South West 660 – UK travel guide

Consumer Editor

5 minute read|24th Aug 2026

The South West 660 is a lengthy coastal UK road trip route through southwest England, stretching from Poole in Dorset to Watchet in Somerset.

Established in 2022, it is seen as the English version of Scotland’s iconic North Coast 500.

In this guide, we give an overview of the journey through Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset.

RAC patrol man in orange helping a family at the roadside next to a orange van with flashing lights.

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What is the South West 660?

Stretching for 660 miles, the South West 660 is a coastal road trip through four counties in southwest England.

Starting in Poole, Dorset, and ending in Watchet, Somerset – the route takes drivers through cities, towns, fishing villages, beautiful countryside, and historic locations.

Divided into 12 stages – each around 50 to 60 miles – the route is often good for those with caravans or who want to break up the journey into multiple trips.

South West 660 map and route

Below is the map for the South West 660:

Here are the 12 stages of the South West 660:

Sandbanks to Weymouth
Weymouth to Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis to Exeter
Exeter to Dartmouth
Dartmouth to Plymouth
Plymouth to St Austell
St Austell to Penzance
Penzance to St Ives
St Ives to Padstow
Padstow to Clovelly
Clovelly to Lynton
Lynton to Watchet

There are many iconic landmarks that drivers can travel trough on their journey on the South West 660.

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What towns and cities does the South West 660 travel through?

The South West 660 road trip travels through four counties – it begins in Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, and finishes in Somerset.

In Dorset, travellers will start in Poole and then head to Wareham, Dorchester, Weymouth, and Lyme Regis.

Next, you’ll visit Devon and the city of Exeter. Following this, drivers will head through Exmouth, Dartmouth, Torquay, Plymouth, Barnstaple, Bideford, Clovelly, and Lynton.

You will then head over the border into Cornwall, where you can drive through St Austell, Fowey, Truro, Falmouth, Penzance, St Ives, Newquay, Padstow, and Wadebridge.

Finally, drivers will finish in Somerset, where they will travel to Minehead and then onto the final destination of Watchet.

Of course, there are many detours you can make along the way – and this is how you make the journey your own!

Northumberland, England – your UK travel guide

What landmarks are on the South West 660?

As one of the most beautiful parts of England, the four counties that you travel through on the South Coast 660 are popular tourist destinations.

From the Jurassic coast, to medieval castles, to small seaside villages – there is so much to see.

Here are a few of the highlights you will see on your travels:

Sandbanks peninsular in Poole
Chesil Beach
Durdle Door
Exeter Cathedral
Dartmouth Castle
Exmoor National Park
St Michael’s Mount
Land’s End
Minack Theatre
Tintagel Castle
Newquay Beach
Dunster Castle

South West 660 FAQs

Is the South West 660 suitable for motorhomes and caravans?

Yes, the South West 660 can be driven by motorhomes and caravans, but some sections require extra care. While much of the route follows A-roads and wider coastal routes, you'll also encounter narrow country lanes, steep hills and busy tourist areas, particularly in Cornwall and Devon.

How long does it take to drive the South West 660?

The South West 660 covers around 660 miles and can technically be driven in a few days, but most travellers take much longer. The route passes through some of the UK's most scenic coastal regions, and stopping at beaches, villages, landmarks and viewpoints is part of the experience. Allowing 10 to 14 days gives you enough time to explore without rushing and enjoy some of the South West's most popular destinations.

When is the best time of year to drive the South West 660?

The best time to drive the South West 660 depends on the type of trip you're looking for. Spring and early autumn often provide a good balance of mild weather, quieter roads and greater accommodation availability. Summer offers the warmest conditions and longest daylight hours but also brings heavier traffic, particularly in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. Winter can be peaceful, though some attractions and seasonal businesses may be closed.

What are the best stops on the South West 660?

The South West 660 passes many of the UK's best-loved coastal destinations. Popular stops include Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove in Dorset, Dartmouth and Plymouth in Devon, St Ives and Land's End in Cornwall, and the dramatic coastlines of Exmoor and Somerset. The route combines historic harbours, sandy beaches, national parks, fishing villages and spectacular sea views, making it easy to tailor the trip to your interests.

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