Location South West
South West
There’s something unmistakably peaceful about the South West of England: it might be the mile upon mile of rural landscape underpinned by mythology and magic, or perhaps the (mostly) warm climate, casting every scene in warm gold.
Who could resist Cornwall with its wild, UNESCO-listed coastlines and breath-taking beaches? Meanwhile, Devon enchants with pretty thatched villages and flower-filled hedgerows – the perfect place to get away from it all. Somerset is a name synonymous with sunshine and cider-making but don’t let its sleepiness fool you: Somerset is also the gateway to two power-house cities, Bath and Bristol. The quiet county of Wiltshire is home to iconic ancient landmarks, including Stonehenge and the White Horse, while Dorset delights us with its iconic Jurassic coastline, picture-postcard villages and links to Thomas Hardy.
Famous For
- Durdle Door in Dorset - a dramatic limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast
- The cream tea - but will you have it the Cornish way (jam first) or the Devonshire way (clotted cream first)?
- Bristol, with its iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and historic docks
- Cornwall’s coastal towns and wild moors
- Beautiful Bath, home to ancient Roman baths, Georgian architecture and a thriving foodie scene
- Stonehenge - possibly the most famous prehistoric monument in the world
What we think
Gareth, Big House ExperienceHead to the South West for total escapism. Dorset's craggy Jurassic Coast offers dramatic cliffsides, windswept beaches and secret coves to explore. Give in to the easy-going ways of Somerset or Devon. Go strawberry picking in the countryside and grab a local cider in the sun. A little further down the country, but well worth the drive, is beautiful Cornwall. Here it often feels like you’re in a different country entirely, thanks to its sun-kissed sands and relaxed, surfer vibe.
