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
Horse-riding in Burnham-on-Sea
Show off your horsemanship as you trot your way along beautiful sandy beaches.
Location: Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
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
Majestic views at a Corfe Castle picnic
Enjoy breathtaking views at the majestic ruins of Corfe Castle in the perfect idyllic picnic spot.
Location: Corfe, Dorset
Make your escape to the Isles of Scilly
Clear waters and a balmy micro-climate are just a few of the reasons to head to the Isles of Scilly this summer.
Location: Scilly Isles, Cornwall
Luxurious weekend breaks at Burgh Island Hotel
Enjoy a coastal break at this luxurious Art-Deco hotel off the coast of Devon.
Location: Burgh Island, Devon
Stroll along the ruins of Tintagel Castle
Tintagel Castle is full of legend and mystery, and these evocative ruins have got to be one of England’s most mysterious and romantic spots.
Location: Tintagel, Cornwall
Peel away the layers of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Trace a history that goes back millions of years as you meander Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast, England’s first UNESCO Natural World Heritage site.
Location: Dorset
Explore the West Bay coastline as seen on TV’s Broadchurch
Soak up the picture-perfect setting used in the TV series Broadchurch as you explore West Bay on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
Location: West Bay, 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
A botanical treasure trove on the Jurassic Coast
Sniff your way around the award-winning Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, a coastal haven filled with rare and exotic plants from all over the world.
Location: Abbotsbury, Dorset
Discover Dorset’s Myths and Legends
Tour the many landmarks, dotted along Dorset’s beautiful coast and countryside, and uncover their fascinating tales.
Location: Dorset
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
Take a visit to Looe Island
Looe Island Nature Reserve is a haven for diverse and fascinating wildlife, from silver-washed fritillaries to grey seals.
Location: Looe, 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
Watch Indie A-listers at the End of the Road Festival
The intimate surroundings of the End of the Road Festival give you the chance to get up close and personal with the bands and their music.
Location: Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset
A warm welcome awaits weary travellers at the Victoria Inn
Reward yourself after a bracing walk along the coast with a pint in one of Cornwall’s oldest watering holes.
Location: Penzance, Cornwall
August events: Eat, drink and be merry at the Newlyn Fish Festival
Celebrate the Cornish fishing community’s hard work and delicious produce at the Newlyn Fish Festival.
Location: Newlyn, Cornwall
Enjoy a romantic break surrounded by echoes of royal love
Opulent comfort and English grandeur, in a house that once bore royalty.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
July events: Penzance Literary Festival
A literary festival on the Cornish coast with a distinctly local flavour and a relaxed atmosphere that’s ideal for book lovers.
Location: Penzance, Cornwall
September events: Sample some fantastic seafood at the Newquay Fish Festival
Feast upon the edible delights that swim Cornwall’s waters as local chefs cook up a treat, right before your eyes, at the Newquay Fish Festival.
Location: Newquay, Cornwall