The South West 660 is a 660-mile UK road trip route that takes you along a selection of south England’s most scenic roads. Hug the coast of Dorset, whilst treating yourself to foodie delights or opting for action-packed activities. On this 5-day journey, you will drive from Poole to Exeter, passing through idyllic seaside villages, Blue Flag beaches and the UK’s only Natural World Heritage Site.
5 days, zero-hassle and all this included:
- 4 nights B&B accommodation in a selection of hotels & guest houses
- Breakfast each morning
- Recommendations for all the best things to do/see/eat
- Handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
- 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
- South West 660 membership (includes detailed route notes & GPX files)
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Plus flexible booking terms as part of our Adventure Promise, including instalment payments to spread the cost of your adventure.
Check out the full itinerary in the tab above!
For adventurers who:
Are looking for an epic 4-day south coast England road trip. The South West of England offers something for everyone, so whether you are looking for an action-packed week of adventure or days filled with foodie delights, this road trip can be tailored to suit you!
Day 1: Poole to Studland (SW660 Route Section 1)
Doing Dorest right
Your road trip begins in Poole, Dorset, a well-connected town with a ferry port offering easy access from Europe. An idyllic seaside destination, Poole is the perfect place to set the tone for your South West 660 experience. The beautiful thing about this south coast England road trip is that you can tailor it to suit you, choosing when to stop and what to do!
Explore this spectacular section of the Dorset coast your way, choose to visit Sandbanks Peninsula which forms part of Poole Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour. Recognised as one of the UK’s best beaches, Sandbanks boasts three miles of golden sandy blue flag beach.
Set your own pace
You could experience the rugged Jurassic coast with a paddle past iconic chalky cliffs on a kayak tour or take a more relaxed approach and watch the kite surfers whilst devouring a delicious Dorset ice cream on Sandbanks beach.
All aboard to South Haven Point
Time to get moving, board the chain ferry as it chugs its way from Sandbanks to South Haven Point. Drive through Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve, home to the UK’s richest population of dragonflies, before arriving at your accommodation in Studland.
A stone’s throw from Studland beach, your accommodation is one of the most charming hotels in Dorset. Explore one of the walks from your hotel, take a dip in the pool or enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea by the open fire.
Day 2: Studland to Lyme Regis (SW660 Route Section 1)
The open road awaits
Enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off from Studland. Follow the Dorset coast westwards, today’s journey takes you through one of the country’s largest Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, you’ll also be passing through more of the extraordinary landscapes of the Jurassic Coast, the UK’s only natural World Heritage Site.
Historical delights
Corfe Castle makes a fantastic first stop, the castle itself sits dramatically above the village that shares its name. With an interesting history to learn about, the castle is also one of the most photogenic panoramic views in Dorset.
Coastal highlights
Stop in West Bexington to enjoy a famous Dorset Crab sandwich. Other highlights of this stretch to choose from include Chesil Beach, one of the world’s finest and longest pebble barriers, and the strange orange sandstone of Golden Cap, the highest cliff along the whole southern English coastline.
Home from Home
Arrive in Lyme Regis, your place to rest for the next two nights. Tuck yourself up in your cosy bed or perhaps head out for an evening meal at one of the local restaurants.
Day 3: Lyme Regis
Rise and Shine
Your B&B prides itself on having one of the best breakfasts around. Savour each locally-sourced mouthful to set yourself up for the day ahead. Why not take some time to explore Lyme Regis itself, the town’s beach is within walking distance of your accommodation. You could head to the coast for a wild swim or choose to participate in one of the many water activities available.
Eat wild
Prefer to stay dry today? Join a foraging expert for a wild food walk. A wonderful introduction to the world of natural eating as you enjoy a peaceful walk through the picturesque countryside.
Fine dining over fire
For a unique culinary experience, join a half-day introduction to fire cooking. Learn how to use stunning local and seasonal ingredients to create a delicious fire-cooked meal.
Spend a second night relaxing at your seaside B&B.
Day 4: Lyme Regis to Exeter (SW660 Route Section 3)
The open road awaits!
Head out of Lyme Regis towards Exeter. Stop at Seaton Wetlands and enjoy a walk past beautiful marshlands and reed beds that run along the River Exe. A countryside haven, there are five bird hides to enjoy a spot of bird watching.
Carbs are fuel
Further along the coast, you could pay a visit to Otterton Mill, a working mill in an idyllic setting. Experience the ancient traditions of flour milling, bread baking and much more. Continue on to Budleigh Salterton where the red sandstone cliffs and sea stacks mark the end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Take a stroll along the beach stopping for a highly recommended bacon and scallop roll at the Longboat Cafe.
Before continuing on to Exeter for the night, choose to experience a tour & to taste at an award-winning vineyard. A small family-run vineyard producing world-class wines – what more could you want?
Savour your experience
Set beside the Blackaller Weir your home for your final night is a characterful property. With lovingly restored historic rooms, you’ll have no problem unwinding with unmatched views across the River Exe.
Day 5
After a final breakfast, it’s time to head home, with all your new memories from this section of the South West 660. If you would like to pick up where you left off, why not enquire about completing the next leg of this fantastic south coast England road trip route.
What's included
- 4 nights B&B accommodation in a selection of hotels & guest houses in a double or twin shared room
- Breakfast each morning
- South West 660 membership (includes detailed route notes & GPX files)
- handy mobile app to keep every trip detail at your fingertips
- 24/7 telephone support during your adventure
- 1 native tree planted in our woodland
Supercharge your trip
- Private room – this trip is based on a 2-person booking in a shared room
- Solo traveller – this trip is based on a 2-person booking but if you wish to travel, alone please let us know
- If you would like to book any of the activities listed in the trip description, please include details in your enquiry form
What you need to bring
- Waterproof & windproof jacket – the weather can change quickly on the coast so it’s essential to carry one, even in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat and gloves – even in summer it can get cold on the coast and in the hills
- Sun cream, sunglasses, insect repellent and a sun hat
- Day backpack – to carry hydration and snacks on walks/outings
- Activity-specific kit, e.g. swimming costume
What you need to know
- Dates are booked to suit you – please enquire about the availability of your preferred dates using the enquiry form
- This is your adventure and you’re in control – if you’d like any of the experiences listed or your stay extended, simply let us know when you submit your enquiry
- We will provide driving routes with a written description and a gpx file
- Enjoy the reassurance of flexible booking terms, part of our Adventure Promise
Getting here
By Air
- The closest International airports to Poole are Bournemouth and Southampton Airports (under 1hr approx). Poole is approximately 2hrs from London Heathrow Airport
By Rail
- The closest train station to the start point is Poole Station
By Road
- This section of the South West 660 route finishes in Exeter. From Exeter you can pick up the M5
By Ferry
- Brittany Ferries run ferries from Europe to Poole Ferry Port
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