South West England Travel Essentials – Practical Guide

South West England, stretching from the granite tors of Dartmoor to the sandy bays of Cornwall and the chalk cliffs of Dorset, is one of Britain’s most visited regions. Its landscapes are wild and beautiful, its history stretches back to prehistory, and its traditions, well, they are shaped by both the sea and the land, and woven into everyday life.

For visitors, however, the practicalities of travel here can be unfamiliar. The South West’s (narrow) winding roads, tidal beaches, and centuries-old towns make for wonderful exploration, but also call for a bit of preparation. We hope that this section of our visitor guide will provide you with everything you need to know before you set out, including accessibility, family travel, health and insurance, money, communications, and a little cultural context to help you feel at home.

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Driving in the South West: What International Visitors Need to Know

For many overseas visitors, hiring a car (or bringing your own by Eurotunnel or ferry) is the most flexible way to explore South West England. Public transport connects larger towns and cities, but some secluded coves, moorland villages, and cliff-top viewpoints can only be reached by car. Driving here can be rewarding, with some of the views simply outstanding, but driving in the UK comes with quirks that are best understood before you set out.

Left-hand driving and roundabouts

The UK drives on the left-hand side of the road, and if you are in a hire car, the steering wheel will be on the right. Roundabouts are common (including the ubiquitous mini-roundabouts); traffic flows clockwise, and you must give way to vehicles approaching from your right. These rules are clearly set out in The Highway Code, and it’s worth reading before your first journey.

Narrow roads and passing places

The South West’s lanes are notoriously narrow. You’ll see what we mean. Expect rural lanes lined with tall hedgerows, banks or on Dartmoor granite walls, often barely wide enough for two vehicles. Passing places are (usually) frequent, and local etiquette is to pull in or reverse carefully when needed. Tractors, livestock, and even Dartmoor ponies may block the road, so drive slowly and be ready to stop. Again, The Highway Code emphasises that drivers must always give way if the road ahead is not clear.

Speed limits and enforcement

Speed limits are posted in miles per hour:

• A maximum of 70 mph (112 km/h) on motorways and dual carriageways with a central reservation.
• 60 mph (96 km/h) on single carriageways
• 30 mph (48 km/h) in built-up areas, sometimes reduced to 20 mph in residential zones or near schools

Speed cameras are widespread. Unlike in some countries, exceeding the limit by even a few miles per hour can result in fines.

Fuel

Petrol (gasoline) and diesel are widely available, though rural stations may be far apart, so it’s best not to let your tank run too low. Fuel is sold by the litre, and you usually fill the car yourself before paying inside or at the pump.

Accessibility and adapted vehicles

For visitors with mobility needs, major hire companies such as Avis UK, Europcar, and specialists like Adapted Vehicle Hire or Allied Mobility can provide vehicles with hand controls or wheelchair access. Booking well in advance is essential, particularly in summer when demand peaks.

Parking and car parks

Coastal villages and towns often have limited parking, particularly during the summer. Most use “Pay & Display” machines or mobile apps such as RingGo. Double yellow lines mean “no parking at any time,” and enforcement officers are strict. The Highway Code also outlines where and how you can legally park.

Drink-driving, seat-belts and mobile phones

The UK’s drink-driving limits are lower than in many countries, and penalties are severe. The safest choice is not to drink at all if you plan to drive. By law, every occupant of a car must use a seatbelt or a child seat. Using a hand-held phone at the wheel is also illegal. Only hands-free systems are permitted; however, drivers must remain in full control at all times.

Insurance and breakdown cover

Most rental cars include insurance and breakdown assistance, but be sure to check the fine print. Excess charges (deductibles) can be high, so many visitors opt to purchase additional coverage. If you break down on a motorway or dual carriageway, pull onto the hard shoulder if possible and use the nearest emergency phone rather than a mobile. Wherever possible, move away from your vehicle whilst awaiting recovery.

Take your time

Many of the South West’s most beautiful drives, coastal roads in Cornwall, Dartmoor’s high lanes, and Exmoor’s river valleys are anything but fast. Journeys nearly always take longer than mapping apps suggest, especially on summer weekends. Allow generous time, plan for breaks, and embrace the slow pace; the views are worth it.

Accessibility: Exploring a Rugged but Welcoming Region

Accessibility for disabled visitors and families with prams and pushchairs is continually improving in the region. Mainline railway stations, such as Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Bath Spa, and Bristol Temple Meads, are step-free and staffed, and advance requests usually receive excellent assistance. Rural stations may be less well-equipped, so it is advisable to check in advance via National Rail’s accessibility pages.

Buses in cities are almost always low-floor and wheelchair accessible. Rural services are more variable, and some small harbours or ferries may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties. Car hire remains the most flexible option, and hire car companies such as Avis UK and Europcar, available in Exeter, Plymouth, and Bristol, can provide vehicles that are adaptable to your needs.

When it comes to attractions, the National Trust and English Heritage are commendably open about what visitors can expect. Castles and stately homes built centuries ago often have steps, uneven floors, and narrow doorways, but many now provide virtual tours, lifts, or alternative routes. Hotels and B&Bs are increasingly part of VisitEngland’s National Accessible Scheme, which offers clear ratings for mobility, vision, and hearing accessibility.

When in doubt, we recommend contacting venues before you travel. Most staff are eager to help and will go out of their way to make a visit enjoyable.

Helpful links

AccessatLast.com – a global directory of accessible holiday accommodations, connecting disabled and mobility‑impaired travellers with property owners without acting as a booking agent.

DisabledHolidays.com – Offers the largest selection of accessible holiday accommodations across the UK and Republic of Ireland, ranging from cottages and caravans to cabins and hotels—most with wheelchair-adapted features like wide doors and wet rooms.

Limitless Travel – A UK specialist founded by a disabled traveller, offering guided, wheelchair-accessible holidays with fully vetted accommodations, accessible transport, carers, and equipment hire.

Visit Britain- Accessible Britain – adaptive sports, museum visits, beach wheelchairs, and autism-friendly attractions across the UK.

Travelling with Children

For families, the South West is one of the most rewarding parts of the UK. Its beaches are sandy and (in summer) lifeguarded, its attractions range from zoos to steam railways, and its cycle paths are largely traffic-free. Still, travelling with children brings its own set of considerations.

Transport with children can be surprisingly straightforward. Trains have family carriages, and children under five usually travel free with an adult. Buses and local railways, such as the Tamar Valley Line or the Looe Valley Line, are excellent for short, scenic journeys that children enjoy as much as the destination itself. Car travel offers flexibility, but be prepared for narrow winding lanes and slow tractors.

Beaches are the big draw. Cornwall’s Fistral and Devon’s Woolacombe are known for surfing, but they’re also broad, sandy playgrounds with RNLI lifeguards in summer. Families often choose beaches with nearby cafés and toilets, such as Saunton Sands, Weymouth, or Exmouth, which are good examples. Buckets and spades can be bought in almost every coastal town, and “rock-pooling” (searching for crabs and starfish in tidal pools) is a rite of passage for local children.

Attractions for younger visitors abound:

• Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo introduce children to a wide range of wildlife.
• The Eden Project excites them with rainforest walks inside giant biomes.
• Steam railways, such as the Dartmouth Steam Railway or the West Somerset Railway, are particularly popular with kids (and dads) – train rides through lush, rolling countryside bring the romance of travel alive.

Family-friendly walking and cycling is also easy to arrange. The Camel Trail in Cornwall and the Tarka Trail in Devon are long, flat paths along disused railways, making them safe for children on bikes, with plenty of ice cream stops.

Eating out is generally child-friendly. Pubs and cafés almost always have children’s menus, high chairs, and staff used to families. Don’t be surprised if dogs are also welcomed; many pubs are both dog and child-friendly.

A practical note: always check tide times if you plan to picnic on the beach, and remember the sea here can be powerful. Stick to lifeguarded areas between red-and-yellow flags. Children should be closely supervised—rip currents and sudden waves can take even experienced adults by surprise.

The Climate: A Region of Four Seasons in a Day

The South West’s weather is famously changeable, shaped by the Atlantic. Winters are mild compared with much of northern Europe, but stormy, with temperatures between 5 and 10°C. Spring is fresh and green, though often showery.

Summer is the season of holidays: long evenings, barbecues on the beach, and temperatures that can reach 25°C, though more often hover in the low twenties. Autumn is a time of golden moorland colours, but can also bring the first dramatic, Atlantic storms of winter.

The best advice is to pack layers: a waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes, and a warm jumper, even in July. The locals’ saying—“If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes” – is surprisingly accurate.

We’ve written an article about ‘When to Visit South West England’, which has more information about our weather and climate.

Money and Costs

The UK uses the pound sterling (£). Coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2. Notes: £5, £10, £20, £50. If travelling from abroad, try to avoid £50 notes when buying your currency, as you might find difficulty in using them in some smaller establishments.

Cards and contactless payments are the most common forms of payment, although carrying some cash is still helpful in rural areas. Cash machines are widely available, although a few charge a fee for withdrawals.

In terms of costs: a coffee is typically £2–4, a pub main meal £12–18, and entry to major attractions £15-30. Family tickets often offer a cost-effective option, and joining the National Trust or English Heritage can be worthwhile if you plan to make multiple visits.

Budget travellers can get by on £40 – £60 per day (backpacking the South West Coast Path or staying in hostels), realistically for most, £60 – £120 (camping, caravaning and self-catering), for decent hotels expect to spend £140 – £200 per day, depending on whether you include breakfast and an evening meal.

Tipping is modest by international standards: rounding up or leaving 10% in restaurants, cafés, and taxis is polite, but not expected when ordering drinks from a bar or coffee at the counter.

Heritage and Culture

The South West is steeped in history, and much of it is preserved by the National Trust and English Heritage. These organisations maintain not only grand houses and castles but also much of the coastline and countryside.

Highlights include Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, linked with King Arthur, Stourhead gardens in Wiltshire, and Greenway, Agatha Christie’s holiday home overlooking the River Dart. English Heritage also manages Stonehenge, one of the world’s great prehistoric monuments, easily accessible from the A303 on the way into the region.

These sites are more than museums; they’re living landscapes, with festivals, outdoor theatre, and children’s activities making them engaging and enjoyable for all ages.

Modern Attractions

Not everything is historical. The Eden Project, situated in a former clay pit, features rainforest and Mediterranean ecosystems within vast geodesic domes. Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo focus on conservation and education. Wookey Hole in Somerset combines caves with family entertainment, while Cornwall’s Minack Theatre, carved into the cliffs, stages open-air plays and concerts against a backdrop of the Atlantic.

Booking online usually secures cheaper tickets and avoids queues, particularly in summer.

Emergencies, Health, and Insurance

Dial 999 or 112 for emergencies. This includes police, ambulance, fire, and coastguard services. For less urgent health concerns, 111 connects you to the NHS advice line.

Hospitals with full emergency departments are located in Bath, Taunton, Exeter, Plymouth, Truro, Dorchester, and Barnstaple. Other hospitals may have minor injury units. Pharmacies are widely available, often located within supermarkets. Pharmacists are trained to advise on minor ailments.

Visitors from the EU should carry a GHIC or EHIC for basic healthcare; others should ensure they have comprehensive insurance. Even for UK and EU citizens, travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover repatriation, cancellations, or specialist activities such as surfing and coasteering.

Hazards for Walkers

⚠️ Safety for Walkers
The South West Coast Path is stunning but can be dangerous. Tides rise quickly, cutting off coves. Cliffs are unstable, and rockfalls are not uncommon. Always check tide times and weather forecasts before setting out.

Wildlife hazards are minor but worth noting: adders (Britain’s only venomous snake) are shy but present on heathland, while ticks carrying Lyme disease live in long grass. Check skin after walks. Seals and seabirds should be observed from a respectful distance.

On Dartmoor and Exmoor, fog can descend within minutes, disorienting even experienced walkers. Carry a paper map and compass; phones can lose signal or battery. In difficulty, dial 999 and ask for Coastguard (coast) or Mountain Rescue (moorland).

Communication: Phones, Internet, and Media

Mobile coverage is strong in towns but patchy in remote coves and moors. EE, Vodafone, and O2 offer the best rural coverage, but it really depends on your location. Prepaid SIM cards are widely available from supermarket checkouts and convenience stores and are usually cheaper than international roaming.

Wi-Fi is standard in most hotels, cafés, pubs, and libraries. For news, the BBC remains the most trusted television and radio broadcaster, with local radio stations (BBC Cornwall, BBC Devon, BBC Somerset, and BBC Dorset) providing tide times and travel updates. Regional newspapers and magazines give a glimpse into local culture and events.

LGBTQ+ Visitors

South West England is a welcoming region, with vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes in Exeter, Plymouth, and Bristol. Pride festivals are held annually, and anti-discrimination laws are strong across the UK. Rural areas may have fewer social options, but are generally safe and accepting.

Shopping and Opening Hours

Shopping is an enjoyable part of travel here, whether browsing high-end chains in Exeter’s Princesshay or discovering artisan crafts in Totnes. Larger supermarkets are open 24 hours, while others usually open early and close at around 10 pm.

On Sundays, large stores, including supermarkets are only allowed to open for six hours by law, typically from 10 am to 4 pm. Smaller convenience stores stock most things that might be needed outside of these times.

Farm shops and markets are worth seeking out for local cider, cheeses such as Cornish Yarg, and handmade crafts. Many establishments accept cards, although carrying cash is still useful.

Tourist Information

Tourist Information Centres are found in larger towns and remain invaluable, despite the rise of the internet. Staff provide maps, book accommodation, offer recommendations and highlight seasonal events. They are often the best source for walks, ferries, and small attractions you might otherwise miss.

Transport: Roads, Rail, and More

Driving offers the greatest flexibility, although narrow lanes require patience and a confident ability to reverse where necessary. Always use passing places and be aware of tractors or livestock around bends.

Railways offer some of Britain’s most scenic routes: Exeter to Penzance hugs the coast at Dawlish, while Exeter to Barnstaple (the Tarka Line) meanders through valleys. Buses are excellent within towns but sparse in rural areas, especially during winter.

Cycling is increasingly popular thanks to safe, traffic-free trails such as the Camel Trail and the Exe Estuary Trail. These are perfect for families. Walking remains the South West’s great joy, with the 630-mile South West Coast Path offering everything from short strolls to week-long adventures.

Final Thoughts

Travelling in South West England isn’t just about the sights, it’s about rhythm and pace. It’s strolling a quay with an ice cream, queuing with (customary) British patience, or dodging a summer shower before the sun bursts out again. With a bit of preparation for weather, tides, and transportation, the Southwest rewards your every step.

Over to you … have you recently travelled to South West England? What worked for you? What advice would you give to others? Please leave your comments below or join in the discussion in our Facebook Group.

New to South West England or returning after a while? Start with our ‘Travel Basics’ – quick guides packed with tips to help you plan your trip.

• South West England Travel Guide
• Best Time to Visit
• Getting to South West England
• Best Places to Stay
• Best Places to Eat & Drink
• What’s On
• Things to Do in South West England
• Travel Essentials