The South West of England is a glorious holiday destination for many reasons. From miles and miles of breathtaking coastline to picturesque market towns and villages, it’s an idyllic prospect at any time of year.
Alongside the natural beauty of coast and moorland, the South West is a cultural hub, with places such as St Ives putting the region firmly on the artistic map. There is no end of fascinating historic sites to explore and fun-filled activities to enjoy. Let’s take a closer look at each part of the South West to see what they have to offer the intrepid traveller.
Here at holidaycottages.co.uk, we make no secret of loving the region, but don’t just take our word for it – see for yourself! We have a delightful collection of places to stay in South West England. Click the button below to browse them all.
South West cottages
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Devon: best for surfing
In 2022, North Devon became the UK’s first World Surfing Reserve, joining an exclusive list of 12 locations worldwide, including Santa Cruz in California, and the Gold Coast in Australia. This status confirms the county’s reputation as a mecca for anyone who loves riding the waves. Stunning beaches you wouldn’t believe are in Devon make it popular with millions of holidaymakers every year.
There are many places to visit and things to do in Devon with the kids, come rain or shine. Looking for some more grown-up days out? Then perhaps you might enjoy a trip to one of the county’s National Trust sites, or how about visiting a pretty village like Clovelly or Branscombe? With so many fabulous places to stay in Devon, you could easily come back year after year!
Devon cottages
Cornwall: best for family fun
Devon’s splendid neighbour, Cornwall, has more gorgeous beaches than you can shake a bucket and spade at, as well as iconic attractions including the Eden Project. Fans of TV series Doc Martin and Poldark can visit filming locations including the glorious Port Isaac, Charlestown and National Trust sites such as Botallack Mine. There are many wonderful walks: families might enjoy the 2-mile Penzance to Marazion stroll, or if you fancy something longer, the St Ives to Zennor stretch of the coast path is highly recommended.
Looking to get the heart racing? Then Adrenalin Quarry near Liskeard has everything from axe throwing to a 490-metre zip wire. Throw in historic landmarks including Tintagel Castle and intriguing sites such as the Lost Gardens of Heligan and you’ll want to extend your holiday in Cornwall just to fit everything in. Take a look at our guide to the top places to stay in Cornwall for even more inspiration.
Cornwall holiday cottages
Somerset: best for culture
Next on our tour of places to stay in South West England is Somerset, home to some truly iconic towns and cities. Bath, the UK’s only city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has its Roman Baths and Regency splendour, as well as literary links, most notably to renowned author Jane Austen. Weston-super-Mare boasts a lovely sandy beach and the Grand Pier, while its helicopter museum adds a unique dimension to this traditional coastal resort. And, of course, Glastonbury resonates with music fans the world over as it’s the site of the legendary festival.
No guide to Somerset would be complete without mentioning Cheddar Gorge. It’s up there as one of the best days out in Somerset. Explore the gorge and visit the show caves, or go caving or rock climbing – it’s all here.
Highlights:
- Enjoy a tipple at Sheppy’s House of Cider
- Walk up to Glastonbury Tor for spectacular views
- Visit England’s smallest city, Wells
Holiday cottages in Somerset
Dorset: best for history
Along with exquisite beaches, Dorset has plenty of lovely places to stay and history to dive into. Its popularity with fossil hunters is well known, but there are also fascinating connections to the Second World War, thanks to the ‘ghost village’ of Tyneham, evacuated in 1943 as part of D-Day preparations. There is an array of castles dotted around the bucolic landscape, including Corfe Castle and Lulworth Castle. The latter is within easy reach of Lulworth Cove, one of the most breathtaking beaches in Dorset. Equally remarkable is Durdle Door, the stone arch which juts into the sea. It’s possible to walk between them on a 3-mile Dorset coastal walk route.
Lyme Regis is a great location for fossil-based fun, with shops, eateries and oodles of seaside charm earning it the well-deserved title the ‘Pearl of Dorset’.
Dorset cottages
Cotswolds: best for picturesque villages
The Cotswolds typify an innate pastoral beauty that is quintessentially English. Think rolling hills and picture-postcard villages. Think vibrant towns, palaces, castles and country houses. Spanning six counties and nearly 800 square miles, the Cotswolds is packed with places to visit. You could spend an afternoon exploring the majestic Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of one Sir Winston Churchill. Or how about a refreshing stroll around Westonbirt Arboretum? Keen hikers won’t want to miss out on The Cotswold Way. It’s 102 miles long, so you can either structure your holiday around the whole route or pick a section to complete.
Cotswold Water Park is made up of 180 lakes and offers a whole host of activities. Alongside water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking, there’s archery, birdwatching and many more. Plus, an inland beach for warm summer days!
Cottages in the Cotswolds
Gloucestershire: best for cathedrals and castles
Lush countryside, historical sites and quaint villages – little wonder we rate Gloucestershire as one of the best places to stay in South West England. Our first recommendation has to be Gloucester itself. The city’s cathedral is one of the finest medieval buildings in the country. History enthusiasts might also like Sudeley Castle and Gardens, where you can find out all about the castle’s royal connections. A walk in the tranquil and beautiful gardens is food for the soul. The cultural hub of Cheltenham should also be on your radar, as it has a world-beating programme of festivals and events to appeal to all tastes.
Another of our top places to stay in Gloucestershire is Tewkesbury. This attractive town stands on the confluence of the rivers Avon and Severn, and its magnificent abbey stands guard over the surrounding streets.
Gloucestershire cottages
Wiltshire: best for iconic landmarks
If you’re considering Wiltshire as a holiday destination, firstly, allow us to congratulate you on your impeccable taste, then point you in the direction of our guide to the best places to stay in Wiltshire. This characterful county is the home of landmarks such as Stonehenge and the Cherhill White Horse. For wildlife lovers, a day at Longleat is a must: from aardvarks to zebra, the estate invites you to admire a veritable alphabet of animals. Simply choose your preferred safari and keep your eyes peeled. Take time to look around the 16th-century Longleat House too.
Just 9 miles south of Stonehenge lies Salisbury, an enchanting city with an incredible cathedral at its heart. Not far outside Salisbury is Old Sarum, an English Heritage site encompassing a medieval royal castle and cathedral within an Iron Age fortification.
Cottages in Wiltshire
Forest of Dean: best for outdoor activities
Nestled in Gloucestershire between the rivers Wye and Severn, the Forest of Dean is a captivating location for a holiday in the South West. Its origins as a royal forest/hunting ground pre-date the Norman Conquest of 1066 and it was designated a National Forest Park in 1938.
The ancient village of St Briavels has plenty to offer history lovers, while Mitcheldean is a good base if you’re planning on packing your walking boots and want some trails to explore. One of the area’s most famous landmarks is Tintern Abbey. These majestic ruins are all that’s left of the religious building that was founded by Cistercian monks in 1131. Alternatively, why not head UNDER the Forest of Dean at Clearwell Caves? A network of nine fascinating caverns that you can tour – and some lovely walks on the surface.
Forest of Dean holiday cottages
Dartmoor: best for wild beauty
Rugged and unyielding, Dartmoor is an enigma that will never cease to charm and enchant anyone who visits. The main attraction is the multitude of walks available, many incorporating iconic features including awesome tors and waterfalls. But there is much more to the area than that, as revealed in our guide to the best places to stay in Dartmoor National Park.
You can meet the animals at Dartmoor Zoo or learn more about Princetown’s links to crime and punishment with a visit to the Dartmoor Prison Museum. Tired of walking? Hop on your bike and follow the Granite Way from Okehampton to Lydford. While there is no shortage of spectacular views to take in on a trip to Dartmoor, some of the best can be found at Haytor, just outside the characterful town of Bovey Tracey.
Dartmoor cottages
Exmoor: best for coast and country
Exmoor National Park stretches into Devon from Somerset, and incorporates moorland and coastline, quaint towns and picturesque villages, so there was plenty of choice when it came to selecting our best places to stay on Exmoor. The twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth offer a traditional coastal vibe and are linked by a cliff railway. They’re within easy reach of the spectacular Valley of Rocks. Then there’s the family-friendly resort of Minehead, with its beach, promenade and harbour. Meanwhile, the medieval village of Dunster, with its castle, belongs in a fairy tale.
There is a wide variety of walks on Exmoor. You could trek up to Dunkery Beacon or take a leisurely stroll along the East Lyn River. Keep an eye out for wildlife including Exmoor ponies and red deer. You might even spot the Exmoor Beast!
Holiday cottages on Exmoor
Jurassic Coast: best for fossils
Last but by no means least, we come to the Jurassic Coast. Reaching from Exmouth to Studland Bay, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its diverse geology spans a staggering 185 million years, being the only place on Earth where rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods can be seen. No wonder it is a fossil hunter’s paradise.
Sidmouth has been popular with tourists since the Victorian era and attracts crowds of visitors to this day. Its striking red cliffs, large promenade and tranquil havens such as Connaught Gardens are not to be missed. Swanage also offers seaside fun with a pier to amble along, and you’re within easy reach of Durlston Castle and Country Park. At Seaton, a gateway town for the Jurassic Coast, take the tramway for a wonderful 3-mile ride through the Axe Valley.
Jurassic Coast holiday cottages
South West England holidays
No matter where you choose to stay in the South West, we’ve got holiday cottages to suit all tastes and requirements. Check out the full range as the first step towards a memorable break.
Cottages in South West England