Coastal Towns
There is something in the water and in the air of our coastal towns. Historically retreats for artists and the rich who came in search of inspiration, to take the sea air and enjoy restorative walks along the promenade, nowadays our English coastal towns appeal to all of us in search of an expanse of big sky and afternoon tea in a grand hotel. Bustling marinas and coastal villages offer a place to moor up or the opportunity to cast off in search of a day on the waves. The artists are still here for the special light and many seaside towns host year-round cultural events and festivals.
Head to Salcombe for butterscotch beaches and bright blue waters
A haven for yachties and those who prefer to keep their deck shoes firmly on dry land.
Location: Salcombe, Devon
Uncover millions of years of history on the English Riviera
The English Riviera is steeped in rich seafaring history, with stories of pirates, smugglers and shipwrecks waiting to be uncovered.
Location: English Riviera, Devon
Explore The Grand Pier of Weston-super-Mare
Relive happy childhood memories of eating ice creams, skimming stones and skipping along piers in Weston-super-Mare.
Location: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Glamping in a shepherd’s hut
Find inspiration, learn and relax at Woodspring Farm, a well-hidden jewel on National Trust Land, in the seaside village of Kewstoke.
Location: Kewstoke, Somerset
Leap into the surf at some of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches
Surfing is every bit as much fun as it looks and the true Cornish experience is not complete without riding the waves at one of Cornwall’s golden beaches, with well-trained instructors.
Location: Across Cornwall
Explore Lyme Regis
Wander round narrow streets and along the South West Coastal Path.
Location: Lyme Regis, Dorset
Go rugged and budget in Cornwall
Newly renovated, situated on the rugged cornish coast and cheap as chips.
Location: Boscastle, Cornwall
Uncover Wareham’s southern charm and civil war past
Wareham is packed with old red-brick houses and wonky, half-timber cottages that'll have your trigger finger reaching for the camera button.
Location: Wareham, Dorset
July events: Penzance Literary Festival
A literary festival on the Cornish coast with a distinctly local flavour and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for book lovers.
Location: Penzance, Cornwall
September events: Sample some fantastic seafood at the Newquay Fish Festival
Feast upon the edible delights that swim Cornwall’s waters as local chefs cook up a treat, right before your eyes, at the Newquay Fish Festival.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall
September events: Experience Agatha Christie's Riviera in Devon
Discover Agatha Christie's Riviera and follow in her footsteps by attending her namesake festival, and walking the Agatha Christie Mile in the bustling harbour town of Torquay.
Location: Torquay, Devon
Wake up early for a totally worth it tour of Brixham Fish Market
An early morning visit to Brixham's famous fish market is the most authentic way to experience coastal life in the southwest of England.
Location: Brixham, Devon
September events: Bournemouth Air Festival
The world's biggest airshow brings together the thrill of gravity-defying plane displays and an abundance of family entertainment on the ground - all for free!
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Escape modern life with a stay at Skipper’s Cabin
Enjoy the splendid isolation and dramatic sea views in the rustic retreat that is Cornwall’s Skipper’s Cabin.
Location: Padstow, Cornwall
Enjoy jazz, art and sunsets in St Ives
Some say it’s the painterly light that makes St Ives so special. For others it’s the great swathes of golden sand.
Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Be a big cat keeper for a day at Dartmoor Zoo
Join the Big Cat Keepers at Dartmoor Zoo for this hard work, hands on, all day experience.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Head to The Cary Arms for a luxurious dog friendly getaway
The Cary Arms is the perfect location for a dog friendly getaway, and with one of the UK’s dog friendly beaches on its door step, dogs can enjoy a paddle all year round.
Location: Babbacombe, Devon
Take a walk through Tresco Abbey Garden
Tresco Abbey Garden has unique climate conditions that allow for the growth of exotic and unique plant life.
Location: Isles of Scilly, Cornwall
Explore the Barbara Hepworth Museum
Whether you’re a garden lover, art aficionado or simply a St Ives devotee you can’t fail to fall for the magic of the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
Location: St Ives, Cornwall
Experience a spiritual side to Bournemouth's history
Visit St. Peter's Church for the stunning architecture, the famous final resting places or simply the atmosphere.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset