Break up the long journey with a stop off in North Devon.
It’s a fact that the journey from London to Cornwall by car is a long one. A great idea is to break the journey up and spend some time in the beautiful county of Devon.
North Devon is one of the best stop-off points whilst en route to Cornwall. It’s even more perfect if you’re heading to Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Padstow or Newquay along the Atlantic-side of North Cornwall.
The Bedruthan Steps near Padstow in Cornwall.
Lynton & Lynmouth, on the Exmoor coast of North Devon make the ideal stopover place and Highcliffe House one of the best places to stay when you get there. Highcliffe House is a 5 star, award-winning bed and breakfast with stunning sea views from its lofty position above the towns of Lynton & Lynmouth.
The two towns are steeped in Victorian history and charm and nestled amongst some of the steepest hills on the South West coast. It’s perfect spot for walkers, explorers or those simply wanting to spend time relaxing in one of the most picturesque parts of the UK.
You may be tempted to spend just one night in Lynton & Lynmouth, but experience tells us that most people wish they’d spent two nights, or more, in our beautiful coastal towns. A day in Lynton & Lynmouth can be spend wandering amongst the shops and cafes, walking to the staggeringly beautiful Valley of Rocks, or meandering along the raging East Lyn River to Watersmeet. Experience the Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway that joins the two towns – it’s the longest, steepest water-powered funicular railway in the world.
After your mini break in Lynton & Lynmouth you may wish to stop off at other places of interest along the way.
The following destinations are where we love to stop on our way to Cornwall.
Hartland Point, Clovelly or RHS Rosemoor are all within an hour of Highcliffe House, heading towards Cornwall along the A39. This stretch is referred to as the Atlantic Highway.
The A39 is a long road that stretches from Bath in Somerset to Wadebridge in Cornwall, spanning 3 counties. It’s one of the longest roads in England at approx. 200 miles long. The most picturesque stretch is between Minehead and Lynmouth, and voted one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the UK.
Crackington Haven
When we drive to Cornwall, or Padstow specifically, we like to step off the A39 for a short coastal distraction along the way. We use Padstow as a gateway to the best and rest of Cornwall. At Wainhouse Corner, just after Bude, head to Crackington Haven. Crackington Haven is a small coastal village focused around a cute shingle cove surrounded by huge cliffs. We love stopping here for a bacon sandwich and pot of tea at the Haven Café.
Moving on from Crackington Haven we like to take the narrowest (an unnamed) road along the coast past Buckator Beach / Beeny, it offers great coast views – but it is super narrow. If you don’t fancy your chances on this road take the main road to Crackington.
Boscastle
The next destination is Boscastle via St Juliot on the B3263. Boscastle is beautiful tiny Cornish port surrounded by white-washed and thatched cottages. Like much of Cornwall, this picturesque inlet is steeped in history and well worth a visit.
Tintagel
Continue onwards along the B3263 towards Tintagel passing through Trevalga, Trethevy and Bossiney. Tintagel thrives on the enduring legend of King Arthur with claims that King Arthur was actually conceived in Tintagel Castle. Arthurian legend aside, Tintagel offers some outstanding scenery and its historic significance in the 5thto 7thcenturies cannot be ignored.
Port Issac
Back on the road, this time the B3314 for a short drive before turning off to Port Issac and its sister Port Gaverne. Port Issac is a charming fishing village lined dotted with white-washed cottages made famous by TV’s Doc Martin.
Padstow
From Port Issac its back in the car for a short drive to Padstow – home of Rick Stein’s famous Seafood Restaurant, Bistro and Café.
