About South West of England

The South West of England incorporates some of the most breathtaking and diverse scenery, which stretches from the rolling Mendips hills in the east to the rugged Cornish peninsula in the south. In between are areas of remote moorland covered during the spring and summer with flowering heather. The climate is milder that the rest of the UK, due to its southerly location, and also because this narrow triangle of land is surrounded by the warm gulf stream.

There are plenty of things to do and see, from exotic gardens and ancient castles to pristine stately homes. You will also find many animal farm parks, zoos and fun amusement parks for the children, along with many of the best sandy beaches in Britain for the whole family to enjoy.

The south west has some excellent areas for walking - such as Bodmin Moor, Dartmoor, the Mendip Hills, Quantocks and the Exmoor National Park - not to forget the spectacular South West Coast Path, the longest public right of way in Britain.

Counties of the South West: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire

Principal towns: Bristol, Plymouth, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Cheltenham