The South Coast of England has long been a favourite place to visit for many across the country, and with staycations looking more and more likely towards Spring 2021, it’s great to know some of the hotspots worth visiting before booking your trip away. With plenty of coastline and culture, South Devon has so much to offer for holiday-goers, including castles, canoeing and everything in between. Here is a selection of the best hotspots to experience during your next staycation.
Powderham Castle
For those who love history and culture, or simply enjoy walking around strikingly beautiful surroundings, Powderham Castle is a must for your next trip down south. The grand Devonshire estate boasts acres of green, open land to explore, such as the deer park and the rose gardens. Not to mention the castle itself, which will be open to tours once restrictions are lifted.
The estate is also dog friendly, with admissions for your furry friend only costing £1, making this a great hotspot for everyone. In the hopes we are out of lockdown come April, the castle is hosting an array of events, from music concerts to gardening shows with tickets on sale now.
Exmouth Beach
Situated at the mouth of the River Exe, Exmouth Beach is a very popular spot to visit for families and friends alike. Its two mile stretch of pure golden sands makes this beach unique and is a rare find on the south coast of England. For those who are interested in water sports, Exmouth Beach has an array of options on offer during the peak summer months. These include surfing, paddle boarding and even kayaking.
Exmouth’s stunning cliffside scenery also makes this beach a popular spot, allowing visitors to take in the picturesque landscape from sunrise till sunset. Alternatively, you can enjoy this stunning scenery from one of Exmouth’s many seafront apartments. Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays has a fantastic selection, such as the Seashells apartment, which looks over the Exe Estuary with the main beach just two minutes away.
Exe Estuary
The Exe Estuary is one of Britain’s top locations to spot wildlife as thousands of bird’s flock here yearly. The perfect way to experience the scenery and wildlife is by bike, with a newly built cycle trail stretching from Exmouth up to Topsham and back down to Dawlish Warren. This flat 26-kilometre trail makes for a great day out with the family or even a romantic activity for two with refreshment stops along the way. Bike hire available in the towns, such as Exmouth and Topsham.
River Dart
The river, which runs through the coastal town of Dartmouth, is namely one of the most beautiful places to visit on the south coast. Many people love to walk along the Dart Valley Trail, which goes over the clifftops with spectacular views. However, another popular activity here is hiring canoes or kayaks and venturing out on to the waters.
You can go solo or take a trip out in an experienced group if it’s your first time. The experiences groups will also show you the hidden gems along the coastline. This is truly a brilliant summer holiday hotspot for families and a great place to experience the English Riviera.
Pebblebed Wines and Vineyard
If you enjoy the finer things in life, Devon isn’t short of top-quality food and drink. Located just five minutes down the M5 from Exeter is the Pebblebed Vineyard where you can experience guided tours of the vineyard, as well as expert tasting sessions. Additionally, their wine cellar and shop are close by in the old town of Topsham where you can taste the exquisite wines and buy your own bottles.
This is a great hotspot for couples as well as groups of friends. There are some gorgeous holiday cottages nearby in Topsham from Sweetcombe, including Harding House, which is a great find for a large group of friends wanting a fun weekend away.
These are just a handful of amazing South coast hotspots that will make for a great trip away once restrictions are relaxed. You should also check out Hampshire, which has some lovely beaches to enjoy too.
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