Beaches, boats and bonfires: where to get your adventure fix in south west England

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door, Dorset

Perfect for…
Exploring quiet coves, coastal walks and stand up paddle boarding.

What to do?
Explore the local area (easiest by car). Drive down to Lulworth Cove and admire the beauty of the little inlet before walking along the coastal path to Stair Hole. Head further along the coast to spot Durdle Door, an exquisite spot of natural beauty – a pretty swimming spot, perfect for budding photographers. Head back down to the campsite (mentioned below) and grab some snacks (there’s a co-op around the corner) before grabbing a ‘fire-in-a-box’ from the farm shop. Then you can walk 10/15 minutes to the beach, where you can spark up your campfire, make smores and play some chilled tunes as you listen to the waves.

Where to stay?
Camping at Eweleaze Farm (only open in August)
Alternative: Osmington Mills Corner Campsite is pretty close and looks good on the website!

Where to eat?
Take your pick from the wood-fired pizza van at the campsite, the Mexican food truck Chilantro (situated in the car park at Kimmeridge Bay open 12-6pm daily) or opt for a boho beach BBQ.

Where to drink?
Be adventurous, buy some beer or local cider from the campsite shop, head to the beach and enjoy a few bevvies with the sea breeze.

Top tips…
Don’t forget your camping gear, a good sleeping mat goes a long way. Also, make sure you search out a level area to pitch your tent, you don’t want to be waking up having slid to the end of your sleeping bag… (I found out the hard way.. Hello other end of the tent).

Corfe Castle & Lyme Regis, Dorset

Perfect for…
Castle views, farm stays and fossil hunting.

What to do?
Explore Corfe Castle, learn about the history of the local area and visit the cute little sweet shop in the town. Alternatively, head to Lyme Regis, where you can hunt for fossils, admire an array of crystals and view dinosaur remains from millions of years ago!

Where to stay?
The Shepherds Hut at Wadden Farm on Airbnb. This cute little shepherd’s hut is approximately 25 minutes drive from Lyme Regis and acts as a remote, cosy base for a romantic escape (or a lovely chilled stay for one)!

Alternatively, Norden Farm Campsite is a lovely local farm and I have been staying here since I was little. This place is a great starting point for hikes and has really clean pitches and facilities.

Where to eat?
Poco Pizza, Lyme Regis. This is HANDS DOWN the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life. It’s pretty small and cosy but it is AMAZING.

Where to drink?
The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle. This homely British pub has stunning views of the castle from their beer garden. A pretty place to rest after your walking adventure.

Top tips…
Visit the traditional sweet shop in the centre of Corfe Castle village for a sugary-throwback. In Lyme Regis, pop into one of the fossil shops to purchase a hammer and chisel and you can head down to the beach to search out your own piece of the million-year-old coast.

Polperro, Cornwall

Perfect for…
Romantic breaks, cliff-top walks and arty independent stores.

What to do?
Weave your way through the tiny rows of houses and see the little fishing boats bobbing away in the port. Continue toward the sea, and you will find yourself on a short walk along the cliff top with unrivalled views of the ocean. Succumb to the leisurely pace of life and enjoy the ocean-inspired coffee shops and art studios.

Where to stay?
The House on the Props. This cosy hotel has a nautical-style restaurant downstairs and relaxed rooms upstairs – this is the perfect central location to explore Polperro. The owners are welcoming and the decor is tasteful and comfortable.

Where to eat?
The Kitchen, the food here was incredible. We indulged in huge Portuguese chicken skewers and decadent chocolate desserts. The owner is a local lady who has lived in the area for years and the vibe is cosy and relaxed.

Where to drink?
The Blue Peter. In the age of covid they are operating a ‘come-up-to-the-window’ service with drinks on tap, including local Cornish ciders and beers. This place is the local haunt and is usually buzzing with a fun, friendly atmosphere.

Top tips…
Take a camera and adventure slowly. Embrace the tiny-village feel and savour the moment. You can take art classes cheaply here too. Enjoy locally baked cakes and get to know the locals to get a real feel for Polperro.

Falmouth, Cornwall

Perfect for…
Lively nights out, foodie experiences and coastal adventures.

What to do?
Hop aboard a little ferry at one of the two piers and check out St Mawes, just 20/30 minutes away. Explore the vintage/surf-style shops in the town centre and enjoy the range of eateries.

Where to stay?
The Lerryn is close to the town centre, just a few minutes walk away. Most rooms have a sea view and it is also only a few minutes walk to the sea front. Rooms are comfortable with modern bathrooms.

Where to eat?
Cribbs in Falmouth offers a delicious array of African-inspired dishes and a cocktail list that would keep you busy for hours. I tried the pork belly with rice and beans and the raspberry cocktail; all of which were a treeeat.

Where to drink?
There are plenty of options to choose from in Falmouth. We got great cocktails at Cribbs, but a great place to chill with a cuppa and perhaps some scones and jam (I was told off for putting the cream first!!), is Fuel. Fuel is a laid back, chilled-vibe cafe, perfect for a laptop session or a catch up!

Top tips…
Make sure you have enough time to try the vast array of restaurants in Falmouth, there are loads of different cuisines that we wanted to try. Also remember a jacket, it gets pretty windy by the coast!