Take your pick of Wiltshire’s historic monuments, the rolling hills and wild moors of Devon, the pretty harbours and dramatic coastline of Dorset or the turquoise waters and golden sands of Cornwall. There’s plenty to see and do, from castles, stately homes, exotic gardens and wildlife parks, to spectacular walks and the best sandy beaches in Britain. Urbanites fear not - cities such as Bristol and Bath offer cutting-edge culture, splendid heritage and world-class shopping, and when it comes to fine-dining you’re spoilt for choice.
Cornwall
Spectacular turquoise seas and world-famous white sand beaches make Cornwall a mecca for sun worshippers and watersports enthusiasts of all kinds. The coastline is also dotted with picturesque fishing harbours that still serve the plethora of waterside seafood eateries and hip beach cafés.
The county has a diverse history with prehistoric, Celtic and medieval roots and the vast array of heritage attractions, beautiful gardens and remnants of Cornwall’s fascinating industrial heritage draw visitors from far and wide. Don’t miss the iconic St Michael’s Mount with its magnificent views and the Nash built Caerhays Castle, set in 140 acres of informal gardens famous for their magnolias, rhododendrons and camelias. For theatre lovers, there are few places more dramatic to watch a performance than the cliff-side Minack Theatre at Porthcurno near Penzance.
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can find miles of pathways criss-crossing the landscape and offering panoramic views. Discover the majestic and largely untouched wilderness of Bodmin Moor or explore your relationship with nature at the fascinating Eden Project at St Austell. The majestic scenery of the county has captivated artists for over 100 years and continues to inspire a vibrant art scene which these days is centred around the exceptional Tate at St Ives, Cornwall’s cultural epicentre.
Devon
This is a county of striking contrasts. The rugged beauty of the moors and the dramatic craggy coastline, tranquil coves and traditional fishing harbours, picture-postcard villages and bustling Victorian seaside resorts, it’s all here in Devon.
Inland, take a hike or a mountain bike and discover the stunning beauty of Exmoor or Dartmoor with miles of purple, heather-clad moorland, rushing rivers and stone tors. If you’re feeling energetic cycle the Drake’s Trail where you’ll come across wild ponies and plenty of moorland pubs, perfect for a well earned rest, or walk the imposing Blackdown Hills ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’, home to rare plant, insect, bird and mammal species.
Devon is rich in history with plenty of fine stately homes and heritage sites to visit. Powderham Castle is a magnificent Grade I listed home set within an ancient deer park overlooking the Exe Estuary. For garden lovers, Castle Hill Gardens near Barnstaple is a tranquil place of mystical temples, follies, statues, woodland walks and spectacular vistas. Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top pre-history Stone Age caves with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns.
Head to the coast for a huge selection of beaches from small, romantic coves to larger, award winning stretches. The Jurassic Coast (Orcombe Rocks, Devon to Studland Bay, Dorset) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 95 miles of spectacular coastline and 185 million years of geology, a must for visitors to the South West.
Plymouth is famous for its seafaring heritage with Plymouth Hoe, the backdrop for Sir Francis Drake’s legendary game of bowls, and one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world - climb Smeaton’s Tower for the incredible views. Torquay is the gateway to the English Riviera and boasts elegant Victorian villas, iconic palm trees, a sweeping sandy beach and an annual Agatha Christie Festival. Seaside towns such as Paignton and Brixham offer great days out with pretty harbours, family attractions and a wealth of mouthwatering waterside eateries.
Dorset
Famous for its designated heritage areas and a treasure trove of geology, the historic Dorset coastline has sweeping beaches, dramatic sea stacks, peaceful coves and awe-inspiring cliffs. The ancient Durdle Door rock formation, Lulworth Cove, the Isle of Portland with the famous Portland Bill lighthouse and the shingle bank of Chesil Beach are just a few of the spectacular sites worth a visit. Take a boat trip to get up close with birds, dolphins and seals, walk the coastal paths and scour the beach for fossils, or visit one of the many museums. Portland and Weymouth are two of the best sailing locations in Europe - get a stunning birds-eye view from the top of Weymouth’s 53m high Jurassic Skyline. For traditional English seaside resorts visit Victorian Swanage or Bournemouth with its fine sandy beach. The large natural harbour and plenty of beachside cafés, restaurants and bars make bustling Poole the perfect place for watersports enthusiasts. Inland, discover quaint market towns and villages that play host to delightful shops, galleries, museums and tearooms. Explore Dorset’s nature reserves and visit castles, historic houses and beautiful gardens including Sherborne Castle, Athelhampton and Minterne Gardens.
Gloucestershire
The impressive cathedral city of Gloucester boasts over 2,000 years of history and has the best preserved Victorian port in the country. Today it’s a vibrant and multicultural city with a perfect blend of historic architecture, visitor attractions, contemporary shops and restaurants, bars and pubs. The city is linked to Sharpness Docks via the historic 16 mile ship canal and is only a stone’s throw away from the ancient woodlands and outdoor pursuits of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Cheltenham is an elegant spa town where Regency town houses line the historic promenade and leafy squares and it’s easy to lose yourself in the pretty streets and award winning gardens. For something livelier, there’s an impressive range of sporting and cultural events including The Cheltenham Gold Cup and The Cheltenham Festival of Music. The ancient settlement of Tewkesbury is famous for its 12th century Norman Abbey, fine half-timbered buildings and medieval alleyways. Enjoy a riverside stroll along the River Severn or a boat trip along the Avon.
Gloucestershire boasts some of the country’s prettiest historic places to visit. Sudeley Castle & Gardens near Cheltenham with magnificent, award winning gardens, is the resting place of Katherine Parr. A pretty manor house with a spectacular 18th century water garden and the tallest garden and gravity fountain in the world, Stanway House & Water Garden is also home to a fully restored watermill. Rodmarton Manor near Cirencester is a fine example of a Cotswold Arts & Crafts house with beautiful collections.
Somerset & Bristol
Believed to be the site of a Saxon fortress and topped by the tower of the ruined 15th century church, Glastonbury Tor is the stuff of myth and colourful legend, rising high with breathtaking views of the Somerset Levels and beyond. Glastonbury is a bohemian little town well worth a visit, with quirky independent shops, the romantic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey and plenty of hostelries selling local beer and cider.
Soak up the rich maritime history of Bristol, a city packed with historic attractions, exciting events and fabulous festivals. Cabot Circus offers world class shopping, while stylish restaurants and cafés on the Harbourside serve up locally produced food to tempt and delight. Bristol’s Old Vic is the longest continuously-running theatre in the UK and marked it’s 250th anniversary in 2016. Out and about, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol Zoo Gardens and the annual hot air balloon fiesta are also firm favourites.
The beautiful UNESCO World Heritage City of Bath with the Roman Baths and Royal Crescent, is simply unmissable. Bathe in the naturally hot spa water at the magnificent baths, indulge in a gourmet getaway or enjoy a romantic weekend exploring the wealth of historic architecture.
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is home to some of the country’s greatest country houses, acclaimed gardens, visitor attractions and breath-taking nature reserves including Wilton House, The Peto Garden at Iford Manor, Longleat Safari Park and the North Wessex Downs AONB. Stonehenge, one of England’s most iconic monuments, is a relic from the Stone Age that has more than stood the test of time and is as mysterious and captivating today as ever. You can also find the famous white horse chalk hill carvings, ancient and more recent, here.
Salisbury is the jewel in the crown of South West England’s rural heartland, surrounded by stunning scenery and home to a magnificent Cathedral, a wealth of heritage, cultural, dining and shopping venues. Further afield discover quintessential English villages and splendid market towns - Chippenham, Devizes, the county town of Trowbridge and Marlborough, famed for its charming high street, stylish independent shops and sophisticated café culture, to name just a few.
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