Your journey begins near the coast in Hampshire, in the delightfully picturesque village of Beaulieu. Explore the historic shipbuilding hamlet of Buckler’s Hard, before heading to Lymington to get out on the water – this is a sailor’s paradise!

Stay at The Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, an idyllic New Forest village. Relax in the hotel’s timeless interiors, explore the beautiful gardens before dining at the renowned Terrace Restaurant.

Next set the scene in Dorset, searching dramatic cliff-edged bays for hidden fossils. Picture-worthy Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are the perfect stops to dip your toes in the sea and enjoy a picnic, before walking on Chesil Beach, with 18 miles of shingle bay stretching towards Devon. Did you know Devon is the only county in England with two coastlines and two national parks?

Stay at The Priory Hotel in Wareham, set on the banks of the River Frome, this special Grade II listed hotel has history, quirk and charm in every inglenook and corner – the perfect English getaway.

As you climb into Dartmoor, a vast untamed landscape greets you, with open heathland moors and lofty granite tors waiting to be explored. This is a wild place – wildlife, wild weather, shaped by powerful geology and ancient history. Iconic Dartmoor ponies are a highlight of a walk across this unique landscape.

Stay at Bovey Castle, nestled in the rolling valleys of Dartmoor National Park for its 18-hole championship golf course and array of outdoor pursuits. Book a Lodge if you fancy a self-catering experience with added space for friends and family within the grounds.

Sample local wine and cheese in a rolling vineyard next to an estuary that winds to the sea. Make for the vibrant harbour town of Dartmouth where boutique shops, seafood restaurants, boat trips, and popular town festivals (don’t miss the Royal Regatta in August!) mean there is always something to going on here. Follow the coast south to Salcombe, a pretty seaside town surrounded by beautiful river valleys and sandy beaches. This is the spot to stop for lunch – seafood abounds, often with a sea view, and locally-made ice cream is a must for wandering the charming streets lined with interesting shops and delis. Get soft sand between your toes on South Milton Sands, and as the sun sets behind its iconic rock arch, a cool glass of rosé complements fresh lobster caught just across the bay.

Stay at Thurlestone Hotel – for endless sea views, and a short walk to sandy beaches. Tennis, Croquet, and golf are also on offer.

Head towards Plymouth, stopping to admire the pretty village of Noss Mayo, sitting on the Yealm estuary, and sample lunch in an historic local pub. The beach beckons at Bovisand, a sheltered bay of wide yellow sands with views across the Plymouth Sound. For a history hit, the refined Georgian house of Saltram is full of artistic treasures.

Stay at Boringdon Hall, an enchanted place on a hill above Plymouth, with views of Dartmoor and an indulgent spa.

Cross the river Tamar to arrive in Cornwall, England’s sunniest peninsula with breathtaking coastline and glittering waters beside tiny fishing villages and quaint harbours. Wander the Lost Gardens of Heligan or marvel at the scale of the Eden Project, a global garden and ecological haven. Wind through characteristic country lanes towards the unspoilt Roseland Peninsula, to tiny, deserted coves where wild swimming is a must. The chic village of St Mawes draws you in for lazy afternoons indulging in fresh local fare brought in on the boats that morning.

Stay at The Nare Hotel on Carne Beach, where Cornish charm meets sub-tropical beauty. There are plenty of activities for families and children, with the safe and sandy Carne beach, two swimming pools, a sea-view hot tub, spa treatments, tennis, croquet, sailing, horse riding, sea-fishing, coastal walking, and more.

Cornwall’s furthest corner beckons, with a thriving arts scene and dramatic landscapes shaped by centuries of history. Visit the Tate St Ives art gallery or sit back and enjoy an evening performance at the spectacular open-air Minack Theatre, perched dramatically on the Cornish cliffs. A wilder landscape appears as you head to the northern coast – this is the place to ride the waves, on iconic surfing beaches such as Fistral Beach. If the crashing surf doesn’t tempt you, perhaps the renowned restaurants in the seafood hotspots of Padstow and Port Isaac might.

Stay at The Headland Hotel & Spa overlooking Fistral Beach, with renowned and stunning architecture, an extensive aqua club & spa, and unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean. The coastal cottages are a great option if you want added space moments from the beach.