What to do in the West Country

With more and more Brits choosing to stay in the UK for weekend breaks than travel abroad for a week-long holiday – choosing the right destination can be challenging. If you want bright city lights, picturesque coastal views and remote walking destinations then the South West of England is a great choice. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with the family or with friends – a holiday in the West Country can offer something for all. Here are just some things you can do in this fantastic part of the UK.

Relax in the peace and quiet
Quaint villages nestle in vast, green open-spaces in the West Country. Choose to stay in your own private country cottage in a variety of destinations. Choose from remote areas in traditional villages, near vibrant towns or by a beach. Companies such as Classic Cottages offer comfy and luxurious accommodation in locations across the West Country such as Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. There are even places where you can bring the dog too.

Kingston Lacy, Dorset

Two and a half miles west of Wimborne, spend some time exploring Dorset’s impressive stately home. It was built to resemble an Italian Palace and it doesn’t disappoint. Dressed in rich decor and laced with gold, take in the grandeur of the Spanish Room or visit the Egyptian Room for hieroglyphics and artefacts. Once inside, spot the magnificent ceiling paintings by Guido Reni, called The Separation of Night and Day.

Hike in Devon

There’s nothing quite as freeing as donning your hiking boots and taking a stroll up Devon’s rugged coast. Enjoy the fresh air and stunning panoramic views over the countryside. There are plenty of routes to choose from, like hiking below the cliffs or along the beach. Leave the map at home and hedge off into the wild, but not before stopping off for a pub pit stop along the way.

Find adventure in the West Country
Being so close to the coast means that finding adventurous things to do in the West Country is simple enough. In Devon, you can ride the rocky waves white water rafting, in Cornwall you can surf, canoe and kayak, or you can sail during sunset in Bournemouth. If you prefer to stay on land; rock climbing, horse riding and rambling are just some of the activities you can experience outdoors.  

Visit Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Be transported back to the Neolithic era and explore one of the UK’s most famous monuments; Stonehenge. The world heritage site sits in the middle of a green, open space of Salisbury Plain. Embrace the eerie atmosphere as you weave through the free-standing stone that reaches 9 meters in height at the highest rock and weighs approximately 25 tonnes each.

Explore the famous Eden Project, Cornwall

Arguably Cornwall’s most famous attraction, visit the Eden Project and escape to a botanical paradise. Thousands of varieties of plant grow in abundance in the huge biomes that replicate tropical, rainforest and desert environments. The site was once a 50m-deep clay pit before it was dramatically transformed. Often holding special music events, if you’re in the area, the Eden Project is not to be missed.

Choose one of these activities for your trip to the West Country and have a fantastic holiday to fondly remember.

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