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
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Discover The Lost Gardens of Heligan
Explore hidden paths and bamboo tunnels on this aristocratic Cornwall estate.
Location: Heligan, Cornwall
Uncover millions of years of history on the English Riviera
The English Riviera is steeped in rich seafaring history, with stories of pirates, smugglers and shipwrecks waiting to be uncovered.
Location: English Riviera, Devon
Experience life at sea aboard Brunel’s ss Great Britain
One of the world's most important ships brought to life for modern-day visitors.
Location: Bristol
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
Discover Wiltshire's oldest White Horse chalk carving
Enjoy an undulating walk to the Westbury White Horse, whilst being presented with fabulous views of the Wiltshire countryside.
Location: Westbury, Wiltshire
Walk and picnic amongst the prehistoric landscape at Avebury
Step into the largest stone circle in the world, standing for over 4500 years, and the site of a host of archaeological excavations.
Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire
Spooky Salisbury ghost walks
Join Salisbury City Guides as they search for Salisbury’s secretive ghosts.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
Spend a day exploring the sights of Tisbury
With art and beauty steeped in history, Tisbury is an excellent base from which to explore Wiltshire’s countryside.
Location: Tisbury, Wiltshire
Step back in time in a 17th century merchant's house
A rare opportunity to view a 17th century house of the type many of us might have lived in.
Location: Marlborough, Wiltshire
Rainy Day Activities: Be an engine driver for the day at STEAM
Try your hand at changing the signals, drive a model steam engine and walk under an 80 ton train at STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway.
Location: Swindon, Wiltshire
Recreate film scenes at Stourhead gardens
See the changing colours on a visit to breath-taking Stourhead, where you can see the beauty of nature through the seasons.
Location: Mere, Wiltshire
Relax in Thermae Bath Spa’s open air rooftop pool
Float in the open air rooftop pool at Britain’s only natural mineral-rich thermal spa and soak up the spectacular views over Bath.
Location: Bath, Somerset
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
Fall in love with Exeter Cathedral
Be awed by Exeter Cathedral; a gothic masterpiece and one of the South West's most iconic landmarks, even better when viewed from above.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Pop the question on a Palladian bridge
The Palladian Bridge, nestled in the beautifully landscaped gardens of Prior Park, offers a memorable spot for a proposal.
Location: Bath, Somerset
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
Rainy Day Activities: See famous works in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum
With numerous famous artworks and historical artefacts on display, the award-winning Royal Albert Memorial Museum is a must-see indoor attraction in the heart of Exeter.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Live a day in the life of a Tudor at St Nicholas Priory
Originally part of Exeter’s first medieval monastery, this splendid Grade I-listed building later became the Tudor home of a wealthy merchant family.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Spot Poldark at Chavenage House
Come and see 'Trenwith', the Poldark family home, actually 'played' by Chavenage House in Tetbury and you may spot Aiden Turner as Ross Poldark!
Location: Tetbury, Gloucestershire