This spring visit the South West of England
Why go?
Looking for something unique from a city break? South West England has it all…..majestic cathedrals, Roman remains, Georgian splendour, stately homes and gardens and maritime history make the South West home to an exciting mix of historic architecture, vibrant contemporary culture and a mind blowing calendar of festivals and events.
What to see & do
Gloucester
The historic waterfront cathedral city of Gloucester boasts an award winning events programme and a contemporary shopping and leisure experience for visitors to the Cotswolds. With some of the best examples of historic buildings in Britain, Gloucester is one of the hidden gems within South West England not to be missed.
To plan your city break, visit www.thecityofgloucester.co.uk. To visit Gloucester as part of a trip to the surrounding area, visit www.cotswolds.com
Salisbury
This historic medieval cathedral city is surrounded by beautiful rolling Wiltshire countryside and chalk river valleys. It is home to museums, country houses, beautiful gardens and historic pubs. The famous icon, Stonehenge, is a short distance from Salisbury making this a perfect place for a mystical break. To plan your visit to Salisbury, visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
Swindon
Swindon is a thriving lively town with a feel of a vibrant city with festivals, industrial heritage and stylish shopping outlets. Surrounded by countryside of outstanding beauty, such as the Marlborough Downs and Savernake Forest, Swindon makes an ideal base for a short break.
To plan your visit to Swindon, visit www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
Newquay
Newquay is in the heart of the stunning north coast of Cornwall, which is arguably one of the most dramatic coastlines in England. With its ten beaches, world famous surfing venues and quality lifestyle and culture, Newquay is an active, adventurous family destination for walking, relaxing and exploring the nearby traditional towns and villages.
For further information, visit www.visitnewquay.org
Exeter
Exeter is the regional capital for culture, leisure and shopping. This vibrant city is brimming with character and steeped in ancient history dating back to before the arrival of the Romans. Exeter offers visitors a delightful mix of high quality attractions, restaurants and shops in a setting of architectural splendor.
For more details on Exeter, visit www.exeterandessentialdevon.com
English Riviera
The birthplace of Agatha Christie, Torquay is nestled proudly in a sheltered bay on the rugged south west coast surrounded by Devon’s magnificent countryside; The English Riviera has been one of Europe’s most popular destinations since the late 18th century and continues to attract discerning holidaymakers to the area today.
Book accommodation on the English Riviera at www.englishriviera.co.uk
Bournemouth and Poole
Between them, Bournemouth and Poole offer one of the best choice of water sports in the UK, from surfing on Europe’s first artificial surf reef at Boscombe to power-boating around beautiful Poole harbour. Packed with superb restaurants, excellent shopping, top-class entertainment and ten miles of sandy beach, these resorts are unmissable.
Head for the Coast With the Most and visit: www.bournemouth.co.uk OR www.pooletourism.com/stay
Bath
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, the vibrant city of Bath is rich in Roman and Georgian heritage and is nourished by Britain's only natural hot springs. This city presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe such as the Royal Crescent. Bath also boasts festivals, theatre and vibrant street entertainment, bringing life and excitement to this beautiful city.
For more details on visiting Bath, go to www.visitbath.co.uk
Bristol
Voted 'one of the top ten cities in the world to visit in 2009', by leading travel guide DK Eyewitness, Bristol is one of England’s most beautiful port cities. Rich in heritage and surrounded by breathtaking coast and countryside the city is one of Europe’s most dynamic and exciting, offering world-class museums and galleries, some of England’s finest theatres, superb shopping and bustling markets.
Find out more by visiting www.visitbristol.co.uk
Must see's and do's
The South West has some of the country’s best museums and galleries showcasing everything from Roman history to tanks, dinosaurs to the St Ives School of Painters. There’s also a wealth of historic houses and castles, wartime tunnels and modern architectural delights to explore.
Other areas of interest:
Eden Project, Cornwall
Annual Cheese Rolling Competition, Gloucestershire
Roman Baths, Bath
Stonehenge, Wiltshire
Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol
Exeter Cathedral, Devon
Salisbury International Arts Festival, Wiltshire
Wells Cathedral, Somerset
Visit www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/townsandcities (www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/experiences/towns-and-cities/) for more information.
Where to eat and drink
South West England's proud food producing heritage has been satisfying the appetites of visitors and locals alike for centuries.
Crumbling Cheddar cheeses, cloudy Somerset cider, mouth watering cuts of ruby Red Devon beef, succulent Gloucestershire Old Spot pork, classic Cornish pasties, real Wiltshire ales, organically farmed fruit and vegetables, and the freshest fish our rivers, lakes and seas have to offer. South West chefs have the finest, sustainably produced and locally sourced ingredients with which to entertain your taste buds. There's a wide range of award-winning fine dining venues from which to choose, and even a few celebrity chefs dotted around! If you prefer to cook for yourself then sample, smell, touch and taste your way around the stalls of one our local farmers markets and food festivals that take place throughout the year.
The choice is yours. Visit www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/taste
Where to stay
South West England has some fantastic accommodation options that can cater for all budgets, tastes and requirements. We have 5 star hotels equipped with luxury facilities that are absolute statements of art and excellence.
When you’ve decided where you’d like to go, visit www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/townsandcities (www.visitsouthwest.co.uk/experiences/towns-and-cities/). You’ll then be able to search for all types of accommodation. Remember to check for quality assurance accreditation by VisitBritain or the AA so you can be sure it will meet your expectations. Also look out for the Green Tourism Business Scheme symbol when searching to ensure that your accommodation has been certified as making a minimal impact on the environment.
