Overview

Self-Drive Holidays
11 Nights
  • Fully customisable itinerary
  • Prices from: £1575 per person
  • Best time to go: April - October
  • Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Breathtaking beaches
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From the vast expanse of golden sand at Woolacombe to the surfing hotspot of Fistral Beach in Newquay, the beaches here are among the best in the world.

St Ives
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Explore the beautiful artists’ town of St Ives which is home to some of the best art galleries and museums in Britain, including Tate St Ives and the Barbara Hepworth Museum & Sculpture Garden.

The town is a rabbit warren of little alleyways full of independent galleries and excellent places to eat and drink.

Fabulous food
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From Rick Stein’s famous seafood restaurants in Padstow to Nathan Outlaw’s two Michelin star restaurant in Port Isaac, foodies flock from far and wide to dine on the wonderful local produce of south-west England. From seafood shacks to fine dining, there is something to suit all budgets and tastes.

Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
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Covering 95 miles of beautiful coastline, the Jurassic Coast is Britain’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and records 185 million years of the earth’s history. The natural limestone archway at Durdle Door is one of the most famous landmarks on the south coast.

Tintagel Castle
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Discover historic Tintagel Castle, the reputed birthplace of King Arthur, which dates back to 1230. With a dramatic coastal location, this is one of the most spectacular historic sites in Britain.

Coastal walks
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Explore hidden coves and beautiful fishing villages nestled amongst the stunning coastline here. The famous South West Coast Path walking trail runs for 630 miles around the entire coastline of Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, and is clearly waymarked in both directions.

An Unforgettable Road Trip in Cornwall, Devon & Dorset

Discover beautiful beaches and picture-postcard villages on this fantastic self-drive tour of England’s magnificent south west.

Explore wild Exmoor National Park before travelling into Cornwall with its world-famous beaches and sublime seafood. Venture through the rugged Lizard Peninsula into delightful South Devon where you’ll find quaint villages and delicious cream teas, before travelling back in time to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast – an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 185 million years.

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Begin your self-drive holiday with a spectacular drive through Exmoor National Park – famous for its rugged coastline, sweeping moors and iconic Exmoor ponies – before stopping to explore the quaint adjoining villages of Lynton & Lynmouth with their Victorian Cliff Railway. Continue past the fascinating Valley of the Rocks to Devon’s golden northern coast where you’ll have plenty of time to relax at some of England’s finest beaches, such as Woolacombe and Saunton Sands.

Continue past the quaint village of Clovelly into the ancient Celtic kingdom of Cornwall where you can explore King Arthur’s Tintagel Castle – one of Britain’s most spectacular historic sites – and the vibrant, foodie town of Padstow.

South Cornwall awaits – truly one of Europe’s most beautiful regions. Discover the artists’ town of St Ives, the magical Minack Theatre, the ancient tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, and iconic Land’s End. The coastline here is remarkable and there are awe-inspiring walks in every direction.

Venture past quaint fishing villages and rugged clifftops into beautiful South Devon. The coastline here is dotted with beautiful beaches and picturesque towns such as Salcombe, while the larger towns of Dartmouth and Brixham have a fascinating maritime history to discover. Nearby you could visit Greenway House – the beloved holiday home of author Agatha Christie – and the magnificent woodland garden which drifts down the hillside towards the sparkling Dart Estuary.

Travel through the English Riviera into Dorset where the incredible coastline dates back 185 million years. This magnificent stretch of coast is teeming with dinosaur fossils and geological landmarks like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Inland there are picturesque woodland walks and cosy inns which Thomas Hardy used as a backdrop for his tales of love and tragedy.

Return to Bristol where your unforgettable tour of south-west England will come to an end.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Whilst our suggested itinerary begins in Bristol, it is also available to start from many other locations including London.

Day 1: Bristol to North Devon
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Arrive in Bristol where you’ll collect your hire car and travel south into Exmoor National Park – famous for its rugged coastline, sweeping moors and iconic Exmoor ponies.

If time allows you could stop and visit tranquil Cleeve Abbey and magnificent Dunster Castle before stopping in the quaint adjoining villages of Lynton & Lynmouth with their Victorian Cliff Railway.

Continue along the coast to the fascinating Valley of the Rocks – a dramatic geological feature on the northern edge of Exmoor and an unmissable photo opportunity – before arriving in Devon’s golden north-west coast where you will spend the next two nights.
Overnight – North Devon

Day 2: North Devon Sightseeing
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Today you could spend the day relaxing on some of England’s finest beaches such as Woolacombe and Saunton Sands, or travel into Exmoor National Park to hike through beautiful wooded valleys and dramatic moorland.

For an unforgettable experience, take a boat trip to Lundy Island which lies 12 miles off the coast. Although only three miles in length and half-a-mile wide, the island offers an amazingly diverse range of things to do for day-trippers, and because of its isolation the habitat for wildlife is often compared to that of Galapagos. Boats depart from both Bideford and Ilfracombe.
Overnight – North Devon

Day 3: North Devon to North Cornwall
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Visit the delightful village of Clovelly before travelling into the ancient Celtic kingdom of Cornwall. Stop to explore King Arthur’s Tintagel Castle which dates back to the 13th century and is one of Britain’s most spectacular historic sites.
Overnight – North Cornwall

Day 4: North Cornwall Sightseeing
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Today you could visit Port Isaac – an idyllic village which has featured in countless films and TV series including Fisherman’s Friends and Doc Martin. This traditional fishing village is home to several excellent restaurants, including the acclaimed Restaurant Nathan Outlaw which overlooks rugged Cornish coastline.

Nearby, the vibrant town of Padstow has a similar foodie reputation, and celebrity chef Rick Stein has several popular seafood eateries where you can experience the fantastic local produce of North Cornwall.
Overnight – North Cornwall

Day 5: North Cornwall to South Cornwall
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Continue south into the heart of Cornwall. This proud region has a rich cultural heritage which has left an indelible mark on the landscape, not least in the fascinating mining sites that have created the largest World Heritage Site in the UK. With dozens of museums and historic sites spread across Cornwall and West Devon, there are many places where you can stop and learn about the world-changing Cornish mining culture.

Your base for the next three nights is the coast of South Cornwall – truly one of the world’s most breathtaking stretches of coastline. This wonderful region is packed full of historic sites, quaint villages, and brilliant beaches.
Overnight – South Cornwall

Day 6: South Cornwall Sightseeing
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The endless attractions of Cornwall are yours to discover today. You could explore the arty town of St Ives, with its famous galleries and museums, or head to iconic Land’s End – Britain’s most south-westerly point.

Just south of Land’s End is the incredible Minack Theatre – Cornwall’s world-famous open-air theatre which is carved into the granite cliff and set in glorious gardens overlooking the spectacular panorama of Porthcurno Bay.
Overnight – South Cornwall

Day 7: South Cornwall Sightseeing
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Today you could relax near your accommodation and enjoy a short stroll along the coast, or venture further afield to cross the tidal causeway to St Michael’s Mount – a spectacular island known as ‘the jewel in Cornwall’s crown.’ The castle on the rock rises majestically out of the sea and dates back to the 14th century.

Nearby there are countless places to explore, including the quintessential Cornish fishing village of Mousehole, the rugged Lizard Peninsula with its majestic clifftops, and the vibrant, foodie town of Falmouth which is home to Henry VIII’s Pendennis Castle.
Overnight – South Cornwall

Day 8: South Cornwall to South Devon
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Travel east into the Roseland Heritage Coast – home to an endless array of picture-postcard villages such as St Mawes and Portloe. Stop to explore the Eden Project, a dramatic global garden housed in a tropical biome. This huge, tropical garden offers a fascinating insight into the story of mankind’s dependence on plant life

Travel through the historic, maritime city of Plymouth with its picturesque Barbican district into glorious South Devon – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Overnight – South Devon

Day 9: South Devon Sightseeing
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Today you could spend some time exploring Devon’s magical coastline which is fringed with beautiful towns such as Salcombe, Brixham and Dartmouth. There are countless gorgeous beaches to relax at, as well as historic sites to discover like Greenway House – once home to author Agatha Christie – and the grand 1920s country retreat Coleton Fishacre, with its glorious gardens by the sea.

Alternatively, travel inland to Dartmoor National Park which offers wild, open moorlands and deep river valleys.
Overnight – South Devon

Day 10: South Devon to Dorset
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Today you will make your way through the ‘English Riviera’ with its popular Victorian seaside towns and into Dorset. You could stop en route to visit the historic city of Exeter with its famous Cathedral – one of England’s finest – and the world-class Royal Albert Memorial Museum where you can learn more about Devonian and English history.
Overnight – Dorset

Day 11: Dorset Sightseeing
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Today you could step back in time to the age of the dinosaurs at Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. This 95 mile stretch of coastline was granted UNESCO World Heritage status for its outstanding geology revealing 185 million years of Earth’s history. The stunning natural landmarks of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Chesil Beach can all be found along this coastline and shouldn’t be missed.

If time allows, you could explore the unique Isle of Portland, discover the bustling harbour town of Weymouth, or venture inland into ‘Thomas Hardy Country’ with its ancient forests and cosy inns.
Overnight – Dorset

Day 12: Dorset to Bristol and depart
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Today you will depart Dorset and travel back to Bristol to return your hire car. At this point your memorable self-drive tour of Cornwall, Devon & Dorset will come to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 11 nights including traditional English breakfast
  • Comprehensive information pack
  • Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
  • Map of England with our recommended driving route
  • 12 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Flights
  • Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Special Places to Stay Special Places to Stay
Premium Premium
Premium Premium
Standard Standard
Standard Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Category
Accommodation type
Price per person
Standard
4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels
From £1575

A collection of quality 4* Guest Houses and 3* Hotels often located in beautiful locations which provide an excellent standard of accommodation.

Tastefully decorated and furnished, these properties are generally owned and operated by locals who have a genuine passion for their region which they are keen to share with you. Their warm hospitality is sure to be a highlight of your experience.

Premium
Boutique Guest Houses and 4* Hotels
From £2405

Our Premium category includes a unique collection of luxurious and stylish boutique Guest Houses and small 4* Hotels. These are wonderfully charming and intimate and run with great flair by their owners.

It also comprises larger 4* Hotels selected for their high standard of accommodation, exceptional service, and great location. These range from traditional luxury to contemporary Hotels.

Special Places to Stay
Exceptional Hotels and luxury Resorts
Please enquire

From award-winning luxury Hotels to unique country retreats, all of which offer exceptional accommodation with superb facilities and outstanding service.

These are truly magical places and amongst the best England has to offer. The perfect choice when you would like somewhere really special which can be a treat for the night or for your entire holiday.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

  • Collision Damage Waiver
  • Super Damage Excess Waiver
  • Third Party Insurance
  • Theft Waiver
  • Tax
Economy
Vauxhall Corsa or similar
  • Good for 2 people
  • Maximum of 4 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Compact
Ford Focus or similar
  • Good for 2 – 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 2 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Intermediate
Volkswagen Passat or similar
  • Good for up to 4 people
  • Maximum of 5 passengers
  • 3 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission
Fullsize
VW Sharan or similar
  • Good for 5 people
  • Maximum of 7 passengers
  • 3 – 4 large suitcases
  • Manual or automatic transmission

Make an enquiry

Highlights of South West England

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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