Guide to the South West of England
From the Cotswolds and the Forest of Dean to the Isles of Scilly the South West of England is a wealth of beautiful countryside, fascinating history and high adventure. With rugged coastline and sandy beaches, mystical moorlands and flower covered cottages and pubs, this is the best of England.
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a destination for visitors for over 2000 years. The Roman Baths, the only hot springs in Britain, are still magnificent and full of natural hot water. The Royal Crescent, Sham Castle, Bath Abbey and the Pulteney Bridge are architectural wonders worth seeing.
Ancient history is well represented in Wiltshire at the archaeological sites of Stonehenge and Avebury. Several white horses are carved into the chalky hillsides, the oldest of which is the Cherhill White Horse which was carved in 1780. It may have been based on the first truly ancient Wiltshire white horse which was carved in 878.
South West England has some of the most beautiful cathedrals in England. The Exeter Cathedral has the longest stretch of Gothic unbroken vaulting anywhere in the world. The Salisbury Cathedral is the best example of Early English architecture. The main section was built from 1220 to 1258 and it has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom as well as the world's oldest working clock and the best kept copy of the Magna Carta.
History is combined with contemporary culture in Bristol which is the largest city in the South West and has a vibrant night life. The Clifton suspension bridge is a symbol of Bristol and offers fantastic views. Berkeley Castle near Bristol, begun in 1117 has over 1000 years of history to discover is the home of the 24th generation of the Berkeley family.
In Somerset is the Cheddar Gorge with two stalactite cavern deep at the bottom. One cave has remains of human habitation from 40,000 years ago which can be seen in the Prehistoric Museum.
Isles of Scilly are perfect for outdoor adventure from walking nature trails to snorkeling and horse riding. There are wrecks to see under the sea from glass bottom boats, rock pools to explore or golf and tennis for those who can't leave them behind.
Cornwall is the centre of the beach life with over 300 beautiful golden beaches full of water sports. For the evenings there are smuggler's inns and fabulous local fresh seafood. The Eden Project in Cornwall has transformed an old clay mine into an amazing global garden where children and adults can learn about environmental projects, experience fantastic theater, art and music and see a completely eco-friendly environment. Eden Project hotels make it easy and convenient to enjoy all the exhibits, entertainment and workshops without a long drive home.
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has been a destination for visitors for over 2000 years. The Roman Baths, the only hot springs in Britain, are still magnificent and full of natural hot water. The Royal Crescent, Sham Castle, Bath Abbey and the Pulteney Bridge are architectural wonders worth seeing.
Ancient history is well represented in Wiltshire at the archaeological sites of Stonehenge and Avebury. Several white horses are carved into the chalky hillsides, the oldest of which is the Cherhill White Horse which was carved in 1780. It may have been based on the first truly ancient Wiltshire white horse which was carved in 878.
South West England has some of the most beautiful cathedrals in England. The Exeter Cathedral has the longest stretch of Gothic unbroken vaulting anywhere in the world. The Salisbury Cathedral is the best example of Early English architecture. The main section was built from 1220 to 1258 and it has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom as well as the world's oldest working clock and the best kept copy of the Magna Carta.
History is combined with contemporary culture in Bristol which is the largest city in the South West and has a vibrant night life. The Clifton suspension bridge is a symbol of Bristol and offers fantastic views. Berkeley Castle near Bristol, begun in 1117 has over 1000 years of history to discover is the home of the 24th generation of the Berkeley family.
In Somerset is the Cheddar Gorge with two stalactite cavern deep at the bottom. One cave has remains of human habitation from 40,000 years ago which can be seen in the Prehistoric Museum.
Isles of Scilly are perfect for outdoor adventure from walking nature trails to snorkeling and horse riding. There are wrecks to see under the sea from glass bottom boats, rock pools to explore or golf and tennis for those who can't leave them behind.
Cornwall is the centre of the beach life with over 300 beautiful golden beaches full of water sports. For the evenings there are smuggler's inns and fabulous local fresh seafood. The Eden Project in Cornwall has transformed an old clay mine into an amazing global garden where children and adults can learn about environmental projects, experience fantastic theater, art and music and see a completely eco-friendly environment. Eden Project hotels make it easy and convenient to enjoy all the exhibits, entertainment and workshops without a long drive home.
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