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
Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen
Explore the city that inspired one of England’s most famous novel writers.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Take a free walking tour of Bath with a local
Let the Mayor of Bath’s Honorary Guides show you the city of Bath with free daily walking tours.
Location: Bath, Somerset
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
Horse-riding in Burnham-on-Sea
Show off your horsemanship as you trot your way along beautiful sandy beaches.
Location: Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
Rainy Day Activities: Experience the underground world of Wookey Hole
There are legends aplenty about Britain’s biggest caves, where you’ll find a secret river and bewitching caverns.
Location: Wells, Somerset
Scenic cycling around Bath
Grab your bike and get ready to pedal through the longest cycle tunnel in Europe.
Location: Bath, Somerset
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
Go all One Direction in North Somerset
Visit Clevedon Pier where boy band One Direction filmed their ‘You and I’ video and cruise on the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world.
Location: Clevedon, North Somerset
Get the kids active at Mendip Snowsports Centre
Set in the beautiful Mendip Hills, action never stops at Mendip Snowsports Centre with kayaking, climbing, caving, archery, snowboarding, and more.
Location: Churchill, North Somerset
Enjoy panoramic views on the Bath Skyline Walk
Enjoy a family break in Bath with some outdoor fun at Bath Skyline’s woodland play area before enjoying sweeping views across the city.
Location: Bath, Somerset
February events: Seek serenity at the Rebalance Bath Festival
Bathe in Bath’s natural spring waters and reinvigorate at the city's annual wellbeing festival
Location: Bath, Somerset
Explore a wild playground in Exmoor
Cycle past ancient sights and ramble amongst towering trees on a walking or cycling holiday spent exploring two National Parks.
Location: Exmoor & Quantock Hills, Devon
Soak up the seaspray in Exmoor
Get ready for a thrill-seeking break spent kayaking or coasteering around Exmoor's dramatic landscapes.
Location: Exmoor National Park, Devon /Somerset
Climb rocks and explore caves of the Mendip Hills
The Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is made up of dramatic limestone ridges which offer spectacular views
Location: Mendip Hills, Somerset
Discover Devon's Literature Scene
Devon has provided inspiration for a host of literary greats down the centuries. Many of them lived in Devon, or stayed to be inspired for a time.
Location: Exmoor, Lynton & Lynmouth, Taw and Torridge estuaries, Braunton Burrows, Morte Point
Take on the South West Coast Path National Trail
Wander the South West Coast Path and see the trail that allowed officials to catch smugglers in their coves and hideouts.
Location: Somerset
