Indulge

Fulfil the ambition of a lifetime and experience the thrill and excitement of hot air ballooning with a bird's-eye view of our beautiful region.

> Ballooning in the Cotswolds
> Ballooning in Bristol 
> Ballooning in Wiltshire

What better place to tie the knot than in the South West? You'll have stunning scenery for those all important photos, an abundance of perfect venues serving delicious local cuisine plus the added bonus of a warmer climate than the rest of the country!

> Get hitched in the Cotswolds   
> Say "I do" in Dorset  
> Tie the knot in Cornwall 

Feel the wind in your sails and take to the open seas in the Mecca for sailors - Cornwall.

Sip champagne and cruise around the many beautiful islands of Poole Harbour.

Visit Weymouth, Dorset and find out why it was chosen to host to the sailing events at the 2012 games.

Take it slow on a canal barge drifting down the Kennet and Avon Canal, Wiltshire.

Visiting a festival or event can be a real treat and the South West has an exciting and varied selection from which to choose. You could indulge your taste buds at the Flamouth Oyster Festival, marvel at the luxury yachts at the Dartmouth Reggatta, or watch thousands of balloons float over the city at the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Visit our What's Happening page to search for festivals and events.

For seaweed wraps, hot stone massages, oxygen facials, mud baths and all manor of weird and wonderful treatments book into a day at a spa for the ultimate pampering experience.

> Thermae Bath Spa, Bath   
> The Bay Hotel, Cornwall
> Mercure Holland House Hotel, Bristol

A perfect way to spend an indulgent afternoon. South West England has a number of well established vineyards open to the public that produce some delicious and surprising wines.

Try Sharpham's Vineyard in Totnes, Devon - sample award winning English wines, take a tour and enjoy the stunning views, learn all about the wine making process and stock up on delicious wines and local cheeses from the farm shop.

Whether boutiques in Bath or multi-million pound malls in Bristol, there are an abundance of top shopping locations across the South West's cities. You'll find designer clothes, jewellery, fine art and just about anything else you can think of!

Shopping in Bath
Shopping in Bristol  
Shopping in Bournemouth 

FORE! South West England is a golfer's paradise and is fast becoming one of the UK's premier golfing destinations with varied and challenging links courses to choose from.

Golfing in Somerset 
Golfing in Cornwall 
Golfing in Dorset 

Crumbling Cheddar cheeses, cloudy Somerset cider, irresistible cream teas with scones smothered in the fruitiest jams and thick clotted cream, hearty smoked meats, lovingly baked loaves of speciality breads, and the freshest fish and finest cuts of meat.

Visit a farmers market or food festival to taste the best local produce in the country - pick up some ingredients for a picnic or barbecue and choose your own stunning south west location.

Visit our Taste page for more delicious ideas.

The South West has been inspiring artists for centuries - from Barbara Hepworth to Banksy. Check out the world famous Tate St. Ives gallery in Cornwall, the unique Russell-Cotes gallery in Bournemouth, and the brilliant Victoria Art Gallery in Bath.

For theatre lovers there's the oldest theatre in the country Bristol Old Vic, the spectacular cliff side Minack Theatre in Cornwall and the Theatre Royal Bath set in an impressive Georgian building.

What better way to explore the beautiful county of Cornwall than getting behind the wheel of a classic car?

Award winning Cornwall Classic Car Hire offer a fine range of vintage motor vehicles for self-drive hire to the most discerning of visitors.

There are some spectacular accommodation options in the South West boasting the very best in service, quality, location and facilities. Visit our destination partners' websites to search for and book the very best places to stay. Remember, you'll only find graded properties so you can be sure that you'll receive top standards.

Visit our accommodation page to find out more.

Top decadent hotels include:
Thurlestone Hotel in Devon
Manor House Hotel in the Cotswolds
The Scarlet in Cornwall
Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa in Wiltshire

For Michelin Stars, celebrity chefs and AA rated restaurants check out the Trencherman's Guide - a collection of the best restaurants and hotels in the South West. All businesses invited to be included in the guide meet the highest criteria. Entertain your taste buds! 

A few of our favourite South West restaurants include:
Jack in the Green in Devon,
Nathan Outlaw at St Enodoc Hotel, Cornwall,
The Lime Restaurant at Homewood Park, near Bath

A day at the races is thrilling, get yourself dressed up and head off to one of many great South West race courses for flutter.
Bath Racecourse    
Newton Abbot Racecourse 
Salisbury Racecourse

Every year the Cheltenham Gold Cup draws thousands for four spectacular days of racing.