Holidays in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
👤 Written by Handpicked Stays 🗓️ 14th August 2026, last updated 13th September 2026
Stretching from Cornwall’s rugged tip through Devon’s rolling heartland, across Somerset’s cider orchards and up Dorset’s fossil-studded cliffs, this corner of England is bursting with character, adventure, and a refreshing sense of independence. Add to that the delights of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire (areas of which make up a large part of the Cotswolds) and it's easy to see why the South West is so popular.
Whether searching for a romantic retreat, planning a solo recharge, wrangling the family, or gathering friends for a group escape, South West England offers a holiday that’s anything but ordinary.
Cornwall - Where Creative Spirit Meets Coastal Drama
Cornwall is England’s far western outpost, a land of myth and salt spray, where the air smells of seaweed and engine oil from the old fishing boats. No trip is complete without wandering the labyrinthine streets of St Ives, a town that’s lured artists since the days of Barbara Hepworth (her museum and sculpture garden found at Barnoon Hill, St Ives is a must-see). Meander through the Leach Pottery (Higher Stennack, St Ives), or catch a matinee at the art deco Merlin Cinema in Penzance. Then there’s Mousehole, a tiny fishing village whose Christmas light display is so spectacular that even locals drive cross-county to see it.
For a taste of legend, Tintagel Castle clings to the cliffs like something out of a fantasy film, complete with a dramatic footbridge and King Arthur’s supposed birthplace. Head south to the open-air Minack Theatre, carved right into the granite above Porthcurno Beach, where the Atlantic forms the ultimate backdrop to summer Shakespeare or children’s theatre. The Lost Gardens of Heligan, a sprawling, semi-jungle estate near Mevagissey, reveal a secret world of exotic plants and hidden sculptures - perfect for families and curious couples.
Cornwall’s beaches are legendary: Porthcurno and Kynance Cove look almost tropical on a sunny day, while Fistral Beach in Newquay is a mecca for surfers from around the world. The Camel Trail, a 18-mile traffic-free path, links Padstow to Bodmin and Wenford Bridge and is perfect for cycling adventures with children or a gentle solo ride. Foodies could consider booking a table at Paul Ainsworth at No.6 in Padstow or try a stargazy pie in a village pub. And for pure Cornish eccentricity, don’t miss the World Pasty Championships at Eden Project each February or March.
Devon - Moorlands, Riviera Towns, and Sandy Shores
Devon is a county that truly has it all: two coastlines, rolling moors, lush valleys, and a laid-back pace that feels instantly restorative. Dartmoor National Park is the place for wild ponies, granite tors, and stories of smugglers and highwaymen - walk up to Haytor (a granite tor on the eastern edge of Dartmoo) or picnic by the clapper bridge at Postbridge (a Dartmoor icon) for a real taste of the moorland. For something different, visit the House of Marbles in Bovey Tracey or the enchanting Castle Drogo, perched above the Teign Gorge.
The English Riviera, stretching from Torquay to Brixham, is all palm trees and pastel villas. Agatha Christie’s childhood home, Greenway, now a National Trust property, sits on the banks of the River Dart and is a treat for fans. Paignton Pier offers classic seaside fun, while Brixham’s fishing trawlers supply some of the best seafood in the UK - try Rockfish Sidmouth or the family-run Simply Fish in Brixham for a taste of the day’s catch.
North Devon is a surfer’s paradise. Woolacombe Beach regularly tops lists of Europe’s best, and the dramatic cliffs of Baggy Point are perfect for walkers. Clovelly, a privately owned village, is famous for its steep cobbled street and donkeys (yes, real donkeys still help with deliveries). For a quirky day out, ride the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the oldest and steepest water-powered funicular railway in the world.
No Devon holiday is complete without a cream tea at a tearoom like Angels Tea Rooms in Torquay or the rustic Fingle Bridge Inn in Drewsteignton - just remember: cream first, then jam - that's the Devon way. For families and groups, The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth is a heartwarming stop, while thrill-seekers will love Go Ape in Haldon Forest.
Somerset - Rolling Hills, Historic Towns, and Cider Orchards
Somerset is a place where every view looks like it belongs on a postcard. The landscape is all gentle hills, patchwork fields, and misty mornings straight from a Thomas Hardy novel. Glastonbury is the spiritual heart, where the ruined Abbey and mysterious Tor draw pilgrims, musicians, and free spirits year-round. The town’s eclectic high street is lined with crystal shops, vegan cafes, and independent bookshops, and the Glastonbury Festival transforms nearby Worthy Farm into the world’s most famous party each June.
Wells, the smallest city in England, punches above its weight. Its majestic cathedral, with its unique scissor arches, is a marvel, and the Bishop’s Palace gardens are perfect for a picnic. Market days (Wednesdays and Saturdays) fill the medieval square with local cheese, honey, and crafts.
The Mendip Hills—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - offer limestone gorges, ancient caves like Wookey Hole, and hidden lakes. Cheddar Gorge is not only for cheese-lovers (though the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is a must); the cliffs are a magnet for climbers and walkers. Somerset’s coast is less well-known but no less lovely: Kilve Beach is a fossil-hunter’s dream, while Burnham-on-Sea has the UK’s shortest pier and a classic seaside vibe.
Cider is almost a religion here. Thatchers in Sandford and Sheppy’s in Taunton both offer tours and tastings. For something special, visit the Hauser & Wirth art gallery in Bruton, which combines world-class contemporary art with a stunning garden and an award-winning restaurant.
Dorset: Jurassic Coast and Timeless Villages
Dorset offers some of England’s most dramatic scenery, where 185 million years of history are etched into the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are as photogenic as they come—arrive early to beat the crowds, or take the coastal path from the quieter village of West Lulworth for spectacular views. Charmouth is the place to hunt for fossils, and the local Heritage Coast Centre even runs guided fossil walks.
Inland, the town of Shaftesbury is home to Gold Hill - immortalised in the “Hovis” bread advert—and offers sweeping views over the Blackmore Vale. Abbotsbury is famous for its swannery, where visitors can watch hundreds of swans in a tranquil lagoon, and for its subtropical gardens, a riot of colour from spring through autumn.
Lyme Regis, with its historic Cobb harbour wall, inspired Jane Austen’s “Persuasion” and is perfect for a windswept stroll or a spot of crabbing. Bridport is a lively arts town with a twice-weekly market, independent galleries, and the eclectic Electric Palace cinema. Dorset’s food scene is thriving: try oysters at the Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock, or sample Dorset Blue Vinny cheese in a countryside pub.
For families, Monkey World near Wareham is a unique rescue centre for primates, while couples and groups will love the relaxed vibe of Studland Bay, where the sandy beaches back onto heathland full of rare wildlife.
Gloucestershire – The Cotswolds, Forests and Historic Cities
Gloucestershire brings together some of the most recognisable landscapes of inland South West England, from the rolling hills and honey-coloured villages of the Cotswolds to the ancient woodland of the Forest of Dean.
The Cotswolds are one of the county's greatest attractions, with beautiful villages, historic market towns and gently rolling countryside. Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh, Cirencester and Chipping Campden are among the many places worth exploring, each offering its own combination of traditional architecture, independent shops, cafés and country pubs.
For a different kind of experience, Cheltenham is an elegant Regency spa town on the edge of the Cotswolds. Its grand architecture, gardens, shops and cultural festivals give it a distinctly different character from the surrounding villages.
Gloucester provides another contrast. The city has roots stretching back to Roman times and is home to the magnificent Gloucester Cathedral, while its historic streets and buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's long history.
To the west, the Forest of Dean offers a more heavily wooded landscape, with opportunities for walking, cycling and exploring the countryside. Together with the Wye Valley nearby, it creates a beautiful area where woodland, rivers and hills replace the open farmland of the Cotswolds.
Gloucestershire is therefore a county of contrasts. You can spend the morning wandering through a picture-perfect Cotswold village, the afternoon exploring a historic cathedral city and the next day walking beneath the trees of the Forest of Dean.
Wiltshire – Ancient Landscapes and Historic Towns
Wiltshire is a county where ancient history and beautiful countryside come together. Its rolling chalk downs, historic towns and prehistoric monuments make it one of the most fascinating parts of South West England.
The county is home to the extraordinary Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site. Stonehenge is perhaps England's most famous prehistoric monument, while nearby Avebury contains the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Together, the two landscapes reveal an extraordinary concentration of monuments created thousands of years ago.
Salisbury is another essential stop. The medieval cathedral city is centred around its magnificent cathedral, whose spire rises 123 metres above the surrounding landscape. The city's historic streets, independent shops and riverside setting make it an enjoyable place to explore in its own right.
Wiltshire is also home to a number of beautiful historic estates and villages. Stourhead is particularly famous for its landscaped garden and lake, while Lacock is a remarkably well-preserved historic village with a strong connection to film and television. Nearby Castle Combe is another of the county's most picturesque villages.
Beyond its famous landmarks, the countryside is a major part of Wiltshire's appeal. The North Wessex Downs, Cranborne Chase and the rolling chalk landscapes around Salisbury provide opportunities for walking, cycling and simply enjoying the wide-open views.
Wiltshire offers a fascinating combination of prehistoric monuments, medieval towns, grand estates and peaceful countryside. It is a part of South West England where the landscape itself often feels like a journey through thousands of years of history.
Unique Places to Stay: Cottages with Character
When it comes to places to stay, South West England takes pride in doing things differently. Seek out a converted lighthouse or lighthouse keeper’s cottages in Cornwall, where the beam sweeps across the wild Atlantic each night. In Devon, a thatched cottage makes the perfect romatic retreat. The Mill in Bicknoller, Somerset is a stunning converted mill, full of character and charm and set on a bank alongside the stream with the original millstone still intact as a feature within the attractive farmhouse dining room. Dorset’s Standby Generator Bunker was once part of RAF Ringstead a component of the Chain Home radar, a coastal early warning system that stretched from Cornwall in the west to Norfolk in the east.
Many cottages come with original features: flagstone floors, exposed beams, and roaring open fires. Some are hidden down flower-lined lanes, others perch right on the beach. For something truly quirky, try a converted railway carriage, one for the railway enthusiasts!
These properties are more than just places to sleep - they’re part of the adventure. Picture lazy breakfasts on a sun-drenched terrace, evenings by the fire with a stack of local books, or a night soaking under the stars in a private hot tub. For larger groups, the likes of Gitcombe House in Cronworthy, Devon, or Milton Manor in Milton-on-Stour, Dorset offer space, style, and a setting for celebrations that will be talked about for years.
Food, Festivals, and Local Flavour
The South West is a region that takes its food seriously, but never too seriously. In Cornwall, try a traditional pasty at Philps in Hayle or fresh crab sandwiches at The Hidden Hut on Porthcurnick Beach - arrive early, as queues are part of the experience. In Padstow, Paul Ainsworth and Rick Stein have created a culinary enclave, but the town’s fish and chip shops are just as beloved.
Devon is home to the Dartmouth Food Festival each October, bringing together local producers, celebrity chefs, and street food stalls on the banks of the River Dart. Try Sharpham Cheese and Riverford Organics for a taste of the region’s best. Clotted cream ice cream from Salcombe Dairy is a must on a sunny day.
Somerset’s cider barns dot the countryside: Perry’s in Dowlish Wake and Wilkins Cider Farm near Wedmore both offer tastings straight from the barrel. Bruton’s At The Chapel mixes wood-fired pizzas with local art exhibitions, while Bath Soft Cheese Company produces award-winning organic cheeses just outside the city.
Dorset’s Bridport Hat Festival every September is a joyful celebration of eccentricity, while the Dorset Seafood Festival in Weymouth turns the harbour into a seafood lover’s paradise. The area’s farm shops - like Washingpool Farm near Bridport or Darts Farm in Topsham - are perfect for stocking up before a cottage feast.
Gloucestershire brings the flavours of the Cotswolds to the table, with local cheeses, traditional ales, cider and produce from the surrounding farms. Around towns such as Cheltenham, Cirencester and Stroud, you’ll find independent cafés, restaurants, farmers’ markets and farm shops showcasing ingredients from across the county. The Cotswolds are also home to a growing collection of food and drink producers, making a leisurely lunch or country pub stop an enjoyable part of exploring the area.
Wiltshire has its own strong food traditions, with local cheeses, farmhouse produce, cider and the county’s famous Wiltshire ham. Salisbury and the surrounding market towns provide plenty of opportunities to sample local ingredients, while farm shops and country pubs offer an easy way to experience the more traditional side of Wiltshire’s food culture. For visitors exploring the county’s villages and historic landscapes, stopping for a local lunch or browsing a farmers’ market can be as much a part of the experience as visiting its famous monuments.
Activities for All: Walking, Cycling Surfing and Adventure
Adventure is never far away in the South West. Cornwall is famous for its surf culture, with beaches such as Fistral, Sennen Cove and Polzeath offering opportunities for experienced surfers and beginners alike. The county is also ideal for coasteering, kayaking, cycling and coastal walking, while the Camel Trail provides a popular traffic-free route through the countryside.
Devon offers an equally varied choice of outdoor activities. Dartmoor provides opportunities for walking, climbing and wild swimming, while the South Devon coast and estuaries are well suited to kayaking and paddleboarding. The Tarka Trail offers a largely traffic-free route through North Devon, and the South West Coast Path provides countless opportunities to explore the county's coastline on foot.
In Somerset, visitors can explore the underground chambers of Wookey Hole, take a journey on the West Somerset Railway or climb Glastonbury Tor for panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. The Somerset Levels and wetlands are particularly rewarding for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts, with places such as Ham Wall offering the chance to see a wide variety of birdlife and, at certain times of year, spectacular starling murmurations.
Dorset combines some of the South West's finest walking and coastal landscapes. The South West Coast Path follows the dramatic Jurassic Coast, where fossil hunting, beach walks and geological discoveries are all part of the experience. Inland, the county's countryside provides opportunities for cycling, walking and wildlife watching, while the Jurassic Coast's cliffs and beaches offer some of England's most distinctive coastal scenery.
In Gloucestershire, the Cotswold Way provides one of the region's best-known long-distance walking routes, crossing the Cotswold landscape between Bath and Chipping Campden. The Forest of Dean offers a very different outdoor experience, with woodland walks, cycling trails and mountain biking, while the River Wye provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Families can also enjoy easier forest trails, including the Colliers Trail, while more adventurous cyclists can head to the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre.
Wiltshire is equally well suited to exploring on foot or by bicycle. The county has an extensive network of footpaths and long-distance routes, including the Ridgeway and the White Horse Trail, while the Kennet & Avon Canal provides a peaceful setting for walking and cycling. The 160-mile Wiltshire Cycleway passes through many of the county's most attractive landscapes and towns, while the countryside around the Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site offers the opportunity to combine outdoor exploration with some of England's most important prehistoric monuments.
For something more adventurous, the South West has plenty to offer. From surfing and coasteering along the Atlantic coast to mountain biking in the Forest of Dean, paddleboarding on the River Wye and cycling through Wiltshire's chalk landscapes, there are activities to suit families, couples, solo travellers and experienced outdoor enthusiasts alike.
For anyone who simply wants to enjoy the scenery at a slower pace, the region's network of coastal paths, woodland trails, canal towpaths and countryside footpaths makes walking one of the easiest ways to experience the South West.
Plan Your South West Escape Today
South West England is no ordinary holiday destination. Each county offers its own character, from Cornwall’s dramatic coast and surf culture, through Devon’s moors and beaches, across Somerset’s hills and cider country, to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. In Gloucestershire, the rolling Cotswolds and ancient Forest of Dean provide a very different landscape, while Wiltshire combines beautiful chalk countryside with some of England’s most remarkable prehistoric monuments and historic towns.
Add in a collection of truly distinctive holiday cottages – ranging from lighthouses to treehouses, barn conversions to historic buildings – and the result is an escape that can feel both memorable and wonderfully individual.
The region’s independent spirit, diverse landscapes and vibrant local culture make it ideal for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, dramatic coastlines or peaceful countryside, historic towns or a touch of the unexpected, South West England has plenty to discover.
Explore our curated collection of premium, quirky, and unique holiday cottages, and start planning your South West adventure today. With so much variety across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, one visit will never be enough.