Published by Danny Green, UK Marketing Manager
As the final flourish of summer beckons, the August bank holiday weekend presents the perfect opportunity to explore the captivating southern counties of England. Having spent the better part of a decade traversing these historic landscapes, from the rolling Cotswolds to Cornwall’s dramatic coastline,
I can confidently say there’s no finer time to discover what makes this region so utterly special.
If you’re seeking windswept coastal adventures, quintessential English countryside, or exciting cultural experiences, the south offers an abundance of riches for the discerning traveller.
Here’s my carefully curated guide to making the most of your August bank holiday escape.
Cornwall: Where Wild Meets Wonderful
Cornwall remains my perennial favourite for bank holiday adventures, particularly during late August when the summer crowds begin to thin yet the weather holds its golden promise. The county’s south coast offers a perfect blend of family-friendly beaches and dramatic clifftop walks.
St. Ives continues to captivate with its labyrinthine cobbled streets and world-class art scene.
The Tate St. Ives showcases contemporary works that beautifully complement the town’s natural palette of azure seas and honey-coloured stone.
For dining, book ahead at The Porthmeor Beach Café – their locally sourced seafood paired with panoramic ocean views creates an unforgettable experience.
Further west, the Penwith Peninsula rewards adventurous souls with some of England’s most spectacular coastal scenery. The South West Coast Path between Porthcurno and Land’s End offers moderately challenging hiking with breathtaking rewards.
Don’t miss the open-air Minack Theatre, where performances against the backdrop of rolling Atlantic waves create pure magic.
Insider tip: Book accommodation well in advance for August bank holiday, as Cornwall remains fiercely popular. Consider staying slightly inland in villages like Mousehole or Paul for better value and authentic Cornish character.
The Cotswolds: Timeless English Elegance
For those seeking the quintessential English countryside experience, the Cotswolds delivers in spades. The honey-limestone villages scattered across this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty seem frozen in time, offering respite from modern life’s relentless pace.
Chipping Campden serves as an excellent base, with its perfectly preserved high street and magnificent St. James’ Church. The Cotswold Way national trail passes directly through town, offering gentle walks through flower-filled meadows and ancient woodlands.
For a proper country pub experience, local establishments serve exceptional regional ales alongside hearty British fare in atmospheric surroundings that haven’t changed for centuries.
Bourton-on-the-Water, often dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” delights visitors with its low bridges spanning the crystal-clear River Windrush.
The village can become crowded during bank holidays, so I recommend arriving early morning or late afternoon for the best photography opportunities and a more peaceful experience.
Bath deserves at least a full day of your itinerary. Beyond the famous Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, the city’s modern culinary scene impresses.
Menu Gordon Jones offers innovative tasting menus that have earned critical acclaim, whilst the Sally Lunn’s Historic Eating House provides traditional afternoon tea in one of England’s oldest houses.
Dorset’s Jurassic Coast: Natural Wonder Meets Heritage
The UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast stretches magnificently along Dorset’s shoreline, offering 185 million years of geological history alongside some of England’s most stunning coastal scenery.
This region particularly shines during late summer when the chalk cliffs glow golden in the evening light.
Lyme Regis remains the jewel in this coastal crown. The town’s fossil-hunting opportunities are legendary – guided walks with local experts reveal ammonites and other prehistoric treasures embedded in the shore.
The Lyme Regis Museum provides excellent context for your discoveries, housed in a building where Mary Anning herself once lived.
Durdle Door ranks among England’s most photographed natural landmarks, and rightly so. The limestone arch rising from turquoise waters creates an almost Mediterranean scene.
However, the steep descent to the beach requires proper footwear and reasonable fitness levels. For accommodation in the area, consider the excellent selection of country house hotels and B&Bs scattered throughout this beautiful region.
The market town of Sherborne offers a gentler pace with its magnificent abbey and well-preserved medieval streets. Sherborne Castle and its gardens provide a perfect afternoon’s exploration, particularly beautiful during late summer when the herbaceous borders reach their peak.
Sussex: South Downs and Seaside Splendour
The South Downs National Park stretches across Sussex like a green ribbon, offering some of southern England’s finest walking country.
The South Downs Way provides 100 miles of spectacular ridge walking, though shorter sections suit weekend explorers perfectly.
Brighton needs little introduction, yet many visitors stick to the famous pier and neglect the city’s year-round cultural scene.
Throughout August, numerous venues host live music, theatre performances, and art exhibitions in intimate settings.
For dining, The Salt Room delivers exceptional seafood with uninterrupted sea views.
Lewes delights with its steep medieval streets and independent shops housed in centuries-old buildings. The town’s position in the South Downs makes it an excellent base for countryside exploration, whilst Harvey’s Brewery offers tours and tastings of their renowned Sussex ales.
When exploring the South Downs region, Drivalia car hire from Gatwick Airport provides convenient access to this beautiful area, making it easy to discover the rolling hills and coastal towns at your own pace.
Rye, technically in East Sussex but deserving inclusion, transports visitors back to medieval times with its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.
The Mermaid Inn provides atmospheric accommodation, whilst the surrounding Romney Marsh offers excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Hampshire and the New Forest: Ancient Woodlands and Maritime Heritage
The New Forest presents a unique landscape where ancient commoners’ rights still govern the land. Wild ponies roam freely across heathland and through villages, creating scenes unchanged for centuries.
Beaulieu offers the famous National Motor Museum alongside the ruins of a 13th-century Cistercian abbey.
Winchester, England’s ancient capital, rewards exploration with its magnificent cathedral and historic Great Hall housing the legendary Round Table.
The city’s compact size makes it perfect for a day trip, with excellent train connections to London.
Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard houses HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and the Mary Rose Museum, providing unparalleled insight into Britain’s naval heritage.
The spectacular modern Mary Rose Museum presents Henry VIII’s flagship using cutting-edge display methods that bring Tudor maritime life vividly to life.
Devon: Cream Teas and Coastal Drama
Devon’s dual coastlines offer contrasting experiences – the rugged Atlantic-facing north coast and the gentler English Channel waters to the south. Salcombe epitomises south Devon’s appeal with its yacht-filled harbour and subtropical gardens flourishing in the mild climate.
The South Devon Railway steam train journey between Buckfastleigh and Totnes follows the River Dart through some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Totnes itself deserves exploration, with its alternative culture and excellent local food scene.
Dartmoor National Park provides wild moorland walking opportunities, though August visitors should be prepared for occasional mist and changeable weather.
Princetown and Postbridge serve as good bases for exploration, with numerous circular walks suitable for various fitness levels.
Practical Planning for Your August Bank Holiday Adventure
Getting Around
While public transport serves major destinations well, hiring a car provides flexibility for exploring smaller villages and countryside locations. Book rental cars early, as demand peaks during bank holidays.
Accommodation
August bank holiday represents peak season throughout southern England. Book accommodation well in advance, particularly for coastal locations. Consider mid-week arrivals to avoid weekend premiums and crowds.
Weather
Late August typically offers warm, settled weather, though always pack layers and waterproofs. Coastal areas can be significantly cooler than inland locations, particularly in the evenings.
Crowds
Popular attractions become very busy during bank holiday weekends. Consider visiting major sites early morning or late afternoon, and always book tickets online in advance where possible.
Local Events
Many towns host special events during the August bank holiday weekend. Check local tourism websites for festivals, markets, and special openings that could enhance your visit.
Final Thoughts
The south of England offers an extraordinary variety of experiences within relatively compact distances. From prehistoric landscapes to cutting-edge galleries, from wild moorlands to sophisticated city dining, this region encapsulates everything that makes England special.
Whatever your interests, the August bank holiday provides the perfect opportunity to discover why so many of us never tire of exploring our own remarkable backyard.