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
Cycle the City of Bristol
Classic Cycle hire with picnics makes for a great active break, and guides available with themed itineraries means you can see the sights.
Location: Bristol
Live the good life at The Lido in Bristol
Bristol's restored Victorian Lido offers outdoor swimming, spa facilities, a café and bar for lunch and award winning restaurant for dinner.
Location: Bristol
Blow your own glass bubble
Learn about the distinctive aquamarine-coloured glass and make your own glass bubble at Bath Aqua Glass.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Fall in love with Exeter Cathedral
Be awed by Exeter Cathedral; a gothic masterpiece and one of the South West's most iconic landmarks, even better when viewed from above.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Picnic in Bath's most elevated park
Enjoy stunning views of the World Heritage City of Bath from the steep hill-top setting of Alexandra Park.
Location: Bath, Somerset
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
Rainy Day Activities: See famous works in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
With numerous famous artworks and historical artefacts on display, the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a must-see indoor attraction in the heart of Exeter.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Live a day in the life of a Tudor at St Nicholas Priory
Originally part of Exeter’s first medieval monastery, this splendid Grade I-listed building later became the Tudor home of a wealthy merchant family.
Location: Exeter, Devon
May events: Feel inspired at The Bath Festival
Enjoy music and literature from around the world with an incredible programme of arts and events.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Rainy Day Activities: Take afternoon tea in the Pump Room
Get a taste of Jane Austen’s world while tucking into a traditional English afternoon tea at Regency haunt, The Pump Room.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Enjoy a show at the Bristol Hippodrome
Steeped in history and packed with West End tours and local community displays, the Bristol Hippodrome is ideal for theatre buffs and newbies alike.
Location: Bristol
Scenic cycling around Bath
Grab your bike and get ready to pedal through the longest cycle tunnel in Europe.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Take the River Ferry to Beeses
Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at this scenic English riverside tea garden in Bristol.
Location: Bristol
Head to Bristol for a loved-up city break
Ditch the car – and even the bike – because relaxed and arty Bristol is the perfect size to stroll around, hand-in-hand.
Location: Bristol
Follow in the footsteps of the stars in Bath
Retrace the steps of Kiera Knightley, Reese Witherspoon, and Daniel Radcliffe to see famous film locations in the city and surrounding Bath villages.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Plumb the depths of Plymouth's rich maritime history
Home to the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army, Plymouth boasts an inspiring rich maritime heritage and is steeped in military history.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Let Plymouth bring out your adventurous streak
Plymouth provides the perfect place for adventurers, with water sports, scuba diving, climbing walls, cycle paths, walks and boat trips.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Take time for yourself at Tinside Lido
Take a dip in the 1930s art deco outdoor Tinside Lido, where you can go for a dip or relax with a snack.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
August events: Ooh and aah at the British Firework Championships
This summer, enjoy the British Firework Championships whilst surrounded by wonderful panoramic views of Plymouth Hoe.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Try Plymouth's Historic Barbican and Sutton Harbour
An essential first port of call, a bustling community of specialist shops, restaurants, and world-class attractions, all in a picturesque harbourside.
Location: Plymouth, Devon
Discover 600 years of history along Bristol’s Park Street
Stroll Bristol's iconic Park Street and unearth the city’s history, including the university where Winston Churchill was once Chancellor.
Location: Bristol