Vacation in Southwest England

If you are planning a holiday to the United Kingdom, a stay in South West England is the ultimate way to experience the rugged beauty of the English coast. During a tour of Cornwall and Devon, you can drive along the spectacular cliffs of Land’s End, discover the hidden coves of the South West Coast Path, and taste the finest cream teas in idyllic villages. Whether you choose an active surfing holiday, a child-friendly holiday home in Somerset, or a romantic break in a thatched cottage, a holiday rental provides the perfect base to explore this region at your own pace.

Be inspired by the azure waters of St. Ives, the prehistoric mysticism of Stonehenge, and the wild moorlands of Dartmoor. Thanks to excellent connections from Bristol Airport or the ferry via Plymouth, you can easily visit characteristic fishing villages and stately manor houses, allowing you to tailor your English holiday exactly to your liking.

Explore our holiday homes with Atlantic Ocean views, browse cozy cottages in the Cotswolds, or choose a luxury apartment on the Jurassic Coast. Start planning your journey with Leisure Time today.

A holiday rental in South West England gives you the freedom to fully experience authentic British life. With your own home, you don't just have space for the whole family, but also the warmth of your own fireplace or a typical English garden after a day in the great outdoors. Many travelers specifically look for a holiday home in Cornwall with a fenced garden for their dog, or a traditional fisherman's cottage in Devon. Unlike a city hotel, here you can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, the fresh sea air, and the opportunity to have breakfast with a view of rolling green hills.

During a nature holiday in South West England, there are countless highlights:

• The Jurassic Coast: Discover millions of years of history and hunt for fossils along Dorset's impressive coastline.
• Hiking and Surfing: Conquer the waves at Newquay or hike a section of the 630-mile (1,000 km) South West Coast Path.
• Culinary Discoveries: Enjoy fresh fish and chips in Padstow harbor or taste world-famous Cheddar cheese in Somerset.
• History and Legends: Visit the legendary Tintagel Castle (the birthplace of King Arthur) or the Roman Baths in Bath.

For families, a holiday home near the beaches of Devon is the perfect choice, with plenty of opportunities for crabbing in rock pools and visits to safari parks like Longleat.

While searching for accommodation in South West England, you can choose from several diverse regions:

• Cornwall: The tip of England, known for its subtropical gardens, surfing beaches, and artistic towns.
• Devon: Famous for its two coastlines and the wild nature of Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks.
• Somerset: A region full of rolling hills, orchards, and historic cities such as Bath and Wells.
• Dorset: The place to be for lovers of geology, cliffs, and picturesque villages featuring golden limestone houses.

Ready for a spontaneous crossing to the English Riviera? Sharp last-minute South West England deals are regularly available at Leisure Time. Whether you are looking for an affordable seaside cottage for a week of fresh air or a luxury manor house for the whole family, booking flexibly allows you to benefit from the most beautiful locations at a great price.

The climate in the Southwest is the mildest in all of Great Britain, but stay prepared:

• Spring (May – June): Gardens are in full bloom and days are long; a beautiful time for a walking holiday.
• Summer (July – August): The warmest period, ideal for a beach holiday or visiting many summer festivals.
• Autumn (September – October): A quiet period with often pleasant temperatures, perfect for soaking up culture in the cities.
• Winter (November – February): Enjoy the wild seas during storms and warm up by a log fire in your own cottage afterward.

A self-drive holiday through England is the best way to discover hidden gems in the narrow lanes.

• Driving on the left: In the UK, traffic drives on the left. Roads in Cornwall and Devon can be very narrow with high hedges, so drive carefully.
• Clothing: "Layers" is the magic word; coastal weather can change rapidly.
• Pets: The British are huge dog lovers. Many of our cottages in South West England allow dogs.

Which is the best base: Cornwall, Devon, or Dorset? 

This depends on your preference. Cornwall is the most popular due to its dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays. Devon is perfect for those who like variety between rugged national parks (Dartmoor) and charming coastal villages. Dorset is the best choice for lovers of geology and fossils (Jurassic Coast) and is also closest to the ferry ports, which saves travel time.

Is driving on the narrow roads in Cornwall and Devon difficult? 

In England, people drive on the left. Major roads (A-roads) are fine, but as soon as you head toward the coast, you will encounter the famous "sunken lanes": very narrow roads with high hedges on both sides. There are often passing places. A compact rental car is definitely recommended over a large SUV here.

When is the best time to visit South West England? 

The months of May, June, and September are ideal. You avoid the crowds of the British school holidays (July/August), while the weather is often stable and nature is in full bloom. In spring, the subtropical gardens of Cornwall are at their most beautiful.

Is South West England a good destination for a holiday with a dog? 

Absolutely; it is perhaps the most dog-friendly region in Europe. Almost every pub welcomes dogs, and there are countless miles of coastal walking paths. Please note: some popular beaches have a dog ban during the day in the summer months (July–August). At Leisure Time, you can specifically filter for dog-friendly cottages.

Do I need to book in advance for popular attractions? 

Yes, for iconic sites like Stonehenge, the Roman Baths in Bath, or a crossing to St Michael's Mount, it is highly recommended (and sometimes mandatory) to book tickets online in advance. Booking ahead is also a must for popular restaurants in fishing villages like Padstow.

What is a 'Cream Tea' and where can I find the best one? 

A Cream Tea consists of scones with clotted cream and jam, served with tea. There is an eternal battle between Devon and Cornwall over the correct order: in Devon, you spread the cream first and then the jam; in Cornwall, it's the other way around. You’ll find the best versions at local tearooms in the countryside; the less touristy the place, the fresher the scone!

What is the best way to reach South West England from the Netherlands or Belgium? 

Most travelers choose the ferry from Dunkirk/Calais to Dover and then drive approximately 4 to 6 hours to the Southwest. Another option is the overnight ferry from Hook of Holland to Harwich, or flying into Bristol Airport and renting a car there.

Whether you choose a luxury villa on the Cornish coast, a cozy cottage in a Cotswold village, or a modern apartment in Bath: at Leisure Time, you will find the perfect match.

Book your ideal holiday home in South West England today and experience the timeless charm of the English coast!