Why the Southwest 660 is the English Coast at Its Finest
The southern side of the Bristol Channel stands as one of Britain's most attractive coastlines, offering easy accessibility while remaining relatively undiscovered outside of school holiday periods. This region combines the bounties of both sea and land, creating a true foodie paradise that beckons travelers seeking culinary and scenic delights.
Planning Your Coastal Escape
The key to a successful long weekend along the Southwest 660 is to escape work early on a Thursday and head westward. The pace of life and travel noticeably slows once you leave the motorway behind. This remarkable route begins in Poole, Dorset, and concludes in Watchet, Somerset, but it's thoughtfully divided into approximately 50-mile sections perfect for shorter excursions. There's no requirement to follow it clockwise; many travelers enjoy exploring it in reverse order. For my much-needed getaway, I selected sections 12, 11, and 10 for a memorable journey.
Culinary Excellence at The Pig
While Rick Stein made Padstow famous, discerning food enthusiasts seeking exceptional meals without crowds know to visit The Pig at Harlyn Bay. Portions of this grand stone house date back to the 15th century, making it one of Cornwall's oldest structures. When you drive up the winding path and enter the hall, you immediately feel like a welcomed guest at an exclusive weekend house party. If you arrive during daylight hours, take advantage of the guided kitchen garden tour and meet the resident pigs. Remarkably, nearly every ingredient on the menu originates from within a 25-mile radius, ensuring exceptional freshness and local flavor.
Coastal Wonders and Historic Sites
The following day, allow ample time to enjoy The Pig's lavish breakfast before embarking on Section 10 of the Southwest 660, driving eastward. Tintagel presents dramatic scenery in any weather, but a clear day reveals the full beauty of the island and nearby Bideford Bay. Explore this captivating coastline following in the footsteps of legendary figures like King Arthur and author Rudyard Kipling. Consider a refreshing break at Wellington in Boscastle, owned by St Austell Brewery. This picturesque village features a natural harbor maintained by the National Trust, with an easy though sometimes blustery walk from the pub to the Elizabethan quay.
Accommodation and Local Revitalization
For overnight accommodation, consider Farmers Arms in Woolsery, near Clovelly. The Collective has breathed new life into this north Devon village by taking over the pub, village shop, post office, and fish and chip shop, all supplied by nearby Birch Farm. The charming rooms and cottages boast a coveted One-Key Michelin rating and sit conveniently just moments away from the award-winning, plot-to-plate pub.
Natural Spectacles and Engineering Marvels
The rolling waves of north Devon attract countless surfers, but the sea's raw power becomes most visible at Hartland Point. Here, a white lighthouse clings precariously to the cliffside, appearing more vulnerable with each passing year. The path above offers spectacular views, and on clear days, you might even spot whales in the Bristol Channel. During our visit, we gazed toward Lundy Island with a rainbow arching beautifully over the water.
Plan to reach Lynmouth by mid-afternoon to experience the Lynmouth & Lynton Cliff Railway. This engineering marvel has operated continuously since 1890, powered entirely by water, earning it a Green Tourism 'Gold' award for sustainable tourism. Overlooking the harbor stands The Bath Hotel, a Victorian landmark originally constructed as a salt bath house that feels like stepping back in time.
Final Stops and Luxurious Retreats
Section 12 of the Southwest 660 guides you leisurely along the coast toward Watchet, but if time permits, linger longer. Visit imposing Dunster Castle and Watermill, a site that evolved from a Saxon hill-fort to a Norman castle before becoming the lavish country home of the Luttrell family. Today, the National Trust carefully maintains this historic treasure.
Although it requires slightly retracing your route, spending a final night at Porlock Weir Hotel on the edge of Exmoor National Park proves well worthwhile. Harbor-facing rooms offer both views and sounds of crashing waves, and with Porlock Bay Oysters located right next door, you can trust in the absolute freshness of the seafood. This coastal journey combines culinary excellence, historical exploration, and natural beauty in one unforgettable English adventure.
