Sussex to Cornwall: The Ultimate 2 Week South Coast Road Trip Itinerary
I have driven almost every stretch of England's south coast at some point, throughout all seasons of the year too. The chalk cliffs of Sussex, the ancient limestone of the Jurassic Coast, the almost topical feed of Salcombe, and the wild Atlantic edge of Cornwall... these are four totally different coastlines stitched together into one extraordinary road trip.
Most south coast road trip itineraries try to cram in too much, moving every night and spending more time driving than being somewhere.
This one is different, I have structured it around five bases: Brighton, Corfe Castle, Lyme Regis, Salcombe and Newquay, which means you can unpack, explore at a sensible pace, and actually explore each place rather than just photographing it from a car park.
Last updated: April 2026. This guide is based on personal experience across all five areas covered.
Plan Your South Coast Road Trip
- 🚗 Do You Need a Car? → Yes
- 🗓️ Best Time to Do This Road Trip → This is a year round trip
- 🐕 Bringing a Dog? → Yes this will be a mostly dog-friendly road trip
- 💷 How Much Does This Road Trip Cost? → I will give a budget breakdown
💡 Tip: This itinerary runs west, starting in Brighton and ending in Cornwall. If you're flying into or out of a London airport this makes logistical sense. Arrive into Gatwick, start in Brighton, end in Cornwall and fly back from Newquay Airport. The route works equally well in reverse.
Do You Need a Car?
Yes, you do need a car for this south coast road trip, and this is the single most important practical point in this entire guide.
Whilst Brighton is reachable by train and both Lyme Regis and Newquay have rail connections, you simply cannot do justice to the coastline between each base without your own transport, especially when you have just two weeks to see so much.
The Jurassic Coast viewpoints, the South Devon lanes, the Cornish coves, they all require a car.
I recommend a small to medium car rather than anything large. The country lanes in Devon and Cornwall in particular are narrow, and a smaller car will save you significant stress on single-track roads.
Driving in the UK for the first time?
We drive on the left, roundabouts are everywhere, and Devon and Cornwall lanes can be intimidating. I have written a complete guide to driving in the UK which covers everything you need to know before setting off.
The Route at a Glance
Total driving distance: approximately 340 miles across the full trip
- Brighton → Corfe Castle: just under 3 hours
- Corfe Castle → Lyme Regis: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Lyme Regis → Salcombe: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Salcombe → Newquay: just under 2 hours
These are driving times on real roads, not motorway estimates. Devon and Cornwall roads in particular slow you down considerably in summer, so always allow extra time and enjoy the scenery rather than fighting against it.
When is the Best Time to do a Road Trip in the South of England?
May and June are my top recommendations on when to visit the south coast of England. The weather is reliably warm and often sunny, the roads are not at peak summer congestion, the beaches are beautiful and the coastal wildflowers are lovely. Accommodation is mostly available and prices are lower than July and August.
In July and August the road trip is absolutely doable but you need to be prepared for busier roads, fuller car parks, seasonal beach dog restrictions and higher accommodation prices. Book everything well in advance. The payoff is the warmest sea temperatures and the longest evenings.
September is excellent, one of my favourite months for UK travel. The summer crowds thin noticeably, the sea is at its warmest, and prices drop, as well as the traffic on the roads.
October to April are quieter, wilder and cheaper, but still absolutely beautiful and worth considering. Some attractions and smaller cafés close or reduce hours.
Base 1: Brighton, 3 Nights
Brighton is the perfect starting point for this road trip. It has great transport links from London, an enormous amount of character, and puts you within reach of beautiful coastal scenery in the South East such as the Seven Sisters and South Downs.
The city itself deserves at least a full day. The Royal Pavilion is breathtaking, a Regency-era Indian-inspired palace sitting in the middle of an English seaside town, which you don't get to see every day!
The Lanes are the best independent shopping streets in the South of England, a maze of tiny alleyways filled with antique shops, jewellers, coffee houses and vintage clothing. Brighton Pier on a sunny afternoon, ridiculous as it is, is a very enjoyable way to spend an hour.
Brighton's beach is pebble rather than sand, which surprises some people, but the seafront promenade and beach huts are quintessentially English and the sea swimming here is popular.
Day Trips from Brighton
The Seven Sisters and Cuckmere Haven:
This is the single best day trip from Brighton and one of the most breathtaking coastal walks in England. The chalk cliffs of the Seven Sisters rise dramatically from the sea in a series of dips and peaks, and the view from the clifftop looking west towards the lighthouse at Belle Tout is extraordinary. The walk from Cuckmere Haven to Birling Gap and back takes around three to four hours at a comfortable pace.
🐕 Dogs are welcome on the Seven Sisters walk and on the beach at Cuckmere Haven. Keep them on leads near the cliff edges.
Arundel Castle:
Just 30 minutes from Brighton, the small town of Arundel is home to one of the finest castles in England. I visited in April during the Tulip Festival and it was one of the most beautiful things I have seen in England... thousands of tulips set against 1,000-year-old stone walls.
I have written a full guide to the Arundel Castle Tulip Festival here.
🐕 Dogs are not permitted inside Arundel Castle grounds, but the riverside walk below the castle is dog-friendly and offers some of the best views of the castle from outside.
South Downs National Park:
The rolling chalk downland immediately north of Brighton is excellent walking territory, and the South Downs Way offers everything from gentle valley trails to clifftop paths with far-reaching views across the Channel.
🐕 Very dog friendly for off lead walking
Where to Stay in Brighton
Brighton has accommodation to suit every budget, from boutique hotels in Regency townhouses to good-value guesthouses in the quieter residential streets north of the seafront.
For location and character, the area around Kemp Town on the eastern seafront is quieter than the centre while still being walkable to everything. The Lanes area puts you right in the middle of the action.
I stayed at No 124 Guesthouse Brighton which is a beautifully designed boutique hotel on the seafront within walking distance to all Brighton's amenities. Parking is available nearby in the Regency Square Car Park.
Base 2: Corfe Castle, 2 Nights
The drive from Brighton to Corfe Castle takes just under three hours and passes through some lovely countryside, but do not rush it, the approach to Corfe Castle itself, as the ruins suddenly appear above the village rooftops, is one of those arrival moments that makes you catch your breath.
You actually pass through Arundel on this drive so it is a great stop off along the way.
Corfe Castle is a village in every sense that the word is supposed to mean, a proper community built around and below a ruined Norman fortress, with stone cottages, a National Trust tearoom, and independent pubs.
I have visited multiple times and I always recommend staying rather than day-tripping, because the difference between Corfe at 8am and Corfe at 11am is the difference between a peaceful English village and a busy tourist attraction.
The castle itself is managed by the National Trust and well worth a few hours, the views from the top of the ruins across the Purbeck Hills are some of the best in Dorset. National Trust members enter free.
Day Trips from Corfe Castle
Old Harrys Rocks:
A 15-20 minute drive from Corfe Castle, Old Harrys Rocks is one of the most memorable stretches of coastline on the entire Jurassic Coast.
Park at the National Trust car park at Studland and walk to the chalk sea stacks along a well-maintained path. I arrived just before sunset on my last visit and the golden light over the white stacks against a deep blue sea was one of the most incredible sights I have encountered anywhere in England.
🐕 Dogs are welcome at Old Harrys Rocks and on most of the Studland beaches, though there are seasonal restrictions on the main beach from May to September. The cliffs are high with no fencing so keep your dog on the lead when close to the edge.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door:
These two iconic Jurassic Coast landmarks are around 20-25 minutes from Corfe Castle and make a full day out.
Lulworth Cove is a perfectly round bay formed by coastal erosion, remarkably symmetrical and very beautiful. From the cove, a coastal path leads west to Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch above a pebble beach, and arguably the most photographed spot on the entire south coast.
The walk between the two takes around 40 minutes each way. On a cold day I have driven directly to the Durdle Door car park instead, it costs around £9 for two hours but saves you the walk in difficult weather.
The steps down to Durdle Door beach are steep. Take care in wet conditions and keep a sensible distance from the cliff edges, which are subject to regular rock falls.
🐕 Durdle Door beach is dog-friendly year-round with no seasonal restrictions, making it one of the best dog-friendly beaches on the Jurassic Coast.
Swanage:
A classic traditional English seaside town a short drive or steam railway ride from Corfe Castle. The steam railway between the two is a lovely nostalgic experience, especially with children.
Swanage has a long sandy beach, a good selection of cafés and pubs, and a very easy-going atmosphere.
I have written a full Dorset itinerary covering the Jurassic Coast in detail, including Corfe Castle, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and more, which you can read here.
Where to Stay in Corfe Castle
Staying in the village itself is strongly recommended over nearby Swanage or Wareham. Waking up in Corfe Castle and walking out to see the ruins at dawn, before the car parks fill and the coaches arrive, is the experience that makes this stop memorable rather than just a tick on a list.
Morton's Manor is a beautiful Grade II listed Elizabethan Manor House at the base of the castle, with rooms from around £165 per night.
The Purbeck Cottage offers a self-catering alternative in a 17th-century building steps from the castle.
The Pig on the Beach near Studland is a wonderful option for those who want a luxury countryside hotel close to the coast.
Base 3: Lyme Regis, 2 Nights
The drive from Corfe Castle to Lyme Regis takes around 1 hour 15 minutes through lovely West Dorset countryside, and Lyme Regis makes an excellent base for this stretch of the Jurassic Coast.
Lyme Regis is lively, pretty, and well served with cafés and independent shops, it feels lived in rather than being overly touristy.
The town sits on the Devon border, which gives you a brilliant position for exploring both West Dorset and East Devon on day trips without excessive driving. The famous Cobb, the curved stone harbour wall that featured in The French Lieutenant's Woman, is worth a walk, particularly in the early morning or at high tide.
Lyme Regis is one of the most important fossil sites in Britain. The beaches here and towards Charmouth yield ammonites, belemnites and occasionally larger finds after storms, and fossil hunting is a popular activity for all ages.
Day Trips from Lyme Regis
Charmouth:
The next village east along the coast, Charmouth is the best place on the Jurassic Coast to go fossil hunting with a guide. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre runs guided fossil walks on the beach during the season, which are excellent value and educational. The beach is good for walking and the cliffs above are spectacular.
West Bay and Burton Bradstock:
West Bay is known to many as the setting for the TV series Broadchurch, filmed along this striking stretch of coast with towering golden sandstone cliffs. Burton Bradstock, a few minutes further, is a classic Dorset village with traditional stone cottages, coastal path access and a very good pub.
Beer and Seaton:
Beer is a beautiful small fishing village about 20 minutes west into Devon, with a shingle beach, working fishing boats and white chalk cliffs. It's lovely and easy to combine with Seaton, which is another 10 minutes along the coast. Seaton has a tramway running along the Axe Valley which is a great day out for families.
🐕 Lyme Regis beach and surrounding coastal paths are dog-friendly.
Where to Stay in Lyme Regis
The Rock Point Inn, right beside the harbour, is one of the best-located and most highly rated hotels in Lyme Regis.
For a self-catering option with character, the coastal apartment I stayed in an 1800s building with exposed beams and incredible sea views. It is available on Airbnb here.
Base 4: Salcombe, 3 Nights
The drive from Lyme Regis to Salcombe takes around 1 hour 45 minutes through South Devon and is an enjoyable journey. The countryside becomes more lush and hilly as you cross into Devon, and the approach to Salcombe is down a series of increasingly narrow lanes. On arrival, you are greeted with a beautiful glimpse of the estuary below this is one of the great arrival moments of this whole road trip!
Salcombe is my favourite town in Devon and one of the most beautiful on the entire south coast. It sits above a deep-water estuary that gleams turquoise on a sunny day, feeling almost Mediterranean. Most visitors from overseas arrive expecting a typical English harbour and find something that looks tropical by English standards.
The town is small, very pretty and great for walking. The South West Coast Path runs through here and the cliff walks in both directions offer spectacular views across the estuary and out to the open sea. Snapes Point is the classic viewpoint, a short walk from the town that rewards you with a panoramic view across the Kingsbridge Estuary.
The estuary is safe for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking are popular too. Small ferries connect the town to nearby beaches including East Portlemouth, a gorgeous sandy beach directly across the water.
Day Trips from Salcombe
Dartmouth and the River Dart:
Around 45 minutes from Salcombe, Dartmouth is one of the loveliest small towns in Devon, home to a historic port with a beautiful castle at the mouth of the River Dart.
The ferry across the Dart to Kingswear and the steam railway at Paignton are both worth exploring if you have time.
Dartmoor National Park:
Around an hour from Salcombe, Dartmoor is a completely different landscape with high granite moorland, ancient stone circles and wild ponies.
Haytor is the most accessible of the granite tors and the walk around the surrounding moorland is wonderful. Widecombe-in-the-Moor is the most famous village on the moor and worth a stop.
🐕 Dartmoor is extremely dog-friendly, with vast open moorland where dogs can run free. Be aware that livestock graze across the moor and leads are required near animals.
Hope Cove:
Hope Cove is just 20 minutes of Salcombe, it's a tiny fishing village with a sheltered shingle and sand beach.
🐕 Most South Devon beaches have seasonal dog restrictions May to September. Hope Cove and the surrounding coastal paths are generally dog-friendly year-round.
Where to Stay in Salcombe
Salcombe is one of the more expensive places on this road trip, particularly in summer, but the quality of accommodation reflects the quality of the location.
Ferryman's Cottage is a great Air Bnb in Salcombe with two bedrooms and two bathrooms
The town also has several excellent hotels and boutique B&Bs with estuary views. A 15 minute walk down a coastal path is South Sands Hotel, a beachfront hotel sitting above South Sands beach, with sea-view rooms, a terrace restaurant specialising in local seafood, and it's dog friendly too!
Book well in advance for summer visits, Salcombe is one of the most popular holiday destinations in England and good accommodation sells out months ahead.
Base 5: Newquay, 4 Nights
The drive from Salcombe to Newquay takes just under two hours, crossing the Tamar Bridge (£3 toll fee) into Cornwall with the satisfying feeling that comes from entering a county that very consciously considers itself different from the rest of England.
Newquay is an excellent base for the full four nights because of its central position on the north Cornish coast.
I won't sugarcoat it, it's not the prettiest Cornish town, it has grown quickly and serves a large tourist and surf crowd, but Fistral Beach is one of the best surf beaches in Britain, the surrounding coastline is breathtaking, and you are well placed for day trips in every direction.
I have spent significant time in Cornwall across multiple visits and I have written extensively about it. I would strongly recommend reading my full Cornwall travel guide and 7-day Cornwall itinerary, alongside this section, as both go into considerably more detail on individual beaches, towns and activities than is possible within a broader road trip post.
Day Trips from Newquay
Watergate Bay and Bedruthan Steps, The North Coast Drive:
These two are best combined into a single morning or afternoon along the B3276 coast road north of Newquay, which is one of the most scenic drives in Cornwall.
Watergate Bay is around 10 minutes from Newquay, it's a vast, exposed Atlantic beach backed by crazy cliffs, it's excellent for surfing and walking.
Continue north for another 15 minutes to Bedruthan Steps, a dramatic stretch of National Trust coastline where enormous sea stacks rise from the beach below the cliffs. The viewpoint is spectacular and the clifftop walk is excellent.
As of 2025 the beach access was closed due to a cliff fall, so check the National Trust website for current access before visiting. It's still well worth a visit to walk above the beach, that's the best viewpoint anyway.
🐕 Dogs are welcome on the clifftop path at Bedruthan Steps. Watergate Bay is dog-friendly outside the main bathing season.
The Walk from Pentire to Holywell Bay via Polly Joke:
This is one of my favourite coastal walks in Cornwall and it's pretty easy. The route follows the South West Coast Path for around 4.5 miles, passing through Pentire Head where in early summer you will find a sweep of vivid poppies, then dropping down to Polly Joke (also known as Porth Joke) a quiet, sheltered cove with turquoise water.
The walk takes around 1.5 to 2 hours one way, you can take a bus back or walk back the way you came.
🐕 Dogs are welcome year-round at Holywell Bay, Porth Joke and Crantock.
Perranporth:
Around 20 minutes south of Newquay, Perranporth is the most Australian town in England.
The beach stretches for three miles of golden sand and the waves attract surfers and sea swimmers year-round. At low tide the scale of it is extraordinary, you can walk for what feels like miles.
The Chapel Rock pool is a highlight, wild and splashy at high tide and calm and sheltered as the sea pulls back. The Watering Hole, a pub right on the sand, is one of the best spots for a sunset drink on the entire south coast road trip.
🐕 Perranporth beach is dog-friendly outside the main summer season restrictions.
Padstow
Around 30 minutes north of Newquay, Padstow is one of the most famous fishing villages in Cornwall and deservedly so. The harbour is so pretty, the streets are full of independent shops, and the ferry crossing to Rock across the Camel Estuary, a short, beautiful river crossing, is a lovely addition to the day.
Prawn on the Lawn, a seafood restaurant in the town, is well regarded.
🐕 Padstow harbour and the Camel Trail are dog-friendly.
For a deeper dive into the best day trips from Newquay, including exactly how to do the Pentire to Holywell walk, read my full guide to the best day trips from Newquay.
Where to Stay in Newquay
There are so many different places to stay in Newquay and that's one of the things that makes a stay here so easy.
I stayed in Seaspace which is located on the north edge of the town towards Watergate Bay (I recommend having a car when staying here). It was great value for money with really spacious, clean and modern rooms. It's dog friendly and family-friendly with a brilliant indoor pool.
The NICI Newquay is a newly refurbished hotel that is opening in summer 2026. This luxury spa hotel has been hotly anticipated, featuring a gorgeous indoor pool area that stretches towards unbeatable sea views. Guests can expect beautiful decor that's bright and airy, as well as a brilliant location in central Newquay that sits a stone's throw from Great Western Beach.
For something super laid back and cosy, dog-friendly Pilgrim Cottage in Porth is a fantastic choice. Styled with a lovely coastal design, the cottage offers two bedrooms and two bathrooms that ooze character.
How Much Does This Road Trip Cost?
The cost of a south coast road trip will vary enormously depending on your accommodation choices and travel style, but here are realistic figures for planning:
Car hire: £40-80 per day for a small to medium car, depending on season and provider. Two weeks would be £560-£1,120.
Fuel: The route covers around 340 miles between bases, plus day trip mileage. Budget around £200 in fuel for the fortnight depending on your car's efficiency.
Accommodation: Budget options from around £80-100 per night, mid-range £120-200, and self-catering properties from £150 per night. Over 14 nights, accommodation is likely your biggest cost. For luxury and boutique hotel prices you are looking upwards of £300 per night.
Attractions: The National Trust Touring Pass covers unlimited entry to National Trust properties including Corfe Castle. If you plan to visit multiple NT sites, this pays for itself very quickly.
Parking: Budget for paid car parks at popular spots — Durdle Door, Dartmoor viewpoints and Cornish beaches all charge. Allow £5-15 per stop.
Is England Dog-Friendly?
England's south coast is one of the best parts of Europe for travelling with a dog, with extensive coastal paths, wide open spaces and genuinely welcoming pubs and accommodation.
A few key things to know: many beaches have seasonal restrictions between May and September on specific stretches, so it is worth checking the exact section of beach before arriving rather than assuming access.
The coastal paths are almost universally dog-friendly. National Trust properties vary, some welcome dogs in the grounds but not inside, others have no restrictions. I have noted specific dog access at each major attraction throughout this guide.
FAQs: South Coast Road Trip
1. Do I need a car for this road trip?
Yes, absolutely. A car is essential for all five sections of this south coast road trip itinerary. The coastal paths, viewpoints and beaches that make this trip special are simply not accessible without your own transport.
2. Is two weeks enough for Sussex to Cornwall?
Yes, this itinerary is specifically designed to cover the route in two weeks without rushing. The base-by-base structure means you spend less time driving and more time enjoying each place. You will finish the trip feeling like you have seen the south coast properly rather than raced through it.
3. What is the best base on this road trip?
That depends entirely on what you want. Brighton for a lively urban start, Corfe Castle for history, Lyme Regis for a quaint coastal town, Salcombe for picturesque natural beauty, and Newquay for Cornwall access and surf. Each one is different and that variety is what makes the route so rewarding.
4. Is this road trip suitable for families?
Yes, very much so. The Jurassic Coast fossil beaches are excellent for children, Swanage and the steam railway at Corfe Castle work brilliantly for families, and Cornwall has beaches and activities to suit all ages. The driving distances between bases are all under two hours which is manageable with children.
5. Is this road trip good with a dog?
Yes, England's south coast is one of the most dog-friendly parts of Britain. Coastal paths, beaches with off-season access and genuinely welcoming pubs are available throughout the route. Check seasonal beach restrictions before arriving, particularly May to September, and note that some attractions like Arundel Castle do not permit dogs.
6. How far in advance should I book accommodation?
For July and August visits, book at least three to four months ahead, particularly in Salcombe and Cornwall which fill up very quickly.
For May, June and September, four to six weeks ahead is generally sufficient, though popular properties can sell out earlier.
7. Can I do this road trip in one direction without returning?
Yes, starting in Brighton and ending in Newquay, which has its own airport with flights to several UK cities, is a clean one-way route that avoids backtracking entirely, or you can take the train back to London!
8. What is the most scenic stretch of this road trip?
Difficult to choose, but the Salcombe section edges it for sheer beauty. The estuary light, the South Hams coastline, the drive down to Hope Cove, South Devon is breathtaking and consistently underrated compared to Cornwall which gets most of the attention.
