South West England is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. Seeing its beautiful coastal regions, it’s easy to see why visitors from the UK and abroad travel here. With vibrant port towns, a warmer climate and plenty of natural wonder, you really can’t go wrong! Perhaps the area’s biggest draw is its beaches in Cornwall, Devon and Dorset. Nature lovers will be over the moon to visit one of the most romantic regions in the UK, the Cotswolds as well as Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks.
Like most of the United Kingdom, South West England is well connected by the country’s extensive coach network. National Express and megabus connect most of the region, from Bournemouth to Bath to Bristol. It’s easy to experience the region at a bargain.
While the region offers no shortage of sights to see, check out our top recommendations when visiting!
1. Bournemouth
Did you know that Dorset doesn’t have any cities? While National Express has no cathedral to classify it as such, the region’s largest town is still worth a visit. With seven miles of Blue Flag beaches, dramatic sea-cliffs and a lively end-of-the-pier amusement park, Bournemouth is the definition of a charming coastal community. Stroll along the promenade between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers to take in the sea breeze and stop at one of the many fish and chip shops for a fresh meal. Literary lovers should also check out the lovely St. Peter’s Church, where Mary Shelley’s vault is located.
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2. Durdle Door
Dorset should be on everyone’s bucket list when travelling throughout the UK, especially South West England. This county boasts some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, striking castles like the beautiful ruins of Corfe Castle, and gorgeous rock formations all around. The Jurassic Coast was England’s first natural World Heritage Site, and is a hotspot for prehistoric remains. Between the towns of Poole and Weymouth, the Durdle Door stands as a striking limestone arch. Walk just thirty minutes from here, and you’ll find yourself in the picturesque Lulworth Cove. It’s the perfect place for a picnic!
Getting There: The nearest town is Weymouth which is 33 minutes away. You can get there from the town via one of the many tours provided or a regonal line.
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3. Stonehenge- Salisbury, Wiltshire
Stop by the historic Salisbury Plain to visit one of Britain’s most famous landmarks, Stonehenge. Did you know Stonehenge predates Egypt’s pyramids? Walking by the ancient structure, you’ll experience a sense of mystery and wonder at how they were built. The nearby Avebury stone circles may not be as famous, but are still impressive just the same. While in the area, be sure to check out the beautiful old city of Salisbury. The impressive Salisbury Cathedral, where you can even see a copy of the Magna Carta.
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4. Bristol
Banksy’s iconic street art and the photogenic Clifton Suspension Bridge spring to mind when thinking of the coastal city of Bristol. With loads of harborside museums, family attractions like the Bristol Aquarium and Brunel’s SS Britain, art galleries, Aerospace Bristol, bars and restaurants, Bristol offers some cosmopolitan flair along the seaside. Fans of the BBC series Sherlock may recognise some of the filming locations used for the show. For those looking for a longer trip, Bristol is the perfect hub for nearby Bath and Wales as well.
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5. Cornwall
The UK’s southern most region, Cornwall is too beautiful to miss. Explore St. Michael’s Mount, an island castle connected to the mainland by a land bridge which appears only during the low tide. It’s just 400 meters offshore from Marazion Beach. White sandy beaches and turquoise waters around the Scilly Isles make you feel like you are in a tropical paradise rather than the UK during the summer months. The balmy Mediterranean climate and sunnier weather helps! Visit the Eden Project in St Blazey, a massive biodome filled with diverse plant life form around the world! Cornwall offers so much, that a weekend trip could not possibly do it justice.
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