Wessex Essentials
Transport
There are airports at Exeter, Bristol and Southampton; the latter is also the biggest train hub, with services to London, Birmingham and Scotland. Trains from Waterloo or Paddington go to Southampton, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Taunton, Weymouth and Exeter.There are coach services to cities and major towns. Traveline South West provides region-wide bus and train information, however, renting a car will give you the most flexibility. Most car-hire firms have offices at the airports and train stations.
Where to Stay
Streamcombe Farm is an enchanting 18th-century farmhouse on the edge of Exmoor National Park, where the only sounds are sheep and deer outside.
With its witty designer décor and Lyme Regis location, 18th- century Hix Townhouse is hard to resist. Each room echoes a leisure theme; the pick is Sailing, with mock portholes, a roof terrace and sea views.
Pig on the Beach is a country house with a reputation for rural luxury. Rooms are elegant, the restaurant focuses on own-grown produce, and shepherds’ huts double as spa treatment rooms.
