The South West UK is one of the sunniest places across the UK mainland. And it’s not just the sunshine you can benefit from. There are plenty of unique towns, interesting flora, and a lot of sand to be found around the region!
And when you want to go on a sunny road trip round the UK, the South West is one of the best destinations to give a try.
Whether you want to go right now, while it’s still winter and you’re sick of dark mornings and rosy cheeks, or you’re thinking of something to do this July or August, a road trip round Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall could be just what you’re looking for.
When You Want Sun, Head to the South West
When you face south, you’re likely to get more sun than if you turned round the other way. That’s the first point in the South West’s favour. If you head down South, you’re simply going to get a bit more sunlight and some brighter skies – full stop.
But when you head to the South West, you’re going to get more sunshine hours overall. In fact, the South West gets around 1800 to 1900 hours of sunshine per year. That’s at least 200 hours more than the Midlands and anywhere above.
Average temperatures in the south west
The South West also happens to be a bit warmer than anywhere else in the UK too. Of course, the South East comes a close second, but regions like Dorset and Devon tend to be at least 2 degrees higher than Northern counties.
The temperature of the sea tends to be warmer than other coastlines in the UK too, if you wanted to go for a dip!
What You’ll Find on the Road
When you’re road tripping through the South West, what kind of things are you likely to see? Even from the roadside, there’s a lot of unique sights, sounds, and activities to try out.
You might not even have to get out of your car at all, what with the incredible landscape of the South West being apparent from the moment you enter it.
Here are the kind of things you’re likely to find on your road trip – all of which combine with the sunshine in the best way possible.
Biodiverse landscapes
The natural fauna and flora of the South West goes unmatched in most places (except regions like Cumbria and Northumberland, where you can get seals and dolphins!).
But down in the South West, around Devon and Cornwall, you’ll be able to spot whales, orcas, and sea turtles, as well as puffins and many different birds of prey. Stick close to the coastline wherever you can to spot animals like these, and even have a set of binoculars in the vehicle with you just in case.
As far as the flora goes, the amount of amazing wildflowers you’ll find around the region is almost unbelievable. Rare plants like sundews and fen violets are common, and there’s plenty of grassy headland to go round.
Combined with the warmer climate down in the South West, the biodiversity in the landscape is quite the sight to see. You could even be forgiven for believing you were in a tropical environment!
Not to mention that Cornwall is home to The Eden Project, which is definitely worth a stop off on your road trip journey.
Plenty of beautiful beaches
Did you know there’s around 450 separate beaches in the South West of the UK? That’s more beaches per square mile than anywhere else. The UK has a long and remarkably unbroken coastline all the way around, but it’s the South West where the beach landscape really reigns supreme.
And that’s great news for your road trip! If you want sun while you’re on your journey, you’ll also get sand, sea, and plenty of chances to lounge by the shore.
Some of the most famous beaches in the South West include:
- Holywell Bay (Cornwall)
- Woolacombe Beach (Devon)
- Lulworth Cove (Dorset)
Lots of amazing places to stay
If you find yourself down in Cornwall, you’ll never be too far from a beautifully historic cottage or apartment with a coastal view that you can book. And remember, when you’re on a road trip, you don’t want to be camping 24/7 or having to sleep in the car when you need more than a 20 minute nap.
There are hundreds of cool places to stay in Cornwall, as holiday rentals can be found all over the county. Newquay, Penzance, St. Ives, Truro – you’ll have plenty of amazing options for your overnight stays. We recommend booking your accommodation in advance, however, as places like these tend to fill up fast.
Some of the most breathtaking hikes
There are a lot of hikes in the South West. And we mean A LOT. There’s more breathtaking walks in the region than you’ll find in most other places around the UK, and every one has something a bit different to offer.
If you’re on a road trip because you love the great outdoors, and you’re keen to get both a good bit of sun AND stretch your legs in the fresh air, the South West will be the best destination for your travel needs.
Plan Your Very Own Sunny UK Road Trip This Year
Even in the UK, a sunny road trip is totally possible. And no matter the time of year either. After all, the South West always has a bit more sun, warmth, and plenty of natural sights to explore.
Start in Bath and Bristol, move on down to Devon and Dorset, cruising through Exmoor National Park as you go. Then, once you arrive in Cornwall, explore the unique landscape, culture, and history of the South West all in one place.
UK road trips are always a lot of fun, but if sun is the number one thing you want from the journey, the South West is the place to go!
Images courtesy of unsplash.com and pexels.com
