The West Country is home to some of Britain’s most spectacular coastlines. While destinations such as St Ives, Newquay, and Lyme Regis attract thousands of visitors each year, there are still countless quieter beaches, hidden coves, and scenic walking routes waiting to be discovered. For those willing to venture beyond the busiest tourist hotspots, the region offers dramatic cliffs, peaceful stretches of sand, and coastal paths with views that change around every corner.
The travel experts at West Country Motorhomes, have noticed that more travellers are seeking out lesser-known coastal destinations where they can enjoy the scenery at a slower pace. With the flexibility to travel between locations, it’s easier than ever to explore some of the West Country’s hidden treasures.
Mattiscombe Sands, Devon
Tucked away on the South Devon coast, Mattiscombe Sands is one of those places that feels untouched even during the summer months. Reached by foot from the nearby National Trust car park, the beach rewards visitors with sweeping views, clear water, and a peaceful atmosphere.
The walk down is steep, but the effort is well worth it. Unlike many of Devon’s better-known beaches, Mattiscombe Sands remains relatively quiet, making it a great place to relax or enjoy a picnic beside the sea.
Keep an eye out for seals, which are regularly spotted along this stretch of coastline.
Lantic Bay, Cornwall
Lantic Bay is often overshadowed by Cornwall’s larger beaches, yet many visitors consider it one of the county’s most beautiful.
The route to the beach involves a fairly steep walk, which naturally limits visitor numbers and helps preserve its peaceful feel. Once you arrive, you’ll find golden sand surrounded by high cliffs and clear turquoise water.
Swimming conditions can vary depending on the tide, so it’s always worth checking local advice before entering the water.
Blackchurch Rock and Mouthmill Beach
Located near the Devon and Cornwall border, Mouthmill Beach offers dramatic coastal scenery that’s very different from the wide sandy beaches found elsewhere in the region.
Its most recognisable feature is Blackchurch Rock, a striking sea stack rising from the shoreline. At low tide, visitors can walk across the beach to admire the rock formations and surrounding cliffs.
The beach is reached via a countryside footpath, adding to its secluded atmosphere.
Kynance Cove beyond the crowds
Kynance Cove is one of Cornwall’s most photographed locations, but there are quieter ways to experience it.
Arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon allows visitors to enjoy the scenery before or after the busiest periods. From the cove, several coastal paths continue along the Lizard Peninsula, offering spectacular sea views while leaving the crowds behind.
Following these walking routes often reveals small coves and viewpoints that many visitors never reach.
Chapel Porth to St Agnes Head
This section of the Southwest Coast Path combines dramatic cliffs, mining history, and expansive sea views.
Beginning at Chapel Porth Beach, the walk heads towards St Agnes Head, passing old engine houses that stand as reminders of Cornwall’s industrial past. The route offers regular viewpoints where it’s possible to watch seabirds and, during certain times of the year, dolphins offshore.
It’s a rewarding walk without requiring a full day’s hiking.
Prawle Point and Gara Rock
South Devon is known for its rolling countryside as much as its coastline, and the walk between Prawle Point and Gara Rock showcases both.
The route follows grassy cliff tops overlooking hidden coves and rocky outcrops before reaching Gara Rock Beach. Along the way, walkers are treated to uninterrupted views across the English Channel and a peaceful atmosphere that’s hard to find in busier coastal towns.
This area is particularly enjoyable during late spring and early autumn.
Sandwood Bay, although worth the journey
Technically outside the traditional West Country, Sandwood Bay is often mentioned by experienced coastal walkers because of its remarkable scenery. If you’re planning a longer UK road trip, it’s a destination many believe deserves a place on your itinerary.
Closer to home, however, the West Country has no shortage of equally rewarding beaches that require far less travel.
The Southwest Coast Path
Stretching for more than 600 miles, the Southwest Coast Path links Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, making it England’s longest marked national trail.
You don’t need to complete the entire route to enjoy it. Many of the best sections can be explored over a few hours, allowing visitors to experience dramatic cliff tops, quiet beaches, fishing villages, and abundant wildlife without committing to a long-distance hike.
Some of the most popular shorter stretches include:
- Hartland Quay to Speke’s Mill Mouth
- Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
- Port Isaac to Port Quin
- Hope Cove to Salcombe
- Boscastle to Tintagel
Each offers its own character while showcasing the region’s varied coastline.
Making the most of a coastal road trip
One of the advantages of exploring the West Country by road is the freedom to visit several beaches during a single trip. Rather than spending the entire holiday in one location, many travellers enjoy moving between coastal villages, walking routes, and scenic viewpoints.
According to the team at West Country Motorhomes, planning a flexible itinerary often leads to the most rewarding journeys. Allowing extra time between destinations means there’s space to stop at viewpoints, discover unexpected beaches, or spend longer in places that might otherwise have been overlooked.
When to visit
The West Country is attractive throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.
Spring brings wildflowers to the cliff tops and generally quieter walking routes. Summer provides warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, although popular beaches become busier during school holidays.
Autumn is often considered one of the best times to visit, with comfortable walking conditions, colourful coastal landscapes, and fewer crowds. Winter offers dramatic seascapes and peaceful paths, although visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather and stronger coastal winds.
Preparing for coastal walks
Even relatively short walks along the coast require some preparation.
Comfortable walking boots, waterproof clothing, and plenty of drinking water are recommended throughout the year. Coastal paths can become muddy after rain, while exposed cliff tops are often windier than expected.
It’s also sensible to check tide times if you’re planning to visit beaches that are only fully accessible at low tide.
West Country Motorhomes also recommends researching parking and overnight stop options before travelling, particularly during the busiest months when coastal destinations can fill up quickly.
Respecting the coastline
Many of the West Country’s hidden beaches remain special because they’ve escaped large scale development. Visitors can help preserve these places by taking litter home, following marked footpaths, and respecting local wildlife.
Dogs should be kept under control where livestock or ground nesting birds are present, while walkers should avoid climbing unstable cliffs or venturing onto unsafe rock formations.
Simple steps like these help protect the coastline for future visitors while supporting the communities that care for it.
Discovering a quieter side of the West Country
The West Country’s best experiences are often found away from its busiest resorts. Hidden beaches, cliff top walks, and peaceful coves offer a chance to slow down and appreciate the coastline without the crowds.
Whether you’re exploring Devon’s rugged shores, Cornwall’s secluded bays, or a lesser-known section of the Southwest Coast Path, travelling at your own pace makes it easier to uncover places that don’t always appear in the guidebooks.
Sometimes, all it takes is turning off the main road, following a coastal path, and allowing yourself time to see where it leads.
