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- South West Regions
WINDSURFING
Top beaches and prevailing south-westerly winds offer some of the best waters for windsurfers. There are many sheltered spots like Weymouth and Poole Harbour along the South Dorset, Devon and Cornwall coastlines, ideal for beginners, plus the north coasts of Cornwall, Devon and Somerset offer some more open waters for the more experienced. Many resorts offer windsurfing schools for beginners, with equipment and wet suit hire to get you on the water for the first time.
SAILING
The south west has hundreds of miles of fabulous coastline, perfect for getting out on the water. Prevailing south-westerlies create some excellent conditions. For dinghies there are many sheltered spots like Weymouth and Poole Harbour and plenty of sailing clubs that will help you get started. For larger yachts, there a numerous harbours, inlets and estuaries for over-nighting, some great bays and beaches for anchoring for a day, and some great sailing conditions.
SURFING
The South West has some of the best surf in the country. North Devon and Cornwall attract surfers to major championships held in locations such as Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach and to many other events throughout the summer. You can join a surf school, for a short course in the basics of how to ride the waves or if you are new to the sport, you can try it out quite cheaply with surf-board and wet-suit hire available in most of the main surf centres.
CLIMBING
The area offers many spots to climb, abseil & go caving. Exmoor & Dartmoor offer some outstanding climbing locations and experienced rock climbers can often be found tackling the dramatic sea cliffs of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset. You can try out caving in places like the famous Cheddar Caves & Gorge. If you haven't tried it before, tuition is vital. There are many local specialists who can get you started, and train you to tackle some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
GOLF
Golf is well catered for with over 250 courses across the region. There are many internationally renown courses like St Mellion, designed by Jack Nicklaus, Bovey Castle in the heart of Dartmoor and Nigel Mansell's Woodbury Park. The coastline also provides some outstanding links courses, like the stunning Perranporth Golf Club, The Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club and the Bridport and West Dorset Golf club on the cliff top, with views across Lyme Bay.
FISHING
Wild brown trout on the moors & chalkstreams, spring salmon in north Devon, big rainbow trout on famous reservoirs, night expeditions for sea trout or winter salmon in Cornwall. River fishing for trout or sea trout from mid March to mid October and the growth of winter rainbow fisheries, means that you can cast a fly to trout year-round. Day fishing trips go from many coastal resorts, especially for mackerel in summer, and you'll find many people spending long nights beach fishing for sea bass.
WALKING
The South West Coast Path offers 630 miles of superb walking from Minehead right along the north Devon and Cornwall coasts, and along the south coasts to the shores of Poole Harbour. Dartmoor is one of England's last unspoilt wildernesses. On Exmoor you can enjoy the peaceful, open spaces, heather-clad moors, and sparkling rivers. To the north lies the beauty of the Malvern Hills and Cotswolds, whilst Wiltshire offers many hidden treasures.
THEATRE
Staged at major regional venues, including Bristol Old Vic, Bath Theatre Royal, Cheltenham Playhouse & The Northcott Theatre in Exeter. Larger events and concerts are held in venues like the Bournemouth International Centre, Bristol's Colston Hall and the Poole Arts Centre, whilst many coastal resorts offer traditional "summer season" shows. The Minack Theatre, near Penzance, deserves special mention, with a summer season at the open air, cliff top venue, offering a dramatic backdrop.
BOATING
With not only hundreds of miles of coastline to enjoy, the south west also has many inland waterways that help to shape the landscape. The rivers Avon and Severn meander through stretches of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the canal network includes the Kennet and Avon Canal, Dorset and Somerset Canal and the Grand Western Canal that links Bristol and Exeter. Many of these waterways are popular for boating holidays.
CYCLING
The South West has terrain to suit all ages and abilities of cyclist: woodland trails, riverside tracks and many awe-inspiring coastal routes. The Camel Trail in Cornwall or the Tarka Trail in Devon are both popular with families offering long stretches of fairly flat cycling through breathtaking countryside. The National Cycle Network offers miles of cycle routes on quiet country lanes and traffic-free paths, or you can take cycle tours around many of the south west's cities like Bath, Salisbury or Bristol.
BIRD WATCHING
With its varied landscapes, the south west is home to many bird species. In winter, the low wetlands of the Somerset Levels, Exe Estuary and Poole Harbour attract teeming thousands of water birds. In summer, experience the beautiful song of skylarks on Dartmoor & Exmoor, the eerie churring of nightjars on the heaths of Dorset, the noisy bustle of seabird colonies on Lundy & Berry Head. Rarities include the bittern in the Avalon Marshes & Radipole Lake and South Devon's cirl bunting.
HORSE RIDING
There are routes and riding centres to suit all abilities. In Wiltshire you can gallop across Salisbury Plain or meander the Marlborough Downs on quiet bridleways. The Cotswolds & Mendip Hills in Somerset offer many wooded routes and hilltop trails. Exmoor & Dartmoor have many picturesques trails, and you can also ride many of the coastal paths of Cornwall, Devon & Dorset. Whether riding your own horse or taking a days adventure, it is a great way to explore the South West.
HERITAGE
The south west has a great many heritage attractions, from Stonehenge, estimated to have been built over 5,000 years ago, to Castle Drogo in Devon, the newest castle in the country. With Cathedrals in Truro, Exeter, Plymouth, Salisbury, Wells, Bristol and Gloucester, numerous Abbeys and ancient churches, castles, hill forts and historic houses from medieval to more modern times, there are plenty of places to visit.
ENTERTAINMENT
Much of the South West is geared up to meet your entertainment needs. Many of the region's larger cities have theatres, cinemas, night clubs, ice rinks and sports complexes. The beaches and coastline provide much natural entertainment, as well as a series of special events that go on throughout the year. See our special events pages for more details.
CLUBS & DANCE
Bristol's Park St & Clifton area is clubland. Check out Dojo's funk & hip-hop, Level for nuskool and Ether or Po Na Na for great local atmos and a friendly vibe. Going mainstream try Creation for top name DJs, Evolution at the dockside for hardcore club and trance or Odyssey for cheese. In Bournemouth try Bliss for house, Club Destiny for guest DJs, or Mine's R&B flavas. In Exeter head for Arena, Hothouse or Timepiece.
HANG GLIDING
Hang gliding, Parascending and Paragliding allow you to soar above the stunning countryside or coastline with a wonderful freedom. Many sites offer self launching with easy flying and landings, and across the region there are companies that offer flexible courses tailored to suit the individual, whether a beginner or the more experienced.
SWIMMING
With swimming pools in many of the towns, cities and holiday resorts, there is always a pool nearby your stay in the South West. Summer sea temperatures are conducive to getting water borne, and many of the beaches have marked areas for swimmers, and support on hand from RNLI lifeguards on over 60 of the region's beaches.
PUBS & BARS
Traditional country pubs or contemporary city centre bars, the South West has much to offer for a long lunchtime drink in a pub garden, or a more lively night out. Many of the country pubs offer extensive food menus, as well as specialist beers from small regional breweries.
GOURMET FOOD
Every chef will tell you how important good fresh ingredients are, and so it is no wonder that with the seafood and farming heritage that the South West is now attracting some of the biggest names in food. Devon and Cornwall have restaurants by Michael Caines, Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein, as well as some fabulous food in the many hotels and restaurants.
SPA & THERAPY
Many of the hotels and resorts across the South West offer extensive spa and therapeutic treatments, and when you couple that with the many stunning locations, the region can offer you a great place to escape to for some rest and relaxation.
GARDENS
With the South West of England enjoying the gulf stream warmth, the gardens across the region offer visitors a range of exotic plants, woodland walks and historic walled gardens. Thanks to its mild climate and rich fertile soils, the south west can be great for garden-lovers. There are many gardens to visit across the region, including some world famous attractions and plant collections.
SCUBA
The South West offers some of the most beautiful diving waters in the country with a vast number of reefs and wrecks to explore all along the coastline. For the novice and experienced diver alike - come and explore the wonderful, under-water world of the south west!
QUAD BIKES
On Quad bikes you can race through woods, streams, bogs, quarries, fields and in some places some really steep terrain. And if you get a moment to look up, you can see some of the South West's wonderful views! Quad biking is a fantastic fun filled, exhilarating sport with high speeds and great jumps. Many places, under qualified instruction, will let you try a half day taster or go for a full day-long ride.
FIELD SPORTS
If you are looking to experience some of the more traditional field sports, then there are many specialists across the South West who can help. Venues like Bovey Castle can offer you some unrivalled experiences across Dartmoor, and many others can offer you the chance to try out some new activities, under experienced guidance and tuition.