Stay in the South West of England
The southwest region of the UK is that area of the country most associated with holidays and leisure. As the southernmost tip and surrounded by the gulf stream it also has the mildest climate. Here you will find much unspoilt countryside with hugely diverse and breathtaking scenery - from the golden beaches and turquoise sea of the rugged Cornish coast to the quaint honey coloured cottages of leafy Cotswold villages. From the wind hewn rock sculptures and wild ponies on the uplands of Dartmoor to the rolling chalk downs of Marlborough, setting for the prehistoric monuments of Stonehenge and Avebury, here are national parks and iconic treasures.
Getting to and around the South West
The M5, M4 and M3 and A303 provide fast links to the heart of the region whilst rail links via Bristol, Salisbury and Southampton offer fast access from London and further afield. Apart from the many wonderful places for beach fun and walking such as the South West Coast Path which is the longest public right of way in Britain, travelling around is a delight as beautiful views abound and everywhere you go there are numerous all weather visitor attractions. At peak times, parking may prove difficult in some of the more popular locations, but this is an area that has been welcoming tourists for many decades and facilities are generally excellent. Bristol, Southampton and Newquay offer good airport access.
What to Do
The Eden Project is immensely popular and contains one of the largest greenhouses in the world. There are castles, stately homes, exotic gardens, zoos, and fun parks for the children. If you enjoy art there is the sophisticated Tate St Ives in that picturesque old fishing town. For sailing and water sports, Bournemouth and Poole on the south coast offer the widest range; whilst Atlantic rollers pounding the west coast attract surfers from all over the world.
Interesting history and architecture can be found in the Roman Baths and Georgian streets of Bath - not to mention fabulous shops. Wells Cathedral is magnificent as are those at Gloucester, now also a magnet for Harry Potter fans, Salisbury and Exeter. Bristol and Plymouth are cities famous for their seafaring heritage whose architecture has been influenced by wealthy merchants. If the romantic legends of King Arthur and the Holy Grail are your thing then Glastonbury Tor is a must. Visible for over 20 miles it rises like a beacon above the Somerset Levels.
Where to Eat and Drink
For refreshment Somerset is famous for its cider and Devon its clotted cream teas. other regional favourites are the Cornish pasty, ice cream, and of course fabulous fresh seafood. Padstow is famous for several eating places associated with celebrity TV chef Rick Stein. Michael Caines is head chef at the celebrated two Michelin starred Gidleigh Park near Dartmoor, whilst Mitch Tonks runs fabulous seafood restaurants such as the Seahorse in Dartmouth.
For your stay in the West Country, you may want a hotel, guest house, bed and breakfast, hostel, camp site, spa resort, self catering cottage or a holiday park – simply select your chosen accommodation to view more details.
There are many exciting events happening in the South West through the year and the region offers several world class visitor attractions not to be missed.