Find a place to stay
From quaint fishing villages and dramatic moorland to coastal towns and hidden coves, your journey along the South West Coast Path will introduce you to some stunning locations and places to stay.
So, whether you’re hiking the whole Trail, escaping for the weekend, visiting with family and friends or going solo, we can help you find the place that’s right for you.
Types of accommodation
The South West Coast Path boasts a wide variety of accommodation options including; independently run B&Bs, traditional pubs & inns, quirky hideaways, award winning boutique and luxury hotels, self-catering properties, farm-stays, camping and glamping sites, as well as holiday parks and hostels. Most are happy to welcome you all year-round, allowing you to enjoy the changing seasons on the Path and there are plenty of options for long-distance walkers looking to just spend the night. The South West is a popular destination during the peak summer season and for bank holidays though, so our top tip is to book well in advance!
Find somewhere to stay
Start your search by using our Accommodation Finder or checking our Complete Guide to the South West Coast Path, which lists all our Way Makers who are businesses located on or near the Path offering places to stay. Please note these are not inspected or graded by an official tourism body. Our Accommodation Finder provides direct links to the website for each listed business, so that you can check availability, prices and book direct. By choosing to stay with one of our listed businesses, you’ll be helping to support the Path so thank you in advance for giving back to the Path in this way. Don’t forget to also check out our luggage transfer providers as part of your trip planning.
Choosing the right type of accommodation
Bed & Breakfasts, Guest Houses and Farm stays
These are all great options if you’re walking the whole Trail, as many are set up to offer single night stays and have walker friendly services such as; drying facilities, packed lunches, flexible breakfast times and sometimes offer a lift to and from the Path. Staying at a local B&B also means you can tap into your host’s local knowledge of the area (including tips of the best places to eat and visit), whilst enjoying a taste of home comforts. B&Bs range from single letting rooms to farmhouses or larger, more luxurious establishments and range in price. Most B&Bs pride themselves on serving up a hearty breakfast to get you off to a good start, often sourcing ingredients to showcase local produce and suppliers in their area. We know that many of our visitors to the Path go back to the same B&B time and time again, as their hosts are an important part of the great South West Coast Path experience and enjoy welcoming walkers all year round.
Self-catering properties
A self-catering property gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility. It’s the perfect choice if you like the idea of staying in one place and exploring the Coast Path and local area from a single base. Self-catering properties come in all shapes and sizes and are a great option if you are visiting as a family, or with a group of friends. Most offer fully equipped kitchen facilities too, so you can visit local farm shops, delis and markets to pick up fantastic, fresh local produce and cook up a feast from the comfort of your own ‘home’. We promote a range of self-catering options including quirky getaways like shepherd’s huts, beachside chalets, fishmen’s cottages, National Trust properties as well as larger properties and cottage complexes – perfect for larger groups. You can book directly with the host, through their third-party agent or through a holiday cottage company. Keep an eye out for dog-friendly options too and off-season discounts.
Hotels, Pubs and Inns
Along the Path you can find small, independently run hotels right up to large waterfront hotels offering facilities like spas, swimming pools, sun-terraces and restaurants. This is the perfect option if you’re looking for a touch of all-round luxury as part of your trip. Many pubs along the route also offer accommodation, giving you the option to enjoy a full range of food and drink as part of your stay.
Hostels and other budget friendly options
If you’re tackling the whole 630-mile route, or a section of the Trail and you’re looking for comfortable, budget friendly, single/multi night stay accommodation - this is the option for you. Staying in a hostel gives you a chance to meet other visitors to the Path (some provide shared kitchen and communal areas) and accommodation options range from dormitory style rooms to private bedrooms. Hostels are set up to provide walker friendly services like boot stores, washing and drying facilities, maps and guides.
Camping, Glamping and Holiday Parks
For all you outdoorsy types, there are plenty of official campsites close to the South West Coast Path for you to enjoy. Unlike some places in the UK, it is not permitted to wild camp on the Path unless you get specific permission from the landowner, so campsites are the way to go! Campsites range from smaller, independently owned sites with basic facilities, to more unusual glamping experiences like wigwams, yurts or eco-lodges. Many have their own farm-shops on site offering local produce. Most larger holiday parks offer a complete range of accommodation options from camping and campervan pitches to static caravans, lodges and bungalows. They often have additional eating and drinking facilities on-site too. Another great option if you’re travelling as part of a bigger group.
If you are an accommodation provider and would like to be listed on our website and in the Complete Guide, find out more about how to become a Way Maker.
