Hidden gems in the South West

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South Western Railway January 9, 2026 4 min read

In this article, you'll learn the following:

Beaches in the South West
Shopping in the South West
South West art to see
Museums in the South West
Plan your trip to discover hidden gems in the South West with South Western Railway

Whether you live locally or are visiting the South West for a weekend getaway, you might be looking for something a little different from the usual tourist spots. The South West is full of charming villages, stunning coastline and quirky attractions that often fly under the radar.

Shingle beaches, low-key shopping streets, intimate art galleries and tucked-away museums provide plenty to explore beyond the well-trodden paths. These hidden gems are easy to reach with South Western Railway, making it simple to plan a day trip or a short break packed with discovery.

Beaches in the South West

Bournemouth Beach

Weymouth Beach, Dorset

Weymouth Beach boasts a long sandy seafront along Dorset’s coast, ideal for a peaceful beach day away from the crowds. The beach combines sea, sand, and charming seaside town vibes without the hectic bustle of more famous resorts. It is a family-friendly beach with safe, shallow waters, perfect for swimming and various water sports. Visitors can enjoy traditional seaside attractions like donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, and pedal boats.

Nearest station: Weymouth (around a 10‑minute walk).

Eastney Beach, Portsmouth

Eastney Beach is a long, fairly wide shingle beach at the eastern end of Portsmouth's continuous seafront, offering a quieter alternative to busier Southsea areas for locals seeking a convenient coastal escape. It supports over 100 plant species adapted to sand, shingle, and saltwater, while providing space for swimming, windsurfing with designated zones, and good fishing.

How to get there: Fratton (around a 40‑minute walk).

Shopping in the South West

A person shopping

Castle Road, Southsea

Castle Road, Southsea is a vibrant, unique, and creative street renowned as the hidden gem of Southsea. It features a diverse range of independent shops, restaurants, and eateries, creating a lively and eclectic atmosphere. The street is known for its one-of-a-kind shops and buildings that attract people who appreciate a creative and local shopping experience.

Nearest station: Fratton (around a 25-minute walk).

The Triangle, Bournemouth

The Triangle boasts an eclectic, bohemian vibe in Bournemouth town centre, where shoppers pick up fancy dress, dancewear, and other quirky items from independent stores amid a relaxed leisure hub. This pedestrian-friendly area encircles a small park and bus station, blending down-to-earth retail like furniture and electronics with nearby cafes for a casual, distinctive shopping experience distinct from high street bustle.

Nearest station: Bournemouth (around a 30-minute walk).

South West art to see

Guildford House Gallery, Guildford

Guildford House Gallery resides in a Grade I-listed 17th-century townhouse on the High Street, displaying over 550 works spanning 250 years, including the world's largest public collection of pastel portraits by Guildford-born artist John Russell, RA. The venue hosts changing exhibitions of local and regional artists alongside historic ceramics and silverware, complemented by events, activities, and a craft gift shop

Nearest station: Guildford (around a 15-minute walk).

Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham

Orleans House Gallery is a free public contemporary art gallery set in beautiful gardens overlooking the River Thames, featuring the restored Grade I-listed Baroque Octagon Room and rotating exhibitions from the Richmond Borough Art Collection. It hosts thought-provoking contemporary shows, artist residencies, family activities, and woodland walks, blending modern art with historic architecture in a serene riverside setting.

Nearest station: Twickenham (around a 20-minute walk).

Museums in the South West

A museum exhibition

Poole Museum, Poole

Poole Museum is a hidden gem maritime and local history museum situated in Dorset's Old Town, housed in a 19th-century quayside warehouse that includes the Grade I listed medieval Wool Hall, Oakley’s Mill, and Scaplen’s Court. It tells the story of Poole from prehistory to the present day through diverse galleries, including the world-famous Iron Age Poole Logboat, Poole Pottery collections, and maritime exhibits. The museum also features a café with views over Poole Harbour and runs engaging community workshops and exhibitions

Nearest station: Poole (15-minute walk).

Nothe Fort, Weymouth

Nothe Fort is Weymouth's top heritage museum, a Victorian sea fort on the Jurassic Coast where visitors explore underground tunnels, the Victorian Gun Deck, WW2 rampart guns, and a secret nuclear bunker amid 360-degree harbour views. Friendly volunteers guide fun family trails, with a café serving homemade lunches and cakes, plus year-round events like open-air theatre.

Nearest station: Weymouth (around a 25-minute walk).

Plan your trip to discover hidden gems in the South West with South Western Railway

The South West is full of charming villages, scenic coastline and unique attractions, so planning your journey ahead is essential to make the most of your day trip or short break. Book your train tickets in advance to secure the best prices and explore a range of ticket types to suit your needs.

Our GroupSave tickets are perfect for outings with family and friends, and our Sunday Out and Semi-Flex return tickets give you extra flexibility if plans change on the day. For additional savings, check your eligibility for Railcards and discounts.

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