Map of South Coast England – Key Destinations, Beaches & Travel Routes

The South Coast of England is one of the UK’s most beautiful and diverse coastal regions. Stretching from Kent in the east to Cornwall in the west, the South Coast is famous for its historic seaside towns, chalk cliffs, sandy beaches, and stunning coastal walks. Whether you’re planning a road trip, beach holiday, or coastal hike, having a reliable map of South Coast England is the best way to plan your journey.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to explore the South Coast, including regional maps, must-see locations, attractions, and travel tips.
Where is the South Coast of England?
The South Coast of England refers to the southern coastline along the English Channel, covering these key counties:
- Kent
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
- Hampshire
- Dorset
- Devon
- Cornwall
Each area offers unique charm, from the White Cliffs of Dover to the surf beaches of Newquay.
Map of South Coast England – Overview by Region
Use this breakdown as a South Coast travel map to discover top destinations:
Kent (Eastern Edge)
- Highlights: Dover, Folkestone, Whitstable, Canterbury
- Top Sites: White Cliffs of Dover, Dover Castle, Canterbury Cathedral
- Nearby Beaches: Botany Bay, Deal Beach
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East Sussex
- Highlights: Hastings, Eastbourne, Rye
- Top Sites: Beachy Head cliffs, Hastings Old Town, Camber Sands
- Popular Activities: Walking South Downs Way, fossil hunting
Keywords: East Sussex seaside map, Camber Sands map, South Downs trail
West Sussex
- Highlights: Chichester, Bognor Regis, Worthing
- Top Sites: Arundel Castle, Chichester Harbour AONB
- Beach Access: West Wittering, Littlehampton, Pagham
Keywords: West Sussex coast map, Chichester beaches, seaside West Sussex
Hampshire
- Highlights: Portsmouth, Southampton, Isle of Wight
- Top Sites: Historic Dockyards, Spinnaker Tower, ferry to Cowes
- Great For: Maritime history, shopping, coastal walks
Keywords: Hampshire tourist map, Portsmouth harbour map, Isle of Wight ferry routes
Dorset
- Highlights: Bournemouth, Weymouth, Swanage
- Top Sites: Jurassic Coast (UNESCO), Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove
- Walking Trails: South West Coast Path, Purbeck Hills
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Devon
- Highlights: Torquay, Exmouth, Salcombe, Sidmouth
- Top Sites: English Riviera, Dartmoor National Park, fossil beaches
- Great For: Seaside holidays, water sports, family breaks
Keywords: Devon beach map, Torquay attractions, South Devon map
Cornwall (Western Edge)
- Highlights: St Ives, Newquay, Penzance, Land’s End
- Top Sites: Minack Theatre, Tintagel Castle, Fistral Beach
- Activities: Surfing, hiking, coastal drives
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South Coast Travel Routes & Road Trip Tips
Planning a South Coast England road trip? Use the map to plan a route with these key roads:
- A27: Runs across East and West Sussex
- M3 & A31: From London to Hampshire and Dorset
- A30/A38: Across Devon and into Cornwall
- South West Coast Path: A walking trail covering 630 miles from Somerset to Dorset
Tip: Use the VisitEngland, National Trust, or Google My Maps to create a customized map with points of interest and walking routes.
Best Beaches on the South Coast (with Map References)
Some of the top beaches to highlight on your map include:
Beach Name | County | Known For |
Camber Sands | East Sussex | Wide sandy beach, dunes |
West Wittering | West Sussex | Blue Flag, family-friendly |
Durdle Door | Dorset | Iconic limestone arch |
Weymouth Beach | Dorset | Classic British seaside |
Fistral Beach | Cornwall | Surfing capital of England |
Exmouth Beach | Devon | Long beach, water sports |
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Travel Map Tips – Getting Around the South Coast
- By Train: Coastal towns like Brighton, Portsmouth, and Bournemouth are easily accessible by train from London.
- By Car: Best for exploring multiple towns and hidden coves.
- By Bike: National Cycle Network offers scenic coastal rides.
- By Ferry: Travel to the Isle of Wight from Portsmouth or Southampton.
Interactive Tools to Find a Map of South Coast England
- Google Maps – Use satellite view to explore towns and beaches
- VisitBritain.com – Offers downloadable PDF maps and region guides
- Ordnance Survey – Best for walking and hiking maps
- Komoot or AllTrails – Ideal for route planning and hiking
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Conclusion
A well-planned map of South Coast England is your key to unlocking the UK’s most beautiful coastal regions. From heritage towns and Blue Flag beaches to walking trails and seaside cafés, the South Coast has something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a day trip, holiday, or road trip, this stretch of coastline offers one of the most rewarding travel experiences in the country.
FAQs
1. Where does the South Coast of England start and end?
It generally stretches from Dover in Kent to Land’s End in Cornwall, following the coastline along the English Channel.
2. What are the main towns on the South Coast?
Key towns include Brighton, Portsmouth, Bournemouth, Exeter, St Ives, and Falmouth.
3. Is there a walking route along the South Coast?
Yes, the South West Coast Path and England Coast Path offer scenic walking trails covering hundreds of miles of coastline.
4. Are there printable maps of the South Coast?
Yes. Websites like VisitEngland, Ordnance Survey, and local tourism boards offer free PDF and interactive maps.
5. What’s the best way to plan a South Coast England road trip?
Use a detailed route map, plan stops at key beaches and towns, and follow the A27, A31, and A30 roads for a scenic, coast-hugging drive.
Also read: St Agnes Beach – Your Complete Guide to This Cornish Coastal Gem