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Most individuals visiting the UK are unwise to the truth that England has a number of the most stunning stretches of shoreline on the European continent.
We at all times advocate first time guests to the UK get out of London and discover the countryside and shoreline because it gives an entire new perspective of the UK.
Commerce double decker pink buses for tractors, honking and siren sounds for the squawks of seagulls, and Gothic Revival structure for Medieval Tudor homes. There’s something much more quaint, magical, and calming concerning the English shoreline.
The most effective components of England’s shoreline (as many Brits will agree) extends from Bournemouth in Dorset to the English Riviera in Devon. The Southeast seashores are typically rocky and shingly, whereas Dorset and Devon embody stunning sandy seashores, jaw-dropping cliffs, fossil wealthy soil, and storybook medieval cities.
On this information, we’ve shared our excellent Dorset to Devon street journey itinerary, which is good for these first time guests to the UK who need an all-round view of England’s pure magnificence.
We’ve additionally verified this itinerary with a Devonshire born-and-raised native, so we all know we’ve bought your again!
What number of days do it’s essential to street journey from Dorset to Devon?
The really useful period of time to street journey the Southwest coast by way of Dorset and Devon would require a minimal of seven days, however you could possibly simply prolong this to a 2 week journey.
The next itinerary will begin in Bournemouth in Dorset and end in Plymouth in Devon, the place you will discover a direct prepare again to London.
All the journey from Bournemouth to Plymouth is 3 hours drive in a single journey (128 miles), however there’s a lot to see on the best way and lots of detours you may take.
Getting began in your Dorset to Devon Street Journey
The start line on this itinerary is Bournemouth, roughly 2.5 hours from central London by automotive. Most worldwide travellers will fly into one of many London airports, and will likely be selecting up the rent automotive from there.
If you wish to get monetary savings on the rent automotive, right here’s a neat little tip. Get a prepare from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Studying, and decide up your rental automotive from there than the airport.
For some cause, the rent firms working out of the airports cost a surcharge for selecting up a rent automotive from them, which is charged at a per day price. This shortly provides up, together with the opposite charges you must add on similar to insurance coverage, so if you happen to can, attempt to acquire your rent automotive from the town and drive out.
It’s a 30 minute prepare journey to Studying, and it’s on the best way to Dorset anyway. It is going to add time to your journey however if you’re hiring a automotive for greater than every week it may possibly prevent cash.
The Excellent Dorset to Devon Street Journey
Now you’ve got your automotive sorted, let’s crack on with the itinerary! You possibly can see all of the stops talked about on this information on the next interactive map, or preserve studying for an in depth overview.
Cease 1: Bournemouth, Dorset
Bournemouth is a “coastal resort city” and is normally the place Londoner’s go on weekend getaways.
It has a stunning metropolis seaside, with delicate golden sand and delicate waves for swimming. In addition to this, there are museums and galleries, in addition to your quintessential coastal city amusement arcades and mini golf experiences.
I’d advocate spending in the future right here to get oriented, however if you wish to prolong your time in Bournemouth, contemplate taking a day journey or an in a single day tenting journey to the New Forest Nationwide Park, or go to the close by metropolis of Winchester in Hampshire which is famous for its beautiful Tudor structure.
You can even cease by Corfe Citadel on the best way to the following cease, which is certainly one of Britain’s most iconic buildings to outlive the English Civil Struggle.
Cease 2: Durdle Door, Dorset
I imply, have a look at this picture and inform me you don’t need to go there? Durdle Door is a singular rock formation on the famed Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Website and is likely one of the most photographed pure landmarks within the UK.
It’s well-known for its pure limestone arch, and delicate, golden sand seaside. In the summertime, this space appears like a scene from the South of France somewhat than the UK.
It’s situated in Lulworth in Dorset, on a privately owned piece of land by the Weld household, nevertheless it’s additionally open to the general public. That is what I like concerning the UK, they’ve rambler’s rights which permits the general public to stroll on folks’s land to seek out stunning nature spots.
Whereas within the space, head over to Lulworth Cove, a crescent-shaped seaside recognized for its rocky cliffs and rock formations, such because the Lulworth Crumple and Stair Gap.
Cease 3: Sherborne Citadel, Dorset
Sherborne Citadel is the residence of the Digby Household who’ve been the stewards because the late 18th Century.
The present construction is taken into account the New Citadel because the Previous Citadel was left to ruins. This particular construction’s declare to fame is that it was Sir Walter Raleigh’s lodge through the reign of Elizabeth I.
Cease 4: Burton Bradstock, Dorset
In case you are a fan of Thomas Hardy novels and movies, deal with the household to a stroll alongside the cliffs between Bridport and Burton Bradstock. The views are nothing in need of cinematic splendor supplied by nature itself.
With the shoreline under and pastoral panorama throughout, it’s straightforward to think about being a personality in a kind of interval items. Through the stroll is an effective time to introduce a number of the classics (books) to the children.
Cease 5: Charmouth, Dorset
Favored by many Londoners as their respite from life within the metropolis, Charmouth is a seaside city that offers you an genuine look into English Village life. It’s well-known for being the start line on the Jurassic Coast, and can be the place scenes from the extremely acclaimed TV collection, Broadchurch, have been filmed.
The residents are very welcoming and smiley. Although small, the city has every thing you want for a cushty keep, which features a handful of fine pubs, boutique retailers, and cosy cafes.
We favored The Royal Oak Pub as our restaurant of alternative. It’s charming white exterior and brick chimneys make it very inviting and warming. The within is small, however the drink and meals menu is expansive and gives farm to desk meals.
The principle draw to Charmouth although is fossil looking. This space is thought for its abundance of Ammonites and Belemnites, a kind of extinct Mollusc, however folks have additionally been recognized to seek out fossilised fish and dinosaur bones right here.
In truth, fossils are in such abundance you could purchase a fossil from the native retailer for lower than £1 if you happen to’re unfortunate to find your individual. You don’t want a hammer or chisel, you may easy comb the shoreline and use your eagle eyes to search for them.
For those who’re fortunate, you might even catch an impromptu musical efficiency within the night, as we did on one go to.
Cease 6: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Charmouth has an exquisite seaside and is normally filled with fossil looking households, particularly within the spring after a heavy storm. So it could be price driving on for a brief distance to the seaside city of Lyme Regis, one other fossil looking sizzling spot.
This strip of seaside is a little more rugged, the water colder and fewer blue, however has an sincere, family-friendly vibe about it.
With a harbour village set within the background, colourful seaside huts, and scenes of the rolling hills surrounding it, Lyme Regis is an idyllic setting the place you will discover hours of enjoyment.
And what seaside go to can be full with out fish and chips? There are many chip stands alongside the promenade and retailers alongside the streets on the town. Within the late afternoon, be a part of the locals by grabbing some and discover a good seat to benefit from the crispy, delicate goodness whereas watching the solar set.
Cease 7: Forde Abbey, Dorset
These counties are stuffed with stunning nation estates, so don’t simply stick with the coast – you may head inland to make a detour to some beautiful stately properties and manors.
Many have been bought again to the federal government, as they’re too costly to maintenance by the house owners, or are operated by the Nationwide Belief – a non-for-profit charity that restores stately properties and opens them to the general public to view.
Some, nonetheless, nonetheless have residents stemming from a protracted aristocratic bloodline. Regardless of the standing, most are open to the general public to view. Forde Abbey is certainly one of them.
In case you are a fan of exhibits similar to Downton Abbey, and ever marvel how the opposite half reside, this is a chance to take action.
Strolling and taking part in amongst the plush environment dropped at actuality every thing we imagined life to have been for such households within the days of yore.
These locations aren’t nearly folks’s riches, all of them have histories effectively price sharing along with your youngsters.
Forde Abbey in particular, was, the truth is, a former monastery earlier than Henry the VIII took it over through the years of dissolution. Explaining this can be a day’s price of classes alone.
Cease 8: Beer, Devon
My private favourite cease on this street journey for anybody who’s travelling with households is the city of Beer.
Though you could be considering the city is known as after the drink, it’s identify really derived from an historic Anglo-Saxon phrase, “beuru”, which interprets into “forestation,” which till this present day the city is surrounded.
Beer is an exquisite seaside city with pubs all over the place and some surrounding stunning seashores. There are additionally numerous actions for the children to do, similar to play at Pecorama, a mannequin prepare village with playgrounds, a steam prepare to experience, and plenty of mannequin villages to have a look at, and the Seaton Tramway, a double-decker tram that rides by way of the countryside.
In fact, it’s also possible to play on Seaton Seashore or Beer Seashore, a pebble seaside. Nonetheless, the very best pebble seaside in England is the following cease…
Prime tip: On the best way to Budleigh Salterton from Beer, cease into the Donkey Sanctuary to see orphaned donkeys. Youngsters will love strolling across the paddocks and stroking the donkeys. It additionally has a wonderful cream tea with scones, clotted cream, and jam.
Cease 9: Budleigh Salterton
Budleigh Salterton was as soon as described as “God’s Ready Room” by Jeremy Clarkson, who drove by way of right here on a Prime Gear episode. Wanting on the common demographic, it’s not laborious to see the place that identify got here from, but additionally, it’s not laborious to see why so many individuals need to retire right here.
Budleigh is a small city with a couple of charity retailers, knick-knack retailers, tearooms and cafes. It doesn’t supply a lot in the best way of leisure, however the true spotlight right here is the seaside.
The seaside is a protracted, curvaceous stretch of pebble seaside backed by sheer, sandstone cliffs. On one facet of the seaside you’ve got the Atlantic Ocean, and on the opposite you’ve got a wetland the place the mouth of the River Otter meets the ocean. This wetland has a wide range of migratory chicken species dwelling right here, and there’s a nature stroll with chicken hides alongside the Otter Estuary Nature Reserve from the automotive park behind the seaside.
Be aware the western facet of the seaside at Budleigh is a naturist seaside. Make sure to get an ice cream from The Creamery!
Cease 10: Star Cross / Powderham Citadel
After Budleigh, drive on in the direction of Star Cross, making a cease in Exmouth. That is one other sizzling vacation spot for Brits to vacation in through the summer season, and is in style due to its delicate, sandy seaside. The seaside has really deteriorated so much through the years – it used to have sand dunes however they’ve been washed away by storms.
Exmouth is the place the mouth of the River Exe meets the ocean, and the harbour facet of the city is sort of fairly. Go for a stroll across the docks and admire the views of the estuary overlooking Star Cross, earlier than setting off. You don’t want greater than a morning right here.
As you head in the direction of Topsham, make a pit cease at Darts Farm to choose up some farm produce. That is the very best place to seek out regionally made gadgets and distinctive souvenirs.
Then, spend the afternoon exploring Powderham Citadel, the primary cause to come back to Star Cross. This Grade II listed fortified manor is on the Nationwide Register of Historic Parks and Gardens and is legendary for its quirky ghost tales and maze-like interiors.
As you’re taking a guided tour by way of the home, you’ll find secret doorways and hidden staircases, including a little bit of thriller to the go to.
Facet observe: You could discover extra lodging choices in Exeter if you wish to keep the evening close to right here.
Cease 11: Torquay
After Powderham Citadel, head inland to drive all the way down to Torquay. You might simply spend a day or two right here, some folks spend every week there although I can’t think about there’s sufficient to do to fill that period of time.
Some cool points of interest right here for households are Babbacombe Mannequin Village, Cockington Nation Park, and Kents Cavern Prehistoric Caves – the oldest cave system within the UK and even has the stays of hand axes and bones within the caves.
If you wish to stretch your legs, there’s a stunning coastal stroll alongside the South West Coast Path, which traverses over the cliffs.
Prime tip: Torquay and Paignton are in style locations for Brits to go on their holidays, however they’re proper subsequent to one another. Choose one relying in your pursuits. Paignton is best for households because it has Paignton Zoo, and Torquay fetches a extra youthful crowd and has a full of life nightlife scene.
Cease 11: Dartmouth
On the best way to Dartmouth cease by Coleton Fishacre, a Nationwide Belief website recognized for its artwork deco residence and lavish gardens. The gardens are actually the largest draw to Coleton Fishacre, that are particularly stunning within the Spring when the bluebells are in bloom.
Cross the bridge (or ferry) at Kingswear into Dartmouth, which is a quaint, riverside city price staying in for a couple of days. I would like to remain right here over Torquay, however that’s simply me.
There’s a couple of nice points of interest to see in Dartmouth, similar to Dartmouth Citadel, Kingswear Citadel, and Compass Cove Seashore.
If in case you have children, they could like a day trip at Woodlands Journey Park, an amusement park with slides and an enormous delicate play space.
It’s additionally solely a brief distance to…
Cease 12: Blackpool Sands
To not be confused with Blackpool within the Northwest of England, Blackpool Sands is extensively recognised because the UK’s finest seaside. Conde Nast Traveller gave it the title England’s Greatest Seashore in Could 2024.
Blackpool Sands is a Blue Flag Seashore with crystal clear water and Almafi coast vibes. It has all of the amenities you’ll need for a seaside day, similar to showers, bathrooms, and even a wood-fired sauna.
Though photographs make it appear to be a golden sand seaside, it’s really shingle, so be ready with sturdy footwear.
Cease 13: Salcombe
Salcombe is such an underrated a part of the UK. Not many individuals uncover this hidden gem in South Devon because it’s fairly a mission to get to – not if you happen to’re on this street journey although!
Salcombe is surrounded by secluded, quiet seashores that get a fraction of the crowds that different seashores on the English Riviera do.
This space is all about getting on the water. You possibly can strive coasteering, which is a well-liked exercise to do right here, or take a sea kayak out and discover the rocky shorelines. Some seashores are additionally surf-worthy, though browsing is significantly better on the North Devon and Cornwall coasts.
There are additionally numerous beautiful nature walks to do by the Kingsbridge Estuary.
Cease 14: Dartmoor
Earlier than reaching your remaining cease, Plymouth, I’d advocate making a detour inland to discover Dartmoor Nationwide Park. This nationwide park is legendary for its wild, rugged panorama and folklore legends.
It’s additionally recognized for its “tors” – large rock formations that appear to be monoliths. If in case you have ever watched Lord of the Rings, the panorama of Rohan appears so much like Dartmoor.
One of the simplest ways to discover Dartmoor is to go for a stroll alongside the moorlands. Many trails wind by way of medieval villages, and previous neolithic tombs and stone circles.
Maintain an eye fixed out for Dartmoor ponies, wild ponies that roam the moors. They’re used to folks, however don’t rise up near them – they’re wild.
Cease 15: Plymouth
Lastly, you’ll arrive on the final vacation spot on this checklist – Plymouth. Actually, though it’s the capital of Devon, there’s not a lot to write down residence about with Plymouth. It’s a largely commercialised metropolis that has misplaced a lot of its allure.
The realm across the Hoe remains to be fairly quaint, and Plymouth Aquarium is sort of thrilling for teenagers. There’s a couple of theatres right here that always have travelling musicals, so it’s price seeking to see what’s on within the night.
We finish our street journey right here although because it’s a handy place to drop your rent automotive, and catch a prepare again to London. There are direct trains, and because it’s the primary cease on the best way to London, you’ll have a greater probability of grabbing a seat!
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Southwest England Journey Ideas
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