The SW660 is arguably England’s most picturesque coastal road trip, encompassing 660 miles of the glorious South West. Coined the UK’s answer to America’s Route 66, this winding road trip avoids busy motorways, instead taking the scenic route through pretty coastal towns and fishing villages, revealing the area’s wild landscapes in between.
The SW660 is split into 12 sections that span the spectacular South West coast connecting the four counties of Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. The drive begins in Poole in Dorset, ending further north in the historic harbour town of Watchet in Somerset, passing by dramatic sandstone cliffs, sheltered coves, pretty West Country villages and two World Heritage Coastal Sites.
This particular route allows drivers to experience the British coast and countryside at a slower pace, dining on fresh seafood, harbour-side fish and chips, Cornish pastries, and the artisan cheeses the South West is famous for.
Bordering the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean and the Celtic Sea, you’re never far from breathtaking views. It’s a restorative route, not only due to its coastal setting but also its many relaxing hotels along the way. These include some of the UK’s most coveted spa hotels, with plenty of opportunity for wild wellness.
Like with the Wild Atlantic Way (which comprises a hefty 1,600 miles in full), the SW660 can be tackled in sections if you're short on time. Each section is roughly 50 miles long; ideal for a weekend break.
The SW660 also feels off the beaten track, less famous than Scotland’s majestic NC500 or the Atlantic Highway, which also runs through Devon and Cornwall. However, riding through the West Country’s idyllic scenery, it has all the hallmarks of a classic road trip. Here are some spots along the SW660 that deserve a place in your summer itinerary.
9 unmissable spots on the SW660
This is our guide to just some of the most picturesque places to stop along the SW660, including cosy accommodation options, culinary hotspots and natural wonders.
Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, Dorset
One of the most famous spots along the SW660 comes at the beginning: Durdle Door’s famous limestone arch. As one of the most photographed beach spots in the UK, this almost otherworldly vast rock formation draws heaving crowds to its soft sands in the summer. Visit early morning or at sunset for a more relaxing experience.
Don’t miss: Book a night in Lulworth Cove to enjoy fresh fish and seafood with breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. This area is famous for its rustic restaurants, which mix traditional seaside pubs with elegant dining options. Ideal for beach-to-bar evenings that epitomise Dorset’s laid-back character.
Where to stay: The Castle Inn in West Lulworth is a 15-minute stroll away from the Cove, with a leafy terrace and tastefully decorated bedrooms.
Lyme Regis, Dorset
Nicknamed the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis has a rich history, serving as inspiration for literary greats like Jane Austen, who set her last novel, Persuasion, in the pretty town — one of the only real locations the novelist used. Take a stroll along the town’s historic 13th-century stone harbour wall, with views across the twinkling bay and wander through its cobbled streets.
Don’t miss: Felicity’s Farm Shop is around five miles east of Lyme Regis in the village of Morcombelake and a favourite among those in the know. Pick up fresh produce and delicious pantry staples, or pop in for tea and homemade cake.
Where to stay: Dower House Hotel is a top-rated option in Lyme Regis with easy access to the Jurassic Coast.
Plymouth Harbour, Devon
Stop off in Plymouth for a walk along one of England’s most historic harbours. Also known as Britain's Ocean City for its maritime charm, Plymouth is a culturally vibrant spot, where you’ll find boutiques, independent galleries and harbour-front seafood restaurants.
To get a different perspective, Plymouth Boat Trips operates daily scenic cruises that depart from the Barbican Landing Stage and cruise around the harbour for roughly an hour.
Don’t miss: Plymouth Gin Distillery is a picturesque place to learn more about their award-winning gin. Meanwhile, Pengelly’s Fish Shop in the coastal town of Looe is legendary for its ultra-fresh produce and wealth of knowledge about cooking fish and seafood.
Where to stay: For a night of luxury to break up the drive, Boringdon Hall Hotel is an impressive country house hotel with a relaxing spa and Michelin-starred restaurant Àclèaf.
Salcombe, Devon
From Plymouth, the SW660 continues further into Devon towards the Cornish coast. Salcombe is nestled between Plymouth and Dartmouth and is well worth an extended stop-off. Salcombe’s character is laid back, yet sophisticated, with high-end restaurants and stretches of golden sands that are incredibly popular in the summer (get there early for a prime spot).
As well as exploring Salcombe’s beaches, visitors can enjoy its famous ice cream, wander through Fore Street and Island Street, where local businesses operate out of converted boat sheds, or go crabbing along the wall of Victoria Quay.
Don’t miss: The West Country is famous not only for its fresh seafood and soft cheeses, but also its gin production, with distilleries dotted across the route. Salcombe Distilling Company is one of the best, led by passionate owners Howard Davies and Angus Lugsdin, ready to talk all things gin in a lovingly restored old boathouse on Salcombe Harbour.
Where to stay: Situated right on the beach, South Sands Hotel is a classic seaside hotel with a boutique feel. A highlight is the hotel’s sun-drenched terrace – it’s also dog-friendly.
Dartmouth, Devon
Dartmouth is another Devon town worth stopping in, even if only for the day to explore its winding Elizabethan streets and stop off in Greenway House, Agatha Christie’s famous holiday home, where you’ll find a fascinating collection of artefacts, including her personal book collection.
Don’t miss: Have a break from driving and hop on The Dartmouth Steam Railway, a vintage-style train that runs through a seven-mile heritage route between Paignton and Kingswear with picturesque scenery through the windows.
Where to stay: The Dart Marina Hotel is a stylish place for a stop off, with views overlooking Dartmouth Marina and the picturesque River Dart.
St Mawes, Cornwall
Further into Cornwall, you’ll find the beautiful coastal town of St Mawes, famous for its beautiful setting and thriving dining scene. It’s a world-famous sailing hub, with the opportunity to rent boats and yachts.
Don’t miss: Indulge in a sophisticated seaside lunch overlooking the estuary at Fowey Hall Hotel.
Where to stay: Stay (and dine!) at St Austell Brewery's Rising Sun harbourside pub, nestled in the Roseland Peninsula, overlooking St Mawes’ picturesque harbour.
St Ives, Cornwall
A town for artists, St Ives has a rich creative history. A good starting point is the Tate St Ives, where you’ll find the works of artists including Barbara Hepworth, Marlow Moss, Naum Gabo and Patrick Heron, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
After exploring St Ives’ many galleries and shops, head to Porthminster or Porthgwidden beach for calm waters and sheltered sands with incredible views.
Don’t miss: Sampling some world-famous fish and chips while you’re in St Ives – Harbour Fish and Chips is considered to be one of the best.
Where to stay: St Ives is known for being expensive, but there are some charming, affordable options if you know where to look. The Gannet Inn in the picturesque Carbis Bay has 16 individually styled rooms that start at £150.
Exmoor National Park, Devon/Somerset
Exmoor National Park sits on the border between Devon and Somerset, marking one of the final stretches of the SW660. Its sweeping landscapes have inspired numerous books and films, particularly its dense woodlands, sparsely populated and traditional villages, and dramatic cliffs. What's more, Exmoor National Park is Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve and a particularly magical place for stargazing.
Don’t miss: For an atmospheric excursion, pay a visit to Dunster Castle and Watermill, the village’s medieval castle perched above a forest.
Where to stay: Highcliffe House is situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park, overlooking Lynmouth Bay and the Bristol Channel, with some of the park’s most beautiful walking trails on its doorstep.
Watchet, Somerset
The beginning and end of famous road trip routes can sometimes be dismissed, but the historic town of Watchet in Somerset is worth a designated space in your SW660 itinerary. This Somerset town is the final stop along the route, sitting just beyond the edge of Exmoor National Park.
Browse independent art galleries in the East Quay arts centre behind the marina and get involved with one of the many creative workshops led by local artists, including Two Rivers Paper, an artisan handmade paper mill.
Don’t miss: For an insight into the town’s rich maritime history – which was said to be the inspiration behind Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – head to Watchet Market House Museum.
Where to stay: The Georgian House is an elegant period property that’s well situated for exploring the town and offers easy access to the West Somerset Railway.
