2 Week Self-Drive Itinerary Around Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Somerset

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post, I paid for this trip myself. All recommendations and opinions are my own.

Over June/July my husband and I headed out on a self-drive trip exploring Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. We were extremely lucky to visit during some of the hottest days of the year, with beautiful clear blue skies everyday. At first, two weeks seemed like a really long time. But as I started planning our itinerary, deciding how to use this time was really challenging, as there is so much to see and do in these counties. Dorset has its dramatic white chalky cliffs and Jurassic coastline, Devon has the beautiful Dartmoor National Park, Cornwall has stunning beaches, and Somerset has the picturesque Exmoor National Park.

These counties also have amazing fresh local food including seafood and lots of different local ice creams to try. But don’t worry about gaining weight, as these areas are known for its steep cliffs and rolling hills, so not a day will go by that you won’t find yourself hiking up a steep cliff side.

Money Saving Tip

• Lots of sites, attractions and parking are owned by the National Trust. To save money, consider purchasing a National Trust membership.

Dorset

Dorset is jam packed with stunning natural sites including dramatic white chalky cliffs, imposing rock formations that jut out of the sparkling clear aquamarine ocean, fossil beaches, and scenic coastal hiking paths. Below I’ve written a brief itinerary for Dorset, but for more detail, read my post on exploring the Jurassic Coastline.

Day 1: Isle of Purbeck

• Staying in: Swanage

Start your holiday at the village of Corfe, a historic village of Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck. Parking options include the National Trust Castle View car park off the A351 (free for members, otherwise you need to pay and display) about a 700m walk along the gravel path into the village. There are other parking options including the West Street pay and display car park in the village and a larger one at Norden Park and Ride. Stroll through the charming historic town of Corfe with its chocolate box thatched stone cottages. There are several nice pubs, cafe’s and restaurants in Corfe. Visit the free Corfe Castle Town Hall Museum (6 West Street) which has a little exhibition of the towns history.

After exploring the village, visit Corfe Castle, which sits high on a hill overlooking the village. The castle is owned and managed by the National Trust, so members are free to enter, however, non-members need to pay entry fee. During the busy summer periods they hold lots of events, so check out the National Trust website in advance.

Visit the beautiful Dorset coastline. Relax at Knoll beach, about 15 minute drive from the castle. It’s owned by the National Trust and has a large car park (free for members, pay and display for non members). The beach has good amenities including bathrooms, an outside shower, cafe, and a very busy ice cream booth.

After a sunbathe, swim, and an ice cream, speak to the helpful National Trust staff at their information booth and get a free map to walk the coastal path from Knoll Beach to Old Harry Rocks (White Rocks). The walk takes just over half an hour (one-way). Lookout for the way markers that look a bit like tombstones along the path. On the path you will pass some old WWII lookouts. On your way back, stop for a quick drink at the Bankes Arms which has the most wonderful beer garden.

 Tip

• There are some free public toilets at the corner of Manor Rd and Watery Lane where you turn off to get to the final path to Old Harry Rocks.

In the evening drive onto Swanage which will be your base for the next two nights. It’s a sleepy coastal town that’s popular with families, but that also means that many of the restaurants close early, so don’t leave dining out too late and head to Gee Whites on the quayside.

Take an evening stroll along the seafront to Prince Albert Gardens with its Roman open-air amphitheatre and then up the grassy hill to the lookout point to enjoy the views.

Accommodation in Swanage

Search available accommodation in Swanage

Budget

• Robertsbrook Guest House – we stayed here
• YHA Swanage
• Rivendell Guest House

Moderate

• Gretenham B&B
• Town Hall Lodge
• Bella Vista

Luxury

• There is no luxury accommodation in Swanage, but The Pig on the beach in nearby Studland which I reference above looks amazingly luxurious.

Day 2 Jurassic Coastline

• Staying in: Swanage

Today launch into your exploration of the Jurassic coastline. Drive to Lulworth Cove, enjoying the cute thatched cottages in the village, and park in the rather expensive £9/day parking lot (you don’t have much choice, there is no other parking available) by the visitor centre.

Take a walk along the cliff side to see the Fossil Forest. To get to the path, walk along the rocky shoreline on the left side. Follow the tombstone style way markers through the overgrown bracken. Continue along the path and pass through a gate onto fenced military land. Just inside the gate is the steps down to the Fossil Forest.

Head back to Lulworth Cove for a swim, then have a delicious homemade crab and lobster burger for lunch from the local food van. There are lots of cafes and restaurants to choose from around the cove.

Head out for a walk along the path, past the car park and up the rather steep hill that leads to Durdle Door and Man o War. There is another car park above Durdle Door where there is also some food caravans offering refreshments. Walk down the stairs to Durdle Door beach and enjoy a sunbathe. Confident swimmers can swim through Durdle Door’s arch.

Hike back to Lulworth Cove and treat yourself to an ice cream at Jake’s. Before heading back to Swanage, walk up the hill overlooking the cove to see the Stair Hole, another dramatic rock formation.

Day 3: Swanage to Lyme Regis

• Staying in: Lyme Regis

From Swanage, drive to the historic town of Cerne Abbas to see the 55 metre (180ft) high Cerne Giant, an ancient naked figure that is sculpted into the chalky hill side. There is a pull in bay at the viewing spot on the A352, but if you want to stay for longer, then there is free parking just off the Duck St which runs beside it. There is also a walking path that takes you up onto the hill to see the Giant up close.

Whilst there, explore the charming village of Cerne Abbas. The village is a short walk from the Cerne Giant car park, but take the longer path that lead you down the road and through a wooded area, then a field, and eventually the church cemetery. Walk onto the end of Abbey St where you will see a small sign pointing to a historical abbey. Pass through the gate (box for donations on the stone wall) and walk into the grounds of the old Cerne Abbey, which was founded in 987 and dominated the surrounding area for some five hundred years. See the ancient holy well dedicated to St Augustine and supposedly blessed by the saint. Continue down Abbey St towards St Mary’s church, built by the abbey for the parish in the late 13th century, and pass through the old stone arch beside the church to enjoy a peaceful garden that is open the public.

Drive onto Charmouth, a small coastal town in Dorset. Park in the very cheap £3/day Beach Car Park, off Lower Sea lane. Walk back up to the main road to grab some lunch at The Bank House cafe (The St, Charmouth), then head down to the visitor centre to learn more about the fossil beach and its history. You can rent a hammer from here to use down on the beach to find your own fossils. Visit the interesting fossil shop selling both local fossils and fossils from all over the world.

Walk along the beach to find your own fossils. You need to be careful when walking out on this beach, as you can easily get cut off by the tides. There are also massive cliff slips, so don’t walk too close to the cliffs!

Drive on to Lyme Regis which will be your base for the next two nights. In the evening, enjoy eating at one of the many seafood restaurants, or visit the fishmongers if you prefer to prepare your own. Take a stroll along the esplanade and enjoy the Jane Austin Garden overlooking the beach.

Accommodation in Lyme Regis

Search available accommodation in Lyme Regis

Budget

• The Nags Head

There is limited cheap accommodation in Lyme Regis, but there is some options in the nearby coastal town of Charmouth:

• Seadown Holiday Park
• Newlands Holiday Park

Moderate

• Lyme Townhouse
• HIX Townhouse
• St Andrews House B&B

Luxury

• The Pilot Boat

Day 4: Lyme Regis

• Staying in: Lyme Regis

Head to the Lyme Regis to Seaton coastal path. The path takes about 4 hrs one way, but if you don’t want to walk the return leg, then just catch a bus back. If you have limited time or just want a shorter walk, walk half way, then turn back and spend the afternoon exploring Lyme Regis and the beach.

Tip

• There are a lot of mosquito’s on the path, so make sure you cover yourself in repellent!

Enjoy a cooling Purbecks ice cream at the booth along the esplanade. Head out along the coast to get to Fossil Beach. When the tide is out, go fossil hunting.

In the afternoon, enjoy a beer and cider at Lyme Regis Brewery (Mill Ln, Lyme Regis DT7 3PU), located by the historic Town Mill. There is also a cafe here and the old mill still operates and offers tours. Sit in the lovely garden at the back of the mill enjoying your cold drink.

Practical Tips for Visiting Dorset

• What to pack: If you are planning to swim then wear some [amazon_textlink asin=’B07499GRR7′ text=’aqua shoes’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’howbeautifullifeis-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7d9610e3-9502-11e8-87b7-3f1bcee3c9a0′] to protect your feet from the rather painful stones. The water is lovely and clear, so if enjoy snorkelling, then don’t forget your snorkel. If you can’t fit a snorkel into your bag, then pack some quality [amazon_textlink asin=’B01LNAU866′ text=’swimming goggles like these ones’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’howbeautifullifeis-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’5fd476d6-d231-11e8-9f4f-69ec52a898c6′], so you can enjoy watching the fish in the lovely clear water. Take some comfy, but light, walking shoes to explore the coastline and some strong [amazon_textlink asin=’B0015KG5NK’ text=’mosquito repellent’ template=’ProductLink’ store=’howbeautifullifeis-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’7336464f-d230-11e8-b2a0-d9a42577df71′] to avoid getting bitten.
• Tides: Always check the tide times before heading out to explore, otherwise you can easily get cut off when they come in.

Devon

Devon is home to the stunning Dartmoor National Park. Highlights include the adorable Dartmoor Ponies, vast moorlands with its many hiking trails and breathtaking rock formations, as well as historic villages. Below I’ve written a brief itinerary for Dartmoor, but for more detail, read my post on exploring the Dartmoor National Park.

Day 5: Dartmoor National Park

• Staying in: Dartmoor National Park

Today you will be driving onto Dartmoor National Park in Dorset. The drive is very scenic and takes you along the A road that runs through the East Devon and Blackdown Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Drive to Haytor Vale and park at the National Park Visitor centre. The car park offers cheap all day parking for only £2. Here you will found some toilets and food van. Further up the road is a free car park that is mostly dirt with a small area of tar seal, so may not be suitable in very wet conditions. Just past this is another large tar sealed pay and display parking lot.

Head out for a walk to explore Emsworthy Mire. Maps can be found on the Devon Wildlife website. The walk is 5 miles/8 km and takes in the highlights of this area of the park. If you are after a shorter walk, then the map explains how you can shorten it to 4 km.

Enjoy seeing the centuries old Dartmoor pony breed that is native to Britain. They were originally used at the local tin mines and quarries so are sturdy working ponies.

In the evening, visit the picture postcard historic village of Lustleigh, located in the Wrey Valley and filled with beautiful thatched stone cottages. Book a meal at the local pub, The Cleave.

Practical Tips for Visiting Dartmoor National Park

• Ponies: It is illegal to feed the ponies on the moor, so please don’t! Drive slowly and carefully as there is no fencing through Dartmoor so the animals roam free.
• Driving: The speed limit in most of Dartmoor National Park is 40mph.

Accommodation in Dartmoor

Search available accommodation in Dartmoor

Budget

• Brookside Cottage
• YHA Okehampton
• Higher murchington Farm campsite

Moderate

• Eastwrey Barton
• The Edgemoor Country House Hotel And Restaurant
• The White Hart Hotel
• Tor Royal Farm

Luxury

• Bovey Castle
• The Cornish Arms
• The Three Crowns
• Yarner House

Cornwall

Cornwall is England’s rugged southwestern tip. The south coast is so stunning that people call it the Cornish Riviera. Highlights include stunning turquoise beaches, historic sites, quaint coastal fishing villages and famous breathtaking landmarks including Lands End and Lizard Point. Below I’ve written a brief itinerary for Cornwall, but for more detail, read my post on exploring the Cornish coastline.

Day 6: Tamar Valley and Mevagissey

• Staying in: Mevagissey

Depart early and take the longer, more scenic route through Dartmoor National Park on the B3357. Drive onto the Tamar Valley which sits on the borders of Devon and Cornwall. Because of its historic mining, this area is a World Heritage site. It’s also an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Visit the National Trust property of Cotehele (Saltash, St Dominick PL12 6TA) which is on the Cornwall side of the River Tamar. Cotehele was originally built in Tudor times and is a huge property with lots to explore, including a large fortified Tudor manor house, garden, quay, and working mill house.

In the afternoon, drive on to visit another National Trust property, Lanhydrock house and gardens (Treffry Ln, Bodmin PL30 5AD). The original home was lost to a fire in 1881 and was rebuilt in the Victorian style with all the modern conveniences of the time including kitchen ovens and central heating.

In the evening, drive onto your final destination for the day, the Cornish coastal fishing village of Mevagissey. Enjoy a Cornish pasty from The Cornish Bakery (1-2 Olivers Quay, Mevagissey, Saint Austell PL26 6UA). Did you know that they can only be legally called a Cornish pasty if they were made in Cornwall? Enjoy a Cornish ice cream from Roskilly’s (Mevagissey, Saint Austell PL26 6UA) on the harbour.

Other Optional Activities

• Lost Garden of Heligan (Pentewan, St Austell PL26 6EN, England)
• Eden Project (Bodelva PL24 2SG, England)
  

Accommodation in and Around Mevagissey

Search available accommodation in and around Mevagissey

Budget

• Chy-an-gwel – we stayed here
• Bacchus
• Holly Cottage Vintage B&B

Moderate

• Tremarne Hotel
• Pebble House
• Mevagissey Bay Hotel

Luxury

• The Cornwall Hotel Spa & Lodges
• The Llawnroc Hotel

Day 7: Mevagissey and the Roseland Heritage Coastline Peninsula

• Staying in: Mevagissey

In the morning, head out to explore the nearby Roseland Heritage Coastline Peninsula. Park in the National Trust car park in Penare by the Dodman Point coastal path. The car park relies on an honesty box system (but is free for members). Take the path out to Dodman Point to see the huge granite cross which was placed there in 1896 as a navigational aid to seafarers.

Continue on around the Dodman Long Loop (see map and instructions on the National Trust website) and enjoy lunch at the Coast Path Cafe (S W Coast Path, Gorran Haven PL26, England). Spend the afternoon relaxing on Hemmick beach. Be aware that there are no facilities, toilets or food here.

 Tip

• To get back to the National Trust car park, there is a more direct and less steep path that runs to the left as you return up the cliff rather than going back around the cliff edge.

During strawberry season, stop in at Boddingtons (The Ashes, Tregoney Hill, Mevagissey PL26 6RQ) on the way back to Mevagissey and pick your own strawberries.

In the afternoon stroll around Mevagissey and enjoy a Cornish cream tea at She Sells (East Quay, Mevagissey PL26 6QQ, England). Walk off some calories by heading over to the next village, Portmellon and stop for a drink at the pub and sit in the sun looking over the harbour. In the evening, walk back to Mevagissey and for dinner enjoy a crab sandwich from the seafood caravan on the harbour.

Day 8: Mevagissey to Lizard Point

• Staying in: Surrounding area

In the morning, visit the National Trust property, Trelissick Garden. To get there, it is faster (and free) to drive via the A3078, but for a scenic drive, take the King Harry Ferry which runs every 20min and takes 10min.

Trelissick Garden’s is owned and managed by the National Trust. Parking is free for members and pay and display for non-members. If you want to visit the house and gardens you will need to pay an entry fee

Drive on to Lizard Peninsula, there is a coastal path that runs between Lizard Point and Kynance Cove and there is a National Trust car park at each. However, the car park at Kynance is much smaller and becomes full during busy times. Drive down Lighthouse Road to get to the National Trust Lizard Point car park (Landewednack, Helston TR12 7NT) where there is free parking for members and pay and display for non-members. Make sure you turn off to the left when when you see the car park sign as they run a one way loop to the entrance and exit of the car park. There are free toilets nearby.

If you are interested, visit the Lighthouse heritage centre, (entry fee applies). Head down to Lizard Point to enjoy the views, then walk the 2 mile coastal path to Kynance Cove. There is a National Trust cafe here.

Other Optional Activities

• Hidden coves at Cadgwith village
• Trebah Garden (Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5JZ)
• Pendennis Castle (Castle Dr, Falmouth TR11 4LP) Landmark hilltop castle with interactive kids’ exhibits and estuary views from the top of the keep.
• The coastal town of Falmouth

Accommodation in the area of Lizard Peninsula & Helston

There is not a lot of accommodation in this area, so you will need to book in advance during busy summer months and be flexible with the location.

Budget

• YHA Lizard
• Monterey Pines
• Ashtree Villa B&B
• Saint Keverne

Moderate

• Tregaddra Farm B&B
• chyreen@marazion
• The Count House

Luxury

• Mount Haven Hotel
• Godolphin Arms
• Halzephron Cottage
• Saltwater, Helston

Day 9: St Michael’s Mount and Porthcurno

• Staying in: Surrounding area

In the morning, visit St Michael’s Mount, a castle on a small island just off the town of Marazion. The castle has been home to the St Aubyn family since about 1650. There is also a small population of about 30 people that live on the island. You can get to the island either by walking across the causeway, which opens during low tide, or pay a small cash fee for the short boat ride across (weather dependent). Once on the island purchase a ticket (free for National Trust members) and head up to explore the castle. Enjoy some morning tea at the National Trust cafe on the island or the lovely Chapel Rock Cafe in Marazion (Kings Road, Marazion TR17 0EJ, England).

 Tip

• Park in Marazion’s Folleyfield Car Park (cash only). There is the slightly closer Slipway car park, but it is more expensive.
• Entrance to the castle is free for National Trust members, although you will need to pay for the car park (as above) and if you take the boat across.
• St Michael’s Mount is not open on Saturday’s, so plan your trip accordingly.
• The gardens are very fragile, so are only open a couple of days a week in order to protect them. However, you do get to see them from the castle terrace.
• We got lucky with the weather, but the island is very exposed, so can get cold and windy.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, the causeway and island is cobbled

Drive on to Minack theatre in Porthcurno (Porthcurno, Penzance TR19 6JU, England). Minack theatre is an open-air theatre which was created by the extraordinary Rowena Cade and the help of her gardener, Billy Gardner. Check their website for performance times.

In the afternoon, head down the cliff to relax on Porthcurno beach, one of the most beautiful beaches Cornwall. If you don’t want to walk down the steep cliff side from the theatre then there is a car park by the beach.

Other Optional Activities

• If you have time, then there are several other popular and picturesque coastal fishing towns to visit including Porthleven and Mousehole.

Day 10: Penzanze to St Ives

• Staying in: St Ives

First up is a quick stop in the stunning National Trust Trengwainton garden (fee applies for non-members) (Madron, near Penzance, Cornwall, Penzance TR20 8RZ, England). Then drive on to visit the ancient village Carn Euny (Sancreed, Penzance, Brane TR20 8RB, England) which is managed by English Heritage, but is free to visit. It was occupied from the Iron Age until late Roman times. There are foundations of stone houses from the 2nd to 4th centuries AD, with walls up to a metre high in places.

Next up is the famous Lands End (Sennen TR19 7AA, England), a very popular tourist attraction as it is the most westerly point of mainland England. As you drive in, you’ll need to pay an entry/parking fee. The attractions here are rather cheesy tourist fun fare style with some gift shops. There are also restaurants.

Head out for a walk along the coastal path towards Sennen Cove. Look out for the RMS Mülheim shipwreck from 2003 and the remains of Maen Castle. Sennen Cove is a nice spot to stop for lunch and a swim.

In the afternoon, drive on to visit the Levant Mine and Beam Engine (Trewellard, Pendeen TR19 7SX, England). This coastline was once lined with mines. This site is now owned by the National Trust so parking and entry fees apply (free for members). If you are interested, nearby is the more modern mine, Greevor Tin Mine (Pendeen TR19 7EW, England) which has been turned into a museum. Ex-miners run guided tours of it.

Even if you don’t visit the museum, it is a a great spot to explore as there are lots of old buildings scattered around and a lovely coastal walk which you can take up to Pendeen Watch Lighthouse.

Visit Lanyon Quoit (Madron, Penzance TR20 8NY). A quoit (also called dolmens or cromlechs) is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of two or more vertical megaliths (large stones) supporting a large flat horizontal capstone or “table”. Most date from the early Neolithic (4000–3000 BC). To get to it, just follow the directions on Google Maps. There is a very small sign by it and it is easily missed, particularly when the roadside is overgrown, so drive slowly. There is no car park, but there is a little bit of space to pull over on the side of the road. There is a stone stile that you will need to clamber over to get to it.

This area is peppered with interesting ancient sites (all marked on Google Maps) including a couple more quoit’s:

• Mên-an-Tol (Near The Madron-Morvah Road, Madron, Penzance, England) – Ancient Bronze Age site including a rare holed stone, believed to have curative powers.
• Madron Holy Well (1/2 mile NW of Madron village, Madron, Penzance, England) – This place is revered for its magical and healing powers. There are strips of cloth, or clouties, tied to surrounding branches.
• Mulfra Quoit – This quoit is supported by three megaliths, but sadly the capstone has slipped off.
• Chûn Castle (Chun Downs Between Penzance and Trewellard, Fowey, England) – The remains of a large Iron Age hillfort (ringfort)
• Chûn Quoit (St Just, Penzance TR19 7TT) – This one has a closed chamber and a very large mushroom-domed capstone.
• Tregeseal Stone Circle (St Just, Penzance TR19 7PZ) – A restored stone circle.
• Boskednan Stone Circle Madron, Penzance TR20 8XX) – A partly restored stone circle, some of them are very large.
• Zennor Quoit (Zennor, Saint Ives TR26 3BU) – This quoit has unfortunately collapsed.

Drive on to St Ives where you will be staying for the next 2 nights. In the evening, head out to explore St Ives. Walk along the esplanade and stop for a drink and dinner at The Searoom (1, Wharf House, The Wharf, Saint Ives TR26 1PG). On your way back to your accommodation stop off for some ice cream at Zennor’s Moomaid (1 Wharf Road, St Ives TR26 1LG, England) and get a large dollop of Cornish cream on top.

Accommodation in St Ives

Search available accommodation in St Ives

St Ives is rather pricey I’m afraid…

Budget

• Cohort Hostel (dorms)
• The Garrack Hotel & Restaurant
• Chy an Gwedhen

Moderate

• Anchorage B&B St Ives
• Oystercatcher
• No4 St Ives

Luxury

• St Ives Harbour Hotel & Spa
• Tregenna Castle Resort
• Pedn-Olva

Day 11: St Ives

• Staying in: St Ives

Spend the day exploring St Ives. Start by enjoying the views from the lookout by the Malakof bus station on The Terrace.

Visit the shops and enjoy the private galleries. If you are a fan of the famous artist and sculpture Barbara Hepworth, then there is a Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden (Barnoon Hill, St Ives TR26 1AD, England) displaying her works. Visit the Tate Gallery (Porthmeor Beach, St Ives TR26 1TG, England) which has a viewing platform overlooking Prothmeor Beach.

Head out for a walk along the South West Coast Path for views over the north side of St Ives, then walk to The Island which isn’t actually an island, but a grassy headland. If you have the energy to walk up the steep hill, there is a lovely little chapel named after St Nicholas who was the patron saint of sailors and children.

Head back into St Ives harbour for some lunch at The Beachcomber Cafe (The Wharf, Saint Ives TR26 1PU). In the afternoon relax and swim at the beautiful Porthminister Beach. All of the wonderful beaches in St Ives are patrolled by surf lifeguards and are clean, well maintained, and have toilets.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Blas Burgerworks (19 Warren, Saint Ives TR26 2EA). This place is very popular but very small, so arrive early to get in.

Day 12: St Ives to Padstow

• Staying in: Padstow

Your first stop for the day is the National Trust Car Park (free for members) at Godrevy (Gwinear-Gwithian TR27 5ED). If you have limited walking capacity, then there are some small car parks closer by, just keep driving past the main car park. There is a small cafe here as well as a surf school that use Gwithian beach. Walk along the stunning coastline to view the Godrevy lighthouse and the seal viewing point.

Your next stop is St Agnes Heritage Coast. Drive through the coastal towns of Portreath and Porthtowan until you get to the National Trust Wheal Coates Car Park, free for members (Beacon Dr, Saint Agnes TR5 0NU).

There are the remains of a former tin mine here called Towanroath shaft. Walk north along the coastal path to St Agnes head, then turned back towards Chapel Porth Beach to get some lunch at the French inspired Chapel Porth Cafe (Chapel Porth Farm Chapel Porth, St Agnes TR5 0NS, England). There is a National Trust car park here if you prefer to drive. Enjoy a hedgehog ice cream which consists of Cornish ice cream, covered in Cornish clotted cream and then rolled in nuts. When the tide is out, head down to explore the beach caves.

Drive on to Bedruthen Steps (Bedruthan, near Padstow, Cornwall, PL27 7UW) where there is a National Trust car park (free for members), a cafe, and toilets. A short walk from the car park reveals views of dramatic cliffs which look down to the beach with huge rock formations jutting out of the water.

When the tide is nearly out, you can walk the long staircase to get a closer look. There is a rather long set of stairs that takes you down to the beach.

Tip

• When planning your trip to Bedruthan Steps, make sure you visit when the tide is out so you can walk down to the beach and walk amongst the huge rocks.

In the evening, drive on to Padstow where you will be staying the night. Padstow is a lovely fishing village with lots of posh restaurants and shops. Book ahead for reservations at The Seafood Restaurant (Riverside, Padstow PL28 8BY, England), one of Rick Stein’s restaurants. The celebrity chef, restaurateur and television presenter has lots of restaurants, cafe’s, and fish and chip shops around Cornwall.

Accommodation in Padstow

Search available accommodation in Padstow

Padstow is rather pricey I’m afraid…

Budget

• YHA Treyarnon Bay (3.7 miles out on the bay)
• Waves Rooms (in nearby St Merryn)
• Dew Gennen Ny

Moderate

• 14@Padstow – we stayed here
• Symply Padstow
• Olcote House

Luxury

• The Old Custom House
• The Metropole
• Padstow Townhouse

Day 13: Padstow to Exmoor

In the morning visit the quaint coastal town of Port Isaac which has been used as a filming location for a variety of TV shows and movies including the popular British TV shows Doc Martin and Poldark. There is no parking in this little village, so you need to park at the Port Isaac Main Car Park (B3267, Port Isaac PL29 3TR) which is about a 10 minute walk from the village centre.

Your next stop is the famous Tintagel Castle Steeped in the legend of King Arthur. This place is breathtakingly beautiful and mustn’t be missed, so please read my detailed guide to visiting Tintagel Castle.

Continue driving up the stunning Cornwall coastline to Boscastle a picturesque historic fishing port. Much of it is actually owned by the National Trust but there are no entry fees. There is a large car park in the town centre called Cobweb car park. It isn’t run by the National Trust, but the parking is cheap and is operated by pay and display.

To cool off, drive on to the beach at the village of Crackington Haven. There are two lovely cafe’s with the beach across the road. There is a large cheap car park and toilets where you cross the road to get to the beach.

In the evening, drive on to your final destination, the beautiful Exmoor National Park in Somerset.

Somerset

The stunning Exmoor National Park is located in Somerset county. Highlights include the ancient and endangered Exmoor Ponies, beautiful coastline, vast moorlands with its many hiking trails, and historic villages. Below I’ve written a brief itinerary for Exmoor, but for more detail read my post on how to spend a day in Exmoor National Park.

Day 14: Exmoor National Park

• Staying in: Exmoor National Park

Your first stop for the day is the majestic Dunster Castle. It is owned by the National Trust, entry is free for members but there is a fee for non-members. The castle is situated in the village of Dunster which is an attraction in its own right. The village you see today grew up around the castle following the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Explore the expansive gardens that encircle the castle and the 18th century watermill where they still mill flour. Then head inside the castle to enjoy the richly adorned as the Victorian country house it once was.

From Dunster Castle, drive up the A39 to Selworthy, a village filled with a lovely church and cottages. There is a car park in front of the church that operates by honesty box, but there is a National Trust just a bit further up the road from it. The car park in front of the church offers stunning views of the countryside. This village is part of the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate which covers the northern fringes of Exmoor and includes the hamlets of Bossington, Tivington, Lynch, Brandish Street and Allerford. If you have time, there are plenty of walking paths that take you through the countryside and villages.

Drive back to the A39 and turn off to explore the neighbouring village of Allerford with its thatched stone cottages. Drive on a little further to Bossignton where you will find a National Trust car park that doesn’t seem to appear on Google maps (free for members, fee for non-members).

Explore this beautiful area and head out for a walk down the lane to Bossington Beach. If you want a longer walk, then there is a path that leads to the nearby village of Porlock. The beach is very exposed and windy, so not really suitable for sunbathing or swimming. Walk back to Bossington and then on to Allerford. If you are looking for something to eat, then there is a nice cafe in Bossington called Kitnors tea room.

In the afternoon, drive on through Porlock and up the very steep Porlock Hill. Once at the top there is a large car park where you can stop and enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean and moor behind you.

Continue along the A39 that runs near the coast and stop to enjoy the views and countryside at County Gate Car Park. There are a number of walking paths to explore. Turn up the B3223 which takes you onto the moor to see the Exmoor Ponies. See this map of the park with likely Exmoor pony viewing spots. These amazing ponies are classed as “endangered” and their history dates back centuries.

Drive on through the beautiful countryside. In the afternoon, stop at a local pub to enjoy the local cider. Somerset has lots of apple orchards and is famous for its cider.

In the evening, book to go badger watching at Devon Badger Watch in Tiverton which is actually in Devon, not Somerset.

Practical Tips for Visiting Exmoor

• Money Saving Tip: Lots of sites, attractions and parking in Exmoor are owned by the National Trust. To save money, consider purchasing a National Trust membership.
• Ponies: It is illegal to feed the ponies on the moor, so please don’t! Drive slowly and carefully as there is no fencing through Exmoor so the animals roam free.
• Badgers: If you are going badger watching, wear dark coloured clothing that is quiet (no rustling) and no perfumes. Try to sit as quietly and as still as possible as they are very shy creatures.

Accommodation in Exmoor

Search available accommodation in Exmoor

Budget

• • • The Fernery B&B
    • The Duke of Wellington Wetherspoon
    • B&B Meadow View Bentwitchen

Moderate

• • • Edgcott House
    • The Royal Oak Inn
    • Rose Bank B&B

Luxury

• • • Locanda on the Weir
    • Luttrell Arms
    • Cross Lane House

Practical Tips

• Language: English
• Currency: British pound
• Tipping: Not required, but people usually round up.
• Electricity: The electrical current is 230 volts AC. Wall outlets take a three pronged plug only used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. However, you are better off purchasing a worldwide adaptor that can be used in the United Kingdom as well other countries. At least then you can potentially get some further use out of it on future vacations. If you’re taking a number of electronics with you, then I would recommend purchasing a couple of these adaptors.
• Driving: In the UK they drive on the left hand side of the road with speed signs in miles per hour (mph).
• Fuel: Fuel is expensive in the UK, so save money by downloading a UK fuel app so you can search for the nearest petrol station with the cheapest fuel.
• Navigating: We used Google’s free Offline Maps. Google Offline Maps allows you to access free maps for navigating that can be used offline i.e. you don’t need WIFI, data, or roaming to be able to use them. Follow my detailed guide on how to use Googles Offline Maps.
  • Using your phone as a GPS will drain your battery quickly, so use a portable battery charger which you can use to charge your phone and any other USB chargeable devices.
  • If you prefer a paper map, then purchase a road map before you go. At least it’s reliable and won’t run out of battery or malfunction like the electronic options!