A Slow Travel Tour Of The Southwest Of England

Horseriding or hiking through Dartmoor and Exmoor, surfing off the beach at Croyde, or taking a trip in a motorised glider for a bird’s-eye view of the Cornish and Devon landscape – the southwest of England offers plenty for outdoors enthusiasts to get excited about. Discover the beauty of the region on these adventures and relax in a top spa hotel – bookable on Culture Trip.

The fossil-packed, World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, the windswept wilds of Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, Croyde on the north coast with its buzzy surf scene – Natural Devon is an irresistible dream for outdoorsy types on a go-slow break. Beyond the lively waterside towns and cities such as Exeter, Plymouth, Dartmouth and Torquay, you can horse-ride through moorlands, surf the waves, go river or sea kayaking, hike remote paths, paddle in the English Channel, spot wild ponies and red deer, or take it all in from a bird’s-eye view aboard a motorglider. Many of the county’s most intriguing sights tie in outstanding walks, too, such as the Dart Valley Trail to crime author Agatha Christie’s unmissable riverside summer home, Greenway.

“Devon seems to delight in slowing you down,” says Belinda Dixon, a local Ordnance Survey GetOutside ambassador. “Hidden beaches, steep coastal paths and twisting, hedge-lined lanes tempt you to take your time. And empty, expansive Dartmoor is perfect for hiking off grid.”

Where to Stay: the Hotel

1. Sidmouth Harbour Hotel & Spa

Boutique Hotel, Spa Hotel

Gazing out on Lyme Bay from the pretty southern town of Sidmouth, with its Georgian and Regency architecture, the coastal-chic, nautical-nodding Harbour Hotel makes a great base after a day of leisurely exploring. The 56-room boutique property is just steps from the beach, ideal for exploring the Jurassic Coast – you could even tackle part of the 630mi (1,013km) South West Coast Path – and picnics can be arranged at the hotel. The heated outdoor pool has great views and there’s a spa with hydrotherapy pool and Espa treatments for the ultimate in relaxation. The restaurant serves up seasonal delights including roast hake, grilled tiger prawns and squash ravioli with brown butter sauce.

What to Do: the Experiences

2. Guided Walk Along the North Cornish Coast

Tours, Activities

Morwenstow village is the starting point for this exhilarating 4mi (6km) hike along the wild and isolated Cornish coastline. Wander the clifftops of the Hartland Heritage Coast until you reach a remote 19th-century timber hut where Anglican priest and poet Robert Hawker composed his verses, stopping off at a Norman church and 13th-century pub. Dazzling Atlantic views, peaceful meadows and steep paths are all part of the thrill.

3. Fly a Motor Glider in Devon

Activities

England’s sweeping southwest corner takes on a whole new beauty when admired from the sky on a sun-soaked day. This motor glider trip flies above the wildly beautiful Blackdown Hills on the Devon-Somerset border. Spot landmarks such as the Culmstock Beacon and 19th-century Wellington Monument, the tallest three-sided obelisk in the world. Back on land, you can delve into World War II history at the Dunkeswell Airfield Heritage Centre.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.