The South West of England is really a fascinating part of the UK. With so many wonderful locations within it, and regions that are diverse and different but equally have so much to offer, there is a lot to see and do. However, while you may be aware of some of the best locations to enjoy a weekend away, you might often feel a little indecisive about where to go and what to do.
Weekends are the perfect time to spend with family, your partner, or with friends, and finding the right place makes those memories extra special. So if you are looking for a great place to go for a weekend away, here are the top picks in the South West of England.
Weekend trips to the South West of England – Where to visit
Devon
Whether you are looking for adventure, a chance for some rest and relaxation, or just want to enjoy some of the epic coastlines the South West has on offer, Devon can often be a great choice to consider. The city of Exeter is a fascinating place that will give you all of the fun and exhilaration that you would expect from a bustling city centre. You then have locations like Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham.
It is also worth mentioning that there are some great places to surf in Devon. Locations such as Barnstaple, Croyde, and Woolacombe offer some of the best waves around if that’s what interests you. Devon is full of exciting places, and one other to mention would be Plymouth. While it is part of Devon, it has a whole personality of its own. It is steeped in history and has some of the best historical attractions around, such as being able to step on board the Golden Hind that was once captained by Sir Francis Drake.
There is also an amazing cultural scene where you can experience live music, the arts, and plenty of entertainment. Devon is a great place to explore over a weekend with some incredible places.
Cornwall
Cornwall has got to be one of the most popular places for a break or holiday in the UK. Many people are aware of the fantastic beaches, with many of the best beaches known in the UK being located in the region. While Cornwall is a vast place, there are many fabulous places within it worth mentioning. It is the ideal spot to explore and enjoy. If you were hoping for somewhere relaxing then places like Padstow, Penzance, and Bude. Here you will find secluded bays, and gorgeous white sandy beaches, with plenty enough to keep you occupied while you relax and enjoy the scenery. Cornwall also has many wonderful holiday stay options, including dog friendly Cornish Cottages for those who have pets.
If you were hoping for something a little more upbeat then you might want to think about some of the popular tourist hot spots. St. Ives is one of the most iconic destinations in Cornwall. Here you will find everything from beautiful beaches to wonderful seaside entertainment. A place you can enjoy fish and chips and a lovely ice cream while taking in the incredible scenery. There is also Newquay, Port Issac, and Falmouth. Exploring a few destinations during your weekend is a great way to experience this wonderful part of England.
Dorset
Another fabulous region in the South West of England is Dorset. Here you will find an array of destinations that are perfect to explore on your weekend travels. The first one being Bournemouth. A fabulous town that has so much to offer. It is on the coast and has an incredible beach. But you will also find that there are some amazing bars and restaurants waiting for you to enjoy in the evening. Dorset also is home to the Jurassic coast, a place where you can explore and hunt out fossils. Other locations you might want to experience while you are in Dorset include Weymouth and Poole. A great spot for a weekend away.
Isles of Scilly
One area of South West England you may not have throughout about before is heading to the Isles of Scilly. A collection of islands off the coast of Cornwall where the way of life is traditional and at a slower pace. There are some hidden treasures on the islands and could make the perfect weekend escape if you were hoping to step away from your usual busy routine.
Other places in the South West worthwhile visiting
There are, of course, many places in the South West worthy of visiting and could be included as part of your weekend away in the area. Here are some of the other top locations to think about:
- Exmoor
- Somerset
- Wiltshire
Hopefully, this has given you plenty of inspiration for some of the best places for you to enjoy a weekend away in the South West of England.
