INTRODUCING THE SOUTH COAST OF ENGLAND

Introducing the south coast of England

As the nation embraces staycations amid ongoing foreign travel uncertainty, the south coast – including Brighton, Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall – has been named as the second most popular UK destination caravan and motorhome owners plan to visit post-lockdown, a survey we conducted via YouGov has revealed.

So, we thought it would be helpful to provide you with a bitesize list of fantastic places to stay, amazing things to do and delicious places to eat if you have already set your sat nav for the south.

Alternatively, maybe we can tempt you to make your next staycation a south coast special...

Time to pitch up – where to stay

Named 2019 Dorset Holiday Park of the Year, Highlands End Holiday Park is a family-friendly site located on a clifftop overlooking the Jurassic Coast. The coastline here was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001 and has historic significance based on ancient fossils, spectacular scenery and popular landmarks.

Porth Beach Holiday Park is a firm favourite in the region due to its prime location in the heart of Cornwall. As well as being just 100 metres from the stunning Porth Beach – considered to be one of Cornwall’s safest swimming beaches – it is only two miles from Newquay and about an hour from Bude in North Cornwall or Penzance in South Cornwall.

If you like to have the option of keeping busy or enjoying some downtime, but are not quite sure until you open your curtain in the morning, Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon may be the one for you. While many stay here for the private beach, kayaking and paddleboarding on offer at the beach, there is also an indoor swimming pool on site if that is more your style.

Things to do

Are you a fan of the arts? Experience theatre with a backdrop so spectacular that you may struggle to keep your eyes on the show at Minack Theatre in Cornwall. A venue like no other, the amphitheatre is carved into the cliff face and regularly hosts shows throughout the summer. Although, visitors are able to walk around, take a seat, enjoy a picnic, or simply take in the view when shows are not scheduled.

Let’s be honest, there is likely to be a rainy day on many staycations this year. So, why not prepare an inside attraction worthy of a visit even on the sunniest of days. The National Marine Aquarium, located in Britain’s ocean city of Plymouth, is home to more than 5,000 marine animals and offers experiences from around the world, such as the Great Barrier Reef.

We’re back in Cornwall for our last suggestion and it is one of the UK’s most popular visitor attractions. The Eden Project aims to connect us with each other and the living world, while exploring how we can work towards a better future. The huge biomes are home to the largest rainforest in captivity and plants from around the world, while outside there are enormous contemporary gardens to be explored. Throughout the summer there are regular exhibitions, concerts and family-events, so make sure to plan ahead if possible.

What to eat

A trip to the coast isn't complete without a trip to a ‘famous’ fish and chip spot. Therefore, we have identified three of the south coast’s finest.

Kicking things off is the multi award-winning Harbourside in Plymouth, which has been popular among critics throughout the past decade. The branch even opened a unique gluten free shop in 2018, with every single item on the menu being gluten free. Who knew the fish and chip trade would be leading the way in inclusive dietary requirements?

Next on the list is Hanbury’s Famous Fishand Chips of Babbacombe, Torquay. The takeaway has been in business for more than four decades and recently begun selling its own Hanbury’s Amber Ale & Hanbury’s Craft Lager that is made to its own special recipe. This one is popular among locals and holidaymakers alike, with some visitors returning year on year for a tasty treat.

Finally, TheLifeboat House in Coverack, Cornwall, is an independently run takeaway, restaurant and bar inside a real converted lifeboat house that closed down in 1980. Located on the seafront, you’ll receive a healthy dose of fresh seaside air as well as an even more satisfying portion of fresh, locally sourced fish and chips.

Summary

We know you will have your own favourite things about the south coast too, so we want to hear from you!

Join in the conversation on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #StaycationNation or send us an email at info@kimberleycaravans.co.uk for the chance to be featured in our next newsletter where we will be sharing more ideas for your holidays this year.

Not currently receiving our newsletter? Sign up here.