If you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or summer outdoor activities for families, why not explore one of the South West’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)? Many of the best AONBs in England are easily accessible on our network, so there’s no better excuse to enjoy a scenic train journey and explore these glorious countryside spots. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking seascapes, rolling hills or quaint villages, you can easily plan day trips to AONBs by train.
What is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)?
AONBs are designated conservation areas of countryside in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. There are 46 throughout the UK – 12 of which can be reached on our network. Since 2023, some AONBs have been renamed National Landscapes, so we’ll cover both in our guide.
1. Surrey Hills National Landscape
Frensham Great Pond and Common
Surrey Hills comprises three landscape varieties: woodland, downland and heathland, so there’s plenty to explore here. Ideal for an active day out, you’ll find idyllic countryside walks, running trails, cycle routes and bridleways. The area is also brimming with charming villages and historic landmarks. Discover the best things to do in the Surrey Hills to plan your visit.
How to get there: This sprawling landscape takes up a quarter of the county, but the closest South Western Railway train stations are Guildford and Dorking.
Outdoor attractions in the Surrey Hills
These are some of the must-visit viewpoints, walking trails and wild swimming spots in the Surrey Hills National Landscape:
Box Hill – perfect for families and social walks, with 360° views at the top.
The Devil’s Punch Bowl – another viewpoint with many footpaths and picnic spots along the way.
Frensham Great Pond – a fantastic wild swimming spot.
Leith Hill – the highest point in South East England.
Food and drink
There are plenty of places to stop for refreshments after your walk, including:
The Abinger Hatch – a quaint country pub near Dorking that serves classic pub grub.
The White Horse – this award-winning pub in Hascombe is the perfect pit stop for food or drinks.
Rykas Boxhill – this biker-themed café is known for its breakfast baps, burgers and hot dogs.
Denbies Wine Estate – offering Surrey Hills vineyard tours and tastings, with several restaurants on site, this is a luxurious location for a post-walk refreshment.
2. Dorset & East Devon National Landscapes
Ideal for a seaside break, these adjoining National Landscapes offer plenty of opportunities to explore the South West’s most dramatic coastal scenery. Bordering the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast, you’ll be spoiled for choice with fossil-hunting beaches and walking trails. Find out more about what’s on offer at the Dorset National Landscape and the East Devon National Landscape to plan your visit.
Whether you want to explore the Jurassic Coast’s best walks or head further inland, experience the natural beauty of East Devon and Dorset at these spots:
Durdle Door – admire this spectacular limestone arch that juts out of the sea off the Dorset coast.
Lyme Regis – this beach in Dorset is a fossil-hunting hotspot and a great place for a family day out.
Durlston Country Park – a coastal paradise near Bournemouth with walking trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities.
East Devon Way – this trail covers 40 miles of footpaths, lanes and bridleways from Exmouth to Lyme Regis.
Seaton Wetlands – this nature reserve in Devon is home to plenty of wildlife, including birds, butterflies and dragonflies.
Food and drink
After exploring Dorset and East Devon, head to one of these cosy seaside pubs to end the day:
The Anchor Inn – this pub in Sidmouth is the perfect place to end your coastal walk.
Masons Arms – head to this pub in Branscombe after a day at the beach.
Rock Point Inn – located on the Lyme Regis seafront, this pub is ideal after a day at the beach.
The Lulworth Cove Inn – a cosy pub close to Durdle Door.
3. Cranborne Chase AONB
Stretching across the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, there’s no shortage of places to see in Cranborne Chase AONB. You’ll find scenic walking trails suited to all abilities, plus cycle and horse-riding routes. Nature lovers will be impressed by the ancient trees and rare species amongst the vast woodland, while history enthusiasts can visit several castles. Discover the must-see locations in Cranborne Chase to plan your day out.
How to get there: Catch a train to Tisbury or Salisbury to begin your adventure.
Outdoor attractions in Cranborne Chase
For the best landscapes, wildlife and historic sites, don’t miss these locations in Cranborne Chase:
Shaftesbury – this picturesque town has a fascinating history and stunning views across the landscape from the top of Gold Hill.
Old Wardour Castle – a romantic castle ruin with spectacular countryside views.
Grovely Wood – one of the most popular Cranborne Chase walks, which takes you through enchanting woodland just outside Salisbury.
Coombe Bissett Down Nature Reserve – head here for circular walks amongst beautiful wildflower meadows, home to several rare butterfly species.
The Pembroke Arms – this 18th-century inn in Wilton is a great place to stop on a circular walk from Salisbury.
King Alfred’s Kitchen – housed in a historic building, this café in Shaftesbury is perfect for lunch or afternoon tea.
The Fox and Goose – this classic country pub is the ideal pit stop after a walk in Coombe Bissett Down Nature Reserve.
Beaton’s Tearooms – this café in Tisbury is a charming place to stop after exploring the area.
More must-visit AONBs in the South West
Looking for more of the best South West England scenic spots? Here are our top picks, which are easily accessible on our network.
North Wessex Downs National Landscape
Dating back to the Cretaceous period – up to 99 million years ago – the North Wessex Downs have a unique landscape, including chalk hills, woodland, heathland and rivers. Whether you want to enjoy a picturesque walk, cycle through the landscape or go stargazing, the North Wessex Downs is the place to go!
History enthusiasts and Downton Abbey fans are in for a treat as you can visit Highclere Castle, where the TV series was filmed, as well as several other stately homes in the area.
How to get there: Andover or Whitchurch are the closest SWR stations, situated at the edge of the North Wessex Downs.
Chilterns National Landscape
Whether you’re planning an active day out or a peaceful stroll with family and friends, the Chilterns National Landscape has plenty to offer. Spanning 839km2 of countryside, the area covers southern Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire.
The Chilterns Cycleway is a great way to explore this location, or go walking at Marlow Common and Wendover Woods. For family adventures, head to the Roald Dahl Museum or Beale Wildlife Park.
How to get there: Reading is the closest South Western Railway station to the Chilterns.
Isle of Wight National Landscape
With its breathtaking views and rich history, it’s no surprise that the Isle of Wight attracts millions of visitors every year. The island is home to several landscapes, from chalk downs to woodland, farmland and heritage coasts, so there’s a lot to see and do here!
As one of the densest areas for dinosaur discovery in Europe, the Isle of Wight is also perfect for a family day out, particularly for footprint and fossil hunting on the beaches.
Ready to explore the natural wonders of the South West? It’s easy to access these green spaces by train – travel to the nearest stations on our network, then use public transport links to reach your destination. Plus, we offer a range of ticket types to suit every journey.
Choose Semi-Flex Return or Sunday Out tickets to enjoy extra flexibility in case plans change on the day. If you’re travelling with family or friends, our GroupSave tickets are an excellent choice, and don’t forget to check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts to save even more.
Our customers can enjoy exclusive discounts on attractions, restaurants, hotels and more with SWR Rewards, so check out the latest offers when planning your day out!
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