A day out in

We're travelling around the South and West to bring you a round up of what's worth visiting and why, with places to eat, things to do and where to go. Here's what we've found so far.

Things to do in Porthleven

Once a quiet harbour village on the south coast of Cornwall, Porthleven is a growing hotspot for visitors to the county who have a zest for all things food and the Great Outdoors.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Truro School Cookery

Join our writer, Kayleigh, on the pasta course at Truro School Cookery. Learn some new culinary skills and take a ready-made dinner back to your holiday cottage.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Ventnor Fringe Festival

According to The Sunday Times, Ventnor Fringe is “...rapidly becoming the country’s most surprising and inspirational multidisciplinary arts festival.” See what it's like for yourself.

Things to do Anmarie Bowler

Things to do in Brixham

Brixham is a beautiful harbour town with pastel houses clinging to the hillside. It’s a colourful town, rich with history and wildlife, perfect for family holidays or peaceful romantic getaways.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Launceston

Perfectly positioned between Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor and close to the Devon border, Launceston is ideally situated for exploring both Cornwall and Devon.

Things to do Dominique Adams

Things to do in Lewes

Explore the many lanes of Lewes and discovery the historical moments and people that have called this Sussex town home over the years.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Brixham Pirate Festival

Dress up like a pirate and party all weekend at the annual Brixham Pirate Festival. This is a brilliant weekend for all the family on the picturesque Brixham harbour.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

River Cottage Food Festival

Celebrate River Cottage's 20th birthday this year with the annual food fair in May which is going to be bigger and better than ever.

Classic Fodder Kayleigh Hardy

Crealy Theme Park

Visit the largest theme park in Devon for the best family day out. Welcome to Crealy!

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Wells

The beautiful medieval city of Wells offers a unique and charming day out for everyone looking to enjoy breathtaking landscapes and stunning architecture.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in the Blackdown Hills

If you love admiring and exploring the great outdoors, then this part of the world is the perfect place to soak up beautiful countryside and emerald woodland. The Blackdown Hills offers an extensive range of range of activities and things to do on a visit to the area.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Mayfield

Set in the heart of East Sussex, Mayfield is the home of our South East regional office, some amazing places to eat and brilliant things to do.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Holidays in Wembury

Managed by the National Trust, Wembury is a seaside village with a prominent beach that's perfect for rock-pooling.

Places to Go Philip Eley

Things to do in Mousehole

This Cornish fishing village with bags of character and personality sits around a picturesque harbour. With a great choice of places to eat, coastal walks and things to do, this is a lovely day out in Cornwall.

Things to do Abby D

Holidays on the Isle of Purbeck

Abundant wildlife, clifftop walks and breath-taking seascapes make Purbeck one of our favourite places to visit in Dorset.

Places to Go Liz Arnell

Things to do in Salisbury

Set in the heart of Wiltshire and boasting a wealth of history, Salisbury is the perfect stop off point, either to explore nearby Dorset and Hampshire, or to spend a couple of days soaking up some culture before heading further on down the country to your holiday destination.

Things to do Becky Bye

A day out in Yarmouth

Whether you are staying on the West Wight or east of the River Medina, be sure to make a day of Yarmouth.

Things to do Anmarie Bowler

Things to do in Bude

Voted the Best UK Coastal Resort at the British Travel Awards in 2015 and 2016, Bude has lots of things to do. Visit for your holiday or simply a day out while staying in one of our Cornwall cottages.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Seaview

On the east of the Isle of Wight, Seaview is a great spot for family holidays on the beach, romantic ocean vistas and maybe even an ice cream or two.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Salcombe

Salcombe is home to some of the most stunning coastline and beautiful beaches in South Devon. The town itself is a pretty harbour town with lots of things to do, interesting shops, lovely restaurants and fine boutiques.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Stoke Gabriel

Take a stroll around Stoke Gabriel with our writer Philip and discover the history in this quaint Devon village.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Dartmouth

Take a wander around Dartmouth, one of the many gems on the coast of south Devon. With a colourful Maritime history, there's plenty to discover here.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Ashburton

The market town on the edge of Dartmoor is a great base for walking and adventure holidays but secretly hides some of the best places to find antiques in Devon.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Freshwater

A brief round up of all the things to do around Freshwater and Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Things to do in Poole

One not-so-touristy spot on the coast of Dorset which has a quaint charm worth spending a few days getting to know, is Poole.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh is a small but charming market town on the edge of the Dartmoor. It is set in perfect rolling countryside, and has the standout attraction of the beautiful Buckfast Abbey; but there are many more reasons to visit this pretty town, so here is my guide to things to do in Buckfastleigh.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Yarmouth

It’s a great place to watch the ships go by from Portsmouth and Southampton with sailing boats dotted in between with many a deli and cafe to while away relaxing days.

Things to do Liz Arnell

Things to do in Bournemouth

There is so much to see and do that I have narrowed down the selection to my top two places to visit, which can both be seen in one day if you’re on a short visit, or equally spread out over several days if you’re on a longer holiday in Bournemouth.

Things to do Becky Bye

Secret Cornwall Gems

The best places to visit in Cornwall that you may have heard of, but not added to your must-see list. Well, we think they're worth taking a peek at.

Places to Go Abby D

Things to do in Tiverton

You can explore the whole of Devon from Tiverton, visit the contrasting coastlines of north and south Devon, as well as seeing the two varied moorlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor, so there are lots of things to do.

Things to do Philip Eley

A couple's day out in Bristol

Bristol is full of cute little coffee shops, artisan bakers, and unique eateries perfect for a tete a tete.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Beer

Beer may be small but there are lots of things to do to keep everyone entertained. From beach days to places to eat and entertainment, it makes a great day out in Dorset or Devon.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Wareham

Wareham is a beautiful old town with literary connections and a great place to stop to break up a long journey, or spend a few days if you are heading down towards the coast.

Things to do Becky Bye

Hauser & Wirth Gallery in Bruton

Bruton is a beautiful little town in the heart of Somerset countryside that has cemented its upmarket credentials with the help of renowned gallery Hauser and Wirth.

Places to Go Anna H

Things to do in Shaldon

Shaldon is a fantastic village facing an attractive estuary with a small village charm but also a good range of shops, pubs and cafes. It lies in a sheltered valley and stares out at the larger town of Teignmouth which it is connected to by a bridge and a ferry.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Looe

Want bucket loads of seaside charm? Head to Looe! Whether you decide to base yourself here, or pop over for a day trip, there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy here.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Seaton

With its pebble beach, easy-going vibe, and many interesting days out and attractions nearby, Seaton is a good place for a family holiday, a walking holiday or an activity holiday.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Glastonbury

Now you may have heard of this small town because of its famous music festival, but Glastonbury has so much more to offer all year round and is particularly good for shopping.

Things to do Kylie Barton

Things to do in Godshill

A pretty chocolate box village on the south of the island. Godshill makes for a quaint day enjoying cream teas and pretty pubs, it’s also a great base for walking out into the Isle of Wight countryside.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Bovey Tracey

Bovey Tracey is a welcoming town with many tasty cafes and restaurants. It is a great base from which to explore a lovely area so here is my guide to things to do in 'Buvvy'.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Portsmouth

If you're heading to the Isle of Wight on holiday, you may well stop in Portsmouth - why not make a day of it?

Things to do Kylie Barton

Things to do in Beaminster

Dorset walks, places to eat and things to see and do in the unassuming but very pretty little market town of Beaminster, north of Bridport. It's worth a quick visit when you're on holiday in Dorset.

Things to do Katie Chown

West Bay, Dorset

A winning day out with all the family, West Bay in Dorset has golden cliffs, beautiful beaches, award-worthy play areas and even a harbour for crabbing.

Places to Go Katie Chown

Things to do in Ventnor

Made famous by the Victorians for the cleanest air in Britain, Ventnor is a calming yet fun place to spend a day on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Dawlish

Dawlish is a seaside town in south east Devon with a gentle air of sophistication yet still a great place for traditional bucket and spade holidays. With both Dawlish and Dawlish Warren full of ideas for a fun break, here is my guide of things to do in Dawlish.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Lulworth Cove

If you’re after a coastal day out in Dorset, but fancy something a little more adventurous than Lyme Regis or Swanage, then Lulworth Cove is for you.

Things to do Becky Bye

Family things to do in Eastleigh

Situated just a few miles from Southampton, this small market town, has lots of hidden gems to keep you and your little ones amused for a day. There are lots of things to do in Eastleigh.

Things to do Kylie Barton

Best little villages near Bath

Bath is a beautiful place, but it can get very busy. One of the best things about Bath is that on its outskirts it is flanked with a number of beautiful small towns and villages.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do on Portland

On a day out in Dorset, Portland peninsula, which dangles off the south coast, has a surprising amount to do, so if you want to avoid the summer beach crowds in Weymouth, then head over to Portland for something a little different.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Plymouth

Plymouth describes itself as Britain’s Ocean City. It is a vibrant, modern city with plenty of attractions and historic buildings, places to visit, things to do and see and lots of foody destinations.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Burnham-on-Sea

The town has one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe with seven miles of glorious beaches including the beautiful locations of Brean Down and the famous Lighthouse spot.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Beaulieu

They say that good things come in small packages. In the case of Beaulieu, nestling in the historic heart of the New Forest, they're spot on. There's lots of wonderful things to do in Beaulieu.

Things to do Jonathan C

Things to do in Newton Abbot

Newton Abbot is a medium-sized market town, surrounded by great parks and beautiful countryside with access to great seaside one way and great moorland the other way. It also has some of the best parks and open space land you can find plenty of things to do in.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Mevagissey

For a postcard perfect Cornish village, head to Mevagissey. This sweet fishing port on the south coast of Cornwall offers up buckets of old school charm and the freshest fish of your life.

Things to do Abby D

A romantic day out in Bath

Enjoy all Bath has to offer – which is a lot! I will walk you through my choice of locations for a date day out in Bath.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Wimborne Minster

Little known Dorset town Wimborne Minster has a lot of activities to offer, whether you are after a family day out, or a quiet relaxing weekend for two.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Dorchester

For anyone who is a bit of a history buff and likes a bite of traditional English lunch, then Dorchester is a much needed mark on your Dorset map.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Shanklin on the Isle of Wight

A holiday in Shanklin is the perfect bucket-and-spade seafront experience. Full of fun for all the family, it’s the quintessential beach resort destination, but in an idyllic setting on the south east coast of the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Katie Chown

Market day in Hampshire

Whilst on holiday in a Hampshire cottage you will be sure to want to stock up on local produce to sample during your time with us. I don’t know about you, but one of my favourite things to do as a couple is go to a good country market and a car boot sale. Such a day out is pretty much a relationship goal, it is so simple, yet so enjoyable.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

A couple's day out in Winchester

Winchester is the old capital of England, it is steeped in history, full to the brim with beautiful architecture, fine eateries, and quaint and quirky shops, making for a lovely day out.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Weston-super-Mare

With a perfect mix of culture, heritage and adventure, Weston-super-Mare is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a slice of traditional beach fun paired with an abundance of things to do.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in St Austell

When you think of a typical Cornish holiday, you probably won’t think of St Austell. But this historic town is well worth a wander and offers plenty of things to do as well as fantastic access to some of the best beaches in the whole county.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is an attractive market town in its own right, but it is most often seen as a good base from which to explore the spectacular surrounding area of South Hams.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Teignmouth

Teignmouth has the nostalgic charm of a Victorian seaside town, with its pier, lido and large houses, but there’s a lot more to this interesting town than that, so here’s my guide to things to do in Teignmouth.

Things to do Philip Eley

Family Day Out at the New Forest Centre

The New Forest Centre is a hub of information and activities through which to learn about the beautiful scenery which surrounds you, and provides a great educational day out for families holidaying nearby.

Places to Go Kylie Barton

Things to do in Watchet

The pretty harbour village of Watchet offers a charming holiday experience in West Somerset. During the summer it is a hive of activity with the winter months in contrast proving a quiet and tranquil ambiance. For a little town, there’s plenty going on, so I’ve picked some of my highlights for a day out in Watchet.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Southampton

On a glorious spring day last year, we did two things of note. We looked at the sky. Then we gazed at the sea. Then we enjoyed many of the things to do in Southampton that make for a great family holiday.

Things to do Jonathan C

Visit Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is one of the few places in the UK where you could get away with a relaxed approach to holidaymaking. From the centre of the Island you are never more than half an hour from the sea, and you'll find family friendly bays, beaches and coves scattered all over. There are lots of things to do on a visit to the Isle of Wight.

Things to do Robbie L

Things to do in Torquay

Torquay has been a fashionable seaside resort since the early 19th century with some fabulous beaches and many interesting historical houses alongside its shops and cafes.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Fowey

Set on the south coast, Fowey is a maritime lover’s paradise. The smart nautical town hugs the west side of the Fowey estuary, where deep waters attract sailing fans. The town itself is a mix of enchantingly narrow streets and a mix of architecture including historic medieval, grand Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Lymington

Quite simply, Lymington is an enchanting town for all seasons, for all the family. Situated on the southern edge of the New Forest, it offers the perfect springboard from which to explore the stunning national park.

Things to do Jonathan C

Things to do in Totnes

In South Devon people usually describe anything which is a bit quirky and whacky as ‘a bit Totnes’, and for a long time, the town sign said ‘Welcome to Totnes - Twinned with Narnia.’ Totnes is an interesting, independent, beautiful, historical town. It’s a fabulous place to explore with many distracting turns up exciting alleyways.

Things to do Philip Eley

Things to do in Weymouth

I wonder if Weymouth is actually rather overlooked and under-rated, with visitors flocking more to other Dorset locations such as Bournemouth, but Weymouth has some brilliant hidden gems that I want to share with you.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in Bath

If like me you love this incredible location, you may want to take a few days to experience the wonders it beholds and sample a slice of the region’s heritage on a longer stay.

Things to do Tasha H

Things to do in Truro

Truro is Cornwall’s only city! Steeped in history, Truro boasts stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, an eclectic shopping scene as well as a range of galleries, bars, restaurants and clubs. You’ll find something fun to do whether you’re visiting with kids, on a romantic getaway or flying solo.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Newquay

One of the nation’s favourite seaside towns, Newquay is a fantastic place for a holiday. With a different beach for every day of the week, an emerging foodie scene and a packed calendar of events for the year it’s a must see location if you’re in the area.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Bodmin

One of the oldest towns in Cornwall, Bodmin is truly steeped in history yet has many modern conveniences to make life easy.

Things to do Abby D

Things to do in Taunton

Exploring the historic county town of Taunton gives you a chance to soak up a range of experiences. From the grounds of Somerset’s County Cricket Club to the impressive heritage of Taunton Castle, this lively hub is an ideal spot to enjoy a mix of culture and entertainment.

Things to do Tasha H

Dog walking on Bembridge Beach

Soak up the sunshine and views of the Solent and the Channel with a walk around the Bembridge coastline on the east of the Isle of Wight.

Places to Go Kayleigh Hardy

Things to do in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is the perfect seaside destination for a weekend break, come rain or shine. Almost bordering on Devon, Lyme Regis is tucked away on the edge of Dorset, along the Jurassic Coast and has lots to do, whether you’re an active family, or a quiet couple.

Things to do Becky Bye

Things to do in The New Forest

Welcome to the heart of the New Forest, where cattle, ponies, donkeys, deer and pigs have roamed free for centuries.

Things to do Jonathan C