You really don’t need to travel far to find somewhere beautiful in England and the South Coast is not only stunning, but it is officially the sunniest place in England. It hosts over 300 miles of remarkable coastline, two National Park and four World Heritage Sites.
The South Coast has many plenty of accommodation options for you whether you are hoping for camping under twinkling stars, posh hotels or a quaint cottage with an open fire.
The South Coast hosts several iconic sights including Brighton’s Royal Pavilion and Stonehenge. For the festival goers out there, you won’t be disappointed down here, taking a coach holiday will keep the pace nice and easy. The area hosts many music and art festivals. The South West Coast is exceptionally famous for its local ciders, fish and chips and delicious cream teas. The stunning countryside allows for excellent opportunities for walking and cycling.
Cornwall
Cornwall is beautiful with hundreds of miles of coastlines with stunning cliffs and picturesque harbours. Cornwall’s historic mining areas have formed part of a World Heritage site, the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape.
Cornwall has plenty to offer everyone whether its enjoying a cream tea or Cornish pasty or basking in the sunshine on one of magnificent beaches. The Eden Project is a wonderful day out with its eco-domes where you can experience tropic temperatures and amazing beautiful plants and wildlife.
Penzance and its beach is a favourite for families and is great base for your coach holiday. You can even travel down by train from London on the Great Western Railway, with reasonable priced return tickets if booked in advance. Penzance offers elegant architecture and jaw-dropping views – enjoy a stroll along the promenade perched above Mounts Bay for fabulous coastal views.
Devon
Devon hosts stunning coastal scenery, wild moors, vibrant bustling cities and plenty of historic buildings. Take a break from everyday life here and enjoy a hike along the rugged coast path, amble along hedge-lined lanes or try a boat trip.
Explore the city of Exeter or try the touristy town of Torquay or the yacht havens of Dartmouth. If you fancy something more remote, why not explore the breath-taking Dartmoor on the North Coast?
The South West Coastal Path is an epic adventure for anyone who enjoys walking and exploring with over 630 miles of amazing coastline which is longest National Trail in the UK. Stretching from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, you’ll be sure to experience something different in every location you come across.
Dorset
Dorset hosts the World Heritage Site of the famous Jurassic Coast since 2001 with its 95 mile stretch of coastline. Here you can discover unusual fossils and rock formations dating back over 185 million years of the planet’s history. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, they are not to be missed!
Dorset is where you may imagine characters such as Tess of the D’Urbervilles in Thomas Hardy’s great classics as they go about their dramatic, often disadvantaged rural lives on the moorlands and in the18th century market towns.
If you have children in your party, they may enjoy Monkey World or the Explosive Tank Museum. Or for something at a slower pace there are many historical houses and gardens you can visit.
Hampshire
Winchester and Portsmouth are both well worth a visit down on the South Coast.
Portsmouth showcases a world-class collection of maritime heritage. Here you can roam amid three historic ships, a submarine and several museums. The city’s Point district is worth a look with its cobbled streets and ancient pubs, while the Spinnaker Tower delivers epic views. Portsmouth also allows for a cheeky visit by ferry to the Isle of Wight.
In Winchester, the past is still evident as you stroll around the flint etched walls of this ancient cathedral city. The architecture is exquisite – from handsome Elizabethan and Regency buildings in the narrow streets to the cathedral at the centre.
Isle of Wight
This has always been a popular choice for holiday makers. It maintains a fabulous seaside holiday spot. The island’s image is changing: the once amusement filled promenades are filled with galleries, cafes and trendy shops making the Island feel more sophisticated.
The Isle of Wight Festival attracts hordes of festival goers in the summer. The mild climate allows for plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed along with its 25 mile magnificent coast line.
Isles of Scilly
Folklore fondly names the Scilly Isles the lost land of Lyonesse and this compact group of over 100 islands just 30 miles southwest of Land’s End is simply dramatic. Here you can enjoy all weather conditions from gorgeous hot summers to treacherous winters. This is a very peaceful place with an abundance of wildlife, wild flowers and unspoilt beaches to enjoy.
The Isles are easily accessible by ferry from Penzance and by air from Land’s End.