Where to stay along the South West Coast Path

Few walking routes in Britain can rival the scale and beauty of the South West Coast Path. Tracing the edge of England’s south-western peninsula for 630 miles, this legendary trail winds from the Somerset town of Minehead to the calm waters of Poole Harbour in Dorset.

Along the way, it reveals a constantly changing landscape of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, working harbours and vast sea horizons that never fail to impress.

This is a journey that demands commitment as well as curiosity. With relentless ascents and descents adding up to more than 115,000 feet, even a short stretch feels like a genuine achievement. Whether you’re tackling a weekend section or dreaming of the entire route, where you rest along the way is part of the adventure too.

Each of our one-of-a-kind properties set along or near the South West Coast Path offers a deeply atmospheric place to stay – whether tucked in a wooded valley or perched above wild sea cliffs, along the salt-blown edge of Britain. 

Peppercombe, North Devon

In the lush green seclusion of Peppercombe Valley, two Landmark hideaways await: the 1920s Castle Bungalow and the charming, pink Bridge Cottage. The coast path threads through the valley, passing near to both. 

Coombe and Duckpool, North Cornwall

A short walk inland from the sea at Duckpool, where the South West Coast Path rises and falls across the bay, the hamlet of Coombe nestles at the junction of two wooded valleys. Coombe consists of a watermill, the mill house and several cottages, built among orchards around a ford across a shallow stream - and all available to hire for holidays. It was here in the 1820s that Robert Stephen Hawker, the flamboyant Vicar of Morwenstow, lived. Well known as a poet, artist and rescuer of shipwrecked sailors, Hawker built himself a hut from driftwood on the cliffs below Morwenstow, which he would walk to most days to write, reflect and watch the sea. Explore our properties at Coombe.

Lower Porthmeor

Set on the wild, western edge of Cornwall near the village of Zennor, Lower Porthmeor overlooks the Atlantic. The coastal path skirts the cliffs above, revealing three Landmark cottages on the hillside: The Farmhouse, The Captain’s House, and Arra Venton. All three are currently being refurbished, with bookings open now for stays later this year. 

The Egyptian House, Penzance

Directly on the South West Coast Path, the legendary pirating town of Penzance is a lively place with an artistic undercurrent. On the town’s main high street sits the Egyptian House: a rare and noble survivor of a style that enjoyed a vogue after Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt in 1798. Now divided into three apartments with views across the bay towards St Michael's Mount, it makes a wonderful base from which to explore Penzance and this stretch of the coast.

Frenchman's Creek, Helford

At Helford, the coastal path is momentarily broken by the wide waters of the river and linked together by a small ferry that has passed for over 300 years between Helford and Helford Passage. Both villages have popular pubs with views of the water where you can wait for the ferry to arrive. On a quiet tributary of the Helford River, Frenchman’s Creek is a secluded and romantic cottage deep in the woods. Stay here to explore this dreamlike part of Cornwall, made famous by Daphne Du Maurier in her pirating adventure of the same name.

Kingswear Castle, Kingswear

Built in 1502 and seemingly carved from the cliffs, Kingswear Castle stands sentinel on the mouth of the River Dart, across from Dartmouth. Located directly on the South West Coast Path, just around the headland from Mill Bay Cove, the castle offers panoramic views from rooftop to shoreline and ample walking opportunities directly from the door. 

Margells, Branscombe

The village of Branscombe winds down a steep valley toward the sea, ending in a wide, shingle beach. At the far end of the village sits Margells, a deceptively simple cottage containing fine Tudor wall paintings and a well-preserved 16th-century interior, which may once have been the parlour wing of a larger house. Stay here to explore this lush wooded valley, and walk the coastal path across the headland to the fishing village of Beer.

Belmont, Lyme Regis

Famous for its fossils, there’s plenty to explore in Lyme Regis itself, as well as its neighbouring Charmouth Bay, where you can still discover ammonites locked inside the rocks. Overlooking the sea at Lyme Regis, Belmont is an elegant 18th century seaside villa, once home to John Fowles, whose novel The French Lieutenant's Woman takes place in the town in 1867. Sleeping eight guests, it's a fine place for families and groups of friends to stay and explore this varied section of South West Coast Path. 

Clavell Tower, Kimmeridge

Clavell Tower is known to many who have walked past its door along the South West Coast Path. High up on the cliff at Kimmeridge Bay the tower is an extraordinary place to stay - whether you want to head out for bracing coastal walks or simply stay indoors and witness the changing light, weather and sea from your cosy eyrie. One of our most popular and well-booked Landmarks, this is one to add to your bucket list for future adventures.

For help planning your trip to the South West Coast Path, and for latest news, safety advice and route inspiration, head to www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk.