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
Discover The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Explore hidden paths and bamboo tunnels on this aristocratic Cornwall estate.
Location: Heligan, Cornwall
Kingston Lacy: an Italian palace in Dorset
Home to a rather fabulous collection that includes pieces by Rubens, Van Duyck, Titian.
Location: Poole, Dorset
Visit a movie star house
Discover Bathsheba's 'Everdene Farm' from Far From the Madding Crowd in Dorset.
Location: Beaminster, Dorset
Explore the rooms and grounds of Snowshill Manor
From suits of Samurai armour to antique bicycles of all shapes and sizes, there are about 22,000 reasons to take a nose round Snowshill Manor.
Location: Snowshill, Gloucestershire
Admire sculptures under blue skies in Dorchester
Get up close to beautiful works of art while exploring the glorious Dorset countryside at Sculpture by the Lakes.
Location: Dorchester, Dorset
Take a nature break at Westonbirt Arboretum
Venture into Westonbirt’s leafy grounds for a touch of nature’s magic and see the English countryside at its verdant best.
Location: Tetbury, Gloucs
Discover the Hidden Gardens of Bath
Discover some of the beautiful gardens hidden behind Bath's private houses and hotels.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Admire nature at the University of Bristol Botanic Gardens
As well as being an key part of the University teaching, the Botanic Gardens welcome visitors and feature flora and fauna unique to the Bristol area.
Location: Bristol
Visit a Victorian Gothic house and estate
The house near Wraxall in North Somerset is built of two types of Bath Stone, and is bristling with turrets and topped with a gorgeous elaborate roof.
Location: Tyntesfielsd, Wraxall, Somerset
Lose Yourself in Cotswolds Beauty
Discover charming villages and beautiful countryside on a visit to the Wiltshire Cotswolds.
Location: Wiltshire
Discover the Gardens of Cornwall
With over 70 gardens Cornwall is often described as the garden capital of the world, visit for yourself to see the greenery at its finest.
Location: Cornwall
A Tale of Two Gardens and a Lasting Friendship
Experience two world-famous gardens just 6 minutes’ walk from each other - the Arts and Crafts masterpiece Hidcote Manor and historic Kiftsgate Court.
Location: Gloucestershire
