Travel the Best of the South West: St Austell Brewery Partners with New South West 660 Road Trip

St Austell Brewery, the Southwest’s leading independent brewery and pub estate, has announced its partnership with brand new South West 660 driving route, an iconic road trip following the beautiful coastline of southwest England.

The 660-mile route runs from Poole in Dorset through Devon and Cornwall and finishes in Watchet, Somerset, passing Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Coastal sites as it hugs the sea. The route has been designed to encourage low season tourism, with visitors encouraged to enjoy ‘slow travel’ and a local perspective, away from busy roads and congested resorts. Although the route can be done in one motor-marathon, it can also be split into 12 sections for those who are short on time but not imagination.

A selection of St Austell’s dog-friendly, cosy pubs with rooms offer atmospheric and affordable overnight stays en-route. Helpfully marked on the St Austell x South West 660 map for a stress-free planning experience, each St Austell property boasts character, authenticity and coastal charm as well as unrivalled locations and community spirit. Whether you end your day in front of a log-burning fire or soaking up the sunset by the beach, there is something for everyone.

Here are three of our favourite road trip travel routes, taking in St Austell’s standout properties.

LYME REGIS TO EXETER

Masons Arms

If you’re keen to head off the beaten path, take a detour through Devon’s winding high-hedged lanes and cliff-top roads. Start with a delicious lunch in Lyme Regis at the seaside bolthole, Rock Point, and follow the country roads through sleepy seaside villages and stony beaches to the picturesque village of Branscombe, where you can check-in at the freshly renovated Masons Arms and relax in front of the roaring log fire. Continue your adventure. along the seafront at the mouth of the Exe Estuary and head on to the bustling, artistic hub of Exeter, stopping for a scenic drink at Mill on the Exe.

ST AUSTELL TO PENZANCE

Chainlocker

Packed with activities including the Eden Project, Lost Gardens of Heligan, Charlestown and, of course, St Austell Brewery, the trip begins in the brewery’s namesake town, St Austell. Set off from there through the riviera-style St Mawes and across the river on famous King Harry Ferry to arrive for a stay at the waterfront Chainlocker in Falmouth. After strolling through the most authentic and mystic slice of Cornwall, Penzance, you will reach your final destination of Mousehole, the picturesque village where you can bask in front of the sea views with a traditional Cornish pub meal at the Ship Inn.

ST IVES TO PADSTOW

Lifeboat Inn

For more adventurous surfers, walkers, and keen explorers, the 60 miles of rugged coastline between St Ives and Padstow is the beaten path worth travelling. Overlooking the gorgeous harbour, the Lifeboat Inn in St Ives offers the perfect starting point, before heading on to Newquay for a delicious lunch of reinvented pub classics at the newly renovated and family-friendly Fort Inn. After fuelling up, rock up in Padstow to wrap up your trip with a restful night at The Old Custom House. Holding prime position in Padstow’s South Quay, it is the perfect setting to soak up one of Cornwall’s most renowned seascapes.

Local, affordable stays remain top of mind for holidaymakers this year and visiting the southwest during the quieter season means fewer crowds, cheaper rates and atmospheric landscapes as the seasons change.