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
Learn how to find fossils with a guided fossil walk
Take the family on a fossil hunting walk along Charmouth Beach and uncover prehistoric history while walking along a dramatic stretch of coastline.
Location: Charmouth, Dorset
Take a boat trip for the best view of the Jurassic Coast
Step aboard the Stuart Line Cruise, and see the stunning 250 million year old Jurassic Coast cliffs up close from the sea.
Location: Exmouth, Devon
Spooky Salisbury ghost walks
Join Salisbury City Guides as they search for Salisbury’s secretive ghosts.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Rainy Day Activities: Find out what lies beneath Exeter
Escape the rain to explore Exeter’s Underground Passages and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum - ideal indoor attractions for a drizzly day.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Discover 2,000 years of history for free on a guided tour
Discover one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in England on a free Red Coat Guided Tour.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Explore an island of discovery
Explore Portland’s rugged landscape and breathtaking views and discover its history, heritage and natural assets.
Location: Portland, Dorset
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
Rainy Day Activities: Climb the walls of St Werburgh’s Church
Test your strength as you climb up the walls of this 15th-century church on an indoor activity break in Bristol.
Location: Bristol
Explore Cornwall’s mining heritage
Sandy beaches, cream teas, ancient woodlands and innovative architecture make for a fascinating family day out in Camborne and Redruth.
Location: Cornwall
Take a tour of Gloucester Cathedral's Gothic Tower
Ancient, spectacular and a beautifully serene place to visit, the Cathedral is one of the most magnificent Gothic buildings in the world.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Magic and mystery in the Forest of Dean
Follow in the footsteps of Dr Who, Merlin and Atlantis, explore the Clearwell Caves or ride through the forest on the steam railway.
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
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
Explore the iconic Roman Baths
See one of the best preserved Roman remains with your very own eyes on an exploratory trip to the Roman Baths.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Rainy Day Activities: Experience all the fun of a vintage fair
Visit the largest collection of working vintage fairground rides and world-class fairground art in Britain at this fantastic indoor attraction.
Location: Lifton, Devon
Discover Dartmoor's myths and legends
Let your imagination run riot as you visit locations of well known Dartmoor legends.
Location: Dartmoor, Devon
Discover the Cotswolds Way
Escape to the country and walk the Cotswold Way with friends, stopping over along route at unique accommodation sites nestled in tranquil locations.
Location: Gloucestershire
Take an enchanting trip on the Dean Forest Railway
Experience the sights, sounds and the smell of traditional train travel on The Dean Forest Railway, a rural branch railway offering rides on steam trains and some heritage diesel services.
Location: Lydney, Gloucestershire