Travel

Probably the cheapest way of getting to the South West - National Express and Megabus operate many services into the region, including routes from airports.

Sit back and relax in the comfort of rail travel. First Great Western operates most services into and around the region along with South West Trains (who mainly cover the east of the region) and CrossCountry who provide long distance services from the north.

The M5, M4, A303 and A31 provide motorway and trunk road access to South West England.

Take a look at our Top Travel Tips for ways of improving your journey.

Arriving by Ferry is a great way to approach South West England - follow in the wake of centuries of sailors and get some great views of the coast as you pull into harbour. Visit the links below for more information on South West Ferry ports:

Plymouth - Routes from Roscoff (France) & Santander (Spain)

Poole - Routes from Cherbourg (France) & St Malo (France)

Weymouth - Routes from the Channel Islands & St Malo (France)

Bournemouth - Services from UK, Western & Eastern Europe

Bristol - Services from UK, Europe, North America & Africa

Exeter - Services from UK, Western & Eastern Europe

Newquay - Services from UK and Western Europe

Plymouth - Services from UK and Western Europe

The Highways Agency has a wealth of information that will tell you when roads are at their quietest and any roadworks to avoid. Live traffic information can be found on their website, on the digital radio station ‘Traffic Radio' or by calling their hotline - 0300 123 5000

Take extra care in the winter to be prepared when setting off for a long journey.

Checking your tyre pressures, driving at a slower speed, along with gentle braking and accelerating will help lower fuel costs and your carbon footprint.

Before reading on take a look at our top tips video

Booking in advance (even the day before) saves money and guarantees a seat - particularly important if you're traveling down to the region on Friday afternoon / evening.

Be first in the queue for tickets by signing up to TheTrainline's ticket alert system.

Booking direct with the train operator means you can access their exclusive discounts visit: firstgreatwestern.co.uk and southwesttrains.co.uk

Eurostar (serving London St Pancras from Paris, Brussels & Lille) is also cheapest when tickets first go on sale (4 months before departure). Allow time to transfer from London St Pancras to London Paddington or London Waterloo for onward travel to the South West - at least 1 hour (1.5 hours when leaving the UK).

International visitors planning on making several long distance journeys should consider a Britrail pass.

The Night Riviera Sleeper is the most relaxing way of travelling to the region.
Operating every night (except Saturday) between London Paddington to Devon & Cornwall, you can choose a one (with TV!) or two bed compartment.

Tickets start at £49 one way for a 2 berth - see The Man in Seat 61 website for a tour.

Sit on the left of the train if travelling south beyond Exeter for spectacular coastal views.

Let others queue while you enjoy one of the many attractions close to routes into the South West with the Highways Agency's Summer Getaway Map.

Choose a scenic alternative to the motorway - the A303 offers views of Stonehenge, the A31 passes through the New Forest and the A40 enjoys great views of the Cotswolds.

Transport Direct provides a wealth of information on planning door-to-door journeys by public transport or car, but it's the added features that are impressive: plan a day trip; compare costs; calculate your carbon footprint; locate the nearest station or car park. You can also see live traffic information for all modes of transport in South West England.

AA Route Planner provides particular help for motorists including information on service stations, accommodation and restaurant options near to the route and speed cameras. Motorists may also find Google Maps useful for directions as it includes the option to view photos of road junctions (limited coverage at present).

Once you're on holiday in the South West you may find it easier to access travel advice by phoning Traveline - 0871 200 22 33. Why not add it to your contacts now? Travelline has the advantage of including all locations that bus drivers stop - not just official bus stops.

South West England has some of the most scenic journeys in the country. To help give you some inspiration we've created a growing series of video guides to some of the best. From cliff top rides on the Jurassic Coast bus to meandering beside the river on the Looe Valley branch line and much more.  

Fancy a car-free day out exploring beautiful coastal views, top surfing beaches, quaint fishing villages, the famous Camel Trail, and more?!

This day long trip takes you from the vibrant resort of Newquay along the coast to the upmarket fishing port of Padstow and on to the town of Wadebridge and back by bus and by pedal power - a fabulous day out!

Find out more

Covering over 630 miles of superb coastal walking - from Minehead on the edge of the Exmoor National Park in Somerset, around Devon and Cornwall to the shores of Poole Harbour in Dorset - the South West Coast Path is the best way to enjoy the wonderful coastal scenery, wildlife and heritage of this spectacular region.

Several stretches of the path are suitable for people with mobility problems, pushchairs, wheelchairs and mobility scooters too.

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All aboard for a truly unique day out!

Catch a magnificent steam train from Paignton along the spectacular Torbay coast and through the wooded slopes bordering the Dart estuary to Kingswear.

Spend some time exploring Dartmouth's cafes, galleries and castle before taking the ferry up the beautiful river Dart to Totnes. Complete the circle with a marvellous open top bus ride back to Paignton. The scenery is superb.

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The River Avon and the Kennet & Avon Canal both run right through Bath and provide great opportunities for excellent days out offering unique views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Hire a boat and row along the river at your own pace, or sit back and take in the beautiful scenery aboard a relaxing boat ride along the canal.

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