South West England car itinerary

Distance:
246 miles (395.6km)
Airport:
Bournemouth/Southampton/Gatwick/Heathrow

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

This tour of contrasts takes you on a journey through vast and enchanting woodlands, unspoilt countryside, sparkling coastal areas, picturesque villages and some of England’s most important heritage cities.

Day 1: New Forest - Dorchester

New Forest - Dorchester: 48 miles (77.3 km)
Totals for Day: 48 miles (77.3 km)

New Forest

First head for the New Forest, famous for its wild ponies that wander freely among the trees. Hutan kayu yang amat indah ini meliputi kawasan seluas 150 batu persegi menjangkau sehingga ke sebahagian Hampshire, Dorset dan Wiltshire, dan sememangnya salah satu kawasan hidupan liar yang paling penting di Eropah Barat.

Must see & do:

National Motor Museum Beaulieu | Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway | Breamore House | Longdown Activity Farm | Paultons Park | Buckler's Hard | Rockbourne Roman Villa | New Forest Museum | Totton and Eling Heritage Centre | Eling Tide Mill

Dorchester

From here a scenic drive takes you to Dorchester, famously depicted in the novels of Thomas Hardy. The mood of the rural life he described so meticulously is recaptured at Hardy's Cottage and the Dorset County Museum. Selain itu, kebanyakan Pantai Warisan yang indah masih tidak berubah.

Must see & do:

The Hardy Monument | The Keep Military Museum | Maiden Castle

Day 2: Dorchester - Yeovil

Yeovil - Exeter: 55½ miles (88.9 km)
Totals for Day: 76 miles (121.6 km)

Yeovil

Credit: Stuart Bryant

Turning north into Somerset, you'll hit the bustling market town of Yeovil.  Sejak berabad-abad lamanya pekan ini telah menjadi kawasan perdagangan, dan anda akan dapat melihat gabungan menarik antara kedai-kedai berjenama terkenal, kedai bebas serta pasar jalanan dan pasar tani yang kerap diadakan, semuanya dengan sebuah daya tarikan Desa Barat (yang tersendiri.

Must see & do:

Jungle Jungle | Montacute House | Montacute Radio and TV Museum

Exeter

For a breathtaking combination of coast and countryside, head south to Devon. Tanah semenanjung yang dramatik, pantai pasir yang hebat dan ‘combes’ yang penuh dengan pokok-pokok menanti anda di Devon Utara, sementara Devon Selatan menawarkan tebing-tebing batu pasir. Exeter is an intimate city brimming with colourful character and steeped in ancient history.

Must see & do:

Exeter Cathedral | Exeter's Underground Passages | Custom House | Northcott | Bill Douglas Centre

Day 3: Exeter - Padstow - St Ives

Exeter - Padstow: 75 miles (120.8 km)
Padstow - St Ives: 47 miles (75.9 km)
Totals for Day: 122 miles (196.7 km)

Padstow

Credit: Barry

Padstow, with its fleet of trawlers, netters and crabbers and colourful harbour surrounded by pastel-washed medieval houses, is an example of what Cornwall does best - it's a working port which wears a holiday hat.

Must see & do:

Prideaux Place | Padstow Museum | St Breock Downs Monolith

St Ives

Your last stop on this breathtaking tour of South-West England is the historic fishing, farming and mining town of St Ives. Terkenal dengan pantai-pantai ‘blue-flag’, laluan pinggir pantai, galeri seni, studio dan kedai-kedai kraf, St Ives telah menarik ramai artis dan pecinta seni sejak abad ke-19.

Must see & do:

Chysauster Ancient Village | Tate St Ives