Things to Do in South West England – Activities Guide

The sea shapes not just the coastline but also the way of life in the South West of England, along with the weather and the granite that forms the bedrock of much of the peninsula.

Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset enjoy a coastline of wild headlands, two National Parks, estuaries, sandstone, chalk and granite cliffs, moorland tors, and a network of footpaths, bridleways, and cycling paths.

This article details everything you need to plan unforgettable days out in the South West: where to go, how to stay safe, who can teach you, and which reputable operators can kit you out.

You’ll find direct links to official safety advice, national governing bodies, and just a few of the commercial specialists across the region.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday around lifeguarded beaches, a day out on the coast path, booking an RYA sailing course, trying BSAC diving, learning to surf, or cycling the traffic-free route of a former railway path, we hope our local knowledge will make this a helpful read and give you ideas for what to do when you visit.

Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites where we believe their inclusion may be helpful to you.

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By the Seaside

If, like us, your perfect South West day includes a visit to the beach, a good place to begin is with beach quality and safety.

Choosing a Beach – Water Quality

The South West offers some of the cleanest beaches in the UK. If you are looking for the gold star, then look for the Blue Flag: this is an international award that signals excellent water quality, strong environmental management and visitor facilities. England’s Blue Flag programme is administered by Keep Britain Tidy, and you can use their site to understand what the flag means and to find award winners for the current season.

However, just because a beach does not have the prestigious Blue Flag, it doesn’t mean that the water quality is poor. It might simply be that it lacks visitor facilities – and if you are looking for a quiet and secluded beach to yourself, this is probably a blessing!

That said, some beaches are best avoided. Surprisingly, for 2025, sewage discharge into the sea does still happen, and not only in the UK. Most of the UK’s sewer system is combined, meaning it carries wastewater from homes and rainwater from streets and drains. Water companies, therefore, argue that following periods of heavy rain, the system is sometimes unable to cope and (controlled) direct discharge into the sea is necessary.

The reasons and arguments are rather more complicated than that and will, perhaps, form the basis of a further article. In the meantime, if in any doubt about a beach, seek local advice. Surfers Against Sewage (a charity of water lovers) also provides a useful live map (and app) with updates on water pollution and sewage discharge.

Choosing a Beach – Safety

Once you’ve chosen a beach, PLEASE prioritise safety. Whilst thankfully far from an everyday occurrence, tragedies happen, usually because people underestimate the power of the sea.

The South West’s seas are beautiful but can be VERY unpredictable. Large ‘freak’ waves have been known to knock people off rocks and ledges. Rip tides can drag even the strongest swimmers out to sea.

A rip tide (more accurately, a rip current) is a strong, narrow flow of water moving swiftly away from the shore, capable of pulling swimmers out to sea. Rip currents occur when waves push water onto the beach faster than it can drain away, creating concentrated channels of water rushing seaward through weak points in sandbars or gaps near structures.

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is a voluntary organisation that provides fabulous lifeguard services on many of the region’s busiest beaches. It also offers safety guidance, chief of which is to swim on a lifeguarded beach, between the red-and-yellow flags and carry a phone in a waterproof pouch (particularly if kayaking or paddle-boarding.

If you get into trouble, remember Float to Live: lie on your back, control your breathing, and wait for help to arrive. If you see someone in difficulty, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.

The RNLI Flag System

• A red flag indicates dangerous conditions, and the beach should be considered closed to swimming and paddleboarding.
• The area between the red/yellow flags should be considered safe for swimming and paddle-boarding.
• The area between the black and white chequered flag is reserved for surfers, windsurfers, and kayakers.

When seconds matter, the Coastguard’s own advice is crystal clear: at a lifeguarded beach, alert the lifeguards and others (shout); dial 999 and ask for HM Coastguard. Don’t go into the water after people or pets; keep them in sight, throw a float if available, and stay on the line. For inland rivers and lakes, dial 999 and ask for Fire and Rescue.

Tides: The sea around the Westcountry is tidal. This is particularly relevant if you are walking along isolated areas of the shoreline (which you should only do when the tide is going out), enjoying a secluded cove surrounded by high cliffs, or, as is possible in some places in high season, you park your car on the beach!

When close to the sea, you should always be both tide and weather aware – you can check tide times online at easytide.ukho.gov.uk (or buy a local tide time guide for a couple of pounds) and the weather courtesy of the UK Met Office.

These are just some of the excellent South West beaches that you might consider: Newquay’s Fistral (Cornwall) for consistent surf; Saunton and Woolacombe (North Devon) for long, family-friendly sands, Beer in Devon for the quaint village atmosphere, Dorset’s sweeping Weymouth Bay or the beaches of Torbay in Devon for that classic promenade feel.

Useful beach links

• Blue Flag Overview and Current Blue Flag Beaches
• RNLI beach safety (flags, Float to Live, lifeguarded beaches).
• HM Coastguard: what to do in an emergency
• The UK Met Office: For up-to-date weather forecasts.
• The UK Met Office: Inshore waters forecast for mariners.
• Tide Times: From the UK Admiralty

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Coasteering: the South West’s wildest shoreline adventure

Very few activities deliver the “secret coast” experience like coasteering, which involves scrambling over ledges, swimming across gullies, and launching (safely) from jump points under expert guidance into the sea.

It’s a guided sport for very good reasons: providers choose routes to suit tides, sea state and ability. They supply the equipment (wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets) and manage risk (weather, tides, abilities) so you can enjoy the surge and foam.

We recommend starting your search on TripAdvisor, as there are several providers in the South West, and you will want to choose one close to your preferred location with reviews that give you confidence. Prices start at about £40 for a 2-3 hour experience.

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Diving in the South West: reefs, wrecks, and learning the British way

The South West’s underwater map is superb by UK standards: Plymouth Sound’s protected waters and reefy headlands; the Manacles off the Lizard for dramatic granite walls and wreckage; sheltered coves for training, and wildlife from anemones to inquisitive seals.

If you’re learning to dive in Britain, the British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) offers community-based training via local clubs and centres. Their Ocean Diver beginner pathway blends theory, pool skills and open-water sessions; you can search for a club near your base.

Planning tips: British diving is influenced mainly by temperature and weather. Dress for the conditions (drysuits or good semi-dry), favour sheltered training sites, and choose BSAC/qualified centres that can match sites to your experience and the forecast.

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Sailing (and inland sailing): RYA courses, harbours and rivers

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is the UK’s national governing body for boating, renowned worldwide for its high standards of training and education. Its internationally recognised framework covers a wide range of disciplines, including dinghy sailing, keelboats, cruising, powerboating, windsurfing, and the newer wing/foil techniques. You can search the RYA for approved training schools and courses. Having been on some of these courses ourselves, we highly recommend them to those new to boating.

The North Coast of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset is relatively exposed. The Bristol Channel has a huge tidal range (which at 12-14m is the second largest in the world). There are fewer ‘safe havens’ on the North Coast, and many of these are tide-dependent.

The South Coast, in contrast, is a little more benign. Aside from the challenges of rounding the principal headlands of Portland Bill, Start Point and Lizard Point, and the ever-present possibility of weather, wind and sea state changing, there are many more sheltered bays and rivers; our favourites being Weymouth, Exmouth, Torbay, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Plymouth, Fowey and Falmouth.

These are also great places for some casual gongoozling – the British pastime of watching others’ boating calamities and misfortunes.

Ideas for boat (by no means an exhaustive list)

Salcombe Dinghy Sailing (Devon) – Wayfarer dinghy hire, RYA courses, private lessons.

Whitestrand Boat Hire (Devon) – Boat rental for scenic cruising along the Salcombe estuary.

Mylor Boat Hire (Cornwall) – Self-drive boats near Falmouth; no experience needed.

Falmouth Boat Charters (Cornwall) – Yacht and motorboat charters, bareboat or skippered.

Devon Sailing Experiences (Devon/Cornwall) – Boutique yacht charters with flexible packages.

Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy (Dorset) – Sailing facility offering training and hire services.

South West Lakes Sailing / SW Lakes Trust (Various Lakes) – Dinghy hire on scenic lakes across the South West.

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Surfing the South West: beach breaks and lessons

Cornwall and Devon offer some of the best surfing in the UK. If you’re new to the sport, choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach that is a west, north-west or north-facing beach.

Lessons are essential for newcomers to the sport and will make your experience safer and more enjoyable.

Instructors will cover the basics on land, assess the sea state, select a suitable tide window and help you to adjust your kit so you can focus on your stance and trim.

Surf England, the governing body, has a list of approved surfing schools in the South West. Local recommendations are often helpful, as are recommendations from other surfers and, of course, TripAdvisor.

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Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Paddleboarding & Kayaking

The South West caters to every wind or paddle-powered floating obsession. In summer, you’ll find paddleboards, windsurf boards and kayaks for hire at many beaches, with sheltered estuaries, canals and harbours perfect for beginners, and breezier bays for thrill-seekers.

Where to learn & hire

• The Official Test Centre (OTC), Portland — a renowned hub for windsurfing, winging and foiling, with expert tuition and demo gear in the reliable breezes of Portland Harbour.
• Edge Watersports, Exmouth — respected kitesurf school on the Exe Estuary, running lessons, safaris and progression clinics.
• Sea Kayak Devon, Dartmouth — guided sea-kayak trips and skills days for all abilities, with small groups and family-friendly doubles for exploring rugged coastline and sheltered.
• Saddles & Paddles, Exeter Quay — easy SUP and kayak hire right on the Exeter Ship Canal, perfect for families, first-timers, or a relaxed paddle close to the quay.
• Andrew Simpson Centres — community watersports hubs offering sailing, SUP and windsurfing, with beginner-friendly tuition in safe, sheltered locations.

Where the sun shines

• Sheltered harbours like Portland for consistent breezes and safe wind sports.
• The Exe Estuary and Exeter Canal are ideal for beginner-friendly SUP tours and kayak trips.
• North coast coves and estuaries on calmer, small-swell days for exploring sea caves, spotting seals and seabirds, or simply gliding through reedbeds.
• Sheltered rivers like the Exe, the Dart, the Kingsbridge Estuary, the Tamar, the River Fowey, the Fal, the Helford and the Camel.

Tips before you go

Check lifeguard flags, tide times and direction, and weather. If in doubt, consult an instructor or guide, or ask locals.

Pick calm canals or estuaries for your first paddles, and expect to get wet.

Let others know when and where you are going and when to expect you back. Carry a phone in a dry pouch and always wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid.

At the coast, always treat sea state, tidal streams and offshore winds with respect.

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Biking: traffic-free cycle paths and easy hire

The South West is an excellent place for car-free cycle days, with cycle tracks along former branch lines and estuary views, all of which have plenty of cafés, bars, and pubs to rest and relax in.

Like walking, you will never run out of cycle routes in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset – here we take a brief look at some of the more popular places where you will also find it easy to hire bikes.

The Camel Trail – (Cornwall)

The Camel Trail is an approximately 18.3-mile (29.5 km), largely traffic-free, flat, surfaced multi-use path in Cornwall, following a disused railway line from Padstow through Wadebridge and Bodmin to Wenford Bridge.

It offers breathtaking views of the Camel Estuary, with its rich salt marsh habitats, wooded valleys, and diverse wildlife. The trail is entirely free to use, open to walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and wheelchair users, with bike hire and facilities such as toilets and cafés (and even a vineyard) available at key points like Padstow, Wadebridge, Bodmin, and Wenford Bridge.

There is a mainline railway station in Bodmin, and, at least in the summer, a regular bus service operates between Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin, allowing one-way trips along the entire length for cyclists and walkers alike.

The Tarka Trail (North Devon)

The Tarka Trail is a scenic, largely traffic‑free network of walking and cycling routes across North Devon inspired by Henry Williamson’s novel Tarka the Otter. The whole trail spans around 180 miles in a figure‑of‑eight configuration centred on the market town of Barnstaple (accessible by rail). At the same time, the most popular section, ideal for families and casual cyclists, is a 32-mile traffic‑free, mostly tarmac trail stretching from Braunton to Meeth.

This accessible path takes you through estuary mudflats, wooded valleys, and historic towns such as Barnstaple, Bideford, and Great Torrington, offering a blend of natural beauty and local character. Bike hire, cafés, and transport links are readily available along the route, and horse riding is permitted on some sections near Great Torrington. It truly is a classic Devon adventure for walkers and riders alike!

The Exe Estuary Trail

The Exe Estuary Trail is a scenic, essentially flat, traffic-free walking and cycling route that follows the tranquil course of the River Exe. It stretches from Exmouth, via Lympstone (home of the Royal Marine Commandos), through Topsham, and on to Exeter. The trail forms part of the longer Exe Valley Way, making it a great choice for both leisurely family rides and longer-distance walkers.

Although the core route runs along the eastern side of the estuary, it connects with paths and roads that continue toward Dawlish and Starcross on the opposite bank, giving visitors the option to extend their journey with a short ferry ride across the water

The route skirts marsh reserves designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Ramsar sites, providing superb bird‑watching opportunities, especially at RSPB‑managed areas like Bowling Green Marsh. It also runs alongside the historic Exeter Ship Canal, complete with wooden boardwalks near Turf Locks and the Topsham ferry crossing, integrating industrial and trading heritage with natural beauty. Accessibility is excellent, with cycle-friendly asphalt, numerous ferries, such as those from Topsham to Exminster or Exmouth to Starcross, and paths suitable for walkers, cyclists, prams, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters.

The Camel Trail, Tarka Trail, Granite Way and Exe Valley Way are all well served by railway branch lines – take a look at GreatScenicRailways.co.uk for some rail/cycling or rail/walking inspiration.

Summary

The South West of England is home to some of the UK’s most scenic and accessible cycle routes, ranging from traffic-free family rides to long-distance adventures. Other highlights include the Devon Coast to Coast, a 99-mile route linking Ilfracombe to Plymouth via the Tarka Trail, Granite Way (Okehampton to Lydford), and Drake’s Trail into the Plym Valley. The popular Bristol–Bath Railway Path, and shorter routes like the Strawberry Line and North Dorset Trailway.

If you’re planning to ride in the South West, it’s best to check the surface and gradients before you set out.

Some trails, such as the Granite Way and Exe Estuary, are smooth and family-friendly, while Dartmoor routes can be more challenging. Many paths follow disused railways, so they’re mainly flat and traffic-free, but long-distance trails often include on-road sections.

Bring waterproofs and layers (weather changes quickly on the moors), and carry cash for ferries, cafés, and local bike hire. Early mornings are ideal for wildlife spotting, and mid-week rides help avoid crowds on popular paths, such as the Camel and Exe estuaries.

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Caving & climbing: limestone adventures with expert supervision

The South West’s limestone belts are spectacular above and below ground. Unless you have experience (and local knowledge), this is not a DIY pursuit. Go with qualified instructors who supply helmets, lamps, harnesses and, most importantly, the judgment to match routes to conditions and ability.

• Cheddar Gorge & Caves (Somerset) – Rocksport programmes cover adventure caving and rock climbing on the UK’s most iconic gorge.
• Mendip Activity Centre (near Cheddar) – guided caving in the Mendip Hills National Landscape, plus rock climbing and other multi-activities.
• Rock and Rapid Adventures (North Devon) – indoor wall, outdoor climbing, coasteering and more – handy if you want options regardless of weather.

The British Mountaineering Council also offer an invaluable source of information, including details on approved courses and recommended climbing locations.

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Fishing: licences, easy boat trips and sea angling

If you’re coarse or game fishing, you’ll need an Environment Agency Rod Licence (not required for sea angling). There are 1-day, 8-day and 12-month options, with concessions available. You may also need local licences or permissions, depending on where you are fishing and who owns the fishing rights.

A note about websites: If buying online, in this case a rod licence, make sure you are doing so on the official website (in the case prefaced by www.gov.uk) – the unscrupulous set up alternatives that at best will charge you more than it should cost and at worst, harvest your card details. It’s a sad fact of life that we must all be vigilant against fraud.

For sea fishing, the South West has hassle-free boat trips alongside full-day charters from nearly every small fishing village. Try mackerel fishing during the high season or book a reef/wreck day from major ports such as Weymouth, Plymouth, Brixham, Torbay, Ilfracombe, and Looe. Check local operators for available dates, species, and equipment.

Safety: Even on short mackerel trips, bring warm layers, a hat, sun protection and non-slip shoes; obey the skipper’s instructions and check the Met Office weather forecast before you book.

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Walking & hiking: coast, path classics, miles on the moors and essential preparation

You could spend a lifetime walking here. The headline act is the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile waymarked National Path that circles Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset. The charity that cares for it publishes day walks, accessibility information, route updates and a handy distance calculator. It’s the definitive starting point for planning and identifying any diversions or cliff-fall closures.

Pair that with the RNLI’s coastal walking safety page -slips and trips are a leading cause of coastal injuries and even fatalities. Wear grippy footwear, stay well away from cliff edges (some can be very unstable), check the tide if your route involves beaches or headlands, and carry a means of calling for help. Remember, parts of the coast path are remote – preparation and self-sufficiency are very much the order of the day.

Popular ideas for walkers

Short circulars to dramatic headlands (Hartland Point, Land’s End, Lizard and Start Point; harbour-to-harbour stages with bus or boat back; or a “three-day taster” stitched from the Coast Path’s day-walk suggestions. For moorland days (Dartmoor/Exmoor), a map, a compass, warm layers and waterproofs are essential – even in August. The region’s cycle paths are all multi-use, and most are well served by trains and buses. We enjoy walks with a purpose, so Bodmin to Padstow on the Camel Trail is a favourite (accompanied by a return bus trip), as is the walk from Exeter to Exmouth (and back by train). With a bit of planning (and scouting out free parking), these can make for great days out, even if on a budget.

GreatScenicRailways.co.uk is an excellent resource, focusing on Devon and Cornwall, that details railway lines to explore along with accompanying walks.

You’ll never run out of walks in the West Country – but if you need inspiration, all of the tourist information offices and visitor centres have leaflets and local maps (many of which are free).

If you plan to go somewhere wild and remote (such as the moors), we strongly recommend that you always carry the relevant Ordnance Survey paper map (phones can and do fail); if somewhere more accessible, we are fans of the Ordnance Survey app.

Ordnance Survey is Britain’s official, national mapping agency, producing highly detailed and accurate maps used for navigation, planning, and geographic information.

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Horse riding: beach canters and moorland treks

If you like your views from the saddle, the region has superb stables offering lessons, treks and, where permitted, beach rides. The British Horse Society provides excellent advice and a directory of approved training centres and locations.

• Reen Manor Riding Stables (Perranporth)—a classic Cornish outfit offering rides over dunes and, at suitable times/tides, onto the long sands of Perranporth.
• Woolacombe Riding Stables (North Devon)—moorland and coastal hacking near one of Britain’s favourite beaches; beginners welcome with proper instruction.

Always confirm rider weight limits, hat and boot provisions, and any beach-access conditions for your chosen date and tide.

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Practical safety essentials (that we locals actually use)

• Know the flags & Float to Live (RNLI). Between the red-and-yellow flags for swimming/bodyboarding, red = no swimming; black-and-white chequered = surf craft zones.
• Emergency at the coast? Alert lifeguards if you are nearby, dial 999 and ask for HM Coastguard. Inland water rescue: dial 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service.
• On boats (or near them), a simple handheld VHF with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is helpful; GOV.UK has plain-English guidance on how to raise HM Coastguard. A mobile phone in a dry pouch is a valuable backup.
• Water sports enthusiasts should wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket when paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, or boating.
• Walking the coast: check the South West Coast Path site for route changes and the RNLI’s coastal walking advice before committing to cliff paths.
• Check tide times, particularly if visiting secluded coves or walking along beaches. People can and do get cut off every year – at best embarrassing, at worst fatal.
• Stay Away from Cliff Edges (and keep curious dogs on leads): Cliffs along parts of the coast path (particularly between Lyme Regis and Chesil Beach, but also in other areas) have become very unstable. Landslides have become increasingly common. Follow any signs or diversions and avoid walking through any closed-off sections.
• Stay Away from Cliffs: The same advice applies if you’re walking or relaxing on the beach. Cliffs provide shelter; we know that sections of the Jurassic Coast, between Lyme Regis and Chesil Beach, have become very unstable, and there have been spectacular landslides. Great to watch from a respectable distance, not so great up close.

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Final tips before you go

Book the instructor, not just the activity. In surfing and coasteering, especially, you’re booking local knowledge, such as where the rip forms today, what the tide does at this beach, and how to thread a gully in a groundswell safely.

Layer for British weather. Windproofs on the coast, warm change of clothes in the car or in your backpack, and hats and sun protection year-round.

Respect protected sites and wildlife. Keep clear of cliff-nesting birds, seals and basking sharks; follow local signage and seasonal restrictions.

Leave time to chill. The South West is as much about ambling as adventuring. Include a relaxing break at a café or pub in your plan, and it all feels easier.

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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.