Country Breaks

Thatched cottages, crumbling stone walls, ancient churches and rustic country pubs. Experience a slower pace of life and take a glimpse into the England of times gone by. You'll find plenty to choose from in:

> Cornwall,
> Devon, and
> the Cotswolds

Magical, charming and romantic - escape to a world of lush foliage, gentle strolls and high teas. Some great examples include:

> Hidcote Manor in the Cotswolds, 
> Lanhydrock in Cornwall,
> Powderham Castle in Devon
> Longleat in Wiltshire, and
> Montecute House in Somerset

South West England's vast and beautiful rural landscape is home to all sorts of creatures great and small and is a wildlife enthusiast's paradise.

> Discover Dartmoor's wild ponies in Devon,
> Spot seals off the Cornish Coast,
> See the famous starling murmurations on the Somerset Levels 
> Or even spot a tiger or two in Wiltshire!

There are some fascinating historic sites scattered across South West England's countryside where you can discover thousands of years of English history. Don't miss:

> The world famous stone circle of Stonehenge in Wiltshire

> The legends of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle in Cornwall

> Mysterious Glastonbury Tor in Somerset

> The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape

Many farms across the South West have diversified and offer visitors unique accommodation in some magical locations. Your children will love meeting, feeding and cuddling friendly farm animals, and the fresh country air will put colour into every ones cheeks!

Cartwheel offers quality farm accommodation in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. 

There are thousands upon thousands of toe paths criss-crossing South West England's landscapes where the only traffic you might encounter is other ramblers and perhaps a few cows.

With arguably one of the most scenic, and longest (over 300 miles) stretches of the South West Coast Path, and an inland path network of over 2,400 miles - no walker could ever get bored in Cornwall.

Discover Devon on foot and you'll find walks for everyone and, with its mild climate, unspoilt beauty, peace and tranquillity, Devon is the perfect place to explore on foot.

See also The South West Coast Path

Whether you prefer mountain biking across challenging terrains or gently ambling along country lanes - there is a comprehensive network of routes to suit everyone in the South West for a day of cycling, a week or longer!

> For a genteel ride try the Camel Trail in Cornwall or the Granite Way in Devon.

> For something more challenging try Wiltshire's Salisbury Plain Explorer or head for the Mendip & Quantock Hills in Somerset.

Whether it's a home cooked farm breakfast, a delicious pub lunch or your own barbecue with local ingredients, you'll be surrounded by delicious locally sourced produce to help recharge your batteries. Explore farmers markets, shops and food festivals for food of quality and freshness you won't find in any supermarket.

> Wining and Dining in Devon 
> Food and Drink in Cornwall

The Kennet and Avon Canal runs right across Wiltshire and offers wonderful opportunities for exploring the beautiful countryside by boat for a day trip or longer.

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South Devon has been attracting visitors for over 250 years - pretty river estuaries, rolling hills and top outdoor activities make this an amazing holiday destination.

Stay at one of the many characterful old towns tucked in along the coast - Totnes, Dartmouth, Kingsbridge or Salcombe - and enjoy exploring their steep streets and rich history.

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Cornwall boasts 12 seperate Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These are fantastic places to visit - precious landscapes whose distinctive character and natural beauty are so outstanding that it is in the nation's interest to protect them. Including Bodmin Moor, the Lizard Peninsula and the Helford River.

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See England's highest clifftops, meet wild ponies and experience the open skylines of moors and tors. These breath-taking National Parks are dotted with ancient stone circles, thick woodland and picturesque villages where you'll find some great places to stay and top activities on offer.

> More on Dartmoor 
> More on Exmoor

Explore the timeless beauty of rural Somerset, home to the Levels & Moors, Exmoor National Park and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - the Quantock, Blackdown and Mendip Hills.

If thats not enough then there are some great market towns and places to shop, as well as the very infamous Cider Farms!

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Wiltshire's rural countryside is the perfect place to get away from it all. Explore quintessentially English villages including Lacock and Castle Combe and visit some of the most important historical sites in the area such as Stonehenge, Avebury and Salisbury Cathedral.

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The Cotswolds is one of England's favourite rural destinations; famous for hundreds of honey-colour limestone villages in beautiful countryside settings. There's plenty to see and do here and a fabulous calendar of festivals and events.

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