7-day Itinerary in Southwest England

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There are numerous reasons to spend a week exploring southwest England. You’ll be mesmerized by luxury castle hotels, fed well by talented chefs serving stunning food, and enthralled by adorable towns all along the way. It’s an incredible region to discover, especially for first-timers.

We think spending a full week in the area is necessary to see all the highlights, keeping in mind that there are long distances to drive in order to get out to the farther reaches. Our 7-day southwest England itinerary will cover all the parts we think you must see, and includes some of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed in.

Devon, England
Devon, England

In case you aren’t familiar with the southwest of England, it is one of nine official regions of England. The largest in area, it covers 9,200 square miles and encompasses the counties of Gloucestershire, Bristol, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, as well as the Isles of Scilly.

See more:

How to Get to the Southwest of England

If you’re traveling internationally, it’s more likely that you’ll need to fly in to Heathrow and rent a car from there (I always use Discovercars.com for rental cars to get the best deals); the drive to Bath is only about 1.5 hours. You can also take the train from London, if you don’t want to drive, but I don’t recommend it because to get around the area easily, you’ll need a car.

The most efficient way to arrive in the heart of the southwest is to fly into Bristol, England. It’s a smaller airport than Heathrow, and will put you right where you need to be.

Southwest England: 7-Day Itinerary

You’re going to quickly realize that there are more places to go and things to see in the southwest of England than you could possibly cover in a year, much less one week. As with any great destination, you have to pick and choose the activities that fit your vacation style.

For us, that often includes eating at top restaurants, checking out the beer and wine scene, staying at remarkable hotels and exploring cities and towns along the way.

This 7-day itinerary covers most of the counties in the region, with stops in:

  • Bath
  • Bristol
  • Newquay
  • Fowey
  • South Brent
  • Castle Combe
Bath, England
Bath, England

The daily layout of the trip looks like this, but you can arrange it however suits you. It does involve a bit of driving, so we set out the itinerary to keep the driving to a minimum each day.

Day 1: Arrive in London, drive to Stonehenge

Day 2: Explore the city of Bath

Day 3: Explore the city of Bristol

Day 4: Drive to Cornwall and explore Newquay

Day 5: Drive through Cornwall on the way to Devon

Day 6: Drive to Dorset and explore

Day 7: Drive back to London or Bristol to depart

The hotels we suggest are all unique and remarkable places to stay in the affordable-luxury to luxury price range. We found that each place has a range of room prices to fit your budget, and are more affordable than you might think.

You can substitute other hotels (and we’ll provide alternative suggestions), but I highly encourage you to book at the recommended hotel, because they are a big part of what makes this itinerary so special.

Day 1: Arrive in London (rent a car)

Stonehenge

Stonehenge
Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England

I’m happy to report that Stonehenge really is as impressive as it looks in pictures. Dating back at least 4,500 years, Stonehenge was not something that was built over a short span of time. In fact, it was likely built up and added to continually over thousands of years, as the rituals of the people and ceremony it was used for evolved. 

Perhaps we’ll never really know the real history behind the construction of the monument, but you will definitely get a glimpse into the theories and evolution of the area at the Visitor Center.

→ Check out our tips for visiting Stonehenge.

It’s just over an hour’s drive from both Bristol and Heathrow airports. Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring the area and looking through the exhibits. There is a downloadable audio guide that you can use to explore the area. If you don’t have a data plan or local SIM card, you’ll need to download it in advance when you have wifi. Bring headphones!

Stay at Lucknam Park Hotel

Set in an 18th-century Palladian mansion on 500 acres, Lucknam Park Hotel is only 10 miles from the city of Bath. A true 5-star country estate, Lucknam Park not only delivers on luxury, it also hits that elusive mark that typical 5-star hotels don’t often reach, which can only be explained as the “it” factor.

You can tell from the moment you drive up to the house that your expectations will be exceeded. Lucknam Park also has a Michelin-star restaurant that is an absolutely must. Check in by 5pm to be prepared for the cocktail hour in the lounge before indulging in a multi-course chef’s menu.

Alternative hotel: Brooks Guesthouse in Bath is located within walking distance of the main attractions in town. If you prefer to be closer to the action, it’s a comfortable choice that feels more like home.

Day 2: Explore the City of Bath

Bath, England
The Roman Baths

Bath, England, has the ability to charm you from the very second you arrive and engulf you with its vast history. The Georgian architecture prevalent throughout the city is one of its most-significant features, along with the historic Roman Baths and towering Bath Abbey.

You can easily spend 2 days in Bath exploring and enjoying the many restaurants. Top activities include walking through The Roman Baths, stopping for afternoon tea at The Pump Room, soaking in the thermal waters of the Thermae Bath Spa and enjoying a delicious dinner at The Circus Restaurant or The Raven pub.

Be sure to see these attractions in Bath:

  • Bath Abbey
  • The Roman Baths
  • Thermae Bath Spa
  • Pulteney Bridge
  • Fashion Museum

→ Check out our extensive 2-day itinerary in Bath for full details. Here’s a video of Bath to entice you.

Stay at the Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe

The Manor House
The Manor House

You could spend a second night at Lucknam Park, but a move to the stunning Manor House Hotel in Castle Combe is well worth the effort. The grounds are breathtaking and the hotel exudes luxury through and through.  Our suite was beautiful. There are no other words.

Each suite is individually designed and unique. You will really feel like you’re staying in a castle. Even the walk down the hallway to the suite is enchanting. The only thing we wished was that we’d spent more than one night here. Whatever you do, be sure you book into the restaurant for dinner (see below).

The evening begins with cocktails in the elegant lounge, where you’ll place your dinner order before moving into the dining room. 

The Bybrook Restaurant, located in the hotel, has a Michelin star and will surely wow you. The dining room is beautifully decorated. The chef, Robert Potter, and his crew artfully create seasonal dishes using local ingredients and each dish can be paired with the perfect wine.

It’s a meal you won’t forget. Open for dinner from Sunday to Thursday from 6:30pm – 9:00pm and until 9:30pm on Friday and Saturday.

Day 3: Explore the City of Bristol

SS Great Britain in Bristol
SS Great Britain in Bristol (Photo: Flickr)

Bristol is located along the River Avon and the old industrial port is now home to lively restaurants and museums. There are a lot of great museums and cultural areas of the city to walk around. If you arrive there with a rough plan, you’ll be able to get around to everything you want to see in just two days in Bristol.

Here are a few of our favorite activities in Bristol to get you started: Go on a Bristol Street Art Tour, walk around the harbourside, see the SS Great Britain, learn about Bristol’s history at M Shed, eat lunch in the harbourside area.

Be sure to see these attractions when visiting Bristol:

  • Brunel’s SS Great Briton
  • Cabot Tower
  • M Shed
  • Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
  • Cabot Circus
  • Harbourside Area

→ Check out our post on how to spend your time in Bristol for more information.

Stay at Thornbury Castle Hotel

Thornbury Castle
Thornbury Castle

Thornbury is the only Tudor Castle hotel in England. It was once owned by King Henry VIII, after he took it from his cousin whom he’d declared a traitor and ordered beheaded. Thornbury Castle Hotel has a long and storied past and it’s one you’ll want to discover for yourself.

» Book your stay at Thornbury Castle.

Located just 25 minutes from Bristol, on the edge of the Cotswolds, sharing meticulously landscaped grounds with the extraordinary St. Mary’s Church just a few steps away, Thornbury Castle Hotel will be one hotel you will never forget. Each room is uniquely designed with modern conveniences, while retaining the historical details and allure. 

You can choose to stay in the Duke’s bedchamber, where King Henry and Anne Boleyn slept in, or the grand Tower Suite, that can only be reached by a 77-step spiral staircase. You’ll also want to save plenty of time for pre-dinner cocktails and dinner at the restaurant.

Day 4: Drive to Cornwall and Explore Newquay

Near Land's End in Cornwall
Near Land’s End in Cornwall (Photo by Paul Johnson – A Luxury Travel Blog )

Cornwall is great for its relaxed atmosphere and, of course, its beaches.  It’s a great place to go and spend time with the family, switch off those devices, and just enjoy time together.

This particular shot is taken from close to the open air Minack Theatre, close to Land’s End, although my favourite stretch of the Cornish coastline is at Bedruthan Steps further north.”

Cornwall stretches down along the north, west and south leg of England. It covers a lot of territory, many gorgeous beaches and cliffsides, and dozens of little towns that are worth exploring. With only a week, you obviously can’t see it all, so we recommend getting on the freeway and heading straight down to Newquay on the north coast.

There are some truly fantastic views in this area of Cornwall, including the Bedruthan Steps, which you’ll find just north of Newquay. While you’re there, here are a few more things to do in Cornwall.

Bedruthan Steps near Newquay, England
Bedruthan Steps near Newquay, England

When you stop at the Bedruthan Steps, make sure you save time for cream tea at the Carnewas Tea Rooms.  It has been family-owned and operated for more than 40 years. The scones are made fresh multiple times per day. The clotted cream, which is amazing, is locally made, along with the jam.

We were served four enormous scones, fresh from the oven, along with a cup full of strawberry jam and clotted cream. The instructions in the menu kept us from making the terrible mistake of spreading the cream on first and the jam on second. In Cornwall, the only appropriate order in which to dress a scone is jam first, cream second.

Being a beach destination, Newquay has many water-related activities to enjoy, like fishing, surfing, and paddleboarding.

You can take the surf rider train around town to see the attractions like the Newquay Zoo or Blue Leaf Aquarium. Or visit one of the many adventure parks nearby, like the Zorbing Park or Holywell Bay Fun Park. It’s easy to spend a day – you’ll likely want to spend a week!

Stay at the Fistral Beach Hotel

Perched up on the hillside in Fistral Bay, the Fistral Beach Hotel & Spa has a commanding view of the ocean, and even better it’s an adults-only hotel. It’s very close to the beach for a morning or afternoon walk and only 2 miles from the town of Newquay.

Get a room with a view and hang out on the balcony to enjoy the stunning view. The room includes a large tub, and the hotel has a fantastic spa, as well as a nice modern bar to enjoy. The restaurant also has a fantastic view and serves great food. We had fish and chips and a plate of chicken wings that were really tasty.

Day 5 – Leisurely Drive Through Cornwall

There are some other fun things to do in Cornwall, so we recommend stopping off at a couple of places on the drive from Cornwall to Devon. One of these activities is The Lost Gardens of Heligan – the most popular botanical gardens in the UK.

For the small entrance fee, you can wander around 200 acres of gardens in many different styles, and even visit the iconic sculptures: The Giant’s Head, Mud Maid and Grey Lady.

gardens heligan1
The Lost Gardens of Heligan (photo by Savored Journeys)

It’s easy to spend a full day at the gardens, but if you keep your visit to a couple of hours, you’ll have time to visit the seaside town of Fowey. It’s not a big place, but during the tourist season, this little town is a great stop along the way to Devon.

Park the car and have a look around at the shops, hop on a boat ride around the port, and have a cream tea at one of the restaurants. You’ll be able to see it all in a couple of hours.

The waterside town of Fowey
The waterside town of Fowey

If you’d like to stay a night in Fowey, The Old Quay House is the perfect place to park yourself for the night. They even have a lovely restaurant and views to match. After leaving Fowey, head to Devon, where you’ll find the most charming hotel you’ve ever seen – the Glazebrook House.

Stay at Glazebrook House Hotel

I have never felt as welcomed or as dazzled as at the Glazebrook House Hotel in Devon in the UK. The extremely well-curated design of the two-year-old hotel, combined with the inspired Alice in Wonderland-themed rooms, and the hospitality of the owners makes this not only a truly remarkable hotel, but a memorable one as well. 

» Book your stay at Glazebrook House Hotel.

Exquisite and impeccably designed surprises reveal themselves around every corner of the house. Hospitality is second nature for all of the employees at Glazebrook House. You’ll never feel more at home than here.

The staff of talented chefs have designed a menu that is nearly impossible to choose from, given the many great options. We ordered as much as we thought we could eat, and I still wanted to order more.

Day 6: Drive to Dorset and Explore

From the Glazebrook House, it’s just about a 1-hour drive to the first stop in Dorset. I asked my fellow travel bloggers to share their thoughts on the best places to visit in Dorset and two popular destinations were mentioned – Charmouth and The Durdle Door.

Stop 1: Charmouth

The Dorset coast
The Dorset coast by Helen Warner AKA The Lite Backpacker

The sleepy village of Charmouth on the Dorset coast is often overlooked due to its neighbouring big brother Lyme Regis. Lyme Regis with its unique sea front, slopping hills filled with Georgian shop fronts is a popular place for filmmakers and holiday goers alike.

I, however, prefer Charmouth – otherwise known as the Jurassic capital of England. Its beach is famed for towering sandstone cliffs and fossil discoveries many of which are now housed in the British Museum. The beach is so prolific in fossils that if you take a spade and bucket down you are more than likely to find something.

On the beachfront there is a centre dedicated to helping tourists and enthusiasts find a fossil, which if you have never hunted for fossils is a great resource.

During the summer months there is a weekly trash and treasure market in a field at the end of the village – it is more an excuse for everyone to get together and eat ice cream and buy 5 t-shirts for a Pound, but it is a lot of fun and a great chance to meet the locals.

The rest of the time you can usually meet the locals rambling along one of the many beautiful walks that circle in and around the village… usually stopping at a blackberry patch.

Stop 2: Crab House Café in Weymouth

Situated in a breathtaking part of Dorset looking out over Chesil beach and the Isle of Portland is The Crab House Café. They have their own Portland Oyster beds just a stone’s throw from the restaurant. It’s a fantastic place to stop for lunch.

Stop 3: The Durdle Door – the Jewel of the Jurassic Coast

Durdle Door
Durdle Door – The Jewel of the Jurassic Coast by Joanna at The World in My Pocket

Durdle Door is probably the most famous place to see in Dorset. It’s an arch carved by the sea in the cliffs, creating the illusion of a door towards the infinite of blue behind it. 

What makes it more special is the fact that it’s not easy to get to it. From Lulworth Cove, where the parking is, you have to climb a hill of stairs and then follow the path up and down the cliffs for about 20 minutes until you will finally reach it.

You can reward yourself with an ice cream from the mobile parlor on top, and then go down to the beach.Durdle Door is best experienced at sunset. I like to go there and just relax on the beach, see the sun going down and the sky changing from blue to orange and then red, letting the night take over.

It’s a beautiful place to meditate. You can also take a stroll on the beach but remember to research the tide times, as the end gets all covered by the sea at high tide. If you feel fit, you can hike the cliffs from Durdle Door all the way to Weymouth. It’s a wonderful experience in a sunny summer day.

Stay at the Summer Lodge Country House Hotel

The award-winning Summer Lodge Country House Hotel is a truly luxurious five-star country house hotel. The property sits within glorious countryside in the picturesque village of Evershot. It was voted ‘No.1 Hotel in The UK’ and ’No.2 in Europe’ in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.

» Book a stay at the Summer Lodge Country House

Alternate Hotel: If you’re enjoying the Jurassic Coast too much to leave, you’ll want to stay at Mortons House Hotel, a 16th-century Elizabethan Manor House Hotel in the village of Corfe Castle in the Isle of Purbeck.

Castle Combe
Castle Combe

Day 7: Drive back to London or Bristol to depart

Unfortunately, that’s the end of our 7-day southwest England itinerary. It’s time to return home. If you have a later flight, I recommend sticking around the Jurassic Coast in Dorset for as long as you can, soaking up the beautiful views. Heathrow airport is about 2.5 hours drive and Bristol is 1.5 hours.

Don’t forget to leave plenty of time to return your rental car and get through security! Like this post? Please add it to your Pinterest board and share it with your friends!

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A big thank you to VisitBritain for hosting our stay at these incredible hotels. See all the coverage of our trip to the south west of England. (As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own honest reflection on our travel experiences.)

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A 7-Day Itinerary of the Southwest of England
A 7-Day Itinerary of the Southwest of England
7-day Itinerary in Southwest England

26 thoughts on “7-day Itinerary in Southwest England

  1. Dom says:

    Hey, loved reading this as I’m from the south west, just one thing I’d like to point out is the picture you use for Charmouth is actually called the fleet. Charmouth is actually about 20 miles back down the coast.

  2. Kerri says:

    LOVE this ! This would be an incredible trip for anyone wanting to get a real taste of the UK. I personally loved Stonehenge and Bath. I would love to stay at Thornbury Manor – how amazing is that place! I also thought the photos of the face in the garden was awesome.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Thorbury Manor is a real gem in the southwest of England. It’s such an awesome place, and the grounds are stunning too. I want to stay in every room in the castle.

  3. LeAnna Brown says:

    Dare I say it, we did not really enjoy London that much (Gasp, I know!) If I were to go back to England, I’d rent a car and do something just like this where we could see so much more of the country, as I’m sure it is great!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      LeAnna, I’ve heard people say that before, so it’s not just you, but I do think it’s all about your itinerary and where you’re going/when. Some places in London can be really touristy, but if you find the right itinerary for you, you might change your mind. Certainly, southwest is a fantastic option if you want to get out of the city. Give it a try. You’ll probably love it!

  4. MariaAbroad says:

    A Bed and Breakfast road trip through England would be such a cool trip. The Glazebrook House looks like such a cool place to stay and enjoy all things British.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      The Glazebrook House was one of my favorites of the hotels we stayed in, and that’s saying a lot, because the competition was stiff. It’s such a fun place.

  5. Jackie Sills-Dellegrazie says:

    You’ve planned out a really fantastic itinerary. Last time in the U.K, we headed further north to explore the Cotswolds. I’d love to visit Bath and Stonehenge, but also Cornwall, Bristol, and the surrounding areas. It gives a true sense of typical U.K. life. Your hotels each look better than the last, too!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Oh Jackie, the hotels there are incredible. I mean, really remarkable. I would love to just go on a week-long trip to hotels and explore their grounds. We didn’t get to do much of that and I wish we had.

  6. Elaine J Masters says:

    This looks so colorful and delicious. The hotels seem drawn from BBC dramas and cream tea too?! I’d love to spend weeks exploring the Southwest of England.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      I really think you could spend weeks on end exploring that area, Elaine. There are so many fantastic hotels. I’d love to stay in them all.

  7. Mar Pages says:

    This is what I love about living in Europe, exploring the country in a car! Sometimes I wish I had all the time in the world to explore, but since I don’t your itinerary did a great job picking great spots to focus on. Would never say no to some scones!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      That’s a very good point. We’ll be moving to Europe in a few months and I’m really looking forward to all the exploring we’ll be able to do.

  8. katja says:

    These are some of my favourite areas in England, although there’s still so much that I haven’t seen. I would love to visit The Lost Gardens of Heligan in particular. I visited Stone Henge when I was a kid (and there were no ropes around it!) and remember bring completely baffled by these enormous stones! I think it’s time I took my kids there.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      It would be cool to walk around the stones and get up close, but I do understand the need for the ropes. It’s still very imporessive.

  9. Vicky and Buddy says:

    I really enjoyed my time at Stonehenge. I know some people aren’t as impressed with the “pile of rocks,” but the history of it all was well worth it to me. I would have loved to spend more time in that area, but I only had a day there. Just an excuse to go back! 😉

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Thanks Vicky, I agree about Stonehenge. It’s a very interesting historical site. Definitely worth a visit.

  10. Chitra says:

    Lovely post and super informative. I do have a question though. We live in the US and i was wondering how hard is it to drive around the UK(on the other side) especially if you are doing a road trip.

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Thanks Citra. We were living in the U.S. when we did this tour as well. So we were a little worried about driving on the left, but it only took a little time to start feeling confident. I do recommend getting an automatic car, however, if you can, because shifting on the left is actually the harder part. The roads are really small in some places. Just take it easy and drive carefully and you’ll be fine.

  11. Smith says:

    Should have seen this itinerary before. Looks like I’ve missed some really good places during my trip.

  12. Chalee says:

    Hi,
    Lovely trip.
    I plan to have a road trip next May. Your itinerrary and hotel information are very helpful. Thank you.

  13. Rebecca Hilton says:

    Hi. This seems like a great blog. Except when I get about a third of the way through each post I am confronted with ads that take up half of the page and cover the words. I’m very sad to say that I’m giving up!

    • Laura Lynch says:

      Yes, absolutely. The scenery is stunning in Lands End. Port Isaac is incredibly small, but the little crescent bay is beautiful. Both are great for photographs, especially if you’re already traveling through those spots. But I wouldn’t necessarily plan to stay near there.

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