England’s South West might bring summer holidays to mind, but there’s plenty to love about it in winter. Think dramatic coastlines, countryside walks and historic towns, with cosy cafés and welcoming pubs to warm up in afterwards. Quieter beaches offer room for windswept wanders with the dog, while museums, castles and indoor attractions make it easy to change plans if the weather turns.
Whether you’re planning a long weekend or a midweek adventure, these three-day itineraries offer ideas for a short winter break. One explores Somerset, while the other follows Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. Each includes places to explore, stops for food and somewhere to stay, with dog-friendly walks, family attractions and options for rainy days.
Planning a break in the South West this winter? Read on for places to visit and things to do, or download our full PDF guide below to save for later and take on your trip. Whatever the season, our South West Road Trip guidebook has you covered. It has even more places to see, eat and stay, from scenic walks and must-see sights to pet-friendly accommodation and road trip routes.
3 DAYS IN SOMERSET
Weston-super-Mare to the Mendip Hills
Your three-day Somerset road trip kicks off on the coast, with seaside strolls and nostalgia in Weston-super-Mare and Burnham-on-Sea before you head inland to climb Glastonbury Tor and explore Wells, England’s smallest city. The Mendip Hills bring dramatic gorges and underground caves at Cheddar Gorge, plus woodland walks and plenty of chances to refuel with local cheese and cider along the way.
TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours 45 minutes.
What to see & do
Take a stroll in Burnham-on-Sea
With its Victorian seaside heritage, Burnham-on-Sea is a lovely spot for a winter wander. Follow the beach to its distinctive Low Lighthouse, then stop at Britain’s shortest pier for traditional seaside amusements. The nearby high street has independent shops to browse and cafés for a warming cuppa. Bringing the dog? Seasonal restrictions lift on several stretches of beach from October to April.
Low Lighthouse, Burnham-on-Sea
Explore Wells Cathedral
England’s smallest city is a lovely place to while away an hour or two, with ancient buildings, quirky pubs and cosy cafés. Its magnificent cathedral is the star of the show, with one of the world’s oldest medieval clock faces and a remarkable collection of historic stained glass. Guided tours are included with admission and run year-round Monday to Saturday.
Climb Glastonbury Tor
Topped by an imposing 15th-century church tower, Glastonbury Tor is a steep climb with a spectacular reward. Allow around 30 minutes to reach the summit, where sweeping views stretch across the surrounding countryside. Steeped in myth, the hill is said to conceal the Holy Grail. Don’t leave without browsing the town’s quirky spiritual shops and exploring Glastonbury Abbey’s atmospheric ruins, home to the supposed burial site of King Arthur.
Glastonbury Tor
Take the Ebbor Gorge trail
Said to be one of the Mendips’ most unspoilt gorges, Ebbor Gorge makes a dramatic setting for a winter walk. Explore this National Nature Reserve’s woodland and limestone scenery, then follow the uphill path to a viewpoint overlooking the Somerset Levels towards Glastonbury Tor. Sturdy boots are a must, with rocky sections slippery in wet weather.
Head underground at Cheddar Gorge
Some of Cheddar Gorge’s biggest attractions lie beneath its dramatic limestone cliffs, making it a good choice for a rainy day. Head underground at England’s largest gorge to explore stalactite-filled caves and visit the prehistoric museum, then climb Jacob’s Ladder’s 274 steps for far-reaching views. Dogs on leads are welcome in all attractions. Don’t leave without stopping in Cheddar village to try its namesake cheese.
Cheddar Gorge
Go birdwatching at Chew Valley Lake
Chew Valley Lake is a haven for wintering ducks, making it a rewarding spot for birdwatching. Bring your binoculars to look for broad-billed shovelers, colourful teal and tufted ducks, then follow the all-weather 1.2km Grebe Trail for a gentle lakeside stroll. Afterwards, warm up with fish and chips at lakeside Salt & Malt.
Where to say in winter
Uphill Marina & Touring Park – set around a saltwater lake near Weston, a 5-minute walk from the all-year dog-friendly Uphill Beach
Orchard Farm Luxury Glamping – luxury pods in a cider orchard near Glastonbury
Petruths Paddocks Campsite – on the outskirts of Cheddar, with hot showers and pay-as-you-go electric hook-up
Where to eat
The Smokehouse Kitchen – American-style breakfasts in Burnham-on-Sea
The Good Earth – Vegan and vegetarian cafe in Wells city
Lion Rock Tea Rooms – Brunch, lunch and fireside afternoon tea in the heart of Cheddar Gorge
Grand Pier, Weston-super-Mare
BEST STOP FOR KIDS: Weston-super-Mare’s Grand Pier brings classic seaside fun indoors, making it a handy stop when the winter weather turns. Head into the pavilion for arcade games, dodgems, go-karts and mini golf, then dig into fish and chips with views across the Bristol Channel
BEST DOG WALK: Almost 400ft deep and three miles long, Cheddar Gorge is one of England’s most spectacular natural sights. Follow the four-mile (6.4km) circular Gorge Walk from near Lion Rock Tea Rooms for views across Cheddar Reservoir and the Somerset Levels. Watch for goats grazing along the cliff edges. Allow around two hours.
RAINY DAY OPTION: A two-hour tour of Thatchers’ Myrtle Farm offers a look at how its cider is made, with a tasting at the end. Tours run Tuesday to Friday.
Discover Robbie Roams on on an epic road trip around Somerset!
3 DAYS ON THE JURASSIC COAT
Lyme Regis to Bournemouth
Your three-day road trip begins in Lyme Regis, where a little fossil hunting sets the scene for the coastline ahead. Stop for seafood in West Bay, stretch your legs above Durdle Door and explore the atmospheric ruins of Corfe Castle. Take in the iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks before heading on to Bournemouth. Throughout the trip, you’ll find plenty of cosy cafés and pubs to warm up in.
TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 3 hours 30 minutes.
What to see & do
Search for fossils in Lyme Regis
Winter can be a rewarding time to hunt for fossils in Lyme Regis, as stormy weather exposes fresh finds. Join a guided fossil walk on East Beach and Black Ven, booked directly through the Lyme Regis Museum, or head west to Monmouth Beach at low tide to see its Ammonite Pavement, studded with fossils around 200 million years old. Guided walks run on selected winter dates, so book ahead. Choose a calm day and check tide times before you go.
Eat local seafood at West Bay harbour
West Bay’s fishing harbour sits beneath the sandstone cliffs seen in ITV’s Broadchurch. Take a stroll along the waterfront, then warm up over lunch. Rise is one year-round option, serving Lyme Bay seafood, including mussels, crab sandwiches and catch of the day, with views over the river and harbour.
West Bay, Dorset
Walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove
One of Dorset’s most recognisable landmarks, Durdle Door’s natural limestone arch draws crowds in summer but is quieter and no less striking in winter. Take in the arch from the viewpoints above, then head down to Man O’ War’s shingle beach.
On a calm day, follow the mile-long South West Coast Path to Lulworth Cove, with sweeping sea views and steep sections along the way. Its distinctive rounded bay and blue waters make a memorable finish, while The Saltwater Sauna offers a warming retreat by the sea, open daily year-round.
Lulworth Cove
Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle
Founded by William the Conqueror and partly destroyed after the English Civil War, this thousand-year-old castle makes an atmospheric winter stop. Spend a couple of hours exploring its broken towers and taking in sweeping views across the Purbeck countryside. Interactive storytelling points bring its history to life for children, while the village tea-room offers somewhere to warm up afterwards. Open year-round, the castle welcomes dogs on leads and hosts seasonal events
Blow away the cobwebs at Old Harry Rocks
A short coastal walk with far-reaching views, Old Harry Rocks makes a rewarding outing on a clear winter day. From South Beach car park in Studland, allow around 30 minutes each way, following the coast path above Poole Bay. The white chalk stacks are remnants of a ridge that once connected Dorset to the Isle of Wight, carved into their distinctive shapes by the sea.
Old Harry Rocks
Explore Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens
Free to visit and open year-round, Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens offer an easy winter stroll between the town centre and beach. The riverside paths pass the Victorian bandstand, with a rock garden and aviary to explore along the way. For a longer walk, the Tree Trail continues through the Central and Upper Gardens. Elsewhere in Bournemouth, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum has art collections to browse and a cliff-top garden with sea views.
Where to stay in winter
Parley Glade Campsite – located just outside of Bournemouth, open to the Camping & Caravan Club members only
Rock Point Inn – Comfy sea-view rooms in pub beside Lyme Regis harbour
Herston Caravan and Camping – large site with full facilities and a food van just 5 minutes from Swanage
Where to eat
The Lyme Bay – Breakfast, lunch and sweeping sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows
The Lodge – All-day dining beside Lulworth Cove with focus on locally caught seasonal fish and seafood
Renoufs – highly rated cheese and wine bar serving sharing boards in Bournemouth.
Corfe Castle
BEST STOP FOR KIDS: Bournemouth’s Oceanarium has an underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim overhead, as well as penguins and otters. Daily feeding talks offer a chance to learn more about the animals.
BEST DOG WALK: On Bournemouth’s eastern edge, Hengistbury Head combines a cliff-backed beach with nature-reserve paths, giving you and your dog a choice of coastal and inland routes.
RAINY DAY OPTION: Splashdown in Poole has indoor flumes ranging from twisting slides to tyre rides and faster drops. Younger children have their own space in the Buccaneer Splash play area.