 17th century Lulworth Castle is always worth a visit for some history or a walk in the peaceful, landscaped grounds. Or stop in any of the villages along the way for a tasty pub meal (I like the Olive Branch in Wimborne Minster).

If you’re staying overnight, don’t miss my guide to the best places to stay in Dorset . It’s full of great recommendations for everything from hotels and AirBnb’s, to camping and glamping.

So, there you have my ultimate Dorset coast road trip! It was such a fun weekend and a lovely way to see some of my favourite spots on the Jurassic Coast. I hope you’ll be trying it for yourself soon!

The trip was kindly supported by TomTom, but as always, all words and opinions are my own. 

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6 thoughts on “Best of Dorset Coast (and New Forest) Road Trip Itinerary”

Awesome guide and lovely photos Emily!

Thanks Scott! I wish I could claim credit for all the pics but unfortunately I had a camera malfunction over the weekend so some of these are stock photos from Pixabay! Still – Dorset really is that gorgeous!

so beautiful!

I’d add the Bankes Arms at Studland, proper old-fashioned country pub with a fire lit all winter, a tendency to large hairy smiley dogs and big portions of good filling pub food. Beautiful part of the world; I need to get out in the New Forest more often.

Oooh great tip thanks Juliet!! This part of the world has some AWESOME country pubs :)

Such a Amazing blog really and Great shots & Lulworth Cove have unbelievable to see. Loving this blog.

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London to Fleet (Dorset) drive

London to fleet (dorset) road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from London to Fleet (Dorset). If you're planning a road trip to Fleet (Dorset), you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in London drive for about 1 hour

11:03 am   Windsor Castle stay for about 1 hour and leave at 12:03 pm drive for about 57 minutes

1:00 pm   Winchester stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:00 pm drive for about 38 minutes

2:38 pm   Salisbury (England) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 3:38 pm drive for about 46 minutes

4:25 pm   Bournemouth stay for about 1 hour and leave at 5:25 pm drive for about 47 minutes

6:12 pm  arrive in Fleet (Dorset)

driving ≈ 4 hours

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What are some things to do in Fleet (Dorset)?

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Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Fleet (Dorset) to London drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

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An Exhilarating Road Trip to the Jurassic Coast

Lucy Foxell

Updated on: October 16, 2023

Last Updated on October 16, 2023

Exploring the Dorset Jurassic Coast With Bridgestone Potenza

Written in conjunction with Bridgestone Potenza

I am a Londoner through and through, but as much as I love city life, I have been longing to escape to the countryside and go exploring again after a long winter in lockdown. Now that restrictions are easing and that I am double vaccinated, I am more than ready for an adventure! I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to get away from the city to go on an exhilarating road trip with Bridgestone the well-known premium tyre company, to explore the Dorset Jurassic  Coast.  The closest part of the West Country to London, it’s a great place for a short break!

Many people are deciding not to risk travelling abroad this summer.  There’s the complicated and ever-changing traffic light system, long quarantines and expensive Covid testing to consider, as well as the ongoing concerns about keeping well and virus free.  It looks as if the UK Holiday Sector is in for a real boost.

Andy Mathias, Marketing Manager for Bridgestone North Europe Region said: “A driving escape is the perfect way to unlock a plethora of exciting and varied destinations that we are lucky to have in the UK, from stunning mountain tops to remote beaches. However, it is not just about the destination as the journey itself can make for an exhilarating escape.”

There are so many beautiful places to explore in the UK, and especially when the sun shines there is really no need to go abroad. I particularly love the West Country.  I used to visit with my family when I was a child, and later again with my own children. So, I was really excited to set off on a road trip to revisit the Dorset Jurassic Coast.

I was driving a BMW 318d Saloon 2.0 SE, fitted with the new Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyre; a high-performance tyre that gives you great grip and control. We were staying in Studland near Swanage which is 95 miles from my London home, and when the roads are reasonably clear it takes less than 2.5 hours to get there. I took the M3 and A338 south to Sandbanks where we took the Toll Ferry which connects Poole and Bournemouth to the Isle of Purbeck.

Overall, the drive was effortlessly smooth and comfortable; the tyres gave an excellent high-speed performance and held the road brilliantly. They were especially good for driving on the motorway and along some of Dorset’s winding roads. The weather was mostly dry and sunny but we had one wet and misty morning. The sporty profile shape of the tyre creates really good stability and the innovative tread increases grip to deliver outstanding braking performance, which proved to be exceptional in both wet and dry conditions.

Much as we were tempted to stay put and just enjoy the views, we were also perfectly positioned to explore the coastline over the next few days.  Here’s where our road trip around the Jurassic Coast took us.

Table of Contents

First Stop on our Dorset Jurassic Coast Road Trip – Studland Bay

Studland Bay stretches for four miles; beautiful sheltered unspoilt sandy beaches ideal for water sports, beach games, relaxing or building sandcastles. We were staying at Knoll Beach which is backed by a wilderness of dunes, Shell Bay is also backed by dunes and heathland, South Beach is the smallest and most popular with the locals, whereas Middle Beach is sheltered by low cliffs.  And,  for any naturists, among you, there is a 1km designated naturist area.

On arrival we were able to take in some of the picturesque coastline on foot, walking along Studland Bay south to Old Harry Rocks, one of the Jurassic Coast’s imposing chalk formations. Even if you can’t stay at ‘The Pig On Beach’, once the summer residence of the aristocratic Bankes family who owned Corfe Castle and Kingston Lacy near Wimborne, it’s worth dropping by for drinks as we did and sitting on their lawn which boasts spectacular views.

If you’ve got enough time then do head north to reach the traditional endpoint of the 630-mile South West Coast Path.

But with just two days to explore we had to get on the road….

The coastal roads are a driver’s dream. Lovely winding well-kept roads flanked by colourful hedgerows and stunning landscape with verdant fields and lush rolling hills made all the more pleasurable by a fine set of wheels which drove well over rough and smooth surfaces. We meandered through several lovely Dorset villages, real country idylls with traditional cob houses and pretty cottages made of Purbeck stone.

Our road trip took us along the coast between Studland and Lyme Regis.

 A bit of history at Corfe Castle

You can’t help but marvel at Corfe Castle which sits regally above Corfe village at the top of a magnificent hill close to Swanage. This iconic early Norman castle which is now a ruin was one of the country’s great strongholds. Built during the reign of William the Conqueror to control passage through the Purbeck Hills via a road between Swanage and Wareham. William established 36 castes Between 1066 and 1087 in England, but they weren’t usually situated on hilltops and were more likely to be built in a valley, it was also unusual for castles at this time to be built of stone, which gave Corfe particularly high status.

Corfe Castle was defended by Lady Bankes (the wife of its owner) during the English Civil War, before being betrayed by someone inside the castle, Lady Bankes was allowed to go free, but in 1646 the Castle was partially demolished by the Parliamentarians to stop it being used in the future.

Accessed via the village, this National Trust medieval castle is well worth a visit. We parked in the Purbeck Carpark below the village and walked up. Open 7 days a week, but do check their website for opening times, and currently, it’s best to book ahead.

Rock Pooling, Snorkelling and Surfing at  Kimmeridge

Kimmeridge Bay is part of the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) found along the South West Coast Path national walking trail. It is located within a marine Special Area of Conservation and is known to be one of the best and safest beaches for rock pooling and snorkelling in Dorset. The area is also popular with surfers and windsurfers with sea breezes and surf created by the rock ledges underneath the waves.

We arrived on a very misty morning, but the rock poolers were already out with their nets and buckets; it’s a great place to take the kids crabbing! You can visit the Wild Seas Centre which is beside the slipway, it’s free to take a look at their exhibitions and a small aquarium. It encourages all ages to explore the bay, its ledges and rockpools.

We parked in the car park above the Bay, charges apply.

A Jewel of the Jurassic Coast – Lulworth Cove

When we arrived in Lulworth the sea mist still hadn’t lifted but that didn’t detract from its outstanding beauty. Lulworth Cove is one of the Jurassic Coast jewels; a delightfully secluded bay that has a crystal-clear water stream running into the bay from the chalk hills. It owes its existence to the collision of continents and the birth of the Alps!

If you want a bit of adventure, you can take a climb up the steep hill to neighbouring Durdle Dorr, another one of Dorset’s magnificent rock formations, or walk to Stair Hole which is reputed to be the inspiration for the location of Enid Blyton’s book ‘The Rubadub Mystery’. The area is especially popular with walkers, you can walk to the cove along the South West Coast Path national trail.

Lulworth Cove is part of the Lulworth Estate which has been owned and managed since 1941 by the Weld family. Alongside the cove sits the village of West Lulworth.

The cove itself is just a short walk from the large car park (costs apply) where you can also visit the Visitor Centre for information about the area and access toilet facilities. There are some wonderful quaint cottages to lust after as well as pubs and restaurants.

Bridport Harbour – West Bay

The mist was clearing and we were looking forward to our picnic lunch so we headed to West Bay which is also known as Bridport Harbour, a small seaside village centred around a small harbour with direct access to the Bay, technically it is a separate village to Bridport but it’s very close by. We parked in the village very easily and went down onto the bay with our picnic basket. A lovely sheltered beach which is a mix of shingle and sand overlooked by the dramatic East Cliffs.

You may recognise the town and surrounding area which was famously used for shooting the popular TV series Broadchurch.

Victorian Seaside Splendour at Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis has to be one of my favourite seaside resorts, with its Victorian Promenade, pretty pastel beach huts, Cobb harbour and the lovely sand and shingle town beach. By the time we arrived the sun was shining and families were walking the promenade eating ice creams and enjoying the seaside atmosphere.

A very strange stranger it must be, who does not see charms in the immediate environs of Lyme, to make him wish to know it better. Jane Austen.

This historic town is the heart of the Jurassic Coast situated at the point where the rugged West Dorset and East Devon coastlines meet, sometimes known ‘Pearl of Dorset’. It has been a UNESCO world heritage site since the early 2000s.

And, for those looking for dinosaurs, Lyme Regis is famous as the birthplace of Mary Anning, one of history’s significant palaeontologists and fossil collectors. In the 1800s she found a complete ichthyosaur in Lyme when she was just 12-years-old. You can discover more about Mary’s life at the Lyme Regis Museum, built on the site of her family’s home. To this day Lyme is still a great place to go for fossil hunting and there are lots of fossil shops in the town if you don’t find your own ichthyosaur

The Jurassic Coast got its name because of its extraordinary geological history which spans millions of years. The Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous period are all represented within a 96-mile stretch…. there is so much more to explore!

After a wonderful couple of days rediscovering some of this spectacular coastline, we drove back to London.  Our road trip route around the Dorset Jurassic Coast had taken us from the Purbeck Peninsula to some spectacular and very different places.  Here’s a summary of our road trip over two days

• Studland Bay
• Corfe Castle
• Lulworth Cove
• Bridport Harbour and West Bay 

It had been a thoroughly enjoyable journey, travelling in the comfort and safety of our car.  The Bridgestone Potenza Sports tyres are definitely a tyre for the road with great sporty handling,  excellent steering response, good grip levels and very quick to respond in both dry and wet conditions.

Roads trips and staycations are definitely the way forward this summer, but do make sure you check your tyres before you hit the road!

The new Bridgestone Potenza Sport is a high-performance tyre that enables you to maximise the full potential of your vehicle and continue on your journey in complete control. For more information about the survey and about Bridgestone Potenza please visit the Bridgestone Tyres website

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2 Day Jurassic Coast Road Trip: Best Things To Do In Dorset

Planning the best things to do in Dorset for a Jurassic Coast road trip?

The Jurassic Coast is famous for sightseeing Durdle Door, a monolithic gem along the UK coastline in Dorset.  If you haven’t been to this World Heritage Site , you’re in for a real treat!

This southern England region along the English Channel coast is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground.  It’s truly a UK destination like no other with far more to offer than just a quick glimpse.

The Jurassic Coast is loaded with fun things to do to keep you busy for far more than a weekend away, but there are a few activities to do in Dorset that you simply must not miss.

In this post, you’ll find fun the best things to do in Dorset for families to explore the Jurassic Coast, with a concentration on what to do near Lulworth Cove.  All in 2 days!

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means I may make a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking a link but costs you nothing more). Read here for the full disclosure policy .

If you don’t have the time to read the details, the highlights of this 2 day Jurassic Coast trip in Dorset include:

• Jurassic Coast is 2.5 hours by car from London
• Book accommodations to stay in Lulworth Cove
• Climb to the top of Stair Hole, Jurassic Park
• Walk to Durdle Door and plan on 145 steps down & up again
• Buy Dorset fudge at The Dolls House in Lulworth Cove
• Visit Corfe Castle and Corfe Village
• Buy a Jurassic Coast chocolate lobster at Chococo – UK’s top chocolate shop in 2019!
• See Old Harry Rocks in Swanage

Stroll Tyneham Village

• Visit Weymouth for the most colorful canals in Jurassic Coast
• Feed the Queen’s swans at Abbotsbury – the most unique thing to do in Dorset, even in the rain
• Walk on Chesil Beach – it’s 100% pebbles
• Visit Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens
• Book restaurant reservations as soon as you start planning your Jurassic Coast trip

Best Things To Do In Dorset For A Jurassic Coast Road Trip

In chronological order, here are the best things to do in Dorset to experience the very best of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding area with kids in 2 days.

Nautical colors of Lulworth Cove

Explore The Sands Of Lulworth Cove

Start your Jurassic Coast road trip where I consider the sweet spot: Lulworth Cove.

Get up early to start exploring this Dorset seaside gem. Make it a point to get up early on each day of your trip to capture photos of the breathtaking landscape and coastline. With light and weather conditions, you never know what you’ll see so take advantage of early morning conditions to capture the best of the area.

Walk to Lulworth Cove first and let the kids meander around the beach looking for interesting shells or fossils. This area of Jurassic Coast is not known as a destination for finding fossils in particular, but its pristine location makes you want to linger and look anyway.

Lulworth Cove, Jurassic Coast of Dorset

Enjoy a coffee or a fresh crab sandwich at The Boat Shed while watching the waves break.  For brave souls, consider a very brisk swim (even in October).

Along Lulworth Cove, follow the various paths (marked with what resembles more of a tombstone than a coastal marker) to get glorious views of the entire coast and Lulworth Cove Village. Nearly all coastal paths are well marked, but there are exceptions.  In particular: Stair Hole.

Climb To The Peak Of Stair Hole

Stair Hole is immediately west of Lulworth Cove.

How to find the Stair Hole path on the Jurassic Coast:

• Stand directly above Lulworth Cove, over The Boat Shed
• Face Lulworth Cove
• Turn 180° around
• Look for a point above the two pools with a tree line that extends from the peak nearly down to the village. There is a faint path that can be seen through the grass, and another faint path through the hedges and trees.

Hike to this point in West Lulworth

Evaluate both paths to see which one is safest.

The path through the trees might be nothing but deep mud. And the green grassy path might resemble a mudslide.

We chose the green grass path and very carefully took our time, particularly with kids. Evaluate and use your best judgment before making the ascent. Wellies or hiking boots with treads are highly recommended.

Despite my hesitation and consideration of turning back at least a half dozen times, the Jurassic Coast view from Stair Hole peak made the effort beyond worth it.

Stair Hole, Jurassic Coast

Walk To Durdle Door

From the base of the West Lulworth car park, hop on the coastal path to Durdle Door.   
Although it’s only 2 miles round trip, it feels like a much longer walk uphill. Once to the top of the hill, it levels out a bit before walking down another hill towards Man O’War Beach and Durdle Door.

Man O’ War Beach, Jurassic Coast

Upon arrival at Durdle Door, there are 145 steps down to the beach….and back up again.

Durdle Door, Jurassic Coast

The weather conditions, particularly in fall or winter, might make you reconsider entertaining a round trip walk to Durdle Door and back, but it’s worth it. With two kids (7 and 10 years old) and even winds at the top reaching 60mph (we visited during a stormy weekend), the round trip walk only took 70 minutes.

But if walking seems out of the question, there is a car park access to Durdle Door and Man Of War beach.

Eat Fudge From The Dolls House In Lulworth Cove

Upon return to West Lulworth, take a break for lunch and grab a well-deserved treat at Mansfield Farm Ice Cream Stand (gin and tonic sorbet) or Dorset-made fudge at The Doll House. (We did both!)

The Dolls House, Lulworth Cove

Fun Things To Do Near Lulworth Cove To The East

After taking in West Lulworth and Lulworth Cove, tackle the best things to do in Dorset by organizing your day with everything east of you and then everything west of you, or vice versa.

Explore Corfe Castle & Village

If you have to pick between two castles to visit, go to Corfe Castle over Lulworth. As you enter Purbeck Hills, you’ll quickly understand why. It feels like you’re stumbling upon a Harry Potter movie set with the stone houses, shops and restaurants adjoined one right after the other, sitting below a very impressive castle that you can see from afar.

Built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Corfe Castle is now a National Trust site .  It costs money to enter, but you can enjoy views of the stone castle and the way of life without spending money by walking along the river path just to the left of the Corfe Castle tea room.

There are fun facts along the path to educate how life was, and the soay sheep grazing the hills make it incredibly picturesque.

Cottage in Corfe Castle Village

Eat A Chocolate Lobster In Swanage

You can’t go to Dorset without a stop in Swanage. Between surf watching (even on super cold days), Old Harry Rocks, and enjoying some of the best chocolate in the UK, Swanage is a must visit after the Jurassic Coast walks.

There are two places you must try: Love Cake and Chococo . Grab one of many cake choices at Love Cake, and be sure to purchase your Jurassic Coast souvenir at Chococo.

My favorite British gift ideas from Dorset are the basket of chocolate fish and chips and this lobster one. Or opt for one of their international gold winners making Chococo a top UK chocolate shop in 2019.

See Old Harry Rocks

And while in Swanage, you must see the Old Harry Rocks.  If the schedule is getting pushed for time to drive to Old Harry Rocks, I recommend seeing it this way – particularly with kids if they are running out of adventure steam.

Catch Old Harry and where he hid his pirate ship from the end of Swanage Pier. Arrive before 5p before the pier closes to the public.

For a peek at Old Harry Rocks with kids, go to Swanage Pier

Time permitting and whether or not it’s open, a visit to Tyneham Village is a fascinating thing to do in Dorset on the way back to West Lulworth when most other venues are closed. It’s a village that was taken over by the British Army for training during WW II. The inhabitants were evacuated and never allowed to return.

Sadly, Tyneham is like a lost village stuck in time, 1943 to be exact. Although many of the buildings are in ruins, the schoolhouse and church exist as they were nearly 100 years ago.

Tyneham Village Schoolhouse in Dorset

Other things to do near Lulworth Cove to the east (if you have the time):

• Lulworth Castle – Not open on Saturdays, so plan accordingly.
• Durlston Country Park and Museum – There is a small museum and picturesque walks along the cliffs.
• Kimmeridge Bay – Recommended as the best place for fossil hunting. There is a fee to enter.

Fun Things To Do Near Lulworth Cove To The West

There are many things to do west of Lulworth Cove, but if you only have a day to explore, choose these must-visit spots for your Jurassic Coast of Dorset road trip.

Visit Weymouth

If you love picturesque colorful canals with plenty of shopping and diverse food choices, then Weymouth is a must-do. You can easily spend an entire day in Weymouth exploring but if you’re interested in just a taste of what Weymouth has to offer, then park at the Weymouth Pavilion.

Use Weymouth postcode DT4 8BE to have a wander around the colorful Weymouth Harbour, take in some light shopping (check out Heart Deco ) and make your way in a circle back around to the Pavilion.

Weymouth Harbour Marina

Climb The Portland Bill Lighthouse

Visit the Isle of Portland which was home to sailing events for the 2012 Olympics.

Make your way to the Portland Bill Lighthouse , and climb to the top for 360° views before earning lunch at the Lobster Pot. The lighthouse closes at 4pm and tours are scheduled throughout the day.

Feed The Swans At Abbotsbury

Admittedly, going to the Swannery wasn’t on my top list of things to do in Dorset but the kids really wanted to go and I’m so glad we did.

Abbotsbury is a gem. There is so much goodness packed into this small area of Dorset that we were beyond thrilled as we neared the Swannery.

The village is picturesque, St Catherine’s Chapel is mysterious, and there are surprises on nearly every tight turn as you drive your way around (carefully).

We were beyond happy that we chose the swannery over other options on the second day of our Jurassic Coast trip. The Abbotsbury Swannery is an absolute must experience while visiting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast.

Jurassic Coast Highlight – Feeding the swans

First impression is that it’s an overpriced garden but as you near the beach where the swans are, you’re immediately stunned by these impressive birds. We arrived during feeding time and lucky for us, we were the only family there giving us the opportunity to feed all 500 swans! All white and one Australian black.  Can you spot it?

It seems a bit overwhelming at first to have 500 swans surround you as they discover you’re the one with the food, but our entire family got into it and spent far more time with these birds than we imagined. Visiting the swans turned out to be a highlight for the entire family.

Book Abbotsbury Swannery tickets in advance and get 20% off. The passport includes tickets to the Abbotsbury Children’s Farm and the Subtropical Gardens.

Walk On Chesil Beach

This 18-mile beach is not only 100% covered in pebbles but puts on a crashing wave show like one you’ve never seen. Because the beach is entirely covered in pebbles, it’s a bit wobbly to walk on but that is what makes it so unique. If sand isn’t your thing, this might be the beach for you.

Chesil Beach

Go Tropical At Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens

A great way to conclude your Jurassic Coast Trip is a walk through the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens at dusk. If you time your visit right, there is an illumination event that highlights the tropical trail. The garden is incredibly lush, making you feel more like walking through a rainforest in Australia than a garden off the coast of England.

Be sure to visit the shop. We found the perfect swan ornament for only £1 to capture the highlights of day 2 on our Jurassic Coast trip.

Other things to do west of West Lulworth if you have the time:

• Charmouth – Known to be the best beach for fossil hunting.
• Lyme Regis – Considered the ‘gem of Dorset’. This beach town offers many pubs to try, charming houses to photograph, and is typically a turning around point for a Jurassic Coast trip.

Map For Jurassic Coast Road Trip

The best things to do in Dorset are organized with Lulworth Cove as the starting point.  This is based upon an overnight stay in Lulworth Cove before getting started.   Start day 1 in the morning at Lulworth Cove.

However, you can rearrange sightseeing from a different starting point.  This Jurassic Coast map illustrates the best things to do in Dorset so you can plan your day or weekend adventure from wherever you choose to stay.

Where To Stay In Lulworth Cove

With only two days to explore the Jurassic Coast, I highly recommend staying in Lulworth Cove. It’s centrally located minimizing the amount of time spent driving. This way you’re equidistant to attractions east and west of you along the Jurassic Coast – a huge bonus when traveling with kids.

A few places to consider staying at include Rudds of Lulworth , Lulworth Cove Inn , Castle Inn & Pub , and Limestone Hotel . Charming cottages are available to rent but typically need further notice and can be a bit more expensive in this area due to its proximity to major seaside attractions, especially during the summer.

Pink cottage to stay at in Lulworth Cove

My best advice is to contact the hotel or booking agent directly, even when the website says no availability.

Where To Eat In Lulworth Cove

All the hotels and pubs offer dining and advance reservations aren’t required for an off-peak Jurassic Coast trip. Even so, I highly recommend booking dining reservations as a safety net while traveling with kids.

For a summer Jurassic Coast trip, book dining reservations ahead.  There are few options relative to its popularity during the peak time of year.

For adults: Rudd’s of Lulworth

Between the ambiance, massive wooden chairs to make you feel like a king or queen for the night, and overall freshness, Rudd’s wins hands-down. Although there isn’t a menu for kids, the chef is kindly willing to make a simple dish of pasta or a smaller portion of any main menu item.

For kids: Lulworth Cove Inn

Never have I ever seen a kids meal option be a big pot of fresh mussels. With an actual red beach bucket to chuck shells, and a portion large enough for any adult, my son was in foodie heaven. And so weren’t we watching him.

Kids pot of Dorset mussels at Lulworth Cove Inn

Final Tips For Your Jurassic Coast Roadtrip Or Weekend Away

For an alternative Jurassic route or more Dorset inspiration, buy this Great Britain travel guide written by the top UK blogger duo.

Hand Luggage Only: Great Britain: Explore the Best Coastal Walks, Castles, Road Trips, City Jaunts and Surprising Spots Across England, Scotland and Wales

Buy On Amazon

As of June 29, 2024 13:48:46 More Info Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

From the UK’s unbelievable coastline to the country’s best chocolate, discover why the Jurassic Coast is one of the most popular destinations in Britain. Plan your visit today!

Have you been to the Jurassic Coast?  What did I miss?  Please share in the comments.

Looking for more UK road trip ideas?

• Things To Do In Norfolk With Kids
• Things To Do In Stratford-Upon-Avon
• White Cliffs Of Dover: Where To Stay, What To Pack & Best Things To Do

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This is great and helpful. Im trying to plan a solo trip to do a few days by the Jurassic coast and then a day/night in dover to see the cliffs. Just hoping to find some hostel type accommodation

Thank you, Grant. Jurassic Coast & Dover are both amazing. I don’t have experience staying at either, but have you looked into Dover Castle Hostel or for Jurassic Coast area: The Bunker, YHA Lulworth Cove, YHA Swanage? Hope this helps! x

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England Road Trip: 50 Unmissable ideas (for every UK itinerary)

Planning an England road trip? Here are some of the best itinerary ideas for all schedules, including London to Cornwall, the Cotswolds and Kent in southern England, National Parks like the Lake District or Peak District, Northern England and all the way up to the Scottish border.

Whatever your cup of tea, there’s a UK road trip idea here for you. We’ve also provided a helpful map so you can visualise your route.

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

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UK Road Trips- How to Plan

Planning a UK road trip to England or elsewhere can be tough. 

There are SO MANY places, ideas, options and reviews- how on earth are you supposed to choose the best way or most scenic drives?

Then, you have to factor in how long you have for your UK road trip (remembering that much of rural UK has smaller, slower roads, so it takes a lot longer to get there than you might expect. 

So, if you’re planning a road trip around England (and the UK) and feeling overwhelmed, here are some of our favourite road trips and itinerary ideas to help you. We’ll discuss the best bits of each area, why and when you should visit, how far it is from London and where you should allow extra time to explore.

England Road Trip Ideas- Where to Start

The first thing to decide is where you want to visit on your road trip. Also, remember that England is only one section of the UK- there are several other countries to explore (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland make up the United Kingdom).

So, if you want to do a full UK road trip, you’ll need more time than if you were just doing an England road trip.

Our biggest tip is not to overface yourself. Whether you only have a long weekend for a quick trip from London or a week to get out on the open road and tour, make sure you leave time to actually get out of your vehicle and explore the places you’re visiting- you’ll find plenty of historic sites, sandy beaches and incredible routes to enjoy. 

Roughly speaking, you can split England in half- the South of England and the North  (the line roughly goes through Birmingham) or even further into quarters if you only have time for a one-week road trip. 

Again, how far you can travel will depend on how much time you have, as well as how you are travelling (rental car, motorhome or public transport), but to do each half ‘properly’ we would recommend at least 2-3 weeks- especially if it’s your first time in England.

Having said that, you can see some of the best sights in less time than that- here’s our one week in England road trip itinerary .

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Where to stay during your England road trip

If you’re planning a motorhome or campervan trip , you’ll be able to travel and stop along the way, often without booking in advance, using schemes like Brit Stops or wild camping in your motorhome .

If you’re in a car or motorbike, there are PLENTY of hotels and BnBs to use en route. If you’re travelling in summer we recommend booking at least the first stop in advance- if you use Booking.com for all your accommodation you’ll find you can get a great deal and save a lot of money.

England Road Trip Map

I know how hard it can be to visualise places if you don’t know the country well, so here’s a map of England with several of the road trip destinations shown on it.

Out of interest, if you did this route, it’s about 1056 miles (1700km) long. You could technically do it in a week, but you’d barely have time to get out of the car!

Common England Road Trip Questions

How long does it take to drive the whole of england .

Many people wonder “ How long does it take to drive the whole of England ?” That’s a tough question, as there are so many places to go and depends a lot on your starting point.

Most people allow 2-3 weeks to drive through as much of England as they can, but that will involve a LOT of driving. Of course, you can take a look at the road trip itinerary ideas below and see which scenic route or quaint villages most appeal to you- and then plan your trip around that.

One common UK road trip idea is to drive from Land’s End in Cornwall all the way up to John o’Groats in Scotland, which is about 838miles (1350km). Obviously, this is a road trip which involves England AND Scotland, and that brings me to another important point.

Want to rent a vehicle for your road trip?

These might help:

• Discover incredible deals for motorhome/ camper rentals
• Find the best deals for car rental

READ: 10 essential questions to ask before you rent a motorhome

Can we go to England by road?

This is a common question for anyone who doesn’t live in the UK- and the short answer is yes, you can drive to England from mainland Europe.

Whether you’re enjoying a European road trip (here are some ideas for you ), or want to combine a trip to England with another country, you can drive to England from Europe via either the Eurotunnel or taking one of several car ferries (they also take motorhomes/ campervans on most of the ferry routes.)

If you’re planning a road trip from France to England, which route you take will depend on which part of France and England you want to visit- find out more in our Eurotunnel vs Ferry post.

And if you’re going the other way and will be driving in Europe, make sure you are aware of the new rules for driving in Europe after BREXIT .

If you’re like more help planning your trip, this post about how to plan an epic UK road trip will help.

Is England the UK or Great Britain?

Neither. And part of both 🙂

It’s common for people to confuse an England road trip with a UK road trip. England is just one country within the UK, along with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to extend your trip and see more of those countries, you might enjoy our post on the best UK road trips and scenic drive ideas.

The UK is short for ‘The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’.

Great Britain is the LANDMASS of the largest island in the British Isles (the one which makes up England, Wales and Scotland). Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands are not included in this.

And, to make things even more odd, the British Isles includes ALL the islands, including the whole of Ireland, which isn’t part of the UK at all.

Thoroughly confused? Ok, let’s just stick to England road trip ideas! 🙂

South England Road Trip Ideas

If you’re visiting London and want to explore part of the country for a few days, southern England is a good place to start. Of course, there are a HUGE number of places to explore in ‘South England’ (which is roughly classed as anywhere below Birmingham), so I’m just going to pick a few highlights to inspire you.

Cornwall- South West England

Cornwall is one of my favourite places to road trip in England. I spent 2 years living there whilst I was in the Navy, and have been back many times since. There are plenty of things to do in Cornwall , but there are some important tips you need to know before you arrive!

Why is Cornwall one of the best England road trips?

If you want cute villages, incredible beaches and more history than you can shake a stick at, Cornwall is perfect. Also, they have some of the best ice cream IN THE WORLD (no kidding) and it’s perfectly acceptable to eat a scone with jam and clotted cream EVERY day and no one will judge you.

IMPORTANT NOTE : There is intense rivalry between Devon and Cornwall over whether jam or cream should go first on a scone. In Cornwall, they do jam and THEN cream, which is apparently the way the Queen preferred her scones .

(Don’t worry, they’re used to tourists and won’t stone you if you get it wrong. But be warned if you want to live there…!) 

In Devon, they do it the other way. I’ve tried both, and I’m a jam first girl (because you can then put more cream on!)

When should you visit Cornwall?

Cornwall is best anytime between Easter and mid-October.

TOP TIP : Avoid July and August if you possibly can. The schools are on holiday and it feels like EVERYONE in England has travelled to the same small Cornish village as you.

Beaches are overcrowded, parking becomes a struggle and there’s a very real chance of shops running out of ice cream. Don’t do that to yourself. You deserve that ice cream.

Also, many businesses and attractions close after mid-October for the winter, so you might find you can’t do everything you want to outside the season.

Having said that, we find Cornwall one of the best places to enjoy Autumn in Europe – the weather is still warm, but everywhere is quieter and easier to get to.

How long should you spend roadtripping Cornwall?

How long is a piece of string!! But, as you can see on our Cornish road trip itinerary , we recommend 7-10 days minimum to see all the best places.

Where are the best places to visit in Cornwall on a road trip?

Did I mention that I used to live here? I have SO many recommendations for places to visit we could be here all week!!! Some of my absolute favourites (and this is like choosing my favourite child… or chocolate bar) include:

• Tintagel Castle (the home of Arthur and the round table)
• Minack Theatre (built onto the side of a cliff)
• St Michael’s Mount
• Boscastle (where one of the best witchcraft museums in the world is!)
• Newquay beach (and bars!)

READ MORE: Discover our complete Cornwall road trip itinerary (45 places you HAVE to see!)

Recommended by Ben at Driftwood Journals

Famed for its endless rolling hills, craggy coastlines and clotted cream delights, Devon is unsurprisingly one of the most popular destinations in the UK – and a dream for rural road-trippers! With wild moors galore, cutesy towns and villages, and bountiful beaches, you don’t have to drive far in Devon to stumble upon scenes of unparalleled beauty.

Highlights and best places to visit in Devon

• Dartmouth- one of the best towns in the county (and home of the Royal Naval Officer training. I spent a year here…running up those bl***y hills!) Hire a boat and explore the river.
• Paignton- the beach with the red sand and is also known as the English Riviera.
• Dartmoor National Park
• Exmoor National Park
• Exmouth with its beautiful painted houses
• Salcombe Harbour – a holiday hotspot for all generations.
• Dulverton- head to the Copper Kettle tearoom; you won’t regret it!

Devon road trip ideas

Pack up your motorhome/ camper (or car with tent) and find a site with views across the Devonshire cow-grazed hillsides of the Lyn Valley, or out over Dartmoor. You can wild camp in Devon, but not on the moors. Find out more about motorhome wild camping in the UK.

For a coastal trip, explore sea towns like Salcombe and Dartmouth (where you can take a boat up to Greenway, Agatha Christie’s summer home) and round to Exmouth, before heading north to Woolacombe, Dawlish and the fishing boat bobbing harbour of Ilfracombe. Enjoy the bustle and culture in the capital of Exeter or discover the notorious prison of Dartmoor.

Alternatively, head to North Devon and enjoy the wilder seas and views of the north coast. This is a great area for surfing and watersports.

If you have more time (and fuel) to burn, take to the A386 between Appledore and Plymouth, traversing through forested valleys to picture-perfect towns like Great Torrington and Tavistock, where you can tour the tearooms and plan the rest of your trip in the park while dangling your toes in the River Tavy.

But the true beauty of road tripping in Devon is that you don’t really need to plan too extensively. You’ll never be far from a cream tea pitstop, and the verdant country roads will offer up some of the most perfect picnic spots you’ll ever see. All you need is is a full tank, and a little patience when stuck behind tractor after tractor!

When is the best time to visit Devon on a road trip?

As with Cornwall, the best time to visit Devon is Spring to Autumn, but avoid the high summer months if you can, especially if you’re on a UK motorhome holiday .

Can you visit Devon on a day trip from London?

You can, but it’s quite a long drive. I’d say you’d need at least 2 or 3 days to really be able to explore anything.

Dorset- One of England’s Best Road Trips

Recommended by Paul | Anywhere We Roam

The Jurassic Coast stretches 95 miles across Dorset in southern England. With an iconic coastline of towering white cliffs, it’s an excellent destination for a classic road trip. Stunning scenery, historical sites and local breweries make the Jurassic Coast one of the best places to experience the beautiful English countryside.

Dorset road trip- best places to visit?

The main highlight of a road trip to Dorset in the area has to be Old Harry Rocks – a collection of white stone monoliths that have been carved out along the coast. It’s one of the most impressive stretches of scenery in the UK with dazzling chalk stacks assembled like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be completed. If you get time, be sure to enjoy one of the many fabulous Dorset walks- you won’t regret it.

A thirty-minute drive away, Corfe Castle stands as a reminder of England’s 11th-Century past. It was one of the earliest Norman castles built and today it glows in its dilapidated glory overlooking the Dorset hills. It’s a stunning, photogenic inclusion on a UK road trip.

For another natural phenomenon, Durdle Door is possibly one of the most recognisable symbols of the Jurassic Coast. Over time, crashing waves have eroded limestone stacks in the sea leaving a glorious natural arch.

It’s a beautiful stretch of beach, ideal for a long summer stroll. It’s also next to the famous Lulworth Cove, which is a wonderful place to enjoy an ice cream!

Editors note: (I (Kat) actually jumped off the top of Durdle Door on my hen party!)

After soaking up the stunning scenery, head west to Lyme Regis, a quaint town with a vibrant independent retail scene. The historic Cobb Harbour set against moody cliffs is well-preserved and houses some of the best coffee in the area.

When is the best time to visit Dorset on an England road trip?

The best time to visit the Jurassic Coast on a road trip is from May to early July when the surrounding countryside will be verdant green and covered in wildflowers, but there’s not too much traffic!

Hampshire road trip

Hampshire is another county in England we know well, having lived here for 14+ years. There’s plenty to enjoy on a road trip to Hampshire, from beautiful cities to picturesque country houses.

Highlights of a Hampshire road trip

Some of our favourite places to visit in Hampshire include:

• Winchester- be sure to visit the Cathedral where Jane Austen is buried and you can see one of the oldest Bibles in the world. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting in December, don’t miss the famous Winchester Christmas Market , held in the Cathedral grounds each December.
• Highclere Castle (or Downton Abbey, as you might know it!)
• Lymington – for the oldest open sea water baths in the UK – and the New Forest (check out the Wildlife park there and make sure to take some memorable photos).
• Hinton Ampner- 18th century famous manor house known for its gardens.
• Portsmouth (you MUST go to the Mary Rose museum and HMS Victory)
• Isle of Wight (see below)

Isle of Wight road trip

Recommended by Darek | DarekandGosia

The  Isle of Wight , famous for its beautiful views, is an island on the south coast of England, just below Southampton. Technically, it’s part of Hampshire, but feels like a different world.

With a motorhome or car, you can reach the island by ferry from either Southampton or Portsmouth – book in advance during summer. There are also a couple of foot passenger ferries and a hovercraft from Southsea.

Why is it one of England’s best road trips?

The Isle of Wight is like going back in time. It’s worth a road trip here for even a weekend, to escape the hustle and bustle of normal life, ride bikes and take a walk on the cliffs.

Also, there are some wonderful places to stay. If you’re on a road trip, check out these amazing Isle of Wight campsites – some with stunning sea views!

What is there to do?

You can start exploring the island in Shanklin – one of the coastal villages famous for its beautiful beaches. On the promenade along the sea you will find many restaurants and hotels – most of the Island is typically tourist-oriented.

From Shanklin drive to the western part of the island. The most characteristic point is The Needles – three chalk rocks emerging from the sea with a small lighthouse built at the end of one of the columns. You can get to Needles by car and then follow the path on foot to the cliff slope. It’s a fabulous place for a picnic.

Next to Needles is Old Battery, a military fortification dating from the nineteenth century. There you can find World War II memorabilia or visit one of the various exhibitions are also taking place.

While driving around the island make sure you get to Carisbrooke Castle near Newport. Its construction began in the 12th century. It is worth taking a moment to walk around the castle, relax in the Edwardian-style garden.

One of my favourite places on the Island is Osborne House- Queen Victoria’s summer home. You can walk around the gardens and the house and even enjoy an ice cream on her private beach. Osborne House is run by English Heritage.

When is the best time to visit the Isle of Wight?

The Isle of Wight is a must-see for anyone who wants to admire the British climate and above all fantastic views. It is worth going here all year round – it’s actually one of the best places to visit in Europe in October , when there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy the views & roads!

Norfolk Broads

Recommended by Mandi | Big Family, Little Adventures

Sometimes you want nothing more than to escape the hustle and the bustle of everyday life, the noise, the bright lights, the never-ending pace of life. If you want to get away, the Norfolk Broads is pure escapism; big skies, plenty of peace and quiet and an abundance of wildlife.

Best places to visit in Norfolk on a road trip

• The Old Roman Fort at Burgh Castle with an elevated position and commanding views over the marshes – perfect for a walk in both winter morning frost or a hot and hazy mid-summer evening
• If you prefer a bit of activity, Wroxham is a bustling Broads village- home to Roy’s of Wroxham, possibly the largest village shop you have ever seen
• Plenty of riverside pubs and restaurants in Wroxham and all around the Broads- the perfect places to stop for a bite to eat
• St Benet’s Abbey – an 11th century monastery defying time, standing in a stunning green valley.
• If you are an animal lover, you will enjoy a visit to Wroxham Barns to feed the lambs or spot the grey seals on the Norfolk beaches

Norfolk Road Trip- when is the best time to visit?

You can explore Norfolk all year. In summer, if you would like to explore the best Norfolk beaches or Broads up close, why not hire a dayboat; these can be hired at various boatyards throughout the Broads. Waveney River Centre is another stunning place to stop and admire the view, either by boat or car.

The challenge is (as always in England!) the weather. In dry conditions, most paths are excellent, but it can get a bit more challenging in wet weather.

However, over the years, an increasing number of boardwalks have been developed, increasing safe access to the Broads whatever the weather. Also, seeing the windmills and rivers on a crisp winter morning is unforgettable.

Time does not stop in Norfolk, but it really does feel like it slows down.  To be able to watch the sunset across the broads any time of year is a magical experience and the perfect place to enjoy a chilled road trip.

Sussex, Kent and Surrey

Ahhh, the picturesque south-east corner of England, which includes the Garden of England (that’s the other name for Kent). This area is lush, green and has some many historic buildings and castles you’ll find it impossible to avoid them.

It’s also home to plenty of gorgeous sandy beaches, white cliffs (such as Dover and Beachy Head) and some truly wonderful parks to walk in.

Even better, it’s all easily reached from London by car and train, so it’s easy to get away from the city for a few days if you’d like a countryside break or a trip to the beach.

Best Places to visit in Sussex include:

Sussex is actually split into East and West Sussex, but to make things easy on your road trip I’ve made one list for you. They’re not that far apart from each other!

• Brighton : A vibrant seaside city famous for its pebble beach, iconic pier, and the Royal Pavilion with its distinctive architecture. Explore the Lanes for unique shops and enjoy the city’s lively arts and music scene. See below for more ideas
• Arundel : Home to Arundel Castle, a medieval and Victorian castle that overlooks the River Arun. The town itself is picturesque with cobbled streets and antique shops.
• Chichester : A historic cathedral city with Roman origins, Chichester offers a mix of history, culture, and shopping. The Chichester Cathedral and Pallant House Gallery are notable attractions.
• Lewes : Known for its medieval architecture, Lewes Castle, and historic streets. The Lewes Bonfire Night is a famous annual event.
• Eastbourne : A traditional seaside town with a Victorian pier, beautiful seafront, and the iconic Beachy Head cliffs nearby.
• Rye : A charming medieval town with cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and views of the surrounding marshland.
• Battle : Famous for the Battle of Hastings in 1066, this town is home to Battle Abbey and the Battlefield. Explore the historic sites and learn about this pivotal event in English history.
• Petworth House and Park : A stately mansion with an impressive art collection set in a vast deer park. The gardens are also worth exploring.
• Seven Sisters Country Park : A stunning coastal area with dramatic chalk cliffs and rolling hills, perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
• Bodiam Castle : A 14th-century moated castle surrounded by water and picturesque landscapes.
• Sheffield Park and Garden : A National Trust property known for its stunning gardens, lakes, and vibrant displays of plants.
• Birling Gap and Beachy Head : More stunning chalk cliffs and coastal views, with the added beauty of the natural arch at Birling Gap.
• Glyndebourne Opera House : Known for its world-class opera productions, the opera house is set in beautiful countryside and offers a unique cultural experience.

Best places to visit in Kent include:

• Canterbury – home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Canterbury Cathedral
• Dover : Known for the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, this coastal town is home to Dover Castle, which boasts a complex history and offers panoramic views of the English Channel.
• Rochester : A charming town with a medieval castle and cathedral. It’s also the birthplace of Charles Dickens, and you can visit the Dickens World theme park.
• Whitstable : This coastal town is famous for its oysters and seafood. Enjoy the quaint streets, beach huts, and seafood restaurants along the coast.
• Margate : A seaside town with a revived artistic scene, featuring the Turner Contemporary art gallery and the scenic Margate Sands.
• Leeds Castle : Often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world,” Leeds Castle is set on an island in a lake and surrounded by beautiful gardens.
• Hever Castle : The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, with historic architecture, gardens, and a maze.
• Chatham Historic Dockyard : A maritime museum where you can explore historic warships, submarines, and learn about Britain’s naval history.
• Biddenden Vineyards : If you’re a wine enthusiast, Kent has several vineyards. Biddenden is one of the oldest and most well-known.
• Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction : An interactive museum where you can step back in time to experience Chaucer’s famous tales.
• St. Augustine’s Abbey : A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this abbey in Canterbury dates back to the 6th century and is a significant historical site.
• Chartwell House : The former home of Winston Churchill, now a museum showcasing his life and legacy.

These are just a few highlights of what Kent has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, you’re likely to find something appealing in this diverse and beautiful county.

Best Places to Visit in Surrey

• Box Hill : A National Trust site known for its stunning views and walking trails. It’s a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
• Polesden Lacey : A grand Edwardian estate with beautiful gardens, Polesden Lacey is a National Trust property that offers a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy in the early 20th century.
• Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village : Located in Compton, this unique attraction is dedicated to the works of Victorian artist George Frederic Watts and his wife Mary Watts. The village includes a gallery, chapel, and artist studios.
• Hampton Court Palace : While part of the palace is in Greater London, the stunning Hampton Court Palace is right on the border of Surrey. It’s famous for its Tudor history, grand architecture, and beautiful gardens.
• RHS Garden Wisley : A flagship garden of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley offers a wide variety of plants, landscapes, and garden designs to explore.
• Brooklands Museum : A museum dedicated to motorsport and aviation history, located on the site of the world’s first purpose-built motor racing circuit.
• Loseley Park : A grand Elizabethan manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland, open to the public during certain times of the year.
• Denbies Wine Estate : England’s largest vineyard, Denbies offers tours, wine tasting, and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
• Newlands Corner : Another viewpoint offering breathtaking views of the Surrey Hills, perfect for picnics and outdoor activities.
• Epsom Downs : Known for Epsom Downs Racecourse and the famous Epsom Derby, this area offers open spaces and walking trails.
• Virginia Water : Part of Windsor Great Park, Virginia Water features a lake, ornamental cascades, and woodland walks.

Surrey’s mix of historic sites, natural beauty, and cultural attractions make it a delightful destination for a variety of interests. Whether you’re into history, outdoor activities, or simply enjoying scenic landscapes, Surrey has something to offer.

Brighton – East Sussex

I’ve given Brighton it’s own section because it’s one of my favourite cities in England and you should try to add it to your England road trip itinerary, especially if you’re heading toward East Sussex.

Brighton is a city renowned for its diverse communities and innovation, the quirky shopping areas, its music and art scene, and its large LGBT population. Read more about Brighton in Autum .

Why is Brighton one of the best England road trips?

Brighton is less than an hour away from London (76 km) and on a direct train line. It offers plenty of fun and exciting activities to enjoy (more than just fish and chips at a pier!)

Brighton has been famous as a cultural centre for over a century. It’s home to the world’s oldest operating aquarium (which opened in 1872- now called ‘’Brighton Sea Life’’), and you can even ride the world’s oldest operating electric railway, the Volks Railway, built in 1883.

Other Brighton Highlights include:

• See the Palace Pier
• Catch the latest release in the Duke of York Picturehouse, Britain’s oldest cinema.
• Have a stroll down the North Lane- home to over 400 independent shops
• Discover the Victorian innovations still in operation in the city.

How long should you spend in Brighton?

You will want to spend at least two days in Brighton to truly take in the city, but you can easily make a week of your itinerary if you want to explore more places in Sussex, Kent and Surrey.  

What is the best month to visit Brighton?

The sunniest (and therefore warmest!) time of the year in Brighton is from May to September. July and August are peak tourist season, with hotel prices skyrocketing, so be aware of that and plan your stay accordingly.

Cambridgeshire & Cambridge

Cambridgeshire is a county in the East of England with plenty to do. The jewel of the county is Cambridge, with a historical, 800-year-old centre you should definitely not skip.

Why should you include Cambridge on your England road trip?

Only 1 hour and 30 minutes away from London via M11, Cambridge offers so much: a rich history of English heritage, a buzzing local community, and a picturesque setting. You’ll even find a gift Henry VIII gave to Anne Boleyn!

Cambridge Highlights

• See the King’s College Chapel 
• Enjoy breakfast at Fitzbillies
• Go punting in the River Cam
• Have a picnic by the river.
• Enjoy walking the historic streets

Cambridge Trip Itinerary idea

Leaving London, head up to Cambridge via the M11.

Start the day with drinks and a meal in one of the many deli and brunch places in Market Square before setting off to explore the city. I highly recommend the famous Fitzbillies- the food is delicious.

From there, you can choose from a variety of activities: visiting King’s Chapel, punting in the River Cam (pass under the Bridge of Sighs), hiking on the Cam Towpath (lots of hidden gems if you know how to look for trails!), or taking in the city views from St. Mary’s Tower.

If you’re staying overnight, end the day by attending the Evensong at the King’s College Chapel (select days only)

When is the best (and worst) time to visit Cambridge ?

Cambridge is beautiful all year round. However, the worst time to visit would be spring – the university students sit their finals between April and June, which means many of the college sites are closed to visitors. 

What are some of the best places to visit in Cambridge?

The King’s College Chapel in the University of Cambridge is the third-oldest university in operation and the most iconic and instantly-recognisable building in the county.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to drink at the Eagle, a historic pub in the heart of Cambridge’s city centre famously linked to Watson and Crick’s discovery of DNA.

If you are feeling adventurous and are ready to brave the British winter, visit Cambridge in December. It’s off-peak season and features one of the best UK Christmas markets you should visit. Read all about the Cambridge Christmas market here.

How long should you spend in Cambridge?

One day in Cambridge is usually enough time to visit the majority of the main sights, especially if you are visiting during the summer. You’ll need tickets for most of the chapels and university buildings, so go first to buy those.

Wiltshire & Cotswolds Road Trip – 3 day trip from London

Recommended by Ann | The road is life

The Cotswolds is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in England and Wales. If you look at a map of England, find Bristol (west coast, just below the indent of southern Wales) and the Cotswolds is the area north-east of Bristol.

There is so much beauty and fascinating history to discover around the Cotswolds region and luckily you don’t have to travel far from London to get there! You can reach Bath or Bristol easily in a day from London, but we recommend at least 3 days to really explore the area by car/ motorhome, plus explore Stonehenge and Salisbury on the way back to London. If you’re travelling with children, don’t worry- there’s plenty of things to do in the Cotswolds with kids.

Highlights & Best Places to Visit in the Cotswolds and Surrounding Area

• Explore the charming stone villages of the Cotswolds
• visit the historic city of Bath
• marvel at the mysterious ancient stones of Stonehenge
• Indulge in some shopping at Daylesford farm
• stop at the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.

When is the best time for a Cotswolds road trip?

Although the Cotswolds can be visited all year, this road trip is best completed in the spring or summer months to ensure warmer and sunnier sightseeing weather.

The days are also longer- allowing you to see more each day. However, unlike Cornwall and Devon, most places to NOT shut during winter, so feel free to explore whenever suits you!

Wiltshire & Cotswolds road trip itinerary from London

• Departing London, drive out to the Cotswolds. This is where you should spend 3-4 days exploring as many lovely little towns and villages as you wish to.
• A few of the prettiest Cotswolds villages include Bibury, Stow-on-the-Wold, Lower Slaughter, Bourton-on-the-Water, Castle Combe and so many more! The beauty of the Cotswolds region is that the villages are all located in close proximity with minimal driving time in between them.
• Once you have seen your share of lovely English villages , carry on to Bath which is only a 30-minute drive from the village of Castle Combe- well worth a visit.
• Spend a full day and night in Bath visiting the Roman baths.
• From there continue to Stonehenge. A visit to this incredible ancient site can easily take half a day. We camped overnight at Stonehenge and saw the most INCREDIBLE sunrise we’ve EVER seen. (Seriously, watch the video. It’s breathtaking)
• From Stonehenge, it’s only a short 20-minute drive to the medieval town of Salisbury which brings you to the final stop of this road trip.
• The highlight of Salisbury is the stunning Salisbury Cathedral which has the tallest spire in all of Britain! Spend one night in Salisbury before making the final 2-hour road trip back to London.
• Another option is to return to London via the historic city of Oxford. Don’t miss a meal in Sticks and Sushi- one of the best restaurants in Oxford and with incredible views over the city.

North England Road Trips- Why You Should Visit

It’s easy when planning an England road trip to get sucked into famous places like Cornwall, Devon or the Cotswolds- and those are all AMAZING places to visit.

However, I strongly encourage you to visit the north of England as well if you have time. You’ll find villages just as pretty, delicious food (chips, pie and gravy is the best thing in the world) and incredible history.

Again, we were lucky to live up here for 4 years- here are some of our absolute favourite places to road trip, although there are of course many more we have yet to discover! I hope they give you some ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Don’t forget to Grab your ULTIMATE road trip planner here – it has everything you need to help you pack for your road trip.

Peak District National Park

The Peak District is a huge and stunning area in Derbyshire, just to the east of Manchester. It’s a perfect place for a road trip because there are so many things to see!

A car or motorhome makes it easy to travel between the sites and there are plenty of campsites or hotels to use as you explore.

There are a multitude of hikes, walks and tors to climb and the area is famous for its caves, which people still lived in as recently as 1910!

The Peak District was the UK’s first National Park and is also considered the real ale capital of the world! If you’re exploring the Peak District with kids , there are steam trains, tramways, cycle paths and even a cable car taking you up to see some stunning views! There’s also Alton Towers theme park – one of the best in the UK.

Best places to explore in the Peak District

Some of the highlights include:

• Chatsworth House
• Ladybower reservoir
• Alton Towers theme park
• Heights of Abraham cable car

Lake District road trip

Recommended by Fiona/ Passport & Piano

The Lake District National Park is a UNESCO heritage site that makes for the perfect road trip.  Walking around the lakes and fells to see the magnificent scenery is one of the many pleasures of the area.

Quintessential villages are plentiful as are traditional English pubs with real ale and hearty food. Don’t just rush by on your way from England to Scotland; take a few days and enjoy all that the lakes have to offer.

Best places to visit on a Lake District Road Trip

Most people arrive from the south via Windermere, but to explore the areas hidden gems its worth spending at least three days here. The Lake District has some of the worlds best scenic drives and a trip along the Honister Pass and Kirkstone Pass are a must.

In the South Lakes, I’d highly recommend a  visit to Grasmere . Here you can visit several homes of the famous poet William Wordsworth and enjoy Sarah Nelson’s delightful gingerbread.

If you love Beatrix Potter, you can follow in her footsteps at Beatrix Potter World in Bowness- on- Windermere.  Her home near Hawkshead is open to visitors, and Wray Castle is a beautiful spot where she enjoyed her family holidays.

In the North Lakes, the towns of Keswick and Cockermouth have plenty to explore. The Castlerigg stone circle, with its stunning views across the fells, is worth stopping at, and the “Surprise View” across Derwent Water is spectacular.

If you’re not exploring in a motorhome or campervan, accommodation throughout the area is plentiful. There are boat rides and water-based activities to enjoy on most of the lakes and a plethora of outdoor pursuit centres for the more adventurous.

When is the best time for a Lake District road trip?

In the summer months, the National Park can be rather busy particularly on the main A66 road which runs through the centre. Hence if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the spring or autumn.

While you’re not guaranteed sunshine at any time of the year, the weather is probably at its best between April and September.

England Road Trip- Yorkshire & The Dales

Recommended by Sinead | Map Made Memories

England’s largest county, Yorkshire, is a perfect destination for a road trip. There are so many diverse attractions to see within a relatively short drive of each other.

Highlights and some best places in Yorkshire to visit

• Hardraw Force–England’s highest single-drop waterfall
• White Scar–The longest show cave in England
• Visit the ‘Best Street in Britain’
• Visit the cobbled Shambles, named ‘the Best Street in Britain’.
• Marvel at the Ribblehead Viaduct, the 24 arches that span the Yorkshire Dales, a true masterpiece of Victorian engineering.
• Castles and ruins all over the place
• Stand on Hogsmeade station (or at least the station which played it in Harry Potter!)

Yorkshire Road Trip Itinerary

Start your road trip in the rolling hills and river valleys of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Visit the 11th century Skipton Castle or descend underground to marvel at the formations in White Scar Caves, the longest show cave in England.

Clamber over Brimham Rocks or hike the stunning landscape around Malham Cove. Browse the independent shops in the Victorian spa town of Harrogate.

Places to visit on the Yorkshire Dales

The Yorkshire Dales are packed with attractive waterfalls. Choose between the plunging falls around Ingleton, popular Aysgarth Falls or, my favourite waterfall, Hardraw Force which is England’s highest single drop waterfall. Before leaving the Dales, visit the impressive monastic ruins and landscaped gardens of Fountains Abbey.

Continue your road trip by exploring the historic city of York . This compact city is easily navigated on foot and is an ideal location for history buffs. You can visit Viking, Roman, Georgian and Victorian sites all in one day!

See the iconic York Minster, walk the city’s medieval city walls and stroll along the cobbled Shambles, which has been voted the ‘ Best Street in Britain’ and was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley from the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series!

Road trip over the Yorkshire Moors

End your Yorkshire road trip with a drive across the wild Yorkshire Moors. Take a scenic trip on a steam train across the Moors to visit charming Goathland train station which doubled as Hogsmeade station in the Harry Potter movies. Alternatively, your legs with a hike at the Hole of Horcum, a huge ancient natural amphitheatre.

How long should you spend exploring Yorkshire on a road trip?

You could ‘cover’ Yorkshire in a couple of days but to truly appreciate all it has to offer I would recommend at least one full week.

When is the best time to road trip to Yorkshire?

Yorkshire can be explored all year around- and expect rain at any time! But Spring is incredible on the moors- with the wildflowers blooming and the days getting longer, it’s a perfect time to visit. Autumn also offers spectacular views with the leaves turning colour, providing an incredible backdrop.

England Road Trip Idea – North East Coast

Northern England’s east coast is full of charming towns and villages, and is the perfect destination for a road trip.

Best places to visit on a North East coast England road trip

• Saltburn-by-the-Sea (to search for fossils)
• Lemon top ice-cream – Its legacy goes back over 100 years!)
• Staithes- picturesque fishing village
• Whitby Abbey – the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula
• Robin Hood’s Bay (where smuggling was commonplace
• Scarborough Castle

North East England road trip itinerary

Start in Saltburn-by-the-sea. Be sure to search for fossils throughout your visit. I actually found one in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, but you can get lucky in any of the places on this list! Saltburn-by-the-Sea is home to the historic Saltburn Cliff Tramway and affords beautiful views from the bluffs above town.

You can walk along The Cleveland Way, a historic trail that runs through each of the 5 locations mentioned. I’d also recommend trying Lemon Top Ice Cream, or vanilla ice cream with a dollop of lemon sorbet on top.

Staithes is a quaint fishing village laden with narrow pathways and quirky cottages.

The Whitby Abbey towers above the town, giving it an eerie feeling – it’s even credited as the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula!

Robin Hood’s Bay has a long history with smugglers, and its red rooftops and crowded buildings conceal hidden routes. In Scarborough, you can enjoy rides at the Luna Park amusement park or visit the historic Scarborough Castle!

When is the best time to road trip England’s north-east coast?

Although you can visit this area all year round, I’d suggest visiting in the summer or fall. It rains much of the year in this region of England, but there’s a higher likelihood of sunshine from July through October.

How long to spend on this England Road trip?

You can complete this road trip in less than 2 hours, but I’d suggest spending at least a few days exploring the region. Each Yorkshire coastal town has its own charm and activities to offer, so you certainly don’t want to rush!

How far is it from the North east coast to London?

Scarborough to London takes about 5 hours by car. Avoid travelling Friday afternoons or Monday morning- those are the peak road traffic times.

Don’t miss Durham

We spent a lovely couple of days exploring the city of Durham. There are so many wonderful places to explore, but one of the highlights for us was Durham Cathedral. This incredible building was built in the 11th Century and is the largest surviving stone vaulted ceiling of its size.

However, if I’m honest, I was more excited by the fact that several scenes in Harry Potter were filmed here, including in the cloisters and many of the covered walkways.

It was also in Durham Cathedral that Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter ‘Fluffy’- the forbidden corridor was also part of the cathedral.

Other fantastic things to see in or near Durham include:

• Durham Castle
• High Force Waterfall (one of the best waterfalls in Europe )
• Finchale Priory

Northumberland Coast

Recommended by Tracy | Travels in Time

The Northumberland Coastal route stretches for over 35 miles from Alnmouth in the south to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the north.

The drive takes you through an area of outstanding natural beauty with many beautiful villages and places of interest to visit along the way.

How long to spend on a Northumberland coast road trip

This itinerary covers a day trip but you could spend a few days exploring the area or even walk the Northumberland Coastal Path along the same route if you are feeling up to it!

Northumberland road trip itinerary

The first village to visit is Craster – famous for its kippers and overlooked by Dunstanburgh Castle. If you’re looking for impressive castles in England , Northumberland is the place to go- there are more castles here than any other county in England!

After exploring Craster and the castle, head to Seahouses. A popular seaside town for families with lots of arcades and fish and chip shops this is the place to stop for a bite to eat.

If the weather is good why not hop on a boat over to the Farme Islands? With large colonies of seals and puffins the islands are popular with nature lovers.

Bamburgh Castle dominates the horizon and is worth exploring. It was once the home to the Royal Seat of the Kings of Northumbria and also has a ghost or two!

After Bamburgh head to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Make sure you check the tides before you go- the island is tidal and is only accessible during certain times.

Once on the island take a stroll up to the castle. Don’t miss exploring the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory. This is the place famous as the home of Christianity in England until Viking raids eventually led to the abandonment of the priory.

When is the best time for a Northumberland road trip?

The best time to visit Northumberland and places in North East England is in the summer – the days are long and the sun will hopefully be shining! Be aware that on occasions during the summer a sea fret (mist) can hang over the coast and cool temperatures and decrease visibility. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you travel.

Wow- anyone else want to jump in their motorhome/ camper/ car/ bike and head off to start exploring? What a fantastic list of England road trip destinations!

As you can see, it really doesn’t matter where you go or how long you have to explore England- you’ll have plenty of places to enjoy. And who knows- next time we set off for Norfolk, we might even make it there without swinging by Cornwall first!! 🙂

Planning an England road trip? You might find these posts useful:

• How to plan an epic UK road trip
• How to create a road trip itinerary with Google Maps
• 100 best road trip driving songs
• How to plan a motorhome trip to UK or Europe

See all our UK travel ideas and tips

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

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Cornwall is such a beautiful part of the UK to visit in a motorhome, although it can be a little tight around those country roads.

So true- some of those roads are tiny, but worth it for the incredible views and places to visit.

Have you been on the welsh coast much

Our very first motorhome trip EVER was to the Welsh coast. We’ve put together some of our favourite Welsh road trips here if you want some ideas: https://wandering-bird.com/wales-road-trip/

Although all road trips are lovely, I particularly enjoy traveling in a campervan through Devon in the UK. I appreciate you sharing this list of road trip suggestions.

Fantastic article for anyone travelling England on a road trip

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The Perfect Itinerary for a Road Trip in England

We’ve lived in London for over 8 years now and we have a weakness for road trips – this dangerous combination has led us to make many a road trip in England 🙂 So far, we’ve written about a long weekend away in Devon , a road trip from London to Cornwall , and our favourite road trips around London .

But this summer we thought we’d tell you everything you need to know about planning an epic road trip in England – one that will take you through unending fields of flowers, quaint British villages, seaside towns, urban centres such as London, and UNESCO Heritage Sites. You can dine at English gastro pubs, try your hand at making English cheese, unwind at an English beach, marvel at intricate cathedrals, and hop on a pub crawl or food tour to taste the best that England has to offer.

Distance covered on this road trip in England : 800 miles

Time required : 2-3 weeks

I) Start in London  (5 days)

Before you rent a car, get a taste of the capital by exploring it via tube.

Accommodation in London

When it comes to choosing accommodation in London, there is no dearth of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets. But if you’re travelling to London during summer months, you will struggle to get accommodation that is both affordable and central. It’s usually one or the other.

But we do have a great option for you if you are lucky enough to be travelling to London between 2 July and 23 September (exact dates vary each year). Did you know Imperial College opens its doors to guests every summer? We love their summer accommodation because of a couple of different reasons. It’s clean, well-equipped, spacious, and located in one of the nicest areas of London. It’s easy to spend your days walking around South Kensington’s alleyways but you will have a lot of London’s iconic sites at your doorstep too. This includes the V&A, Natural History Museum, The Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park! What’s more, all the other London landmarks are just a hop, skip, and jump away. This makes it our top choice for a short summer getaway in London

As for things to do, there’s nothing that hasn’t been said about London. On Bruised Passports alone, we’ve written a dozen articles on the ever-fascinating city. But allow us to rave a bit more 🙂 London has a bit for everyone. Of course you will want to check off primary attractions such as The Big Ben, The London Eye, or Westminster Abbey off your list. If you’re a keen shopper, you will want to hit the shopping mecca that is Oxford Street. But also make sure you experience luxurious afternoon tea in London  , take an offbeat food tour , sample street art, and hit a few alternative bars in town . Check out our Guide To London for loads of offbeat and fun ideas of things to do in London.

Accommodation for the rest of the trip

T here is no dearth of hotels and apartments to suit all budgets on this road trip in England. But we would suggest booking scenic cottages or quaint apartments on Air BnB for the rest of this trip for a truly English experience.

II) Drive to Cornwall (3 days)

It’s time to say goodbye to urbanity for a taste of the English countryside. Pick up your rental car and kick off your roadtrip. It’s only fair to start your road trip of England in a area laden with character. Cornwall is a stunning area at the south-western tip of England and the Cornish coastal road has repeatedly been adjudged as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

But first it’s time for a pit-stop or two along the way. Depending on the time you have at hand, spend a few hours or a couple of days in Bath and Stonehenge. Bath is a historic town, known for its historic buildings. Stonehenge, is one of the most famous pre-historic monuments in the entire world. It has a pagan air about it and is definitely worth a visit.

There is no shortage of things to do in Cornwall. You can spend your days indulging in archetypal English delights. Don’t leave without exploring the fishing village of Cadgwith, the bustling town of St. Ives, sampling Cornish pasties, walking along the coastal route at Lizard Peninsula, and watching a play at Minack Theatre (an open-air theater overlooking the sea)

II) Continue onto Devon and Dorset (3 days)

The charm turns up a notch in neighbouring Devon. Here thatched cottages, picturesque farms, and holiday homes dilly dally with gorgeous coastal drives and UNESCO Heritage Sites. Devon seems to be rimmed with a halo of magic and you are bound to love every bit of it.

Make sure you stay in a holiday cottage or a working farm. Spend your days picnicking amidst canola fields, going for long walks in the countryside, and admiring the sylvan landscape. Don’t come away without driving along the Jurassic Coast, a natural UNESCO Heritage site. It’s littered with pebbled beaches, hidden coves, fishing villages, and the famed Durdle Door – a natural limestone arch overlooking the sea. This drive is bound to be one of the highlights of your long road trip in England.

III) Experience Brighton (2-4 days)

After spending a week in the English countryside, you’re bound to crave the hustle-bustle of cities. Brighton is the perfect pit stop on your way to London. This small city is one of the most vibrant in all of England. There is no dearth of vintage boutiques, independent cafes and eateries, street art in Brighton and there’s something for everyone.

Brighton’s seafront offers all the charms of an English sea-side resort – there are ice-cream vendors, carousels, casinos, and dozens of fish-n-chip takeaways. Truly as English as it gets!!

IV) Fall in love with Canterbury

There are a few things only a road trip in England can offer – Canterbury is one of them. Time stands still in this cathedral city, made famous by Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales . The idyllic city is straight out of the pages of a fairy-tale. Explore the Canterbury Cathedral and go for a river tour to acquaint yourself with the city. You will fall in love.

VI) Be awed by Oxford (1 day)

Oxford is just an hour’s drive away from London. It’s home to the one of the oldest and most famed universities in the world – University of Oxford. Explore the hallowed corridors of the colleges, listen to one of the college chapel choirs, or explore Bodleian Library (perfect for bookworms!).

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep in order to prepare yourself for the long drive the next day.

VII) Visit York and the surrounding moors (3-5 days)

A long drive will take you to the northern part of England. You could stop at a pick-your-own farm on the way. Pick your own fruit (choose from strawberries, raspberries, pears, and apples) farms lends a typical English edge to this road trip.

York, a quaint cathedral city, provides the perfect base to explore the area. The city itself is home to one of the prettiest cathedrals in England but the rugged countryside surrounding York acts as the proverbial cherry on top of the cake. The North York Moors national park includes wide expanses of moorland straight out of the pages of Wuthering Heights. The spa town of Harrogate is the getaway to the moors. We love the little known Ilkley Moors but there are a number of hikes and walks in the area.

If you love all things outdoorsy, you might want to consider camping in the neighbouring Peak District for 3-4 days. There are a variety of options – pitched tents, camping sites, caravans, and holiday homes – for keen campers.

VIII) Lake District National Park

We saved the best for the last – we truly did. The Lake District National Park is famous for being home to the Romantic poets, especially Wordsworth. It is said to have provided inspiration for a lot of his poetry – looking around, it’s easy to see why. The entire landscape is peppered with perfect cottages, fields full of daffodils, rolling mountains, and dazzling lakes. The panoramas in The Lake District National Park will leave you hankering for more. We won’t blame you if you stay on for a week (or two) 🙂

If you find yourself in London, the best way to explore the city is to get a   London Pass (get 6% off passes using the code JULY6 at checkout)

Planning a road trip in England? Read all our articles on England, including detailed articles on Devon, Cornwall, and London here .

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70 thoughts on “ the perfect itinerary for a road trip in england ”.

I absolutely agree, this Roadtrip sounds perfect. Oxford and York are my favorite cities in the UK and the Lake District is stunning. I would love to get to know Cornwall. Unfortunately I haven’t been to this part of the UK yet.

Glad you enjoyed it Stef 🙂

Hello what’s this place postcode or name I really want to go with my family but I don’t where this is.

Which place?

What a great itinerary! A little bit of city, a little bit of country, a whole lot of English loveliness. I’m definitely tucking this away for when I move over in a few years and have the time to do this road trip right.

You’ll have a great time, Stacey 🙂

Hi! I am planning to do a road trip in July. Would it be possible to send me your itinerary? Thank you so much!

Hey Yoke – you can see a detailed breakdown of the itinerary above in our articles on England. Here’s the link to all our articles: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/england

Hi , planning to come to London for 2 weeks , it would be better if you can sugeest me any road trip .

hey we have articles on two of our favourite road trips from London – to Devon and Cornwall on the website. Check those out 🙂

Thank you so much for this article. It is great you have taken the time to help others. Do you have name or links to where you sleep on this trip?

Hey Lisa – we slept in li’l cottages and B&Bs along the way. Unfortunately we weren’t into blogging then, so never jotted down names 🙁

My mother and I are planning a 3 1/2 week holiday to England and Ireland in April next year. Your itinerary is really helpful. We will fly into London hire a car for the duration, only stay in London for two days then head down the coast as you have done and then make our way to the family in Manchester. Any ideas, hints would be appreciated.

That sounds like a great trip 🙂 You can read our articles on Cornwall, Devon, day trips from London etc. here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/england to get more details 🙂

If you can, do go further north to the Lake District – it’s amazing 🙂

Have a great trip!

Hi Savi and Vid, Love all your pics and articles. Could you give us a detailed itinerary for Lake district?

Hello Merin,

All our suggestions and the places we visited in Lake District are already included in the article 🙂

Thank you so much for finally being a tourist venturing up North, I hope you enjoyed York and the national parks! If you ever get the chance – Come up to Northumberland and visit Morpeth, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Berwick – you will not regret it, all these towns are beautiful and all contain a castle – Alniwck castle being where Harry Potter was filmed and Bamburgh constantly being voted as the uk most beautiful castles!, plus it only an hours drive from Berwick to Edinburgh so it would work out great.

Sounds great Alex – we love York – will definitely try and visit Morpeth, Alnwick, Bamburgh and Berwick soon 🙂

Hi, did you guys travelling by car ? Your own car or rent ? If rent, can you please share the details.

Thank you !

Hi Fateha – we rented a car with Hertz 🙂

Ahhh!!! This is perfect!!! Planning on road tripping through England this November so that we can visit the Bath Christmas Market and do some other holiday shopping and your post has made us so excited for our trip! Thank you for posting! This will be so helpful!

Dear Yohanna,

So happy to hear that 🙂 Have a great trip!

Hey Savi, can you suggest an itinerary on Scotland Ireland or may be one of them.we would ideally have 10 days. Thanks a ton

You should spend a few days in Edinburgh, then drive to Inverness maybe? from there you could fly to Dublin or Belfast even and rent a car again and explore Northern Ireland (if you decide to fly to Belfast) 🙂

Just an update to this post. York doesn’t actually have a Cathedral, it’s a Minster. But its beautiful nonetheless!

True that – will correct it 🙂

York does not have a Cathedral, it has a Minster! But York is still a beautiful place to visit.

But minsters are cathedrals too, just ones that were used for teaching during Anglo-Saxon times. Quoting wikipedia “The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York Minster, is the cathedral of York, England, and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe”

I’d like a bit of help please. We are doing this: arrive Heathrow and get car and 3 nights in Bath. Then 2 in Oxford. Then 4 in the Lakes District and 4 in Broadway and then finishing it out w/5 in London. We’ve been to Oxford. Do you recommend we skip Oxford altogether and replace it w/York or skim a night off of Oxford and The Lakes to get 2 nights in York. This is a very helpful post! Thanks for your advice….jon

Like the sound of your itinerary. If you’ve been to Oxford already, we’d suggest skipping that and spending those 2 nights in York. York is truly magical and you’ll love it 😀

Thanks very much. Greatly appreciate your help.

Cheers Jon!

Hey Savi Vid, Hope you guys doing well. 🙂 Well I’m sure you guys are. Both me and my wife are such a celebrity fan of both of you. We wait to see all your posts and your write ups from all your tours. We would first like to inform you, that we had taken two complete holiday itinerary from your website, they being the one for Bali and the other road trip in New Zealand, we followed both the tours of yours religiously, From choosing the same hotels, the same road navigations, restaurants etc. We literally followed, stalked you guys for those two vacations of ours. and trust us, those two vacations were just breathtaking, it changed our idea of travelling. We have never been such a followers of anybody, and we are so proud of following your holidays, We recommend it to all our family members and friends all around.

At this point We are looking to take another holiday to UK this summer, and was browsing up your itinerary. we are so happy too be following them and making sure we cover the most of it through Bruised Passports.

Thank you so much you guys. Keep Writing and sharing the photographs. They mean so much to us. Its the time when we share and discuss about your work, makes us so happy.

Have a great day.

Hey Nikhil,

Thank you so much for your message and for trusting our itineraries 🙂 Our work here is done in that case 😀 Please do share photos from your trip to Bali and New Zealand – we’d love to see them 🙂

Have a great trip in UK.

Thanks once again for your love and support.

Hi Savi Vid,

I will second the earlier post on being truly inspired by your holidays. We too in last 10 months first google whether you have been to a destination and then decide as it makes things so much quicker for us.

we too followed your garden route itinerary and loved it.

We really identify with your holiday style.

We are planning a road trip with our parents and infant in October end-mid nov for like 17-18 days from New Delhi.

We are torn between New Zealand or England with Scotland.

England would suit us more in terms of flight time with an infant but we are not really sure whether this would be the best time to go, we are interested in visiting scotch distilleries in england and also follow the above mentioned itinerary by squeezing a few days or follow your new zealand road trip itinerary.

Please make the decision for us 🙂

Hey Randhir – that’s great to know. So happy to hear that you enjoy Bruised Passports SO much. Given its October/November, we’d recommend going for New Zealand as the weather in UK can get really grey and cold at that time 🙂

Hey thanks a lot, Will the England one be a feasible option in March first week ?

Hey Randhir – the weather in UK is always unpredictable. However it is still quite cold in March

Hi!! I was looking for some inspiration as to where to go this August with a 2-year-old and a 1-month-old baby from London with a car, and have decided to do York and Lake District after reading your post!

Could you give me any recommendations of where to go within the Lake District? And any stops you’d suggest on our drive back or where we could stop for the night so the drive isn’t as long?

Ps. Already followed your Cornwall road trip tips and loved that part of England!

So happy to hear our Cornwall itinerary was helpful 🙂

Within the Lake District you could go to Ambleside, Windermere, Bowness, or Lakeside. You could also drive further up to Rydal or Grasmere. On your way back, you could break your journey at Cheshire or perhaps Stratford-upon-avon?

Have a great trip 🙂

Hi me & hubby john are planning a week road trip in UK, we fancy going to Devon we live in fleetwood, Lancashire. We welcome your ideas? Thank you.

Hey Carol and John – that’s a great idea. We have detailed itineraries on Devon and Cornwall if you’re interested 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

Its always nice reading your posts. Very informative indeed. We are planning to take this road trip in June 2018. Please tell us how viable would it be with a 1 year infant? Thanks in advance.

Hey Prachi – You can get a car seat for your infant. Other than that England is extremely kid-friendly, so you won’t have a problem at service stations, restaurants, or anywhere else. Have fun 🙂

planning to visit uk in july.plz suggest ireland vs scotland which is better.we are luking at 6 nights in london n 3 nights either in scotland or ireland.cant do both. what day trips can we take from london.. Really luking forward for your suggestion..

Regards punam

Hey perhaps go with Northern Ireland for 3 nights 🙂

There’s plenty of information on our website for what to do in and around London – please search for “London” and you’ll see all the articles.

Hi Savi & Vid,

Firstly, thank you so much !

We planned our Honeymoon day by day according to your Seychelles Itinerary and trust me, that has been the best holiday for me and my husband.

Now, We are planning for a holiday in December, somewhere cold and a place which will have a magical vibe considering it will be Christmas & New Years. Is the chain across Scotland worth it or should we explore some place elsewhere across the world?

Hey so happy to hear that – you have to share photos with us (from Seychelles) 🙂

Do consider Finland/Lapland for your next winter holiday – you’ll love it

Hi Savi Vid, My husband and self live in Australia and we are planning a road trip as you have in England, you have given us great inspiration where to start and where to go, we were unsure about what we could do. Thank you kindly Cassa and Jeff

Thank you so much and hope you had a great time driving in England / UK 🙂

If I have 2 days in Lake District, where do you reccomend we stay? Also I’m traveling with a 1 year old, does LD make sense with a baby?

I m planning to go 1st week of July. The iteniary is 3 days in Edinburgh >2 days in Lake District> 7 days in London.. pls suggest

Perhaps you could stay in Windermere as there’ll be more options to shop/dine especially with a baby 🙂 Your itinerary for United Kingdom sounds just fine. Assuming you’ll be driving down from Edinburgh to London via Lake District?

My sister is visiting from Canada from mid to the end of February – but I know the weather won’t be very good and the wonderful countryside won’t be very beautiful. If we were to stay in the UK, would you recommend doing more castles and things like that or should I just avoid altogether and we will go to Rome or something LOL

Thanks so much! Lindsay

Hey Lindsay,

Some of the countryside, especially castles and cathedrals, are beautiful at that time of the year. Perhaps you could split that time between UK and say Rome or any other European city – lots of inspiration here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/europe 🙂

Completely misses East Anglia?

Next May myself, my mother and my daughter are travelling to the UK from Australia. We arrive in London for 2 nights, then have a hire car to head off exploring. We have 3 weeks before heading off to France.

In those 3 weeks we’re hoping to cover England, Scotland and Ireland! Would have loved to get to Wales, but time doesn’t allow it this trip!

Your itinerary is amazing. And we will certainly be using it to our advantage, but may have to condense it somewhat. Are there any suggestions you have re Scotland and Ireland?

Hey Brooke,

Thanks a lot for your message and we hope you had a great trip in UK. WE don’t really have driving suggestions for Ireland but a road trip in Northern Ireland is dreamy 🙂 (there are articles about that on our site)

We are looking at doing a 3 week road trip from the Yorkshire moors down to Devon in 2021. Would love to get a map of the route you took and the towns that you stopped in. We were thinking about doing a pub crawl!

Dave & Ros

This perfect itinerary for a road trip in England has been curated over many trips – we have shared the map in the article 🙂

hi guys..is this itinerary doable by public transport

Yes, it should be possible but you will lose out on the possibility of taking random detours which are always the fun part 🙂

Loved the description

Love it, can wait to start my road trip

I am a traveller and reader myself, I love to travel exploring places and I also enjoy reading quitely in a my own space, and I loved your blog, it is very engaging and amazing, please keep on writing blogs like this.

Amazing blog, please keep on writing blogs like this, I love to read such engaging and informative blogs, I look forward for more of your blogs.

I loved how you have written this blog, so amazingly described, I loved it, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well.

Really informative blog, has been really helpful.

Great Blog I love to read this , You doing great work ,keep it up

Nice Blog really help full in many ways like changing atmoshphere relaxing feature and many more. I just Loved it.

Excellent blog with some insightful information. Must Read

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Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this beautiful part of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Dorset & the Jurassic Coast!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO DORSET & JURASSIC COAST

Located in the South West of England the Jurassic Coast stretches for 96 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 the Jurassic Coast is a popular destination for both UK residents and visitors from around the world.

The coast is composed of rock containing the fossilised remains of flora and fauna from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Rock falls over the years have exposed the fossils. Areas of particular interest include Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis, Durdle Door and Chesil Beach amongst others.

Much of Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Other attractions include the South West Coast path a popular long distance footpath and National Trail which stretches for 630 miles and passes through the Dorset and East Devon Coast (Jurassic Coast).

Main towns in Dorset (there are no cities in the county) include Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Poole, and Bournemouth (only the former are located along the Jurassic Coast though)

If you are considering a visit to Dorset & the Jurassic Coast you will find everything you need to plan your trip in this practical guide.

• What you will find in this complete Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide

Map of the Jurassic Coast

Things to do on the jurassic coast & in dorset, accommodation in dorset, how to get to dorset jurassic coast from london, experiences, tickets and tours in dorset.

• FAQ's & Tips for visiting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

Books to read about the Jurassic Coast

• Planning your visit to England's South West

Best Places to visit in Dorset

Jurassic Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Places to visit in Dorset and along the Jurassic Coast include

Chesil Beach

Lulworth Cove

Durdle Door

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre & Beach

Corfe Castle

Cerne Abbas

Read more – 10 things to do in South West England

Best places to stay in Dorset

From holiday cottages to 5-star luxury hotels our guide to the best places to stay in Dorset contains a curated selection of the best accommodation.

Find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

The Jurassic Coast is easily accessible from London. If you are based in the capital there are a number of options to get to the coast.

Option 1 – By car

The Jurassic Coast is located 130 miles to the south west of London.

Plan at least 2 hours 45 minutes to drive down to the coast from London.

Roads can be busy in summer especially on hot sunny days when the entire population will head down to the beaches along the coast.

Directions can be found here.

Option 2: By train

Travel by train from London Waterloo to Bournemouth or London Waterloo or Paddington to Weymouth.

Journey time is 3 – 4 hours depending on the train route you choose but the coast is perfectly manageable for a day trip in the summer months when daylight hours are longer.

Click here for train times and tickets.

Option 3: By bus

It is possible to take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Weymouth. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

This is the cheapest way to travel to the Jurassic Coast from London – if you are on a budget this may be your best option. Click here for coach times and prices from National Express.

With so many things to do and places to visit in Dorset, I recommend planning your itinerary and purchasing tours, tickets and experiences as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, especially during the busy summer months.

• Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise – See for yourself Europe’s largest natural harbour. Take on stunning views and learn more about the area as you relax on board, passing interesting locations along the shores.
• From Poole to Swanage: 2-Hour Jurassic Coastal Cruise – Cruise from Poole Harbour to Swanage on a 2-hour round-trip cruise and see some of Dorset’s greatest landmarks. Pass Brownsea Island, Sandbanks, and the Old Harry Rocks, as you head towards the historical British seaside resort of Swanage.
• Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Coach Trip – Departs Bournemouth. Get back to prehistoric nature and visit some of the most scenic locations of the Jurassic Coast including Lulworth Cove and the Durdle Door rock arch for 3 hours at your own pace.
• From Weymouth: 10+ Stops on Jurassic Coast Day Tour – A full day guided tour exploring the Jurassic Coast. Visit 95 miles of coastline on the south of England, from Old Harry Rocks to WestBay. Sights include Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, Portland, Abbotsbury and Westbay.

FAQ’s & Tips for visiting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

When is the best time to visit dorset.

Dorset is a wonderful destination during the summer months with many outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking and cycling, beaches to explore and festivals to attend.

However, Dorset is a pretty good destination all year round just make sure you check the weather forecast and pack accordingly !

What is the best way to get around Dorset?

The Jurassic Coast is perfect for a road trip. Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, quaint villages and towns, beaches and natural wonders at your own pace. Read more in our road trip itinerary for the Jurassic Coast.

Park and Ride schemes are available in Poole and Weymouth.

Tip – if you plan to drive the route don’t forget to take cash for parking meters!

• Walking or cycling

Alternatively, there are many walking and cycling routes across the county. While the famous South West Coastal Path includes the Dorset and Jurassic coast there are also many short walks to enjoy too.

For cyclists, the national cycle network has a number of routes that run through Dorset including Route 2 from Christchurch to Lyme Regis and Route 26 from Sherborne to Weymouth.

• Public transport

Bus services connect all the major towns. Check Traveline South West for timetables and fares.

There are 23 train stations on the national rail network in Dorset including 9 on the Great Western Railway network and 14 on South Western Railway routes. Find out more on the trainline.com

There are day tours available along the Jurassic Coast leaving from either Bournemouth , Poole or Weymouth.

Planning your visit to England’s South West

If you are visiting the South West of England take a look at these travel guides which also cover relevant destinations:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Cotswold Travel Guide
• Devon Travel Guide
• Peak District Travel Guide

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

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!

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London To Cornwall – 12 AMAZING Places To Stop On Route!

Categories England , U.K

Cornwall is such a beautiful place to visit and so many people in the UK still haven’t been to Cornwall. This is mainly because of how far away it is, especially when looking at London to Cornwall!

But, a Cornwall Road Trip from London is a great idea because you will end up in this stunning beachy county, you’ll get to see lots of amazing places along the South of England whilst on the way to Cornwall from London and it will break up the long journey.

Options for getting to Cornwall from London include by train or by flight, but you’ll need a car once you get to Cornwall to get around and see the best places in Cornwall, so you might as well just drive from London, or hire a car in London and see some new places in the UK on the way!

Cornwall Road Trip from London

In this Cornwall blog post, I’ll give you 12 brilliant ideas of where to stop on a London to Cornwall Road Trip , the best route to take from London to Cornwall and where to go in Cornwall when you arrive.

Find What You're Looking For Easily Here!

Best Route From London to Cornwall

When you put London to Cornwall into Google Maps for directions it’s going to give you 3 or 4 route options as you can see below, and the recommended best route to Cornwall from London as suggested by Google Maps will be the middle route.

The route I recommend taking when visiting Cornwall from London is the lower route going via Southampton . Google Maps is likely to show this as the longest route, but it’s worth it!

That’s because by taking the longer route you will go closer to the Coast and this is where you’re going to find the most beautiful places on the South Coast of England in Hampshire, Dorset and Devon as you pass through rather than going through the middle.

If you have time, the best way to do your route on the way home when driving from Cornwall to London is the route via Bristol on the M5 and M4 as there are some great places to visit in Somerset and the Cotswolds on the way back to London that is just off the motorway!

Car Hire for a London to Cornwall Trip

If you don’t have a car for this Cornwall road trip and you still need to hire one, I recommend Rentalcars because they search all of the top rental companies like Budget and Hertz to get you the best price!

Remember that to get the best priced rental car from London you are best to hire one from an Airport! Hiring a car from Heathrow or Gatwick will work well as you’ll be able to get out of London and head towards Cornwall straight away!

Search for car hire from London here!

London to Cornwall Road Trip

Here are perfect places to stop on the way from London to Cornwall!

1. Winchester

Roughly 1 hour 30 minutes after leaving London and before reaching Southampton on then M3 you will go past Winchester. Winchester is a charming historic city is one of the most desirable places to live in England so it’s worth a stop!

With a few hours in Winchester, you can visit the main attraction which is the 11th century Winchester Cathedral , one of the largest in Europe! Make sure you visit Winchester College, the oldest public school in England and a place where Harry Potter and Les Miserables were filmed! 

2. New Forest National Park

About 2 hours south of London, just past Southampton is the New Forest National Park and you literally have to drive through it along the A31 on this London to Cornwall road trip so it would be a shame not to stop and see some of it!

There are quite a few things to do in the New Forest and places to visit but Brockenhurst, which is just a 12 minute detour from the A31 at Cadnam is one of the most popular places to visit.

This village is full of Tudor-style houses and it was once declared Britain’s most beautiful place to live. The New Forest is also known for its wild New Forest ponies so be sure to keep a lookout for these and pull over during the drive for a walk to see more of this national park.

3. Durdle Door Lulworth Cove

After Hampshire, when doing the London to Cornwall drive, you will hit Dorset County.

Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are by far the most popular and iconic places in Dorset and although I suggest visiting a few more places in Dorset below, I really do think that visiting these will complete this road trip from London to Cornwall and it’s worth the small detour!

From your rote along the A35, you can leave the A35 at Bere Regis and be in Lulworth Cove in just 20 minutes!

In order to see both Lulworth Cove and the iconic Durdle Door, the Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door walk is a great walk to do along the Jurassic Coast to get out of the car, stretch your legs and take in this amazing coastline!

4. West Bay

After East Dorset which is where Lulworth Cove is, you will have to drive to the West and further along the A35 is Birdport and West Bay and as these are rated as top places to visit in Dorset they are also great places to stop on the way to Cornwall!

What I love about the South Coast of England are the coastal footpaths and walking along the top of West Bay is an incredible walk, and a good one to stretch your legs!

5. Lyme Regis

30 minutes up the road from West Bay is the lovely town of Lyme Regis. This is a great place to spend a whole day as there are many things to do in Lyme Regis but it’s also a good place for an hour or two.

The beach in Lyme Regis is nice, so is the harbour and the shops in the town. It’s a great place to stop for lunch and a wander on a road trip to Cornwall!

Now from Dorset into Devon, there are lots of places in Devon to visit which I did on my recent Devon Road Trip however they are more of a detour South off the A30 and A35 down country lanes and therefore will take up much more time when visiting Cornwall from London.

Exmouth however is a good place to stop in Devon because it’s easier to access. Exmouth is a port town and popular seaside resort, it’s also at the end.. or start depending on how you look at it of the Jurassic Coast.

Exmouth could work as a good night stop on your London to Cornwall road trip so you are ready to drive further into Devon and then Cornwall the next day.

7. Dartmoor National Park

A lot of people do a Cornwall and Devon Road Trip which makes a lot of sense seeing as you have to drive through Devon to get to Cornwall.

The best route from London to Cornwall I have suggested will take you around the top of the Dartmoor National Park but if you have time, I definitely recommend detouring by 20 minutes to get into the heart of the National Park.

There are lots of footpaths, Tor’s and places to park along the side of the roads. I did the Haytor Walk Visiting Hound Tor & Saddle Tor in Dartmoor which I really enjoyed.

8. Launceston

Launceston is actually in Cornwall, but it’s not far from the Devon Cornwall border and the A30 which is the road to Cornwall you will likely take goes through it, therefore it’s a good place to stop on the way to Cornwall.

This town is the ancient capital of Cornwall and still has a medieval south gate and the ruins of a castle. It has lots of shops, especially independent shops and cafes to enjoy while having a break from driving, and lots of nearby walks.

9. Glastonbury

Now we’ll focus on places to visit after you have finished in Cornwall and are doing the road trip from Cornwall to London, or perhaps if you decide to drive along the M4 & M5 from London to Cornwall.

Most of us know of Glastonbury for the festival but did you know it’s a really good town to visit in Somerset with ancient and medieval sites and Glastonbury Tor which is one of the most famous landmarks in Somerset.

Doing the Glastonbury Tor and Glastonbury Abbey Circular Walk is a great way to break up the Cornwall road trip.

10. Cheddar Gorge

Not too far from Glastonbury and just 20 minutes off the M5 is Cheddar Gorge and the village of Cheddar.

This is a really unique place to visit and one of the top places to visit in Somerset. Here is my full Cheddar Gorge Guide but these limestone cliffs towering over a gorge you can drive through along with a beautiful walk and the chocolate box village of Cheddar are definitely unmissable places on a drive back to London!

11. Castle Combe

When doing your Cornwall from London road trip if you choose to drive along the M4 which connects London and Bristol you’ll drive through The Cotswolds. The Cotswolds is actually quite a big area and as I found out recently, it takes quite a while to visit all the villages because of the small country lanes,

However on this Cornwall to London route, the M4 runs really close to Castle Combe which is easily one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds, in fact, it’s been named the prettiest village in England, so you should definitely plan to visit it on your London to Cornwall road trip!

The village is only very small so you don’t need much time there but you’ll be pleased you did!

12. Windsor

Depending on where you are leaving or entering London from, you will probably pass close to Windor from the M4. If you’ve been meaning to visit Windsor and Windsor Castle for awhile and have never got round to it or you are visiting the UK and want to see some more iconic British sites, now is the time as it is just a short detour from the M4 near London!

Tours From Cornwall to London

If you’re reading this post but actually you don’t want to do the drive from London to Cornwall yourself and instead you want to take an organised tour, here is the best Cornwall to London tour on offer:

5 Day Cornwall and Devon Tour from London with Rabbies Travel!

The reason these tours are limited is probably because of this distance from London to Cornwall,

So another option, if you don’t want to drive to Cornwall is to take the train to Cornwall from London and then book on a Cornwall tour, this will give you more options of trips from Cornwall to London.

You can look into companies like Experience Cornwall Tours , Tour Cornwall , and Cornwall Discovery .

For the best priced London to Cornwall train tickets I recommend using The Train Line to compare dates, times and prices!

How Far is Cornwall From London??

The distance from London to Cornwall is 250-300 miles depending on where you leave London from and how far South you go in Cornwall. The London to Cornwall drive will take roughly 5-6 hours with no stops and with good traffic.

I hope this firstly shows that a day trip to Cornwall from London is not really possible, and it is a long way to go if you only plan to spend 1 night in Cornwall. (If you have limited time, a road trip to Devon or Dorset is better.)

Cornwall is a great trip from London if you have a bit more time and to enhance the trip, the best way to do a London to Cornwall Road Trip is to stop along the way.

Depending on the time you have, spending at least 2 days and 1 night , or even 3 days and 2 nights driving to Cornwall will make the London to Cornwall distance much more manageable and you’ll get to see so many brilliant places on the way there and on the way back which I have detailed in this London to Cornwall post.

For more information on driving in Cornwall, where to stay in Cornwall and Cornwall road trip itineraries, have a read of my Cornwall Road Trip Post!

Also have a look at these hidden gems in Cornwall to visit and the best things to do in Padstow !

FAQs About Cornwall Road Trip From London:

Here are the top questions answered to help you plan your route:

How long is the drive from London to Cornwall?

The drive from London to Cornwall will take about 5-6.5 hours depending on where you leave London from and how far West in Cornwall you visit. The driving time from London to Cornwall will also depend on how many times you stop and how heavy the traffic is.

How long does it take to drive across Cornwall?

It takes about 2 hours to drive from the most Easten side of Cornwall Launceston to the most Western tip of Cornwall.

How far is Cornwall from London by car?

Cornwall is about 280-320 miles from London by car depending which route you take, where you are leaving London from and where you drive to in Cornwall.

What is the best time to drive to Cornwall?

In order to avoid traffic, especially on weekends, Friday nights and during school holidays, the best time to drive to Cornwall is very early in the morning around 7am or much later on in the evening.

I hope this helps you plan your Cornwall from London Road Trip!

• For more posts of my posts to see the best of the UK and for trips from London see:
• How To Do A Cardiff Day Trip from London With Things To Do in Cardiff!
• 18 Perfect Road Trips From London & Short Trips From London By Car!
• How To Visit The Seven Sisters Cliffs from London On A Day Trip!
• How To Visit White Cliffs of Dover From London On A Day Trip!

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10 Best Stops on the London to Cornwall Drive

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Going on a drive from London to Cornwall is one of the best road trips you could take in the beautiful southwest of England.

Home to some of the world’s most famous historic sites, incredible coastline, beautiful national parks, and some of the best weather in Britain, there is no denying that heading southwest on your next England road trip is a great idea.

So next time you’re planning a trip to the seaside and have your heart set on exploring some charming Cornish villages, consider making more of a road trip of it and enjoy some of these amazing stops when driving to Cornwall.

Table of Contents

Planning a London to Cornwall Road Trip

First and foremost, if you don’t have your own vehicle and want to go on a trip from London to Cornwall, you’re going to need to hire a car.

While there are countless car hire companies out there, if you want to save time while finding a low price, we recommend using Rentalcars.com. This platform aggregates great deals across many car hire companies, making booking a car hire quick and easy.

It can also be a good idea to take out an excess insurance policy through iCarHireInsurance to ensure that you’re completely covered should any damage happen to your rental vehicle and also to avoid the high fees imposed by purchasing insurance directly through the rental company.

Though you will be driving through some beautiful rural countryside and breathtaking national parks, this is a fairly populated part of England and you won’t be far from service stations, pubs, or restaurants along the way so there is really no reason to worry about when you might be able to fill up on petrol or find a toilet or bite to eat.

How Far is London to Cornwall?

The distance on the drive from London to Cornwall is approximately 283 miles (455 kilometres) and should only take about 5-6 hours however, there are countless incredible places to stop along the way that can make the journey to Cornwall almost better than the destination in and of itself.

If you’re going to be making any of these stops, you’re going to want to plan for more time. While you don’t necessarily need to find a place to spend the night en route if you plan to make a few of these stops, it’s probably best to plan to do it in two days.

Leave London in the morning on the first day, spending a night at a halfway point (Bournemouth can be a great option!) and then continuing onto the rest of the stops on the second day before you reach your Cornish destination in the evening.

London to Cornwall Drive Stops

Portsmouth, hampshire.

The first stop is actually a slight bit of a detour from the typical route, however, it is very much worth including and making your way here to start out your road trip.

Portsmouth is a historic port city situated on its own island in Hampshire. As home to the Royal Navy, there is a lot of British maritime history here to explore and learn about, particularly the HMS Victory (used by Admiral Lord Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar) and the Mary Rose, which dates back to the Tudor Era.

Portsmouth isn’t all naval history, however. It is also home to ultra-modern Spinnaker Tower — a 557-foot (170 metres) skyscraper that provides incredible views of Portsmouth and its harbour.

Southampton, Hampshire

If you decide to forgo Portsmouth and stay on a very typical route from London to Cornwall, then Southampton makes a logical first stop. However, it does well to be the second stop on this drive, as well!

Southampton is located just a bit east of Portsmouth and is another historic port city worth visiting. Known for being the port where the Titanic began its fateful journey across the Atlantic, Southampton has a lot to offer beyond that. A lot of maritime history, heaps of seaside charm and lots of interesting museums, pubs, theatres, parks and even more.

Though it isn’t a destination many people spend much time in, Southampton is quite lovely and really worth exploring for a bit while en route to Cornwall from London.

Salisbury, Wiltshire

The biggest detour from the main route is to Salisbury, a historic town in Wiltshire in the west of England. Salisbury is known for its incredible cathedral which boasts the tallest spire in England at 404 feet or 123 metres.

Salisbury has more to offer than just its cathedral, however. Boasting a history that dates back to 3000 BCE, there is so much to learn about and explore in this charming little city

If you want to learn more about this town and region, make sure to visit the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum.

Take the time to people-watch in the Market Square and have a meal and a pint (if you’re not driving!) in one of the many pubs in Salisbury — perhaps even the Haunch of Venison , which is the oldest public house in the city.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

No Cornwall road trip from London would really be complete without a stopover at one of England’s most famous neolithic landmarks — Stonehenge.

Located just a bit west of the village of Amesbury and a slight detour from the main road, a visit to this iconic archaeological site is something everyone must do in their lifetimes.

Though the days are gone when one could just admire this standing stone site from the road without paying the entrance fee, you can take the time to head to the visitors centre, learn about the historic significance, admire how incredible it is and ponder about what it could have been used for.

Stonehenge is arguably the most famous collection of standing stones in the world and visiting this incredible prehistoric monument is one of the best things to do in all of England.

Dating back as far as 3000 BCE, scientists still don’t know the exact purpose for this iconic structure, but that certainly doesn’t take away from the magic and mystery of the place.

Bournemouth, Dorset

Getting back to the coastal road, we have our next stop on our road trip, the beautiful city of Bournemouth!

Bournemouth is one of the favourite seaside destinations in all of the UK and locals will boast that is has the best beach in England. As you’re en route to Cornwall, you will certainly see plenty of beaches that will rival this declaration, however, there is no denying that Bournemouth makes for an excellent stop.

Thomas Hardy once described Bournemouth as a “Mediterranean resting place on the English channel” and, boasting some of the best weather in England, it isn’t hard to see why. Bournemouth has been a popular resort for Brits looking for a seaside escape for centuries and it became particularly popular as a spa town during the Victorian era.

Bournemouth is best known for its expansive sandy beach, however, there are several other elements that make it a good destination to visit. The town itself is absolutely lovely and worth exploring, there are beautiful gardens to wander in and countless pubs to have in which to have a meal or a pint.

All in all, Bournemouth makes for an absolutely unmissable stop to make when driving from London to Cornwall. It’s also a great place to spend the night with many accommodation choices such as this charming seaside cottage .

Weymouth, Dorset

Another beautiful Dorset coastal town, Weymouth is the perfect stop if you’re looking for something smaller and a bit more quaint than Bournemouth.

Oozing with charm and also boasting some of the most beautiful beaches, Weymouth is an excellent place to get some classic British seaside charm.

Weymouth both has incredible sandy beaches that are safe and sheltered to swim in and a busy port town to explore, boasting the best of both worlds if you want to explore the seaside outside of Cornwall.

It is also considered to be the gateway to the Jurassic Coast — an area of England known for its pebbly beaches that are littered with fossils.

Bridport, Dorset

Another charming town along the Jurassic Coast, Bridport is small but bustling and makes for the perfect place to stop off and stretch your legs while driving Cornwall to London or vice versa.

Though it isn’t a typical “tourist town,” Bridport is a quintessential West Country seaside town and has everything that those entail — a lively market square, a handful of inviting pubs, and enough fish and chips shops to ensure that you will never go hungry.

So if you’re looking for an offbeat and quick stop on the Cornwall to London drive, Bridport makes a good bet.

Exeter, Devon

As the county town of Devon and the administrative capital of the entire region, no London to Cornwall road trip would be complete without a stop in lovely Exeter. This bustling town is the largest city in Devon and has many sights and interesting places worth exploring.

The Exeter Cathedral is the most well-known landmark and this beautiful Gothic church is well worth visiting.

There are also countless other small medieval-era churches to visit, beautiful town squares and an undeniable English charm that is sure to delight.

Dartmoor National Park, Devon

If you’re sick of exploring historic towns and would rather stretch your legs and get walking in some nature, then you’re sure to love Dartmoor National Park. Stick to the A30 and you’ll find one of the best natural stops when your travel from London to Cornwall,

Known for its ambling moors and packed with prehistoric stone circles, Dartmoor is filled with both history and beauty. Fans of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are sure to be happy to visit Dartmoor as it serves as the partial setting for the famous Sherlock Holmes novel The Hound of the Baskervilles .

You can do countless walks in Dartmoor, ranging from easy walks that only last for an hour or two or multi-day treks that can see you venturing from pub to pub, small village to small village. Dartmoor is known for its countless prehistoric remains, but also make sure to keep an eye out for wild ponies!

If you want to get out of the car and ramble through the Devonshire countryside, there is no better place to do that than in Dartmoor National Park.

Plymouth, Devon

Finally, our last stop before you get to Cornwall is Plymouth, the last town you’ll reach before entering Cornwall! This port city is packed with fascinating maritime history and it’s worth getting out of the car and spending some time here to learn about it.

Plymouth is the town where, in 1588, Sir Francis Drake led the British Navy off to defeat the Spanish Armada. It is also where the first English pilgrims took off from in 1620 on the Mayflower to escape religious persecution before arriving in the New World — Plymouth, Massachusetts, that is!

These days, Plymouth has several interesting museums and historic sites to explore along with a charming seaside and lovely town to wander through. So if you’re looking for one of the best places to stop en route to Cornwall, make sure to include Plymouth on your itinerary!

Where to Stay on the London to Cornwall Drive

If you want to make this road trip longer than one day, you will need to find a great place to rest your head. We personally think that Bournemouth makes that perfect halfway stop on this road trip as it has a lot of accommodation options and is an interesting destination in its own right.

If you’re looking for accommodation in London, we have a great guide on the best areas and places to stay in the British capital!

Where to Stay in Bournemouth

The Newark — Located a stone’s throw away from the Bournemouth beach and within easy walking distance of all other top attractions, there are a range of comfortable and clean rooms available and a full English breakfast made fresh each morning.

Royal Exeter Hotel — This swanky hotel is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a bit more luxury on your road trip to Cornwall. Located within easy walking distance to the beach and promenade, they have countless plush rooms available and a bar and fitness centre on site.

Private Rental – This charming seaside cottage is a great option but there are also some other private rooms and apartments available to rent.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Bournemouth!

Where to Stay in Cornwall

The Dolphin Tavern – This traditional inn in Penzance is the perfect place to rest your head on your Cornish holiday. Situated right on the coast, they have a handful of cosy rooms and a great breakfast included each morning.

Palma Guest House – This guest house located in St Ives is situated directly on the back and boasts incredible views from their comfortable and clean rooms. Great for couples, this makes for a perfect base in Cornwall .

Selkies NQY   – This luxury hotel in Newquay is perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Situated within a few minutes’ walking distance from the beach, there are a range of great rooms available and a bar on site.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Cornwall!

Planning a road trip from London to Cornwall doesn’t have to consist of solely figuring out which motorway to take. There are countless interesting places to stop and visit when driving out west and it’s very much worth taking the time to see them!

Are you planning on visiting Cornwall from London? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Richmond Park Walks: A Perfect London Day Hike

The Perfect Weekend in Manchester Itinerary

9 Best Towns to Stay in Cornwall

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, Maggie! We’ll be driving from Canterbury to Cornwall for part of our first visit to England. This article is just what I needed — thanks for the fantastic ideas! Question – I’m looking for a local tour around Cornwall/Penzance and other towns. Would be fun to do a Poldark places thing – along with the throngs of other fans. LOL! Have you encountered any local tours or small group tours we can join there? Thanks!!

Would love to drive and do this trip 10 stops from London to Cornwall. Can u do it in one week in the car or should you take more time. Coming from Australia and making plans cheers barb metcalfe

You could easily make these stops throughout the course of a week 🙂

This is very helpful! I want to take my family to Cornwall this summer! Is late-June a good time to go? And have you been to/heard anything about Watergate Bay Resort?

June is a fantastic time to go to Cornwall, Ashlee! Hope you have a lovely time 🙂

Great idea, never thought of stopping at different places along the route, it’s better than stopping by at Road Chef Services.

Thanks, Saf! Glad you enjoyed 🙂

Very interesting

Glad you found it helpful, Barry!

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Day Trip , England , London

LONDON DAY TRIP: DORSET & THE JURASSIC COAST

Around over two hours from London by car, the Jurassic Coast makes a wonderful day or weekend trip from London if you are looking for stunning seaside views and cute towns.

Wait! Jurassic Coast? Am I going to see dinosaurs?

You wish! The 154km long Jurassic Coast is a World Heritage Site on the English Channel coast of southern England. It spans from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset.

Why is it called Jurassic Coast? Well, this site has around 185 million years of geological history. Erosion in the coast has exposed rock formations from the  Triassic , Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, and this is why it is a World Heritage Site. The fossils of the various creatures who lived here have been preserved in the rocks. You can actually see sea shells, and who knows what else, encrusted in them.

Jurassic Coast Attractions

There are a ton of things to do in the Jurassic Coast which span from coastal walks to visiting quarry caves with bats . Remember it spans across 154km! But if your time is limited and you are only going for 1-2 days, stick to the county of Dorset. There are a few things you can explore:

Durdle Door

Undoubtedly the icon of the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is a limestone arch which is product of erosion in the coast. And it’s gorgeous! This natural wonder is the reason I wanted to come to the Jurassic Coast on the first place.

There are a few paths to walk through and take some snaps and also a lovely pebble beach if you want to chill for some time. Depending on when you go, it can be busy! So best are early mornings, specially if you are going on a weekend.

  Lulworth Cove

This beautiful cove is basically a textbook example of this interesting landform. It is just besides Durdle Door, you can walk from one site to the other in only half an hour, enjoying the stunning views. Once there you can explore the beach and hike up the hills at both ends of the cove. The color of the water is amazing! After your hike, you can enjoy a coffee, some fudge or ice cream on the lovely town right outside the cove which has some super quaint cottages with small cute ponds.

Weymouth is a seaside town in Dorset and it stands halfway on the Jurassic Coast. Visiting it was a great idea! I basically walked all of the center admiring the quaint english houses and everything going on around the harbor. It has nice cafes and restaurants if you want to grab a bite and interesting stores. Once you head towards the seafront you’ll find an esplanade which runs along Weymouth Beach. I personally enjoyed spending some time at the arcades along the esplanade playing with the coin cascades – but that’s because I may still be a child.

When you have finished roaming Weymouth, time to go to the Isle of Portland. The road that connects the Isle with the mainland runs a long Chesil Beach. This 29km “beach” is actually not a beach but a  tombolo (although recent research has discovered it’s a barrier beach). The point is, you’ll definitely learn geology on the Jurassic Coast – and Chesil Beach looks awesome.

Isle of Portland

This isle is the home of Portland stone. Portland stone has been used in Britain (mainly London) and all over the world for important buildings such as Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral. More geology!

Once you’ve crossed the long beach road, you can pop by Portland Castle. After, head to Portland Bill Lighthouse and on your way stop by the  Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture. The sculpture isn’t much but the views from Portland and Chesil Beach from above there are stunning.

Continue towards the lighthouse, paying attention to the houses and cottages on our side: they are the cutest and the quaintest.

Once in the lighthouse, park your car and go for a walk on the rocks close to the seaside. The lighthouse is located where Bill quarry was so you’ll see the cut rocks’ remains all around. Have some fun climbing Pulpit Rock: an artificial stack of rock set by quarrymen. It mimics a slanted bible leaning on a pulpit, hence it’s name. Also, don’t forget to pay attention at the rocks and the fossils that are inside them!

How to get there and around

The best way to get there and around is by car. I got a rental car in London and that made the trip super smooth and enjoyable. I recommend that you book your car via Rentalcars  to get the best deal.

If car is not an option for you, there are trains to Weymouth from London Waterloo which you should book in advance to get the best price. Alternatively you could also get a bus from National Express to Bornemouth Coach Station which would be the cheapest option.

From there, you can book a day tour. This Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Coach Trip will take you to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, click here to book it , or explore availability below:

If you are looking to visit a few more things, this Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Full Day Tour covers the aforementioned ones plus a bunch more such as a ferry to the Isle of Purbeck and a visit to the village and ruins of Corfe Castle. You can book it here.

Where to stay

I camped when visiting the Jurassic Coast because I love camping. But if it’s not your cup of tea – I’ve pre-filtered the best hotels across the Jurassic Coast, choose the one that fits your budget and book here.  If you’d rather stay in Dorset, I’ve also pre-filtered the best hotels in Dorset .

If you liked this article please leave a comment and follow @travelwithpau on  Instagram .

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a small commission, at  no  extra cost to you in order to help support my blog. 

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12 comments.

We are a family of 2 adults and 2 kids, want to take a full day trip from London to Jurassic Coast and return back the same day on 6th June 2018. Pls let us know how we can book. Thank you

Hi Peeyush, I’m not a travel agency, I’m a travel blogger. You don’t need to book a tour to the Jurassic Coast, you can rent a car and drive there from London or get to a nearby train station and take the Jurassic Coaster bus. Cheers!

Hi we are a couple and want to visit Dorset for a day from london. Please help us with tour charges and tour plans. Visiting on 22nd April.

Hey Pooja — I recommend you book this tour, but you’ll have to take a train to Weymouth first:

https://www.getyourguide.com/weymouth-l32690/full-day-entire-jurassic-coast-tour-from-weymouth-t119065/?partner_id=VTKLJA5

I wish to visit this place next weekend. Can you suggest the best camping package

Hi Moulshree, what do you mean by camping package? Camping gear? Or what?

Hello Pat – thank you for the guide. If I were to look for fossils which would be the best region to try my luck ? I will travel from London in January 2020.

I saw a bunch of what seemed to be fossils on the rocks around Portland Bill Lighthouse. But I’m no expert 🙂 good luck!

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I with like to know the price for two adults trip for two day’s and what is including from London thanks and Olson I want to know if is any ability dog friendly acomodación.

I couldn’t find a 2 adults 2 day trip, but instead found this 3 day trip: https://www.getyourguide.com/london-l57/stonehenge-bath-and-the-south-west-coast-3-day-tour-t42471/?partner_id=VTKLJA5

It’s £997 and the next one leaves 14 June.

I’m not sure regarding the dog friendly accommodation – I wouldn’t think a tour from London would be dog friendly but might be wrong. Might be worth leaving the doggo at home if you are going on this short holiday.

I think you speak Spanish? I’m Argentinean. Let me know if you booked it!

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Travel to Dorset by road

Travelling to dorset by road.

With great travel options and being one of the most accessible destinations in the South West, Dorset is the ideal place to book your holiday or short break. And getting to Dorset couldn’t be easier with motorway routes linking all corners of the country.

Whether you are travelling by car, motorhome or motorcycle, good directions are always an advantage. When planning your trip, you may find it useful to check the  Travel Dorset  website for the latest travel news and live updates.

From the West

The M5 motorway brings visitors from the west (via Bristol) and west of the country (Devon and Cornwall) joining the A37 at Yeovil or the A35 at Honiton.

From the Midlands and North

Follow the major motorway routes (M1 and M40) which connect with the M25 London orbital motorway to arrive on the M3, then M27 through the New Forest and finally the A31. 

Alternatively follow the M40 connecting with the A34, which leads to the M3, M27 and then A31.  However, there are many variations of routes and a satellite navigation system, use of Google Maps or an online route planner can be helpful to decide on the best route to meet your needs.

From The East

The following main motorway routes connect the east of England, the eastern ports if you are arriving by ferry and London with Dorset: M20 / M26 / M25 / M3 / M27.

The M3/A303 from London to Devon also passes through the northernmost part of Dorset.

Charging your electric car

All the large motorway services will offer electric car charging points, most with fast charge options. Read more about getting to Dorset with an electric vehicle .

Once you enter Dorset, there are no motorway services, however most of the counties towns offer EV charging points - the majority of which are found in car parks or near shopping areas. However many hotels and other  holiday accommodation  are now offering this service to their guests, so be sure to keep that in mind when looking for somewhere to stay.

There are over 100 electric vehicle charging point locations in Dorset which can be found in Blandford Forum, Bridport, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorchester, Gillingham, Isle of Portland, Lyme Regis, Poole, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Swanage, Weymouth, Wimborne Minster and many more places. Check the ZapMap website for locations and details of charging facilities.

Plan Your Visit

Share your dorset, what does your dorset look like adventures on our epic coastline visiting attractions with family a walk through the beautiful countryside or perhaps a chilled out evening eating and drinking with friends discover a sample of your #visitdorset images below and share your love for dorset using the hashtag on instagram.   .

• Overall Guide to Dorset
• Dorset Coast
• Bournemouth
• Things to Do
• Food and Drink
• Festivals and Events
• Inspiration

9 Awesome Day Trips from Dorset to Extend Your Trip

• Last Updated 12 October, 2023

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Want to see a bit more of England during your holiday in Dorset? Here’s our pick of some of the best day trips from Dorset!

Are you ready to uncover the hidden gems surrounding the enchanting region of Dorset? There are many captivating destinations to discover beyond the county borders.

From historic landmarks to breathtaking natural wonders, these places are sure to leave you spellbound. So, pack up the car and set off on an adventure to the best places to visit near Dorset!

Day Trips from Dorset

1. salisbury and stonehenge: a timeless gem.

Our first stop is the historic city of Salisbury, just a stone’s throw away from Dorset. Famous for its magnificent Salisbury Cathedral, this charming city will transport you back in time. Marvel at the towering spire of the cathedral, a masterpiece of medieval architecture, and explore the tranquil cloisters and stunning stained glass windows inside.

While in Salisbury, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Stonehenge , an iconic prehistoric monument shrouded in mystery. Witness the ancient stone circle and ponder over its origins and significance. It’s a truly fascinating sight that will leave you in awe of our ancestors’ ingenuity.

2. The New Forest: Nature’s Playground

Nestled on Dorset’s eastern border, the New Forest National Park beckons with its serene woodlands, open moors, and wild ponies roaming freely. This idyllic destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

Take a leisurely stroll along the woodland trails, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the soothing melodies of nature. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a bike and explore the park’s vast network of cycling routes. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the adorable ponies that call the New Forest home!

3. Bath: A City of Elegance

A little further north lies the elegant city of Bath, known for its stunning Georgian architecture and natural hot springs. Step back in time at the Roman Baths, where you can immerse yourself in history as you learn about the ancient Roman bathing rituals. The Thermae Bath Spa offers a modern twist on Bath’s ancient tradition of thermal bathing, allowing you to relax and rejuvenate in the warm, mineral-rich waters.

Aside from its famous baths, Bath boasts remarkable landmarks such as the grand Bath Abbey and the beautifully landscaped Prior Park Gardens. Take a stroll through the city’s picturesque streets, lined with quaint shops and charming cafes, and indulge in a traditional afternoon tea for the perfect British experience.

4. Isle of Wight: Island Paradise

For a unique day trip experience, catch a ferry to the enchanting Isle of Wight. This charming island offers a delightful mix of stunning landscapes, quaint villages, and intriguing historical sites.

Visit the iconic Needles, three chalk stacks rising dramatically from the sea, and take a ride on the chairlift for breathtaking views. Explore the picturesque village of Godshill with its thatched cottages and enjoy a traditional cream tea. Don’t miss Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s former residence, where you can step into the life of the British monarchy.

Ferries depart from Lymington, Southampton, and Portsmouth in Hampshire – about 1-2 hours drive from Dorset.

5. Dartmoor National Park: Untamed Beauty

If you’re seeking rugged landscapes and wild beauty, Dartmoor National Park is the perfect day trip from Dorset. Located just across the border in Devon, this vast moorland offers a captivating blend of rolling hills, granite tors, and ancient woodlands.

Embark on a scenic hike and feel the freedom of the open moors as you breathe in the crisp, fresh air. Keep an eye out for the famous Dartmoor ponies that roam freely across the landscape. Visit the mystical Wistman’s Wood, an enchanting ancient forest filled with moss-covered trees and a sense of mystery.

For history enthusiasts, the park is dotted with prehistoric stone circles and ancient ruins, such as Grimspound, providing glimpses into Dartmoor’s rich past. Whether you choose to explore on foot, cycle along the winding trails, or simply road trip through the untamed beauty, Dartmoor National Park is a nature lover’s paradise.

6. Dartmouth: Coastal Beauty

Nestled on the banks of the picturesque River Dart, the charming town of Dartmouth is a delightful day trip destination from Dorset. With its colourful waterfront, quaint streets, and historic buildings, Dartmouth offers a serene coastal escape.

Take a leisurely stroll along the embankment and soak up the breathtaking views of the river and harbour. Explore the narrow, winding lanes filled with independent shops, art galleries, and cosy cafes. Don’t miss a visit to Dartmouth Castle, a fortress that has guarded the town for centuries.

A boat trip along the River Dart is a must. Discover the stunning coastline, spot wildlife, and learn about Dartmouth’s rich naval history. You might even spot a few of the seals that call the estuary home. If time allows, indulge in some fresh seafood at one of the town’s renowned seafood restaurants.

7. Winchester: Historic Charm

Venture east from Dorset, and you’ll find the historic city of Winchester, a captivating day trip destination. Steeped in history and boasting magnificent architecture, Winchester offers a journey back in time.

Start your exploration with a visit to Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. Marvel at its exquisite Gothic architecture and visit the crypt, which houses fascinating historical treasures. Explore the medieval Winchester City Mill and learn about traditional flour milling techniques.

Wander through the quaint streets of the city centre, lined with charming shops and inviting cafes. Don’t miss the chance to visit The Great Hall, home to the legendary King Arthur’s Round Table.

8. Bristol: Vibrant Culture

A bit further north from Dorset lies the vibrant city of Bristol, bursting with creativity and cultural diversity. This thriving metropolis offers a fantastic day trip option for those seeking a unique urban experience.

Marvel at the stunning street art adorning the walls of the city, thanks to renowned artists like Banksy- who comes from the city. Visit the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning the Avon Gorge. Explore the historic harborside and indulge in delicious food from the vibrant food markets.

Bristol is also home to an array of museums and galleries, including the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and the M Shed, where you can delve into the city’s rich history and immerse yourself in art and culture.

9. London: The Bustling Capital

No trip to England would be complete without a visit to the vibrant and bustling capital city – London! Although it might be one of the longer day trips from Dorset, the allure of this iconic city is well worth the journey.

From world-famous landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace to renowned museums like the British Museum and the Tate Modern, London offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Take a leisurely stroll along the River Thames or explore the vibrant neighbourhoods of Covent Garden and Notting Hill.

Indulge in a delicious meal at one of the city’s diverse eateries, or treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea. Shopaholics will be delighted by the eclectic mix of high-end boutiques on Oxford Street, quirky markets in Camden, and unique vintage stores in Shoreditch.

Although a day trip may not be enough to fully explore the vastness of London, it provides a taste of the city’s energy and charm. So, hop on a train and immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan ambience of this dynamic metropolis.

Top tips for your Day Trip from Dorset

Perhaps the easiest way to get around Dorset and beyond is to drive. If you’re not travelling with your own car, you can rent one in most major towns in Dorset – including Dorchester, Weymouth, Bournemouth and Poole. I recommend downloading the JustPark and/or Ringo parking apps to make paying for carparks easy.

Plus, if you’re driving, you can create some amazing road trips around England – and the rest of the UK. If you don’t mind driving all the way to the other side of the country, this 14 day North Coast 500 itinerary is a great way to see Scotland!

That said, public transport is usually an option – although it can sometimes be slower and more restrictive. Regular trains run between Weymouth and London, calling at Brockenhurst for the New Forest, Winchester, and Southampton for ferries to the Isle of Wight along the way. There’s also a direct train from Weymouth to Bristol and Bath.

If you’re headed to more rural areas, like Dartmoor, it might be a good idea to pack a picnic for your day trip. There are lots of great farm shops in Dorset where you could pick up some tasty local treats.

There you have it! These remarkable day trip destinations near Dorset are just waiting to be explored. From the historic allure of Salisbury and Bath to the natural wonders of the New Forest and Dartmoor, each of these destinations offers a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Are there any more parts of England that you’d love to discover on some day trips from Dorset? Let us know in the comments!

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FREDA LEWIS-STEMPEL did a 1,000 mile road trip in the new Tesla Model 3 using only green energy - is range anxiety over?

Is it really such a massive tribulation and nerve-racking experience taking an electric car on a long trip?

What about if you promise to only use  chargers powered by 100 per cent renewable energy and stay at sustainable accommodation?

Our motoring reporter Freda Lewis-Stempel decided to find out by embarking on a carbon neutral road trip from London to Scotland to see if sustainable EV driving really holds up in 2024.

Leg one: Tesla Tottenham to Tebay Services, Cumbria

Setting off from Tesla Centre Tottenham with around 340 miles of charge, there was no need to plug in before Tebay as I was predicted to arrive with just over 50 miles of battery range remaining.

But there's only so much of the M1 you can take before needing a break, so after around two hours on the road I stopped at Rugby Services -  the largest rapid-charging site for EVs on Britain motorway network.

Confronted with a bank of 28 Tesla Superchargers and 23 rapid Gridserve charging points, there was ample opportunity to replenish the Tesla's battery, had I wanted to.

Instead, I stretched my legs and grabbed some refreshments before driving on. I was there for around 15 minutes, so if I'd hooked the Model 3 up to a Supercharger it would have added up to 175 miles of range.

The Supercharger network is the largest fast-charging network in the world, and in 2023 became 100 per cent renewable – using onsite renewable resources and annual renewable matching.

The Gridserve ultra-rapid chargers also use 100 per cent renewable energy, so on this occasion either provider would the sustainable green energy aim easily.

It's also worth noting that Tesla recently opened up its Supercharger membership to all EV owners (including non-Tesla drivers). The newly discounted monthly membership costs just £8.99 now (previously £10.99).

Motoring on, I stopped again at Sandbach for a quick 10-minute relief from Britain's motorway network. 

Again there was no need to charge – and admittedly the infrastructure available at this location is no way on-par with Rugby, or what Tebay would soon be offering.

Onto the day's final stretch, when the M6 opens up, the traffic dies out and the landscape changes to open moorland was the moment the Model 3 came into its own.

With the car's range prediction proving accurate, I felt entirely safe in pushing down on the accelerator with a little more gusto, extracting more of Tesla's 491hp (366kW), and arrived with 52 miles of range to spare.

Checking into Tebay's Westmorland Hotel, I plugged the Tesla into one of the six overnight slow AC chargers at the hotel.

These are operated by Swarco, which exclusively uses renewable energy.

The chargers work by scanning the barcode to start the session but getting it to recognise my chargepoint ID was a bit of a faff for a few minutes. The first real inconvenience I've faced on my 1,000 trek up the country.

Once solved, the session started, telling me it would earmark the maximum £35 charge from my card.

As well as the hotel charging, Tebay – a farm to fork enterprise that uses local produce from within 30 miles and traditional biodiversity and animal husbandry farming methods – has eight Telsa Superchargers and four Westmorland ultra-rapid chargers at the Southbound services, and Westmorland 12 ultra-rapid chargers at the Northbound services, all of which are contactless.

Leg two: Tebay to Perthshire via Dundee

I unlock the Model 3 to find the charging session using the 7kW device overnight had been capped at £34.42 and upped the range to 268 miles (69 per cent of the Tesla's total quoted 390-mile maximum range). 

As such, I decided to detether from the Swarco and plug into a Supercharger while I went out on a quick morning walk, maximising the charging capacity before driving around rural Scotland.

This isn't exactly what I'd call range anxiety - think of it more as range preparation.

To some people this might seem a pain, but my daily routine usually involves a stroll to stretch my legs. And as far as I'm concerned, walking around Cumbria on a gorgeous –2 degree blue morning when the landscape is frosted over is to me a joy of driving electric.

There are chargers in some of the most scenic places in the UK, and eating breakfast while stopping to take the view is something you wouldn't do while filling up on fuel.

I left on 342 miles (87 per cent of the maximum range), with around three and a half hours and 200 miles ahead of me to cover.

A quick stop in Dundee

Dundee might be Scotland's leading EV city now – thanks to over 12 years of hard work by Fraser Crichton, corporate fleet manager at Dundee City Council and the Drive Dundee Electric team – but it's naturally on the air-pollution backfoot because of its geographical setup.

Dundee sits on the north coast of the mouth of the Tay Estuary. 

There's a ridge formed by The Law – the famous lookout point over the city – and Balgay Hill.

One side of the city slopes down to the estuary meaning much of Dundee centre – with the highest buildings - sits in a bowl trapping pollutants in.

'If you could dye the car's fumes and see all the pollution sitting in the bowl, people would switch to EVs in a second', Fraser told me.

Dundee's switch to EVs is modelled on leading Scandinavian countries, with a 'holistic' approach to improving air quality and reducing emissions. Each type of charging solution has been designed for residents , by locals, with Dundee drivers' input.

From the multi-model charging hub on Queen Street, Broughty Ferry – which has six contactless payment 50kW chargers and five 22kW chargers powered by a solar canopy – you can cycle into the centre of the city on a dedicated cycle lane.

At the Clepington Road charging hub, the eco reach goes far beyond the car – it's part of Fraser's aim to 'deliver residents and visitors clean water every 0.5km'. 

The canopy roof is fitted with a Bluewater state-of-the-art water filtrations system, turning rainwater into purified water for the public to top up their refillable bottles, reducing single-use plastic waste.

And it's been designed to BSI PAS 1899:2022 disability guidelines, with input from disabled drivers and disability charities. 

Fraser proudly pointed out that the partnership with Swarco E.Connect Smart Charging has meant they could design the hub to have longer cables, larger spaces and level access with no raised plinths or bollards, making it accessible for all disabled users.

Currently just 2 per cent of on-street chargers meet accessibility guidelines . 

Down by the V&A on the waterfront, because on-street charging can be an eye sore, the team have chosen to install pop-up chargers 'in free beds to minimise street clutter'.

As well as integrated design, Fraser says the 'key to the EV transition is renewable energy'. Solar canopies and second-life EV battery storage solutions are used throughout Dundee's charging infrastructure.

The Greenmarket multi-storey car park's 20 charging bays are powered by solar canopies which output 41kW. One central unit controls the chargers, releasing energy when needed under 'dynamic load management', making energy output cheaper.

Second life EV batteries – which can no longer power an EV - store solar energy to use when energy demand is higher . This innovative battery storage system is also in play at the Clepington Road charging hub.

Each of Clepington's two second-life battery storage units can store energy – either from the sun or cheap off-peak energy - to power 5,000 charging sessions (if each driver uses an average 20kW), making charging more eco and cheaper.

Speaking to Fraser I couldn't help feeling Dundonians have lucked out rather. If councils were sent to Dundee to learn how it's done, a lot more people would get onboard with electric.

Checking into self-accommodation with hydro-energy home charging in Perthshire

My final overnight stay was at the breathtaking Monzie Estate in Perthshire – a family-owned collection of self-catering houses and cottages centred around the estate's Georgian Castle.

For people with range anxiety, staying in the secluded hill of the Monzie (pronounced 'Monie') valley might seem a mad idea, but it makes an EV and sustainable road trip so easy because you can charge at 'home'.

Burnside Cottage – my home for the night – had its own 7kW Easee wallbox charger. 

I plugged the car in with its AC cable, scanned the QR code and charged the car overnight. 

I could track the session on the Easee app - exactly how much I'd spent, status and stop the session whenever I wanted.

And, like the estate itself, all the home chargers are powered by hydro-electricity. 

And it's not some untraceable 'renewable energy' that's bought in: I toured the estate's 1950s private hydro-electric generation plant – which looks like it should be out of a WWII film – and can still hear the thundering in my ears of the 200kW energy produced by local water.

This is as clean EV charging as you're ever going to get.

The return leg: Perthshire to London – over 450 miles without an overnight stop

It's well known that drivers tend to overestimate how many miles they drive. 

Last year MOT test data by Field Dynamics found UK drivers travel fewer than 15,000 miles per year by car, and cover less than 41 miles per day.

The majority of motorists are unlikely to do this eight-hour, 450-mile stint in one go. 

Even if you are the Highway Code recommends taking a 15-minute break every two hours, which during my roughly eight journey gave me four opportunities to add charge.

I was on a tight schedule, so chose Tebay again for a Supercharger stop at lunch time. 

There was a lot of school holiday traffic, so the Superchargers were the busiest I'd ever seen them, but the wait was 10 minutes max (I didn't have a wait but two cars after me did).

I took a 45-minute walk and lunch break, the car charged back up 370 miles (95 per cent of the maximum range) and I pressed on.

But I wasn't anywhere near running out of charge and on motorways you just aren't going to: I stopped in for a break at multiple other services including Welcome Break Southbound in Warwickshire which has eight AppleGreen ultra-rapid chargers (can power 16 EVs), two 50kW CCS Gridserve chargers and eight Superchargers.

All three options are powered by renewable energy.

I arrive back in London with 14 per cent left, and no range anxiety at all.

Tesla Model 3 Facelift – good or bad updates? Is a long journey more relaxing with an EV?

The 2024 changes introduced for the latest Tesla Model 3 aren't hugely extreme , but here's a look at some of the most relevant updates - and what they're like for a driver in Britain.

1. The stalkless steering wheel

Every driving control is now either on the steering wheel or part of the infotainment screen.

I got used to it by the end but it's not an improvement. The turn signals are left-hand side buttons, a thumb press to indicate. It's very easy to go to change song and end up indicating – the indicators are where you'd naturally expect sound system controls.

The drive selector is now on right-hand side of the screen - slide forwards to go, and backwards to reverse.

While I didn't mind the indicators, I didn't like the new drive selector – for a quick U-turn it required too much thought. And it 'predictive shifts' which direction you're going to go in, so always double check before hitting the accelerator!

It's a case of if it ain't broke don't fix it really.

One safety feature which is absolutely brilliant on the 3 are the blind spot cameras – indicate and you get a crystal-clear view of the road and any traffic or obstacles. Really excellent safety assist.

2. Noise and vibration reduction

The Model 3 excels itself on long journeys - all the relaxing benefits of smooth EV driving, one-pedal life and the quietness come to fruition.

You feel like you've driven 4 hours when you've driven 10. And it was even better on this trip thanks to the 30 per cent reduction in noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

And the cabin has new seats, and new premium materials (it used to be a bit cheap in the 3). With ventilated and heated seats all-round it was a very luxurious and comfortable home on wheels.

3. Charging time improvements

The Model 3 can now charge up to 175 miles in 15 minutes on a Supercharger – this really should knock range anxiety on the head as there are 12,000 Supercharger locations across Europe.

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All the London Pride Parade road closures and travel disruption you need to know

London Pride is back on Saturday June 29

This Saturday June 29 is the big day for London's LGBTQ+ community: the London Pride parade is back. Kicking off at noon in Hyde Park, over a million people are expected to be in central London for the mega event. Here’s everything you need to know about travel restrictions and road closures. 

RECOMMENDED: Here's when the Pride parade will start Our ultimate guide to Pride in London

Which roads in London will be closed for the 2024 Pride Parade?

To make way for the parade a lot of roads are going to be closed throughout central London. These are all the closures:

The following roads will be closed from 6am to 4am:

• Archer Street
• Dean Street
• Frith Street
• Golden Square
• Soho Square

And these roads are closed from 11am to 4am:

• Little Argyll Street
• Argyll Street
• Great Marylebone Street
• Beak Street
• Warwick Street
• Glasshouse Street
• Brewer Street
• Hopkins Street
• Poland Street
• Great Windmill Street
• Wardour Street
• Greek Street
• Old Compton Street
• Ramillies Street
• Berwick Street
• Broadwick Street
• Lexington Street

Area around Hyde Park Corner

Roads in this area will be closed from 10am to 9.30pm. 

• Piccadilly 
• Piccadilly Underpass
• Hamilton Place
• Down Street
• White Horse Street
• Clarges Street
• Berkeley Street
• Bolton Street
• Old Bond Street

Roads in this area will be closed from 8am to 7pm.

• Green Street
• Deanery Street
• Culross Street
• Dunraven Street 
• Mount Street
• Park Street 
• South Street
• Stanhope Gate
• Curzon Street
• Achilles Way
• Wood’s Mews

Central London

These will be closed from 11am to 10.30pm. 

• Charing Cross Road
• Northumberland Avenue
• St James's Street
• Regent Street St James
• Horse Guards Avenue 
• Parliament Street
• Panton Street
• St James Street
• Coventry Street
• Scotland Yard Place
• Great Scotland Yard
• Whitehall Place

Additional Closures

These will be closed from 10am to 10.30pm:

• Shaftesbury Avenue
• Cockspur Street
• Regent Street

And these ones are closed from 7am to 10.30pm:

• Pall Mall East
• Trafalgar Square

Will train and tube stations be impacted? 

London Underground and train stations will all be open as usual, but prepare for crowds as stations around the parade are expected to be very busy.  

Will buses still be running? 

Buses will be running but of course won't be able to access roads when they are closed, so some services are likely to be diverted. 

How to get to the Pride Parade?

You'll be able to watch the parade from anywhere along its route , but some of the best views will be from Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square, Haymarket, and Whitehall.

The closest Tube station to Trafalgar Square and Whitehall is Charing Cross, with Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus stations also being close to the action. You can access Charing Cross via a mainline train or the Bakerloo or Northern lines. 

Looking for a post-Pride night out? These are the 15 best LGBTQ+ club nights in London right now .

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