Unlock Travel: Best of England’s South West

Discover the stunning South West Region of England – from scenic coastlines and historic landmarks to charming towns. A paradise for adventure seekers!

I am absolutely thrilled to talk about the South West Region of England! This stunning part of the country is simply a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history buffs, so come and let’s discover these amazing historic landmarks, special towns, and scenic coastlines.

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England is made up of nine different regions, each one unique in its individual character in history, geography, purpose, and tourist attractions. In this first article, I am focusing on the South West Region, then moving on to the other regions in other articles. If you would like to know more about the other regions, read through the links.

Introduction

New Forest

• The New Forest is an area of stunning natural beauty located in the south of England. It is a National Park that covers an area of about 220 square miles and is home to an abundance of wildlife, ancient woodlands, and open heathlands.
• The New Forest is one of the oldest surviving natural areas in the UK and is an important habitat for many species of plants and animals. It is also home to some of the oldest trees in Britain, with some dating back to the 12th century. The area is also rich in history, with archaeological remains from the Iron Age, Roman times, and the medieval period.
• The New Forest has a distinctive landscape and is home to a variety of habitats including heathlands, wetlands, grasslands, and ancient woodlands. It is renowned for its beautiful views, with the rolling hills and woodlands providing stunning backdrops for nature lovers. The area is also home to numerous species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, making it a great spot for wildlife watching.
• The ponies of the New Forest are a particular highlight, with over 4,000 of them roaming the area. These ponies are descended from the wild ponies of the medieval period and they are the last of their kind in the UK. The ponies are an important part of the New Forest’s heritage and they add to the area’s unique beauty.
• In addition to the ponies, you will also find free-roaming cattle, donkeys, and deer in the New Forest. The cattle are descended from animals that have grazed the area for centuries and are an important part of the area’s ecology. The donkeys are a relatively recent addition to the area and they can often be seen roaming around the woodlands and heathlands. The deer are also a common sight in the area, with the red deer being the most numerous of the species.

The South West of England is famous for its picturesque rolling hills, white sand beaches, and quaint villages. This charming region includes the historic counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, and Somerset, and offers visitors a wealth of attractions, from ancient sites to stunning views.

With such beauty, it’s no wonder people have been flocking to South West England for generations. But which cities grab the top spot? Here are the five best cities in South West England to visit:

Unlock Travel in the Best 5 Cities of the South West

1. Bristol

Bristol was recently named the UK’s best city as voted by The Sunday Times. Known for its rich history, interesting architecture, and vibrant culture, Bristol is the perfect city break. Its harbourfront area is home to world-class museums, galleries, and theatre, while street markets, independent shops, and the bustling St Nick’s market offer the opportunity to soak up the local culture and find some unique souvenirs. And let’s not forget all the superb places to eat and drink!

2. Bath

Bath is another extraordinary city in South West England. Home to grand Georgian buildings and the natural hot springs that gave it its name, Bath is an architectural gem full of interesting historic sites. Visit the iconic Pulteney Bridge, the Royal Crescent, the Circus, and the stunning Roman baths. Or take a break from history to explore independent boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. Bath is also a great central base for exploring destinations such as Stonehenge or the Cotswolds.

3. Exeter

One of England’s most beautiful cities, the seaside resort of Exeter is a must-visit. Set within striking medieval stone walls, there is so much to explore here. Visit the gothic cathedral, explore the winding cobbled streets, and find your way to the quayside for a relaxing stroll. From family-friendly attractions to great nightlife, Exeter has something for everyone.

4. Truro

Cornwall’s capital, Truro, is a spirited city situated in the heart of the county. With its cobbled streets, traditional pubs, bustling markets, charming independent shops, and art galleries, Truro offers a program of activities and entertainment. History buffs should be sure to visit the imposing St Piran’s Cathedral and the excellent Royal Cornwall Museum.

5. Salisbury

Finally, Salisbury is a must-see. Famous for its magnificent cathedral and the mysterious Stonehenge, Salisbury offers beautiful rural scenery, fun activities, and educational opportunities. Marvel at the spectacular spire of the cathedral, wander the bustling markets, or take a relaxing stroll along the riverside. Home to the top-class theatre, arts, and music venues, and a great selection of eateries, Salisbury is the perfect place for an indulgent weekend away. My favorite!

Unlocking & Exploring the Diverse Landscapes of South West England

South West England has a vast and varied topography. Its southern and western coasts are some of the most spectacularly beautiful in the world; with rugged cliffs and endless stretches of golden sands. But inland, the region is just as impressive, with rolling hills and lush meadows, secluded valleys, and dramatic moorlands.

Sea Borders Region on Three Sides

The region is bordered by the sea on three sides, with the English Channel to the south and the Bristol Channel to the west. The coastline is highly indented, with numerous estuaries, bays, and coves, and is also home to some of the most renowned surfing spots in the UK, with Fistral Beach in Cornwall being a particular favorite.

Softer Inland Landscape

Further inland, the landscape is much softer and more rolling, with large areas of lowland, rolling hills, and lush meadows. A particularly good example of this is the Somerset Levels, an extensive area of low-lying marshland and wetlands, crisscrossed by rivers and streams.

Dramatic Upland Areas

Inclusively, the region is also home to some of the most dramatic upland areas in the UK. Dartmoor National Park is one of the largest and most spectacular moorlands in Britain, with its stark granite tors and heather-clad hills. Exmoor National Park, to the south, is also an area of outstanding beauty, with its wild and rugged landscape of heather-clad moors and steep valleys.

Geological History

The South West also has a rich and varied geological history, with some areas displaying evidence of ancient geological processes, an example being the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, which is a particularly good example of this, with its spectacularly exposed cliffs revealing a wealth of fossils and other geological features.

Spectacular Caves

Spectacular caves and caverns can be found on the Jurassic Coast. Wookey Hole in Somerset is the most well-known, with its vast, atmospheric underground chambers. But there are many other lesser-known caves too, such as the awe-inspiring Gough’s Cave in Cheddar Gorge.

Stunning Waterfalls

Stunning waterfalls are found in this region, with the most famous of these being the thundering cascade of Lydford Gorge in Devon. But there are many other smaller and less well-known waterfalls too, such as the breathtaking Wistman’s Wood Falls in Dartmoor.

Climate

The climate in the South West of England is generally mild and temperate, with warm summers and mild winters. This means that the region is a popular destination for holidaymakers and outdoor enthusiasts, with many activities available throughout the year. England’s South West National Parks.

Castles in South West Region: History and Significance

The South West region of England is home to some of the most impressive castles in the country, which have a long and rich history – from the castles of great Norman conquerors to the more romantic castles of the Tudor dynasty. These castles offer a glimpse into the past and provide a window into the lives of those who lived there.

Gigantic impressive medieval structures are a reminder of the power and wealth of those who built them. They also evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the ingenuity and skill of their designers, acting as reminders of the importance of the region in British history and a testament to the strength and stability of the monarchy.

Uncovering the Cathedrals of South West England

South West England is home to some of the most amazing cathedrals in the world. From Exeter Cathedral, which dates back to Norman times, to Wells Cathedral, built in the early 1200s and still standing today as a magnificent display of Gothic architecture; South West England has no shortage of breathtaking buildings.

1. Exeter Cathedral (Exeter, Devon)

The cathedral’s fame comes from being one of the largest and most significant religious sites in the West. Exeter was once an important trading center for gold and precious stones. As a result, it became a natural choice for a major cathedral location. The city boasts several notable architectural features, including high spires and a lantern tower. These make it stand out both architecturally and symbolically within the community.

The building itself is an impressive structure made up of many different parts. It spans over 70 acres and contains at least 48 million individual pieces of stone. This massiveness makes it one of the largest cathedral structures in Europe. It is also particularly known for its spires- there are at least ten needle-like spires on each corner of the building. The spires are so tall that they can be seen from miles away. This iconic site has been featured in several movies and TV shows over the years, giving it international recognition.

2. Salisbury Cathedral (Salisbury, Wiltshire)

First constructed in 1077 on the site of a Roman church, the cathedral of Salisbury is one of the oldest in Christendom. Consisting of both a regular and a crypt structure, it has undergone many renovations throughout its history. Inside are numerous tombs and memorials to famous people from throughout history. Most notable among these is the tomb of Sir Thomas Malory to whom Arthurian legend is attributed. Home to Britain’s tallest spire!

The structure is a marvel of architecture and was a major influence on the Gothic style. It has also been an inspiration to many novelists and poets who have seen it. In particular, Ralph Keensaw wrote about it in his poem The Cathedral: ‘Twin spires with hamlet crown / Twin harps within their hand / Twin pinnacles disclose / Twin windows show / The rosemary-red / The Tyrian-gold.’ To Keensaw and many other people, this cathedral was the epitome of religious and literary beauty blended into one structure.

3. Gloucester Cathedral (Gloucester, Gloucestershire)

At its foundation in the 7th century, the cathedral was one of the most ancient churches in England, as it was originally built on a Roman foundation and later restored by Thomas Aislab p during the 12th century.

The cathedral has many historic features and is one of the oldest buildings in England. Some of these features include the Beau fait window, which is one of the oldest stained glass windows in England. In addition, there is an apsidal screen a wall separating two aisles, and an ambulatory. This ambulatory runs along the outside of the building and connects all ten bays along the side of the building.

The area surrounding the cathedral is home to many historical sights and attractions. For example, there is a Roman garrison and bridge located just outside of the city center. There are also many historic homes and buildings within walking distance of each other. These include The Abbey National Bank, Gloucester Cathedral, and Old Bank Buildings among others. Additionally, there are many museums located within walking distance of each other- including Gloucester’s Museum and Library, The Dibdale Collection Museum, and The King’s Troop Museum. The cathedral itself is a major tourist destination and a center of religious life for the area.

Discovering the Wonders of England’s South West National Parks

One of the many popular tourist destinations in England is the South West National Parks. With their immense beauty, wide-ranging landscapes, and an incredible array of unique flora and fauna, visitors from all over the world come to experience these parks. Here we take a closer look at just a few of the amazing national parks that are available to explore.

10 Unusual, Quirky Facts about the South West Region

These quirky, unusual facts establish the South West region of England as an exciting destination that has something to offer everyone. From hidden shipwrecks to legendary tales, this part of the country is sure to offer visitors and locals alike an unforgettable experience.

• The West Country was home to the first-ever recorded cricket match in 1646.
• The Isles of Scilly, located off the coast of Cornwall, is the only part of England to be completely surrounded by a national park.
• The South West is the sunniest region in the UK, with an average of 1,477 hours of sunshine per year.
• The Mendip Hills in Somerset is home to the oldest mine in the world, known as the Charterhouse Caves, which are estimated to be over 4,000 years old.
• The South West is home to the oldest surviving buildings in England, including Stonehenge in Wiltshire, which dates back to around 3100 BC.
• The South West is home to the only ‘mermaid’ statue in England, located in the harbor of Penzance, Cornwall.
• The Isles of Scilly are home to the famous shipwreck, the SS Great Western, which ran aground in 1839.
• The South West is home to the oldest surviving theatre in England, the Theater Royal in Bath, which dates back to 1766.
• Dorset is home to the iconic Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch formed over millennia by the power of the sea.
• The South West is home to the longest stretch of uninterrupted coast in England, spanning over 250 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Poole Harbour in Dorset.

The South West is my favorite region in England and I just love Salisbury. Share your favorite spots in the South West in the comments section below, so others can benefit from your pleasures.