South Of England

The South of England is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, charming towns, and delightful hikes. Let’s craft an itinerary that balances your love for the outdoors with the charm of the region. Here’s a 5-day adventure that will have you soaking in the beauty of the South!

Day 1: Arrival in Winchester

Morning:

• Arrive in Winchester, a historic city with a lovely vibe. Take a stroll around the Winchester Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in Europe. The architecture is simply breathtaking!

Afternoon:

• Grab lunch at a cozy café in the city center. Try the Old Vine for some local fare.
• After lunch, hike the St. Catherine’s Hill. It’s a short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

Evening:

• Enjoy dinner at a local pub, like The Bishop on the Bridge, which has a lovely riverside view.

Day 2: The New Forest National Park

Morning:

• Take a train from Winchester to Brockenhurst (about 30 minutes).
• Rent a bike or start your hike from Brockenhurst to explore the New Forest National Park. The area is famous for its wild ponies and beautiful heathland.

Afternoon:

• Pack a picnic or stop at a quaint café in Lyndhurst for lunch.
• Continue your hike or bike ride through the forest, perhaps heading towards Beaulieu, where you can visit the Beaulieu Palace House and the National Motor Museum.

Evening:

• Head back to Brockenhurst and enjoy dinner at The Pig, a charming hotel and restaurant known for its farm-to-table dining.

Day 3: The Jurassic Coast

Morning:

• Take a train from Brockenhurst to Exeter, then switch to a train to Exmouth (total travel time around 1.5 hours).
• Start your day with a walk along the Exmouth Beach and enjoy the fresh sea air.

Afternoon:

• Hike the South West Coast Path towards Budleigh Salterton. The cliffs and coastal views are absolutely stunning! It’s about a 5-mile hike, so pack some snacks.
• Have lunch in Budleigh Salterton at a charming café like The Tea Room.

Evening:

• Return to Exmouth and enjoy dinner at The Chronicle for some delicious seafood.

Day 4: The Cotswolds

Morning:

• Take a train from Exmouth to Moreton-in-Marsh (around 2 hours).
• Start your day with a hike through the picturesque Cotswolds, perhaps heading towards Bourton-on-the-Water. The rolling hills and charming villages are postcard-perfect!

Afternoon:

• Stop for lunch in Bourton-on-the-Water at The Riverside Café.
• After lunch, explore the village and visit the Cotswold Motoring Museum or just enjoy a leisurely walk along the river.

Evening:

• Head back to Moreton-in-Marsh and have dinner at The Bell Inn, a lovely pub with a warm atmosphere.

Day 5: Brighton

Morning:

• Take a train from Moreton-in-Marsh to Brighton (around 2 hours).
• Start your day with a stroll along the Brighton Pier and enjoy the vibrant seaside atmosphere.

Afternoon:

• Hike up to the Devil’s Dyke for stunning views of the South Downs. It’s a short bus ride from Brighton, and the hike offers breathtaking landscapes.
• Have a picnic or grab lunch at a local café in the area.

Evening:

• Return to Brighton and explore the Lanes, a maze of narrow streets filled with quirky shops and eateries.
• Enjoy your final dinner at The Coal Shed, known for its delicious steaks and seafood.

Tips for Public Transport:

• Make sure to check the train schedules in advance, as they can vary. The Trainline app is super handy for planning your journeys.
• Consider getting a Railcard if you’re traveling with others, as it can save you money on train fares.

And there you have it! A delightful 5-day itinerary filled with hikes, charming towns, and stunning landscapes. Enjoy your adventure in the South of England! 🌳🏞️🌊