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
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
Follow in the footsteps of Jane Austen
Explore the city that inspired one of England’s most famous novel writers.
Location: Bath, Somerset
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
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
Watch history come to life at Morwellham Quay in Devon
Take a living history lesson from the team at Morwellham Quay, a beautifully preserved Victorian village in the Devon countryside.
Location: Morwellham Quay, Devon
Scenic cycling around Bath
Grab your bike and get ready to pedal through the longest cycle tunnel in Europe.
Location: Bath, Somerset
December events: Grab yourself a festive bargain at Bath Christmas Market
Bath Christmas Market is a magical festive shopping experience, set against the city centre’s stunning backdrop of historic buildings.
Location: Bath, Somerset
Travel back through the centuries on a coastal break in Dorset
Explore Dorset’s eclectic range of castles, country houses and forts and journey back in time on a steam train.
Location: Dorset
Explore the myths and mysteries of Stonehenge
To really take in the prehistoric wonder of Stonehenge, hop on board one of Salisbury’s Magical History Tours.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
February events: Seek serenity at the Rebalance Bath Festival
Bathe in Bath’s natural spring waters and reinvigorate at the city's annual wellbeing festival
Location: Bath, Somerset