South West England Sightseeing & Activities Guide

mysterious circle of standing stones, Europe's best-known prehistoric monument

The Eden Project is an ecological wonder, featuring massive biomes housing diverse global plant species, educational exhibits, and sustainability-focused initiatives.

one of Europe's finest medieval buildings with Britain's tallest spire, also home to one of four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta

world famous open-air theatre in stunning cliff-side location, with visitor centre and exotic, sub-tropical, coastal garden. An exhibition tells the life and times of Rowena Cade, the founder

The Roman Baths offer insight into Roman life through thermal springs, historic ruins, and interactive museum displays.

stunning scenery and natural beauty at Cornwall's most westerly point with cliff top walks, the First & Last House, famous signpost

200 acres of world-renowned 19th century gardens, now restored after decades of neglect, offering secret corners and stunning displays

hailed as a quintesssentially, English garden, this 'Great Garden of the World' boasts over 2000 different roses and over 1/4 million tulips, all set beside the 12th Century Abbey Church in the centre of Malmesbury

some of the most creatively inspiring and innovative gardens to visit in the UK. Each garden has its own distinctive character dotted with beautiful structures and unique sculptures and including a wildflower meadow and kitchen garden

popular family attraction with animal petting and feeding, undercover play area, pony rides, goat racing and walking. Fun for all the family

with over 40 naturally themed habitats, an underwater tunnel and interactive educational displays, this is the ultimate underseas safari

miles of trails in this mixed woodland, popular with dog walkers, cyclists and horse riders with stunning viewpoints, picnic and BBQ areas

lose yourself in the world's longest hedge maze, visit the Elizabethan stately home or drive through the world famous safari park

beautifully restored first world class ocean liner with First Class Dining Saloon, steerage quarters, Engine Room and audio visual exhibits of passengers' lives

historic island, linked to mainland by causeway and surmounted by former Benedictine Abbey with medieval castle and gardens creating a micro climate in which all sorts of unlikely plants flourish

modern art gallery, presenting three special exhibitions each year, with the accent on the St Ives School of Art

created in the 17th Century, this lovely unspoilt garden, positioned high on the Cotswolds, commands spectacular views across the former deer park to extensive woodland. Two double mixed borders provide interest from spring to autumn

set in 90 acres with a variety of rides and attractions to suit all ages with a large indoor play centre, wildlife sanctuary, falconry centre and big fun farm

attractions for all the family from the adventure playground, to go karts, with farmyard animals, a maze and character shows in the Alice Theatre

in a fantastic waterside location at the heart of Bristol's harbour side, Arnolfini is one of Europe's leading centres for the contemporary arts. Art exhibitions, a cinema, live art and dance there is always something new to see

one of the UK's leading science and discovery centres. The hands-on science centre Explore, and its planetarium, offer an amazing world of hands-on discovery - where exploration and education go hand in hand with an unforgettable, fun day

set around the river, the park offers a variety of fun for the whole family. Features include boating, fishing, steam trains, assault course & much more

take a ride on a steam train along a 2 mile standard gauge railway, and view the collection of locomotives and rolling stock

famous miniature village set in 4 acres with animated scenes, many with a sense of humour, capturing the essence of England's past

Barbara Hepworth's former studio and garden, exhibiting large collection of her work

dominating the city centre, this was the last great medieval church to be built in England, with impressive West facade and tower tours

set between Bath and Bristol, the home of fun things to do, exciting live horse racing fixtures and high-quality hospitality events

designed in 1825 and completed in 1827 for William Beckford. The 120 foot tower, has uninterrupted views of the countryside, and was was constructed as a study retreat and to house Beckford's precious collection of art and rare books

situated in the beautiful parkland of the Blaise Estate at Henbury, the Museum is housed in a late eighteenth century mansion. Here you can see all sorts of familiar - and not so familiar - items from homes through history

mentioned as far back as 300BC and is strongly woven into the lives of the Cornish people. This is the sole tin mine still producing tin items

13 mile steam heritage railway through beautiful countryside creating the atmosphere of a 1950s Cornish branch line

fascinating displays of military weapons, uniforms, medals, badges. The collections ranging from the Battle of Waterloo to the Berlin Wall

from minerals and fossils to a representation of a Cornish kitchen, WWII, the fire service, wildlife and law and order

piston aircraft - military jets - Vulcan bomber nose section - helicopter - engines - flight simulator - regular events

offering magnificent herbaceous borders and generously planted terraces with outstanding view of the cotswold countryside. Imaginative topiary including a serene Knot Garden, a Topiary Walk and extravagant parterre

collection of thatched buildings - date back more than 200 years - set in a valley that reaches down to the sea - working forge & mill - see the blacksmith in action - enjoy a traditional cream tea in the Old Bakery - explore the woodland or beach

with a continuous reputation for excellence, innovation, and dedication to conservation. It's the fifth oldest zoo in the world

peaceful island with diverse wildlife, including the famous red squirrels and with spectacular views across the harbour

120 acres of woodland garden, home to the National Magnolia Collection. Guided tours of house and garden available

a great fun filled family day out with over 100 acres and a variety of rides to suit all ages with indoor and outdoor activities

dramatic section of the coast with spectacular views across Bedruthan Beach, rock stacks and walks along the coastal path. Steep cliff staircase

built Sir Edwin Lutyens, where family keepsakes sit alongside 17th Century tapestries with an Arts and Crafts inspired garden

situated at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge, containing information about the competition to design the bridge, its construction and completion and how it is maintained today

peaceful retreat of T E Lawrence of Arabia with much of the furniture and fittings made by him

built into a cleft in a 400' cliff with whitewashed cottages festooned with flowers, a tiny working port and famous for its donkeys

learn the history of glassmaking with demonstrations, hands-on activities and see expert craftspeople at work

all aboard for a spectacular journey operating between Kingswear and Paignton along a picturesque route bordering the Dart Estuary

a 45,000 square foot indoor attraction of the National Fairground Collection of vintage exhibits, rides and engineering and artwork displays

Durdle Door in Dorset is a natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, renowned for its striking geological formation and picturesque, scenic coastal walks.

the Exmoor pony is the oldest native pony breed in Britain, around 350 still live free on Exmoor

major family-friendly attraction with walk-through historic street scenes, theme park rides and special exhibitions

explore the rich natural wetlands and western dry heath a result of the extensive mining operations. 7 mile circular multi use trail

moated medieval manor, with topiary and rose gardens. Recently featured as 'Austin Friars' in the TV adaptation of 'Wolf Hall'

former home of Agatha Christie with a relaxed 1950s style with a large romantic wooded garden and a shop selling her novels

a site of archaeological importance surrounded by dunes, beaches, a medieval church and a reedbed rich in wildlife

dramatic West Exmoor coast, favourite landscape of the Romantic poets with spectacular coastal, moorland and woodland walks

Internationally well known gardens created by famous Arts & Crafts, horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston with unusual and rare planting

a family run living heritage attraction with one of the last horse-drawn barges in Great Britain

steep, narrow paths twist and turn around ancient statues, columns, terraces and architecture, these Italianate gardens seem other worldly. The gardens have been lovely expanded over the past 50 years by two generations of the Cartwirght-Highnett family

the ultimate Jane Austen experience, celebrating her connection with Bath and the city's influence on her writing

a glorious garden to visit throughout the seasons with spectacular views of the Malvern Hills and beyond. Also featured are a modern water garden and a tulip tree avenue. Plants grown in the garden are often for sale

country house with monastic roots, once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the photographic negative

magnificent late Victorian country house, with the feel of a wealthy but unpretentious family home, including a rare book collection

historic house and grade 1 Cornish gardens with the national camellia collection within 865 acre park on Rame Peninsula

harbour-side Museum telling the story of Cornwall's rich maritime heritage - promotes an understanding of boats & their place in people's lives

home to over 2000 animals in six different habitats and dedicated to protecting global wildlife heritage with feeding times and keeper talks

meticulously crafted and planted to give both formal and informal gardens against a dramatic backdrop of a steep wooded valley

the park is packed with activities, from cycle trails to an adventure playground - fun for all ages

excellent example of the Arts & Crafts Movement, with the gardens being laid out at the same time as the house was built in the first part of the 20th Century. A rockery garden and topiary are featured, as well as larger Alpines and walled Kitchen Garden

a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, running along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes

sanctuary and working farm home to 500 donkeys in need of care, where visitors can meet the donkeys

illustrating life above and below stairs as it would have been in the eighteenth century providing an insight into a merchant's life

historic dual-purpose viaduct and aqueduct. The outcrop affords a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

with a rolling programme of exhibitions explaining the house's history and extensive gardens with colourful blooms, walking trails and its own art gallery showcasing contemporary local artists

a fine Georgian house surrounded by outstanding gardens with an International Camellia Society Garden of Excellence, as well as collections of rhododendrons, magnolias and Campion Trees

built as a family home, the garden and estate balance faded beauty and function with an abundance of nature; celebrated in ornate Gothic carvings

where the lush valleys of East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water meet giving a haven for wildlife and offering excellent walking

rare and exotic plants from world-wide locations with a mixture of formal and informal gardens with world famous camellias and magnolias

unique colony of nesting Mute swans which were established in the 11th century by monks to provide food for banquets and now a cage free sanctuary for free flying swans

featuring artefacts and displays from the Civil War and a section on the history of Bridgewater. Admiral Blake is renowned as the founder of the modern British navy

Tudor house and gardens, privately owned for 500 years, with connections to Thomas Hardy and formal Elizabethan gardens

still privately occupied, this delightful manor dates back to the early 16th Century. Visitors are encouraged to sit on the chairs, lie on the beds and play snooker in the Billiard Room. The gardens include a kitchen garden, topiary garden and orchard

this popular beauty spot is set within an ancient valley with numerous walking trails to the falls & through the woodland - indoor & woodland theatre - petting zoo - reptile house - events & activities - picnic area

gain an insight into the Cornish penal life over the centuries. This includes evening ghost walks and a look into the cold, dank cells

this beautiful stately home houses a vast collection of antiquities, chapel, library, sculpture gallery, laboratory, costumes, adventure playground & beautiful woodland gardens

the Abbey Church, a spiritual haven for the many thousands of visitors who come each year, with bookshops and exhibitions of the Benedictine way of life

once the home to Sir Francis Drake with contemporary furnishings and artefacts, an impressive medieval Great Barn and extensive gardens

historic harbour and short canal, now a regeneration project with visitor centre. Rowing boats for hire and a great place for a leisurely walk

with friendly teachers offering year round daily lessons on Summerleaze beach. Indoor and outdoor changing facilities with hot showers

award-winning vineyard on sun-drenched slopes with tours, tasting and shop in an idyllic setting, practising traditional viniculture

Excellent preserved ancient villages, with an excellent example of an underground stone-walled passage, known as a ‘fogou'

underground journey through former slate mine, with three underground caverns of cathedral proportions and a crystal clear subterranean lake

remains of 2,000 year-old settlement with traceable village street and houses, with an underground passage, known as a 'fogou'

holiday home of the D'Oyly Carte family built in the Arts & Crafts style with a joyful atmosphere enhanced by music and a 30 acre garden

fairytale fortress ruins are all that remain after the castle was destroyed by Parliamentarians in the 17th Century with stunning views of the coast

relax & leave the car behind and take this circular route around West Cornwall - hop on, hop off - visiting the major sites

get up close and personal with the vast array of animals in 33 acres of woodland, from Chincha the Jaguar to Kelloggs the Corn Snake

The doorway to Dartmoor's industrial past with the sights, sounds and smells of three thundering water wheels powering massive hammers, shears and sharpening stone

Glastonbury Tor in Somerset, with its iconic tower, offers panoramic views, rich mythological associations, and a captivating history linked to Arthurian legends.

ancient and atmospheric estate with walking trails, medieval garden, mine remains and historic house (house open on limited dates).

awe-inspiring coastal views of St Ives Bay and the sheltered coves and sandy beaches, including a view of Godrevy Lighthouse

beauty spot on the edge of Bodmin Moor with spectacular cascades and a number of well defined walking trails and teeming with wildlife

Thomas Harpy's rural childhood home where visitors are invited to make themselves at home or wander through the quintessential cottage garden

set in over 6000 acres of woodland, a welcoming Georgian house, holding the National Trust's largest fashion collection with interactive displays

the Gothic Revival house is surrounded by gardens which are a masterpiece of architectural planting, home to one of the most outstanding botanical collections in the country

living steam trains in a magical setting with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities including canoes, pedaloes, crazy golf and children's play area

located 24 miles off the North Devon Coast with a wealth of flora, fauna and excellent bird watching. Boats sail from Ilfracombe or Bideford

there are a range of walks available to suit different abilities and time scales however sturdy footwear is recommended for all trails

azalea, rhododendron and flowering shrub gardens with picnic spots in the deer park. Also a Roman temple site with museum and a museum geared at New Zealand

take a trip back in time on this narrow gauge steam railway running from Lynton to Barnstaple journeying through rolling countryside

Thomas Hardy's atmospheric home until his death in 1928, several items of the original furniture remain, much designed by him

discover an underwater world and the conservation efforts to protect it, shown in different environments with daily talks and shows

from its Tudor beginnings to dramatic rescue in the 20th Century, the house has many stories to tell, with quaint gardens and sprawling parkland

public art gallery presenting contemporary work in all media by regional, national and international artists, with a supporting programme of events

with spectacular river and sea views, this Edwardian house boasts a rare collections of exotic plants. Generations of children return to hunt for Fred the ghost

Penlee House displays works from The Newlyn School of artists, as well as local photography, decorative arts and archaeology collections

like most houses, Port Eliot has a front door and about there the similarity ends. There are 11 staircases, 15 back doors and 82 chimneys

set in a picturesque location surrounded by a deer park with family heirlooms in the castle and extensive grounds to explore

a magnificent Georgian house which has been a family home for nearly 300 years with extensive grounds with year round interest

operating heritage trans between Seaon ,Colyford and Colyton through two nature reserves with an unrivalled view of wading bird life

surrounded by the striking Bodmin Moor, with a wide range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and fishing. Outdoor children's playground

rescue centre in picturesque setting, specialising in seal rescue, rehabilitation and release. With daily feeding times and talks