Stop off at great places along the South West Coast Path
If you're keen to take in some wonderful seaside destinations during a short break, you may want to think about walking along the South West Coast Path. By following this fantastic trail, you'll get the chance to stop off at a wealth of fantastic places.
However, as the route stretches some 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset, it is of course impossible to fit everything it has to offer into the space of a few days.
Don't fear though, as even if you only spend a long weekend traversing along a fairly small part of the path, there'll still be lots for you to see and do.
This will certainly be the case if you seek out holiday cottages in Minehead. The picturesque Somerset town marks the start of the route, so it is the ideal place to relax and stock up on supplies before setting out on the path.
Minehead is also a fantastic destination for cycling and horse riding, while golf fans may be particularly interested in teeing off at the Minehead and West Somerset Golf Course.
One of the oldest golf clubs in the south-west of Britain, this course was established in 1882 and is sure to be a challenge for beginners and experienced golfers alike.
Another fantastic place you'll be able to visit while walking the South West Coast Path is Porthleven.
Indeed, the trail runs right through the heart of the Cornish village so you won't have to go too far from it to find Porthleven holiday cottages.
As the most southerly port in mainland Britain, you'll be able to wander through the historic harbour before going on a boating trip in the hopes of reeling some big fish.
Surfers will also be able to ride the waves here, although the strong undercurrent means it is only suitable for those with a lot of experience.
You should also look to visit the numerous craft shops, prior to spending an afternoon sunning yourself on the clean, golden beach.
Charmouth is another wonderful destination that can be visited by those walking along the South West Coast Path on a short getaway.
As it is one of the gateways to the Jurassic Coast, here you'll be able stay in a cottage on the beach that puts you in the ideal place to find out more about the area's prehistoric past.
Visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre for an insight into the region's stunning geology and wildlife, before hitting the beach to hunt for fossils.
You'll also find numerous rockpools along the sandy stretch, where you can look for crabs and other marine creatures, although you may simply prefer to sunbathe.
For those hoping to be a bit more active, kitesurfing and surfing are just two of the fun water sports on offer here.
Of course, if you are following the South West Coast Path, you'll be really interested in walking. Take the 3.3-mile stretch of the route that goes from Charmouth to the Golden Cap and upon reaching the top of the sandstone hill you will be standing at the highest point on the entire south coast.
The above destinations are just a brief selection of the path's many highlights and you may find yourself booking several short breaks here just to take in the sights you missed the first time around.
