Things to do

Discover all the trail has to offer with activities & experiences

The rich cultural, natural and local history of the South West Coast Path means there’s so much to discover along the trail, as well as new experiences and activities to enjoy around its stunning coastline. Delve deep into Cornwall’s tin mining history, hunt for fossils on Dorset’s ancient Jurassic Coast and discover forts, castles and historic country houses along the way.  Get even closer to nature with a visit to our sub-tropical gardens or nearby National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor, visit an award winning visitor attraction or catch up on some culture with a visit to your favourite film location, local art gallery or one of the many vineyards, dairies or breweries on the trail.     

What about some outdoor adventure?  From rolling Atlantic waves to more gentle estuaries and coves, the coastline provides the ideal opportunity to get on the water and learn a new skill like surfing, paddleboarding, sailing or coasteering. Why not take a boat trip and discover our marine wildlife and see the Path from a different angle!    

Whatever you fancy doing, use our Things to Do finder in the right hand column. It includes nformation on local taxis, information centres and local walk guides.  Don’t forget by supporting those who display the Way Maker sign, you’ll also be supporting businesses who give back to the Path and helping local communities who rely on the trail.

Watersports and Outdoor Activities 

We all love walking by the sea, but what about getting on and in it too?  Get your fix with an adrenaline fuelled surf, kite-surfing or coasteering lesson or take a more gentle paddleboard, kayak or sail round the coastline. Hop on a local boat-trip and get a close up on marine life or take a refreshing wild swim in the ocean or at one of the saltwater lidos en route. Whatever you decide, there’s no shortage of qualified watersports and outdoor instructors ready to show you how.

Heritage, History and Culture    

What better way to get to know an area than with a visit to one of the many historic houses, country homes and estates along the Path?  There’s hundreds of National Trust properties close to the trail, as well as other gems like the Mount Edgcumbe Estate and St Michael’s Mount.  Find out more about the important role places along the Path have played in history, with a visit to a local museum like the PK Porthcurthno - museum of global communications or soak up the region's artistic and cultural heritage with a visit to an art gallery or venue, like the stunning open air, Minack theatre

Visitor Attractions and Gardens 

Strolling through sub-tropical gardens like those at Trebah, exploring out-of-this-world visitor attractions like The Eden Project or visiting your favourite filming location like Charlestown Harbour (as seen in Poldark) are just some of the local attractions along the trail which will keep you inspired by the South West Coast Path Experience.

Food and Drink Experiences 

From microbreweries to vineyards and from dairies to honey farms, sampling the delights of local food and drink producers, and learning how they use the land, unique climate and traditional techniques to create such delicious regional specialities inspired by the coast is a great way to spend time along the trail. Don’t forget to call in at the local farmshop, coffee roastery or bakery too whilst you’re there. 

National Parks and Natural Spaces   

If you love walking, you’re love exploring the dramatic landscape of moorland, woodland, rivers, valleys and farmland which shape Exmoor National Park right next to the trail and the nearby Dartmoor National Park.  The South West Coast Path itself includes five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the North Devon Biosphere too . Don’t forget to check out the local bike hire, horse-riding and other walking trails joining the South West Coast Path.   

Local Information Centres  

Don't forget to call into your local Tourist Information Centre for all the best in local knowledge on what to do and where to go along the trail - there's some award winning centres along the way like the one at Swanage and The West Bay Discovery Centre.