Landscapes that melt together rambling moors, rolling hills and postcard-shot beaches dotted with medieval market towns and cathedral spires. South West England shouts 'picturesque' from every corner. Hiking and biking trails criss-cross valleys and ridgeways, wind between stone-built villages and traverse towering gorges. Legends of mystical moorland beasts and stone circles lead you through endless Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Foodies should fast well in advance for a gourmet trip stuffed with cream teas, fruity cider and crumbly cheeses.
South West England
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Rainy Day Activities: Scale the walls of Exeter’s Quay Climbing Centre
With over 200 climbing lines, training walls and an abseil tower, there are plenty of indoor activities to suit everyone.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Discover 2,000 years of history for free on a guided tour
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England on a free Red Coat Guided Tour.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Make waves on a water sports holiday in Bournemouth
Bournemouth has a vast array of water sports on offer throughout the year for both the novice and professional.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Explore The Grand Pier of Weston-super-Mare
Relive happy childhood memories of eating ice creams, skimming stones and skipping along piers in Weston-super-Mare.
Location: Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Glamping in a shepherd’s hut
Find inspiration, learn and relax at Woodspring Farm, a well-hidden jewel on National Trust Land, in the seaside village of Kewstoke.
Location: Kewstoke, Somerset
Leap into the surf at some of Cornwall’s most spectacular beaches
Surfing is every bit as much fun as it looks and the true Cornish experience is not complete without riding the waves at one of Cornwall’s golden beaches, with well-trained instructors.
Location: Across Cornwall
Rainy Day Activities: Uncover underwater life at the National Marine Aquarium
Need a rainy day idea? Visit the UK's largest aquarium to be amazed at its fascinating underwater world, and learn how we all play a part in conserving it.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Go wild camping on Dartmoor
When it comes to experiencing the unspoiled and unique environment of the wilds of Dartmoor, nothing compares to wild camping.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
Horse-riding in Burnham-on-Sea
Show off your horsemanship as you trot your way along beautiful sandy beaches.
Location: Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
Cycle The Camel Trail to Bodmin Gaol
The Camel Trail provides access to the beautiful Cornish countryside along a disused railway line.
Location: Padstow to Bodmin, Cornwall
Explore the Cornish sea
The Cornish Sea is the unique marine graveyard, and also doubles up as a mecca for scuba divers.
Location: Falmouth, Cornwall
Take to the slopes in Dorset
The Snowtrax alpine activity centre will transport you to the mountains for the day.
Location: Christchurch, Dorset
Enjoy high-wire and two-wheeled adventure in the Moors Valley
Enjoy adrenaline-fuelled activities for all the family in Moors Valley Country Park in the lovely Dorset countryside.
Location: Ashley Heath, Dorset
Explore an island of discovery
Explore Portland’s rugged landscape and breathtaking views and discover its history, heritage and natural assets.
Location: Portland, Dorset
Experience rock climbing in the picturesque Wye Valley
The spectacular Wye Valley cliffs offer a unique and beautiful playground for what is now one of the UK's largest participation sports.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Take a dip in Bude Sea Pool
Take the whole family to this part man-made, part natural sea pool which nestles under the cliffs at Summerleaze beach in Bude.
Location: Bude, Cornwall
Try sea kayaking in St Austell Bay
With its sheltered beaches and harbours, St Austell Bay is the ideal location for sea kayaking.
Location: St Austell, Cornwall
Ride a horse across Perranporth beach
Enjoy an exhilarating gallop through the Atlantic waves and three miles of golden sand at Cornwall’s popular Perranporth beach.
Location: Perranporth, Cornwall
Don’t be afraid to make a splash at Cotswold Water Park
Cotswold Water Park has more than 150 lakes to choose from – offering all kinds of watersports. Take your pick!
Location: The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire
Take an award-winning tour of Camel Valley
An ex-RAF pilot and his wife grew their wine into an international triumph. Catch a glimpse and a taste in historic Bodmin.
Location: Bodmin, Cornwall