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From Cornwall’s surf-friendly shores and the Jurassic Coast’s fossil-heavy seashores to The Cotswolds’ sandstone villages and Devon’s rugged moorlands, the very best locations to go to in South West England are primarily discovered within the untamed countryside or alongside the shimmering coast.
Nonetheless, it’s not all lapping waves and wild trails; the area has its fair proportion of cultural points of interest and concrete centres unfold throughout the seven counties which type South West England.
Main cities and cities embrace Tub, Bournemouth (my hometown), Plymouth, Cheltenham, and free-spirited Bristol – a implausible metropolis I haven’t lined on this article as I’ll deal with smaller or barely extra uncommon locations to remain and go to in South West England.
After all, a few of these locations may work as lengthy day journeys from London, however they’re much higher explored on a UK staycation. My recommendation for exploring this a part of the nation is to string some landmarks and locales collectively right into a highway or rail journey, staying in some distinctive hideaways en route.
Listed below are simply a few of my favorite locations to go to in South West England – however belief me, this listing may simply be ten occasions longer!
Exeter, Devon
Exeter – Devon’s county city (the regional capital) and cathedral metropolis – is a pleasant mixture of crooked timber buildings and grand Gothic structure in its Previous Core, with shaded walks and conventional pub pit-stops alongside the city-splitting River Exe.
Based by the Romans greater than 2000 years in the past – a number of the metropolis partitions are nonetheless seen – the storied streets are dotted with historic landmarks. Highlights embrace the Fifteenth-century Guildhall (visitable on a guided tour), the underground medieval passages, and the much-celebrated Royal Albert Memorial Museum.
Town’s cultural crown, nonetheless, is the grand Gothic cathedral. Constructed within the thirteenth century, this is without doubt one of the stand-out locations to go to in South West England. Outdoors, quite a few carved statues embellish the facade, whereas the inside, with its vaulted ceilings and splendid stained-glass home windows, is equally magnificent.
With loads of first rate pubs (The Fats Pig and Mill on the Exe are nice, plus The Imperial for the transformed structure), eating places (try Cosy Membership) and decisions of B&Bs, Exeter is a good base to discover Devon from – even when you aren’t within the historic choices.
Fort Combe & The Cotswolds, Wiltshire
Lots of my household reside in Wiltshire, dwelling to a part of the Cotswolds Space of Pure Magnificence, so I’ve been very fortunate to have loved loads of visits to this stunning area – and sure, it greater than lives as much as its identify.
A quintessentially English panorama – suppose quaint sandstone villages, verdant woodlands, and huge pastures – is intensive and stretches throughout six counties. But, within the Wiltshire half, there may be one village that appears to draw essentially the most consideration: Fort Combe.
It’s truly moderately minute – lower than 400 folks name the village dwelling – and has no vital points of interest to boast. However, with a small tributary of Avon River working by, and picturesque cottages, it’s garnered loads of Instagram consideration.
Don’t let that deter you from visiting, although, as there are greater than 750 sq. miles of The Cotswolds – and lots extra villages – to get misplaced amongst. Ramble on woodland trails, slip into rural pubs for pies and pints, and fall in love with South West England. That is the very best of the British countryside.
St Michael’s Mount, Cornwall
With so many unimaginable locations to go to in Cornwall, I may pack this text out with simply these options alone (comply with that hyperlink for all my favourites there. As an alternative, I’ve picked two of the area’s most well-known landmarks, beginning with St Michael’s Mount.
Like France’s Mont St Michel, this tidal island in South West England was based as a pilgrimage website with a Benedictine church. Later, it grew to become a fortress, then a stately dwelling, earlier than turning into right this moment’s well-known vacationer attraction.
Accessed from the city of Marazion by a brick causeway, you may cross from the mainland to the island on foot. On arrival, you may tour the storied fort – nonetheless a household dwelling – and the terraced gardens earlier than visiting the 14th-century church.
In case you’re on the lookout for one of many extra uncommon locations to remain in South West England, you may’t go mistaken with this luxurious tenting pod, full with privileged sizzling tub views throughout the mount and surrounding landscapes. You’ll even be nicely positioned to get pleasure from one among my favorite trails within the space, the mighty Perranuthnoe to Porthleven coastal stroll.
Lulworth, Dorset (Jurassic Coast)
For the following three spots on this South West England listing, we’re heading to England’s solely pure UNESCO World Heritage Website, the Jurassic Coast.
Whereas stunning Bournemouth and its magnificent seaside deserve a point out as an excellent start line for a highway journey alongside Devon & Dorset’s finest locations on the Jurassic Coast, the actual magic is discovered within the coves, bays and fossil-infused rock formations which this close to 100-mile lengthy stretch of shore is famed for.
What makes it so distinctive is the historical past held inside the cliff faces, and generally even on the seaside itself, the place you could discover Ammonites and Belemnites your self. Fossils courting again some 185 million years – together with the Jurassic and Cretaceous intervals – have and are nonetheless being found right here, making it as fascinating as it’s fetching.
Lulworth Cove is without doubt one of the most picturesque villages to go to for an introduction to the realm. With conventional pubs clad in stone, ice-cream vans, and a close to good peddled bay, it’s seaside holidays personified.
From right here, it’s round a one-mile stroll alongside the path to 2 of the Jurassic Coast’s most well-known spots. Durdle Door, a powerful limestone arch which climbs into the ocean, is the outstanding landmark, whereas Man O’Warfare seaside is without doubt one of the area’s extra dazzling.
Removed from being one of many extra uncommon locations to go to in South West England, these two places turn into very crowded in the summertime months. That’s why it’s one among my favorite locations to go to in Europe in April, because the wildflowers arrive earlier than the crowds that means it’s stunning for rambling. After all, if you would like seaside climate, you’ll must go for the hotter summer season months.
Chapman’s Pool Seashore & Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset (Jurassic Coast)
These are two of my favorite locations on the entire Jurassic Coast, and every time I return, I can’t assist however smile at childhood recollections. The primary, Chapman’s Pool Seashore, near the city of Swanage, is without doubt one of the wilder and extra secluded swimming spots in South West England. This implies no lifeguards and a step slim entry path, however when you don’t thoughts that you just’ll be rewarded when you attain the waters.
The second, Kimmeridge Bay on the Isle of Purbeck (a peninsula moderately than an island), is one other breathtaking bay. Sadly, like Durdle Door, it’s positioned on personal land, so there’s a cost to enter and park on the lane. This does imply that it will get fewer guests than a number of the different public seashores, and when you schedule a go to at low tide, the probabilities of discovering a fossil listed below are extra possible than on the busier bays.
The Etches Assortment museum close by homes a number of the extra vital and extra spectacular fossil findings from the bay. Whereas it’s definitely fascinating, you’ll wish to issue within the £9 entrance charge (household tickets can be found) and contemplate when you’d desire to go to the extra intensive and barely lower-priced museum in Lyme Regis as an alternative.
Lyme Regis, Dorset (Jurassic Coast)
Lyme Regis is one other in style seaside escape in South West England. At first look, it’d seem to be some other beach-facing city, but, for some motive, this one feels ‘particular’.
As with a lot of the coast, the traditional fossils that give the route its identify can usually be seen – the well-known fossil collector Mary Anning hails from Lyme Regis – and the geology-focused Lyme Regis Museum and spectacular fossil assortment at Dinosaurland supply additional perception.
The city can also be filled with a lot to do. There are stunning seashores but additionally fairly gardens, loads of pubs, close by strolling trails and an old-school inventive vibe. Each time my faculty associates’ WhatsApp group comes alive with the chatter of us all returning to Dorset for the summer season, we often set our sights on having fun with a couple of days away collectively right here, drawn by the actual fact you may keep at chalets proper on the seaside.
Cheddar Gorge, Somerset
Set within the Mendip Hills of Somerset, this magnificent limestone gorge and cave system is without doubt one of the extra uncommon locations to go to in South West England. Whether or not you simply benefit from the dramatic drive by the gorge or cease for a hike, it should definitely depart you marvelling at mom nature.
For many who do cease, you’ll be rewarded with a real journey playground. Hike up Jacob’s Ladder – a set of stairs – and benefit from the magnificent views from 450 toes above as you embark on the cliff-top path. One factor to notice is that this half is on personal land, so that you’ll want to purchase a ticket to climb the steps and go to Pavey’s Lookout Tower.
Cheddar Gorge can also be a really traditionally vital location, as that is the place the oldest human skeleton in Britain – round 10,000 years previous – was discovered. Really a hidden gem in Europe value making the detour for!
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Maybe essentially the most well-known place to go to in South West England is the intriguing assortment of pre-historic sarsen stones often called Stonehenge. I’m going to warn you, although, it should price you slightly over £20 to see them up shut, though you will get a free glimpse from additional again on the general public heritage path.
No matter the way you determine to go to, one factor is for positive – this weathered rocky ring of upright sarsen and bluestones are one among our nation’s best mysteries.
Surrounded by burial mounds and a favorite place to be on the solstice as a result of alignment, it’s actually moderately fascinating. I’ll admit, I used to be adamant I wasn’t going to pay to enter and simply have a look from additional away, however ultimately, I succumbed, and I’m glad I did.
One other bonus of coming into with the Nationwide Belief ticket is you may see some mocked-up type ‘houses’ from the time interval and go to the training centre to attempt to grasp an understanding of how these 25-ton stones have been positioned. After all, many mysteries stay, and also you received’t come away with all of the solutions, however then once more, perhaps we’ll by no means know the way or why this Neolithic monument was constructed greater than 4000 years in the past.
Dartmouth, Devon
Hugging the mouth of the River Dart, the beautiful city of Dartmouth is a strong base to select to discover all South Devon provides – each for the coast and the area’s inside.
That is additionally an important spot for water sports activities in South West England, as you may select from the calmer waters or journey alongside the coastal path to Compass Cove Seashore.
Dartmouth additionally has a few galleries and cultural points of interest to go to, such because the small Dartmouth Museum – primarily WWII and maritime-focused – and Bayard’s Cove Fort, which dates from the Tudor interval. Outdoors of the summer season season, guests are additionally comparatively scarce, making the low season the very best time to go to. Even within the peak months, you may nonetheless discover some fairly priced lodging, particularly when you look slightly inland and contemplate tenting or glamping in a jazzed-up yurt. Being barely inland will supply easy accessibility to different close by points of interest, equivalent to Nationwide Belief properties and the kid-friendly Woodlands Household Theme Park.
Glastonbury, Somerset
In case you’ve heard of Glastonbury earlier than, you might be possible imagining muddy fields, music raves and hippy tents. Sure, that is the house to South West England’s best-known occasion, Glastonbury Competition.
But, when the music isn’t blaring, Glastonbury stays one of the vital fascinating cultural locations to go to in South West England – and is undoubtedly much more chilled out exterior of June.
Legends and myths linger within the air of this city, and essentially the most outstanding pertains to King Arthur’s Tomb, which yow will discover right here. The excessive avenue itself additionally feels moderately storied and is usually in comparison with Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter books. The cobbled facet streets are dotted with natural and potion shops, jewelry outlets, and loads of vegan and uncooked meals cafes – when you’ve visited it, you’ll see why this ‘superior 80’s hippy city’ as my dad and mom name it grew to become host to the competition.
One other in style spot, particularly for the views, is Glastonbury Tor. From St Michael’s Tower atop, you’ll have lush and inexperienced far-reaching vistas throughout the countryside. There are additionally the stays of the Eighth-century Glastonbury Abbey, which was left in disrepair because of Henry VIII’s choice to destroy the Catholic Church.
Dartmoor Nationwide Park, Devon
Sadly, Dartmoor was within the information for all of the mistaken causes in late 2022, as a courtroom case banning wild tenting – one thing which has all the time been accepted right here – dominated the headlines. Whereas there will definitely be an enchantment to this ruling, Dartmoor Nationwide Park should be loved as top-of-the-line days out in South West England for now, moderately than a tenting journey.
And boy, what an exquisite a part of the nation it’s. Even on my most up-to-date go to, when the climate did the everyday English drizzle-and-grey-skies combo, I used to be reminded of how particular this huge moorland is.
Being a comparatively flat nationwide park, Dartmoor is a good place for low-impact hikes with out climbs. Throw into the combo some waterfalls, the lovely and famed Dartmoor Ponies, and the odd medieval bridge and neolithic tomb, and also you’ve obtained an thrilling mixture of sights to get pleasure from whereas rambling by the park. It’s definitely a distinction to the lovable coastal cities and villages Devon is often recognized for.
Isle of Wight
Whereas some would contemplate the Isle of Wight one among South West England’s finest days out, I’d recommend spending not less than a couple of nights on the isle to take in all of its charms.
Having circumnavigated the entire island on foot – my finest good friend and I made a decision to stroll all of it for charity after we have been 15 as our first foray into backpacking – I can personally verify each nook of the Isle of Wight guarantees picturesque panoramas.
Simply accessed by ferry from Southsea, Lymington and Southampton, the quick journey throughout the Solent will whisk you to the island. On arrival, you’ll discover a extra laid-back air, with vintage-style seaside huts, dazzling seashores, and – from the opposite facet of the island – views throughout the English Channel.
Rent a Kayak to absorb The Needles (chalk ridges protruding from the ocean), burn by all of your coppers on the amusement arcades of Shanklin, and settle in for an evening of implausible stargazing – this can be a good spot to modify off from the trendy world.
Tenting, guesthouses, and resorts of all sorts could be discovered on the Isle, however to essentially really feel near the island life, you possibly can keep onboard a yacht or houseboat – definitely one of many extra uncommon locations to remain in South West England. In case you plan to go to throughout The Isle of Wight Competition, remember to e book your lodging upfront.
Tavistock, Devon
Tavistock sits on the sting of Dartmoor and makes for an important place to cease for lunch on a time out in South West England. An historical market city – buying and selling stalls have been promoting their wares and produce right here since 1105 – it retains a persona from bygone days.
The market operates from Tuesday till Saturday – Friday being the normal fruit and veg day – within the Market Sq., and it’s a pleasant place to name in to select up native crafts and merchandise from small companies.
Brownsea Island, Dorset
What makes Brownsea Island – a brief boat experience from Poole – one of many extra uncommon locations to go to in South West England are the island’s animal residents. Residence to one of many greatest communities of protected pink squirrels, a small inhabitants of peacocks, and even deer, it’s an important various time out in Dorset.
As nicely land animals, loads of migratory and native fowl species could be noticed – specifies various relying on the time of 12 months. Puffin sightings aren’t out of the query both, particularly when you take a ship journey to attempt to witness them. You can even choose to camp on the island in a single day.
With a restrict on customer numbers throughout the season, the island is open to the general public (round April to October), it by no means feels too busy, and Nationwide Belief members don’t must pay the charge to go to. Personally, I’d say it’s nicely well worth the roughly £20 ticket, which incorporates entrance and the ferry, however to be honest, I’ve been obsessive about Brownsea Island since I visited as a child on a college journey. Even now, having travelled a lot additional afield, it stays one among my favorite islands to go to.
St Ives, Cornwall
For hundreds of years, St Ives has been one of the vital in style locations to go to in South West England for a UK staycation. The attractive and expansive swatches of creamy sands – particularly magical at low tide – quaint whitewashed streets, and abundance of contemporary seafood eating places are crowd pleasers, making it top-of-the-line locations to remain in Cornwall because it has the lot.
It’s additionally an important base to discover a number of the prime journey actions within the UK, equivalent to hikes alongside the Lizard Peninsula or browsing on Carbis Bay. From St Ives itself, you may take boat journeys to identify dolphins or see the Godrevy Lighthouse up shut. For slightly tradition, the spectacular trendy artwork assortment at The Tate will oblige.
Tub, Somerset
Okay, so I hadn’t deliberate to incorporate the ‘main’ cities of South West England, equivalent to Bristol and Tub, however seeing as I imagine the latter is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in England, I made a decision it will be prison to not point out it.
On my first go to to Tub, I immediately fell in love. It has the right steadiness of historical past and heritage buildings mixed with a vibrant, forward-thinking vitality. If I ever transfer again to England from Portugal, this is able to undoubtedly be one of many first locations I’d contemplate.
I’m clearly not the one one who thinks this manner, as Tub is without doubt one of the hottest locations to go to in South West England as folks flock to see the Roman Baths, which give town its identify.
Now serving as a time capsule and museum, the thermae date again almost 2000 years. Whereas it should price you near £20 to enter and tour the baths, definitely on the steep facet for a UK attraction, it’s a good value once you embrace the museum and the audio information, which could be very informative.
Tub Abbey, one other of South West England’s landmark points of interest, can also be value a go to and works on a donation moderately than ticketed entry. Hovering fan-vaulted ceilings and towering stained-glass home windows make this one among England’s most stunning buildings, and the (paid) towers present sweeping views over town.
Away from the star points of interest, the remainder of town is dreamy. Honey-coloured stone buildings, small unbiased shops, and the River Avon mix to create a postcard-worthy vacation spot. One in every of my favorite locations is the 18th-century Pulteney Bridge which crosses the river, because it’s one among solely a handful of bridges on the earth with enclosed outlets on both facet.
Whether or not you wish to snuggle up in a forest tree home, examine in to a transformed cart, or spend your days wistfully gazing on the ocean out of your cabin’s mattress, you’ll discover a lot extra distinctive locations to remain within the area on the Distinctive hideaways web site.
