South West Coast Path

Hotels in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall

First trodden by vigilant excisemen who needed to see into every cove and bay in their unrelenting battle with smugglers, the South West Coast is a National Trail that huge some of the most precious coastline in Britain, recognized by the formal status afforded to much if it - the Path goes through World Heritage Sites, National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific  Interest, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, past offshore bird reserves...and of course follows a number of designated Heritage Coasts.

This is Britain's longest footpath, stretching for 1014 km (630 mi) from Minehead in Somerset along the coasts of North Devon, Cornwall, South Devon and Dorset to Poole Harbour. The number attempting the whole path is small, but many hike individual sections or complete the full length in different visits over the years. Those willing to undertake the ultimate challenge must be fit - with all those undulations, walkers who take on the entire path will climb a total of some 27000 m (88500 ft) - that's three times the height of Mount Everest - cross 17 large rivers, 300 bridges, 900 styles, skip up 27000 steps and pass 2500 way-marks. An epic undertaking indeed!

The West Country is Britain's most popular holiday destination and - whilst there is a beautiful countryside and many inland attractions - the real draw is the ocean, the dramatic coastline it sculpted and the heritage created by those who sought to make a living from the sea over countless centuries. Those who walk the length of the South West Coast Path will be rewarded by seeing it all - an extraordinary variety of terrain, dramatic landscapes, seascapes, breathtaking coastal vistas, bustling towns, quaint harbours, delightful villages, beautiful beaches, assorted wildlife and more. It really is the journey of a lifetime.

HOW

On foot

WHEN TO GO

Any time, though the weather is best between March to October.

TIME IT TAKES

About eight weeks for the entire Path.

HIGHLIGHTS

Somerset and North Devon - the Great Hangman (England's highest cliff), Brauton Burrows (England's largest sand dune system), historic Clovelly (English most quaint village?).

Cornwall - Tintagel (or King Arthur fame), St.Ives, Polperro (a classic fishing village).

South Devon - Slapton Sands (wonderful beach and adjacent freshwater lake), Dartmouth (historic port), Jurrasic Coast (fossils in eroded cliff faces).

Dorset - Lyme Regis (the Cobb breakwater featured in The French Lieutenant's Woman), Chesil Beach (a long shingle spit).

YOU SHOULD KNOW

As you hike through Westward Ho! you'll be visiting the only place in the British Isles with an exclamation mark in its name.

Hotels in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall

London River Journey

Hotels in London

Nearly two million commuters (a number that is rising fast) now travel to work on London's river each year, using stylish catamarans with on-board coffee bars, airline-type seats and bicycle racks for those who pedal on from boat to office. These frequent scheduled services run up the River Thames from Woolwich (which has a free car ferry across the river to North Woolwich) to Waterloo and Embankment in Central London, and downriver from Putney via Chelsea Harbour and Embankment to Blackfriars. Taking both trips will allow the voyager to see the many famous sights along the river.

 

However, there are some 25 major piers and terminals along the London river, and commuter services are supplemented by a wide variety of tourist boats, most of which offer a running commentary on the sights and history of this vibrant capital city as the Thames weaves its way through the heart of historic London and the chosen journey unfolds. Some of these sightseeing services extend the distances that can be travelled on the river down to the Thames Flood Barrier and up to Kew (for the world-famous Kew Botanical Gardens) and Hampton Court (Henry VIII's wonderful palace).

 

Most tourist cruises concentrate on the central area, from Westminster Pier (close to the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey), Waterloo Millennium Pier (for the London Eye and South Bank arts complex), Tower Pier (Tower of London) and Greenwich Pier (National Maritime Museum, Queen's House, Old Royal Observatory and former Royal Naval College). It is possible to buy 'hop on, hop off' River Rover tickets that permit travellers to disembark at any pier to explore, before resuming their tour. These are also valid for the Docklands Light Railway, to enhance a day's exploration of the River Thames and its environs.

 

HOW

On foot

WHEN TO GO

Any time (but note that specific tourist services are reduced in winter).

TIME IT TAKES

Around 100 minutes from Putney to Woolwich (end-ta-end on the commuter service, including one change).

HIGHLIGHTS

A ride on the riverside London Eye (more correctly the Millennium Wheel) for a bird's-eye view.

The famous clock tower at the Palace of Westminster, housing the world's largest four-face chiming clock – the tower is generally referred to as Big Ben, the name of its main bell.

Tower Bridge, the iconic bascule bridge that is recognized the world over as a symbol of London.

The Tower of London, the beautifully preserved Norman (and later) complex beside the Thames that is one of the world's major tourist attractions.

YOU SHOULD KNOW

The oft-quoted tale of the American entrepreneur who bought London Bridge thinking he was getting Tower Bridge simply isn't true – the reconstructed 1831 original now sits happily at Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Hotels in London