The South West 660

Divided into 12 sections that span four counties, this road trip will allow you to slow down and soak up the beauty and splendour of the coastline. The route avoids the main roads where possible, and instead hugs the coastline on smaller, scenic roads that take in some of the quieter areas.

Before you set off…

If you have the time to spread this trip over 12 days, then it is worth it. Restricting most days to no more than 50 miles, you’ll enjoy the full benefits of each stop-off point and can really soak up the sights at leisure. It is a commitment though, so if you only have a few days to spare, take a look at our itinerary and pick your slot!

Day 1

Sandbanks to Weymouth (40* miles)

Top spots

Book on a boat trip - Head to the National Trust’s Brownsea Island, from Poole Quay or Sandbanks, to see red squirrels.

East and West Lulworth - The area around these villages is home to some of Devon’s most visited landmarks. Enjoy fish and chips in West Lulworth before heading to the beach then walking along the coastal path from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door and Man O’War beach.

Day 2

Weymouth to Lyme Regis (29* miles)

Top spots

Chesil Beach - At 18 miles, it’s Britain’s longest beach, and famous for its pebbles that get gradually bigger heading east.

Golden Cap Estate - This stunning coastline is looked after by the National Trust. The rocky shoulder of Golden Cap offers fantastic 360° views, and there’s an accessible circular trail through wildlife-rich Langdon Hill Wood.

Day 3

Lyme Regis to Exeter (32* miles)

Top spots

Seaton Tramway - Take the quirky electric tram for three miles along the beautiful, marshy Axe Valley, with plenty of wildlife to spot in the two nature reserves.

Exeter - Visit the iconic Gothic Cathedral, stroll along the waterfront and do a spot of shopping in this vibrant city.

Day 4

Exeter to Dartmouth (43* miles)

Top spots

The bridge at Shaldon - Enjoy estuary views as you drive slowly over this long, low bridge. You can still see the original tollbooth, built in 1827, at the Teignmouth end.

Dartmouth - Take the short boat trip from the town’s quay to Dartmouth Castle for the best views of the fortress before exploring the English Heritage-owned castle. Back in the town itself, wander the shops, galleries and cobbled streets.

Day 5

Dartmouth to Plymouth (47* miles)

Top spots

Slapton Sands - You’ll see this when driving between Slapton and Torcross. A three-mile long, narrow pebble bar that separates the sea and a freshwater lake, Slapton Sands is a strange sight! German torpedo boats killed nearly 800 American troops here during the Second World War, and a tank on the seafront today commemorates this.

Burgh Island - Home to an old whitewashed smugglers pub, a natural seawater bathing pool, and a striking art deco hotel, this 26-acre island off Bigbury-on-Sea is worth a few hours of your time.

Day 6

Plymouth to St Austell (49* miles)

Top spots

Looe - This small seaside town ticks lots of boxes. From a sandy beach to rockpools, and a working fishing port to fantastic eateries, it’s easy to spend a pleasurable day here.

The Eden Project - The futuristic domes are home to thousands of exotic plants, including a huge indoor rainforest. There’s plenty to see in the outdoor gardens too; it’s a full-on experience.

Day 7

St Austell to Penzance (80* miles)

Top spots

Helford - A beautiful, peaceful estuary, a protected wildlife area, and sleepy forests - what’s not to love?

St Michael’s Mount - Explore the iconic island castle and gardens via the causeway from Marazion or take the short boat trip across.

Day 8

Penzance to St Ives (35* miles)

Top spots

Mousehole - A quaint fishing village with narrow winding streets to explore at leisure.

The Minack Theatre - A living theatre in a dramatic setting perched on rugged cliffs, the Minack Theatre is world famous and welcomes more than a quarter of a million people each year.

Day 9

St Ives to Padstow (45* miles)

Top spots

Hayle - This is a former industrial harbour town that offers a glimpse of how Cornwall used to be as a centre for smelting tin. The estuary leading to sandy beaches is a favourite spot for bird watchers.

Go surfing - Or relax on the large sandy beaches of Perranporth, Porthtowan or Constantine Bay, and watch the surfers take on the big waves

Day 10

Padstow to Clovelly (50* miles)

Top spots

Tintagel Castle - Cross the footbridge onto Tintagel island to explore the atmospheric ruins of this medieval island fortress. You’ll often spot seals in the waves below, and seabirds covering the steep cliffs.

Clovelly - A gorgeously traditional Devon fishing village, it’s worth taking your time to fully explore the cobbled streets, wooded cliffs and period walled gardens.

Day 11

Clovelly to Lynton (50* miles)

Top spots

Appledore - A charming village at the mouth of the River Torridge with a maze of pastel-painted fisherman’s cottages. Ilfracombe - This large resort has something for everyone - historic harbour; quaint pastel coloured houses; Damien Hirst’s controversial harbourside statue; sandy coves and rocky inlets. Perched on top of Lantern Hill is St Nicholas’ Chapel, which doubles as Britain’s oldest working lighthouse.

Day 12

Lynton to Watchet (26* miles)

Top spots

Lynton and Lynmouth - These two charming villages are connected by a Victorian water-powered cliff railway that offers outstanding views over the resort. The villages themselves have plenty to offer, from a range of eateries to quirky gift shops to historic buildings and lovely walks.

Porlock Bay - Explore the rocky beach, walk to Porlcok Weir, and take a wander around the beautiful National Trust hamlet of Bossington with its cute thatched cottages.