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
Head to Lanhydrock for a splendid woodland picnic
Head to finest house in Cornwall for a relaxing picnic with magnificent panoramic views and 900 acres of parkland and woodland.
Location: Bodmin, Cornwall
Experience wine-making the way in Bradford-on-Avon
Enjoy an organic tipple among the vines of an English country gem.
Location: Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire
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
Give your taste buds a treat at the Furleigh Estate vineyard
Explore the peace and tranquillity of the Furleigh Estate vineyard, before getting down to the real business of testing out the wines for yourself.
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Take the River Ferry to Beeses
Enjoy a delicious Sunday roast at this scenic English riverside tea garden in Bristol.
Location: Bristol
Watch cheese making at The Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company
Observe Cheddar’s last remaining cheesemakers as they go about their work and learn the tricks of their trade.
Location: Cheddar, Somerset
Make your own cheese in rural Somerset at Hagley Bridge Farm
Learn how to fill your fridge with cheese, yoghurt and butter made by your own fair hand.
Location: Watterow, Somerset
Get an authentic taste of Cotswolds farm life
Ever fancied trying your hand at making your own sausages? Be part of a traditional farming experience at Old Farm, near Moreton in Marsh.
Location: Moreton In Marsh, Gloucestershire
Explore Devon’s countryside on a mushroom foray
Join Riverside Cottage mushroom expert John Wright as you forage in Devon’s woodland fields to identify, gather responsibly and cook some wild fungi.
Location: Axminster, Devon
Take in the views and afternoon tea in Wiltshire
Build up an appetite with a walk through the picturesque Vale of Wardour before stopping for tea and a spot of cake in the pretty village of Tisbury.
Location: Tisbury, Wiltshire
Experience a revival of Cotswolds’ culinary traditions
Perfect your culinary skills at Thyme at Southrop’s cookery school, then explore some of the Cotswolds’ best restaurants in Bibury and Nailsworth.
Location: Southrop, Gloucestershire
October events: Celebrate all things foodie at the Forest Showcase Food Festival
Head to the Forest of Dean this autumn for the best in local, seasonal and speciality food and drink at the Forest Showcase Food Festival.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Stay in the Spooky Wookey Hole Hotel
A 58 bedroom Hotel located in the heart of the rolling Mendip Hills that is perfectly placed to get you to all the attractions with ease.
Location: Wells, Somerset
Make a foodie break to Marlborough
Make a visit to the historic market town of Marlborough and enjoy some foodie delights.
Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire
