cs / en
cs / en
SOUTHWEST OF ENGLAND
England

SOUTHWEST OF ENGLAND

  • 9 days
  • w/ kids, couples, w/ kids
  • spring, summer, fall

Explore a beautiful part of England. Over nine days you'll travel through several different counties – at least nine. You'll visit plenty of historic sites, but you'll also get to know the countryside and the wild seashore. You won't miss cities like Plymouth or Bristol. You'll experience a road trip packed with experiences. There are so many activities along the route that it's easy to choose your own programme. You'll be surprised at how many film locations from famous movies you'll see. This trip is a great opportunity to explore the English countryside, but also beautiful coastal towns such as the famous St Ives. Stonehenge is undoubtedly one of the main draws on this itinerary, and although you may be a little taken aback when you see it, it's not as big as you expected. This is an active holiday with a wide range of activities.

5 / 5

The starting point is Gatwick Airport. From there you'll head straight to the fabulously beautiful village of Corfe Castle. The next morning you'll start with a tour of the village and the remains of the mighty castle. Afterwards, you'll enjoy several natural sights on the coast around West Lulworth, combined with shorter walking tours. A tour of the mysterious St Catherine's Chapel takes you to the town of West Bay – the cliffs here are nothing short of incredible.

The next day you'll get a glimpse of Dartmoor National Park, with two shorter walking tours. In the afternoon you'll visit Saltram Manor, where several scenes from the Sense and Sensibility film were filmed and you’ll finish the day with a tour of Plymouth. On the fourth day, you'll explore the charming fishing village of Polperro before an excursion to the incredible Eden Project. You'll have dinner in the world-famous resort of St Ives.

The morning of the fifth day is set aside for exploring St Michael's Mount. This is followed by a longer drive to the day's destination, the town of Wells, the smallest town in England. Along the way you will stop at some really beautiful and slightly mysterious places in Glastonbury. An evening stroll around Vicar's Close is just a little bonus before bed.

On day six, wear comfortable shoes as you take a walk through the fairy-tale-like Puzzlewood Forest. In the afternoon, you'll take a stroll around the city of Gloucester, where the cathedral is definitely worth seeing. You may remember its corridors from the Harry Potter films. On day seven, Bristol welcomes you. There are plenty of activities to do here, and we recommend not missing Brunel's SS Great Britain at the very least – it's one of the best displays we've ever seen.

You'll see the legendary Stonehenge on day eight. Just next door you'll also visit the slightly lesser known Old Sarum. You can then spend the whole afternoon at Wilton House estate, their gardens are truly magnificent. On the last day, try to plan your departure so that you can still make a visit to Hever Castle & Gardens. This is a magnificent estate and the gardens here are some of the most beautiful in the whole of England.

Author: Jirka Maleček
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Travel Info

Plane tickets – use your favourite flight search engine. If you don't have a favourite, try kiwi.com.

Car rental – there are several reputable car rental companies at Gatwick Airport. If you don't have a favourite, try AVIS. Consider getting full car insurance – in the UK they drive on the left, plus some of the local roads are very narrow. Rent a bit more comfortable car, after all you will be using it a lot, so convenience is paramount. BEWARE of mileage restrictions – choose a no-restriction offer or your rental may become more expensive.

Tickets – for some activities it is essential to buy tickets online in advance – at the very least do this for St Michael's Mount and Stonehenge. If you are a Jane Austen lover, then you will also need to book in advance at Jane Austen's House.

Prices at the destination – standard prices. The only thing that may surprise you is the relatively high prices for parking.

Money exchange – no need to change money, most places accept credit cards. Alternatively, withdraw money from an ATM at an established bank.

Calling and data – The UK is not a member of the EU, check with your operator for call and data terms. WiFi is common in hotels and restaurants and is free.

When to go – Given the huge popularity of the local seaside resorts in particular, opt for late spring or early autumn. In principle, you can go in winter, but the days are short, and you won't be able to go through with the whole programme.

Process

• Buy your plane tickets 

• Book your accommodation

• Arrange car rental

• Buy tickets for the places you plan to visit – at least for St Michael's Mount and Stonehenge

• Adjust your itinerary for the first and last day to suit the arrival and departure times

• Make reservations at recommended restaurants 

• Get travel insurance

What will you see on the way?

Tour of Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle

The castle was built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. Now there are impressive remains of the castle. Everything is accessible, upon payment of an entrance fee, without a guide. The grounds are quite large. There is also a local Tea Room outside the entrance – we highly recommend a short visit. There are very often lots of additional activities for children and adults at the castle. The staff were incredibly helpful. The car park is just outside the village; however, it is then a short walk.

St Michael's Mount

St Michael's Mount

A tidal island in Mount's Bay, Cornwall. The castle on the island is similar to Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France. The castle has been the home of the St Aubyn family since 1650. Part of the castle is open to the public. So are the gardens. The island is accessible at low tide by a stone walkway. At high tide, you have to use the boat transport – the boats leave from one of two wharves, depending on the time of the tide. Everything is well described on their website. Buy your tickets online. St Michael's Mount is very popular among tourists – get up early and be the first there so that you can enjoy your visit without the massive crowds.

The Charming Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood is a magical, enchanted forest full of winding trails and paths. You may know this place from many of the movies that have been filmed here, for example, Star Wars and Doctor Who. It's a place which children and adults alike will love. Nature has a way of conjuring up beautiful scenery. In total, there are 1.5 kilometres of landscaped trails with bridges and staircases.

Daily itinerary

Day 1

Arrival, transfer to Swanage

You'll make a couple of short stops on the way from Gatwick Airport to Swanege, and in the early evening you'll have a wonderful walk along the coast to Anvil Point Lighthouse, followed by a great dinner at The Salt Pig Too.

Day 2

Day full of experiences, interesting places and views of the sea

You'll start with a bit of history in the morning with a tour of Corfe Castle, continue with the natural beauty around the village of West Lulworth, an almost mysterious chapel on the hill in the afternoon and the beautiful and unique cliffs you may know from the great TV series Broadchurch in the evening.

Day 3

Bit of nature, bit of history and bit of sightseeing in Plymouth

Today you'll get a glimpse of Dartmoor National Park with two short trips. Then in the afternoon, a visit to the magnificent Saltram Estate. In the evening, you'll see at least part of Plymouth.

Day 4

Charming village of Polperro, breath-taking Eden Project park and St Ives

Early in the morning you'll explore the harbour village of Polperro, then the incredible Eden Project, where you'll spend a few hours, and then the much-vaunted town of St Ives.

Day 5

Beautiful St Michaeľs, Okehampton Castle remains, mysteries of Glastonbury and the gorgeous Vicar's Close

See the beautiful St Michaels first thing in the morning and spend a few hours there, then explore the ruins of Okehampton Castle and the mysterious sites of Glastonbury. Finish the day in Wells.

Day 6

Combination of history and beautiful countryside

You'll visit two beautiful cathedrals: the stunning Wells Cathedral and the Harry Potter-related Gloucester Cathedral. On top of it, you'll visit the almost fairytale-like Puzzlewood Forest.

Day 7

Bristol – great port city

You'll get to see the whole of Bristol. Discover its history and get a taste of its present.

Day 8

Stonehenge and the gorgeous Wilton House

Today, you'll take a tour of the legendary Stonehenge. You'll make a brief stop at the historic site of Old Sarum. Spend the afternoon exploring Wilton House and relaxing in their gardens.

Day 9

Tour of Hever Castle, departure

This day will take you on a tour of the vast estate of Hever Castle. Then you'll return the car and take the flight home.

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