Towns and cities
Looking for something unique from a city break? The towns and cities of South West England mix fascinating history and heritage with a contemporary flavour. Full of character, there are some captivating places to explore with unique shopping options, remarkable architecture and exciting entertainment and nightlife.
A varied calendar of festivals and events runs year round - the annual Falmouth Oyster and Exeter Food Festivals will get food lovers' stomachs rumbling, children and adults alike will love gazing skywards in awe at hundreds of hot air balloons floating above Bristol, and the impressive Gloucester Tall Ships festival will reveal the region's strong martime history. If that's not enough then there are museums and art galleries showing some truly unique collections and the cream of local creative talent.
Shopaholics will relish retail options ranging from multi-million pound shopping centres to small boutiques, funky independent outlets and quirky arts & crafts stores. Foodies will be in their element too with top dining establishments serving locally sourced seasonal produce from our surrounding countryside and waters - our seafood is particularly delicious!
Those who like a little adrenalin can ‘hang ten' at Bournemouth's new artificial surf reef or off the shores of Newquay's Fistral beach, or try one of many other water sports in the safety of Poole's stunning natural harbour. And when the energy is all but exerted what better way to relax than over a fish & chip supper washed down with a pint of delicious locally brewed beer?
Take a look at the videos and options on this page for more ideas, for further information follow the Key Links to visit our partners' websites.
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Historic Must Sees
Salisbury Cathedral
Magnificent Salisbury Cathedral's spire never fails to impress: soaring 123 metres into the sky it dominates the landscape for miles around.
Historic Gloucester Docks
A remarkably complete example of a Victorian port complete with museums, restaurants, antiques, leisure cruises and guided tours.
2000 years of Exeter
An intimate city brimming with character and steeped in ancient history including an 850 year old Cathedral, a Roman wall, Underground Passages and hisoric Quay.
Roman Baths & Pump Room
Around Britain's only hot spring, the Romans built this magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water.
Brunel's ss Great Britain
Experience what life was like aboard the world's first ocean-going, propeller driven iron ship, conserved in the dockyard where she was originally built in Bristol.
Get Active!
Surf Newquay's Fistral Beach
Newquay epitomises laid-back Cornish beach lifestyle. World famous for its rugged beauty and pro-surf competitions, Fistral Beach is the hip coastal heart of the town.
Let off STEAM in Swindon
Wander through Swindon Old Town's quiet courtyards and alleyways or enjoy a vibrant mix of traditional shops and pubs alongside modern outlets and stylish cafes and bars.
Climb aboard locomotives, explore hands on displays and discover the history of trains in a beautifully restored railway building at the STEAM Museum.
