The Best South West England Attractions & Activities

Recommended places to visit and things to do in South West England

Pre-book South West England Attractions, Tours & Experiences


 

Stonehenge

Salisbury

  • archeological site
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  • place of worship
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  • open year round
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • English Heritage
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  • World Heritage Site
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • archeology
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  • history

Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, is a prehistoric stone circle over 4,500 years old. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famed for its mystery, ancient rituals, and alignment with the solstice sun. Visitors can explore the stones and nearby Neolithic landscape.

Eden Project

Bodelva

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature

The Eden Project in Cornwall features massive biomes housing rainforest and Mediterranean habitats. This striking eco-attraction combines lush gardens, interactive exhibits and sustainable design, showcasing the wonders of nature and innovation.

Longleat

Warminster

  • film/tv location
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  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • park
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  • zoo
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • virtual tours
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Longleat in Wiltshire is a grand stately home and the UK’s first safari park. Renowned for its Elizabethan architecture, landscaped grounds, and wildlife drives featuring lions, elephants, and more, it blends heritage with family adventure.

  • archeological site
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  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • World Heritage Site
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • social history

The Roman Baths in Bath are a well-preserved ancient bathing complex built around natural hot springs. Visitors can explore the Great Bath, temple ruins, and museum displays, offering a glimpse into Roman life and the city’s spa heritage.

  • place of worship
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • religion

Salisbury Cathedral is a masterpiece of Early English Gothic architecture, famed for Britain’s tallest spire and the best-preserved original Magna Carta. Surrounded by a vast close, it offers soaring interiors and peaceful green spaces.

Arnolfini

Bristol

  • art gallery
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • art

Arnolfini in Bristol is a leading centre for contemporary art, hosting exhibitions, performances and film screenings. Set on the harbourside, it’s a vibrant hub for modern culture and creativity.

  • art gallery
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  • garden
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  • museum
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  • open year round
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  • shop
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  • art
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  • nature

The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden in St Ives preserves the artist’s former home and studio. Surrounded by lush gardens, it showcases her striking modernist sculptures in the very setting where she created them.

Bath Abbey

Bath

  • historic house
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  • place of worship
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • religion

Bath Abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, is famed for its fan vaulting, stained glass and soaring towers. Standing at the heart of the city, it offers worship, music and heritage in an inspiring historic setting.

  • aquarium
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop

Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay showcases marine life from Cornwall’s coast to tropical seas. With walk-through ocean tunnels, coral displays, and fascinating sea creatures, it’s an engaging, family-friendly glimpse beneath the waves.

  • archeological site
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • English Heritage
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  • shop
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • nature
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  • walking

Chysauster Ancient Village, near Penzance, is a remarkably preserved Iron Age settlement. Its stone courtyard houses and lanes reveal how people lived 2,000 years ago amid sweeping views of the Cornish countryside.

  • landmark
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • history
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  • transport

The Clifton Suspension Bridge & Museum in Bristol celebrate Brunel’s engineering triumph. The bridge offers breathtaking Avon Gorge views, while the museum explores its design, construction and lasting legacy.

Clovelly Village

Clovelly

  • film/tv location
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  • landmark
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  • open year round
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  • restaurant
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  • bar
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • film
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • TV

Clovelly in Devon is a unique, privately owned village with steep cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages, and no cars. Overlooking the Bristol Channel, it’s famed for its timeless charm, donkey transport, and picturesque harbour.

Cotehele

St. Dominick

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • needlecraft
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Cotehele, near Saltash, is a beautifully preserved Tudor house set above the River Tamar. With medieval interiors, gardens, and a working mill, it offers an atmospheric journey through centuries of Cornish history.

  • place of worship
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • religion

Exeter Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, famed for its ornate West Front and the world’s longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling. Inside are medieval carvings, a 15th-century astronomical clock, and beautiful stained glass.

Geevor Tin Mine

Pendeen

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • industrial heritage

Geevor Tin Mine, near Pendeen, is a preserved mining site offering underground tours and interactive exhibits. Set on Cornwall’s rugged coast, it vividly tells the story of the county’s tin mining heritage and community life.

Glastonbury Tor

Glastonbury

  • landmark
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  • natural landscape
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  • nature reserve
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  • place of worship
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  • viewpoint
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust

Glastonbury Tor, rising above the Somerset Levels, is a legendary hill crowned by St Michael’s Tower. Steeped in myth and history, it offers breathtaking views and a sense of spiritual tranquillity.

Godolphin

Godolphin Cross

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • natural landscape
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Godolphin, near Helston, is a historic Cornish estate with a Tudor manor, tranquil gardens, and ancient woodlands. Once a powerful mining estate, it offers peaceful walks, panoramic views, and a glimpse into Cornwall’s rich past.

Greenway

Galmpton

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • ceramics
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • literature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Greenway in Devon, Agatha Christie’s riverside retreat, showcases her family treasures amid tranquil woodland gardens. Overlooking the River Dart, it offers a peaceful insight into the author’s life and surroundings.

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Lanhydrock in Cornwall is a magnificent Victorian country house set within wooded parkland. Known for its grand architecture, extensive servants’ quarters, and formal gardens, it offers a vivid glimpse into upstairs and downstairs life.

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall are a vast restored Victorian estate with jungle-like valleys, romantic woodlands, walled gardens and iconic sculptures like the Mud Maid. A magical blend of history, nature and artistry.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

The National Maritime Museum Cornwall, in Falmouth, celebrates the sea through interactive exhibits, historic boats, and maritime stories. Overlooking the harbour, it explores Cornwall’s deep connection with ocean adventure and trade.

Pendennis Castle

Falmouth

  • fortress
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • World War II

Pendennis Castle, in Falmouth, is a coastal fortress built by Henry VIII to defend against invasion. With panoramic sea views, wartime tunnels, and interactive exhibits, it brings centuries of Cornwall’s military history to life.

  • art gallery
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  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • history
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  • photography

Penlee House Gallery & Museum, in Penzance, celebrates Cornish art and history. Housed in a Victorian villa, it features works by the Newlyn School artists alongside local archaeology and cultural exhibits.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • World War II
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  • social history
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  • technology

PK Porthcurno Museum of Global Communications, near Land’s End, explores how Cornwall connected the world through undersea cables. Housed in wartime tunnels, it reveals the evolution of global communication and Porthcurno’s vital role.

  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

Screech Owl Sanctuary & Animal Park, near St Columb Major, rescues and cares for owls and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy close-up encounters, flying displays, and meet a variety of native and exotic animals in peaceful countryside surroundings.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • maritime heritage
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  • transport
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  • boats

SS Great Britain in Bristol is a groundbreaking Victorian steamship designed by Brunel. Now a museum, it lets visitors explore the ship’s cabins, engine room, and dockyard, bringing maritime history vividly to life.

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • landmark
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  • place of worship
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • religion
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall is a tidal island crowned by a medieval castle and church. Linked to the mainland by a causeway at low tide, it features terraced gardens, harbour village, and sweeping coastal views steeped in legend.

Tate St Ives

St. Ives

  • art gallery
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • art

Tate St Ives in Cornwall is a seaside gallery showcasing modern and contemporary art, with links to the St Ives artists’ colony. Overlooking Porthmeor Beach, it combines world-class exhibitions with stunning coastal views.

  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • wildlife

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary, in Gweek, rescues and rehabilitates injured seals and sea lions. Set by the Helford River, it offers close encounters, woodland walks, and insight into vital marine conservation work in Cornwall.

The Minack Theatre

Porthcurno

  • entertainment venue
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  • garden
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  • natural landscape
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • theatre

The Minack Theatre in Cornwall is a spectacular open-air theatre carved into cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. Created by Rowena Cade, it stages performances with the ocean as a backdrop, offering one of the UK’s most dramatic cultural settings.

Tintagel Castle

Tintagel

  • fortress
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  • film/tv location
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Tintagel Castle on Cornwall’s dramatic cliffs is linked to the legend of King Arthur. Its medieval ruins, footbridge, and stunning sea views create a magical setting where history and myth intertwine.

Trerice

Kestle Mill

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Trerice, near Newquay, is an Elizabethan manor house with tranquil gardens and fine interiors. Managed by the National Trust, it offers a peaceful glimpse into Tudor life amid rolling Cornish countryside.

  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Tresco Abbey Garden on the Isles of Scilly is a subtropical paradise filled with exotic plants from around the world. Sheltered by ruins of a Benedictine abbey, it offers vibrant seasonal blooms, palm trees, and stunning sea views.

  • park
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Westonbirt Arboretum in Gloucestershire is home to over 2,500 tree species from around the world. Famous for its vibrant autumn colours and quiet trails, it offers seasonal walks, a treetop walkway, and themed areas celebrating global woodland diversity.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • ceramics
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  • history
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  • industrial heritage

Wheal Martyn Clay Works, near St Austell, is Cornwall’s only China clay mining museum. Set in a former clay works, it features trails, vintage machinery, and interactive exhibits revealing the industry’s impact on the region.

  • farm park
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

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

  • theme park
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop

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

  • theme park
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop

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

  • family-friendly
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  • café
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  • shop

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

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • World War II
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  • Battle of Britain

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

  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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  • craft shop
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • film
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  • history
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  • TV
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  • walking

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

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Castle Drogo

Drewsteignton

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Clouds Hill

Wareham

  • historic house
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • furniture
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  • literature

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

  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • art
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  • ceramics
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  • history

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

  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • film
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  • history
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  • transport
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  • trains
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  • TV

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

  • film/tv location
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • film
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  • TV

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

Exmoor Pony Centre

Dulverton

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • seasonal opening
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

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

  • film/tv location
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  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • limited opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • film
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • social history
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  • politics
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  • TV

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

  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • café
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • transport
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  • boats
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  • wildlife

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

Lacock Abbey

Chippenham

  • film/tv location
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • limited opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • film
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • social history
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  • photography
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  • TV

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

Paignton Zoo

Paignton

  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

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

RHS Garden Rosemoor

Torrington

  • garden
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • virtual tours
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • leisure facility
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  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • cycling
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • nature reserve
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature

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

Tyntesfield

Wraxall

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • National Trust
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  • guided tours
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  • antiques
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Watersmeet

Exmoor National Park

  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • walking
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where the lush valleys of East Lyn and Hoar Oak Water meet giving a haven for wildlife and offering excellent walking

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • walking
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rare and exotic plants from world-wide locations with a mixture of formal and informal gardens with world famous camellias and magnolias

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • literature
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  • wildlife

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

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • social history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • park
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Bowood

Calne

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • architecture
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  • ceramics
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • needlecraft
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Buckland Abbey

Yelverton

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • music
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Corfe Castle

Wareham

  • fortress
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • walking

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

Dartmoor Zoo

Sparkwell

  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • virtual tours
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

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

Finch Foundry

Sticklepath

  • museum
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • history

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

Hardy's Cottage

Dorchester

  • historic house
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • literature
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  • nature

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

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • cycling
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  • fashion
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Lydford Gorge

Lydford

  • landmark
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Max Gate

Dorchester

  • historic house
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • history
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  • literature

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

  • aquarium
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

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

Overbeck's

Sharpitor

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • virtual tours
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  • antiques
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

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

Saltram House

Plympton

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • cycling
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  • furniture
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  • nature
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  • walking
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a magnificent Georgian house which has been a family home for nearly 300 years with extensive grounds with year round interest

  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • history
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  • transport
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  • wildlife

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

A la Ronde

Exmouth

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • antiques
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  • history
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  • nature

unique 16-sided house dating from the late 18th century, containing many quirky objects & mementoes, including a fragile shell gallery

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

79 acres woodland reserve five miles north of Kingsbridge - mainly composed of oak, birch & beech trees - diverse flora of bilberry & ferns - supports a good bird population - also large numbers of dormice - two circular way-marked trails

Antony

Torpoint

  • film/tv location
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  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • limited opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • social history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Antony, near Torpoint, is a grand early 18th-century mansion managed by the National Trust. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and river views, it’s famed for its fine interiors and striking art collection.

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • wildlife

Arlington Court in North Devon is a Regency house set in extensive gardens and parkland. It also hosts the National Trust Carriage Museum, with over 40 historic horse-drawn vehicles, from elegant coaches to everyday carts.

Ashburton Museum

Ashburton

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • antiques
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  • geology
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  • history
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  • local history

a local museum with exhibitions of - Dartmoor artefacts - local history & geology - posters, documents - also includes the Paul Endacott North American Indian Collection

Berkeley Castle

Berkeley

  • historic house
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • walking

Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire is a magnificent medieval fortress and family home. Rich in history, it features grand halls, beautiful gardens and fascinating stories spanning over 900 years of English heritage.

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Berry Head National Nature Reserve in Devon offers dramatic sea cliffs, rare wildlife and coastal trails. With historic fort remains and sweeping views over Tor Bay, it’s a haven for walkers and nature lovers.

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

Bicton Park Botanical Gardens in Devon feature historic glasshouses, rare plants and landscaped grounds. With a museum, railway and play areas, it offers beauty, history and family-friendly fun.

Birdland Park

Bourton-on-the-Water

  • park
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Birdland Park in Bourton-on-the-Water is home to hundreds of birds from around the world. Penguins, flamingos, owls, and parrots thrive in landscaped habitats, making it a delightful destination for wildlife lovers and families.

Blaise Museum

Henbury

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • antiques
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  • art
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  • ceramics
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  • history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Blaise Museum in Bristol, housed in a Georgian mansion, showcases social history, costume and art collections. Surrounded by beautiful parkland, it offers a fascinating glimpse into life from past centuries.

Blandford Town Museum

Blandford Forum

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • limited opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • military history
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  • World War II
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  • music

Blandford Town Museum in Dorset explores local history from the Georgian era to today. Exhibits cover the 1731 fire, local crafts and rural life, offering insight into the heritage of this charming market town.

  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • transport
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  • trains

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway offers nostalgic steam and heritage diesel journeys through the Cornish countryside. Departing from Bodmin, it combines vintage charm with beautiful rural views.

Bodmin Jail

Bodmin

  • museum
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  • something different!
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • history
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  • social history

Bodmin Jail is a historic former prison turned immersive attraction. Visitors can explore its haunting cells, interactive exhibitions and stories of Cornwall’s dark past within the atmospheric 18th-century building.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • geology
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  • history
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  • social history

Bodmin Town Museum showcases the rich history of the area, from mining and military heritage to local life. Its exhibits and artefacts offer a fascinating glimpse into Cornwall’s past.

Bradley Manor

Newton Abbot

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

medieval manor house - still a family home - set in riverside meadows & woodland - unspoilt & relaxing -

Bridport Museum

Bridport

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • seasonal opening
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  • guided tours
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • toys & models

Bridport Museum in Dorset showcases the town’s rich history, from rope and net making to fossils and fine art. Set in a historic building, it offers engaging exhibits and a welcoming glimpse into local heritage.

Bristol Zoo

Clifton

  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

Bristol Zoo, now based at the Wild Place Project, offers immersive animal habitats and conservation exhibits. Visitors can see giraffes, lemurs and bears while learning about global wildlife protection.

Buckfast Abbey

Buckfastleigh

  • place of worship
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • religion

Buckfast Abbey in Devon is a tranquil Benedictine monastery rebuilt by monks in the 20th century. Surrounded by peaceful gardens, it features striking stained glass, a serene church, and a heritage rooted in centuries of devotion.

  • leisure facility
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  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • visitor centre
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  • nature
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  • transport
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  • boats
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Bude Canal & Harbour in Cornwall blend coastal charm with industrial heritage. Once vital for trade, the canal now offers peaceful walks, boating, and views of the town’s bustling waterfront.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking

Bude Castle Heritage Centre in Cornwall explores the town’s history, from sea rescues to engineering and art. Set in a historic seaside castle, it offers interactive exhibits and coastal views.

Cadhay House & Garden

Ottery St. Mary

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • limited opening
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • furniture
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  • nature

a splendid Manor House with guided tours recounting its rich history with informal gardens and allotments

  • historic house
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  • garden
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  • seasonal opening
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Caerhays Castle & Gardens, near St Austell, is a romantic coastal estate famed for its spring blooms and rare plant collections. The castle’s turrets overlook Porthluney Cove, blending stunning architecture with breathtaking sea views.

  • theme park
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • limited opening
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  • café
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  • shop

Camel Creek Adventure Park, near Wadebridge, is a family theme park with rides, animal encounters, and indoor play zones. Set in scenic countryside, it offers fun and excitement for children of all ages.

  • vineyard
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  • seasonal opening
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • food & drink
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  • wine

Camel Valley Vineyards in Cornwall produce award-winning English wines amid rolling countryside. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tastings and terrace views overlooking the scenic Camel Valley.

  • archeological site
  • -
  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • archeology
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Carn Euny Ancient Village, near Sancreed, is a remarkably preserved Iron Age and Romano-British site. Its stone huts and underground fogou offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life in West Cornwall.

  • natural landscape
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • geology

Carnglaze Caverns, near Liskeard, are former slate mines transformed into a fascinating underground attraction. Visitors can explore crystal-clear lakes, atmospheric caverns, and woodland trails above in Cornwall’s lush countryside.

Chedworth Roman Villa

Stow-on-the-Wold

  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • archeology
  • -
  • history

Chedworth Roman Villa in Gloucestershire reveals the luxury of Roman Britain. Its well-preserved mosaics, hypocausts, and bathhouses sit amid tranquil woodland, offering a vivid glimpse into ancient rural life.

Corinium Museum

Cirencester

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • local history

The Corinium Museum in Cirencester brings Roman Britain to life with mosaics, sculptures, and artefacts from the ancient town of Corinium. Interactive exhibits reveal everyday life in one of Roman Britain’s wealthiest cities.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
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  • shop
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  • archeology
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  • art
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  • geology
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  • history
  • -
  • local history

The Cornwall Museum in Truro showcases Cornwall’s rich heritage, from mining and archaeology to fine art and local crafts. Its diverse collections reveal the county’s global connections and creative spirit through the ages.

Cotehele Mill

St Dominick

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • National Trust
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage

Cotehele Mill, near Saltash, is a working watermill on the Morden Stream. Part of the Cotehele estate, it still grinds flour and showcases traditional rural life amid peaceful woodland surroundings.

Cotswold Farm Park

Stow-on-the-Wold

  • farm park
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
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  • restaurant
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  • café
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  • shop

Cotswold Farm Park, founded by Adam Henson, celebrates rare breed farming. Visitors can meet friendly animals, explore seasonal trails, and learn about countryside conservation in a beautiful Cotswold setting.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
  • -
  • history
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  • social history
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  • toys & models
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  • transport
  • -
  • cars

The Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection in Bourton-on-the-Water showcases vintage cars, classic motorcycles, and nostalgic memorabilia. Its charming displays trace the golden age of motoring and childhood play.

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature

modernised in the 19th Century to become a lavish country house with Mediterranean planting in the garden and a working water mill

Durdle Door

Lulworth Cove

  • landmark
  • -
  • natural landscape
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round

Durdle Door, on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, is a natural limestone arch shaped by the sea. Backed by white cliffs and shingle beaches, it’s ideal for scenic walks, photography, and coastal views. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s truly iconic.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage
  • -
  • technology

East Pool Mine, near Redruth, is a preserved Cornish engine house showcasing the region’s industrial past. Managed by the National Trust, it features impressive beam engines and exhibits on mining heritage.

  • art gallery
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • art

Falmouth Art Gallery houses an impressive collection ranging from classic maritime paintings to contemporary works. With family-friendly exhibits and local creativity on display, it’s a cultural highlight of Cornwall’s vibrant port town.

  • museum
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history

The Georgian House Museum in Bristol is an 18th-century townhouse preserved to show life above and below stairs. Its elegant rooms and servant quarters reveal the contrasts of Georgian society.

Glendurgan Garden

Mawnan Smith

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • external view only
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  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Glendurgan Garden, near Falmouth, is a lush valley garden leading to the Helford River. Famous for its laurel maze, exotic plants, and peaceful paths, it offers natural beauty and family-friendly exploration.

  • archeological site
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • social history
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Halliggye Fogou, on the Trelowarren Estate, is Cornwall’s largest underground passage from the Iron Age. This mysterious stone structure offers a rare glimpse into ancient life and the rituals of prehistoric communities.

  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
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  • café
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  • guided tours
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  • shop
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  • food & drink

Healey’s Cornish Cyder Farm, near Truro, offers tours, tastings, and family fun among orchards and vintage presses. Home to Rattler Cyder, it combines tradition, craftsmanship, and a warm Cornish welcome.

Hidcote Manor Garden

Chipping Campden

  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Hidcote Manor Garden in the Cotswolds is a masterpiece of Arts and Crafts design. Its series of themed outdoor rooms, vibrant borders, and carefully crafted vistas make it one of England’s most inspiring gardens.

  • museum
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  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop

The Jane Austen Centre in Bath celebrates the author’s life and ties to the city. With costumed guides, exhibits and interactive displays, it explores her world, works and Regency society in an elegant Georgian townhouse setting.

Jubilee Pool

Penzance

  • leisure facility
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • Art Deco

Jubilee Pool in Penzance is Britain’s largest seawater lido, a striking Art Deco landmark overlooking Mount’s Bay. Its geothermal section offers naturally heated swimming, making it a year-round spot for sea views and relaxation.

Kelmscott Manor

Cirencester

  • historic house
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • furniture

Kelmscott Manor in Oxfordshire was the country home of designer William Morris. Its 17th-century rooms, original furnishings, and riverside gardens embody the beauty and craftsmanship of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Land's End

Sennen

  • landmark
  • -
  • natural landscape
  • -
  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • walking

Land’s End in Cornwall is the most westerly point of mainland England, famed for its dramatic cliffs, ocean views, and iconic signpost. A natural landmark with visitor attractions, it’s a popular spot for walking, photography, and coastal scenery.

Lappa Valley

St. Newlyn East

  • theme park
  • -
  • tourist railway
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  • family-friendly
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  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains

Lappa Valley, near Newquay, is a family attraction set in a picturesque valley with miniature steam trains, boating, play areas, and nature trails. It offers a nostalgic, fun-filled day out surrounded by Cornish countryside.

  • tourist railway
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains

Launceston Steam Railway offers nostalgic rides through the Kensey Valley on a narrow-gauge line. Starting from a restored Victorian station, it combines vintage charm with scenic countryside views.

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage

Levant Mine & Beam Engine, near St Just, is a dramatic clifftop mining site and part of Cornwall’s World Heritage landscape. Its restored 1840 beam engine and sea views reveal the region’s rich industrial past.

  • viewpoint
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Lizard Point & Marconi Centre, managed by the National Trust, mark Britain’s most southerly point. With breathtaking cliffs, rare wildlife, and the site of Marconi’s first wireless signals, it’s rich in natural and historic significance.

Lundy Island

Bristol Channel

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Lundy Island off the Devon coast is a remote haven of cliffs, wildlife and history. Known for puffins, seals and rugged beauty, it offers walking trails, diving spots and peaceful escapes amid unspoilt nature.

Mount Edgcumbe

Cremyll

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • craft shop
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • ceramics
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Mount Edgcumbe, overlooking Plymouth Sound, is a grand historic estate with formal gardens, woodland trails, and coastal views. Its 16th-century house and parkland blend heritage, art, and natural beauty on the Cornish border.

  • museum
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history

The Museum of Cornish Life, in Helston, showcases everyday heritage from crafts and trade to costume and farming. Housed in a Victorian building, it vividly captures Cornwall’s social history and community spirit.

Newark Park

Wotton-under-Edge

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
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  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • furniture
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  • history
  • -
  • nature
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Newark Park in Gloucestershire is a Tudor hunting lodge turned country house, overlooking the Severn Valley. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and parkland, it blends historic charm with sweeping countryside views.

  • art gallery
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
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  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • art

Newlyn Art Gallery, near Penzance, showcases contemporary art from Cornwall and beyond. With sea views, changing exhibitions, and a creative atmosphere, it’s a vibrant hub for modern visual arts in West Cornwall.

Newquay Zoo

Newquay

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

Newquay Zoo, set in lush subtropical gardens, is home to hundreds of animals from across the world. With talks, play areas, and conservation exhibits, it offers a fun, educational day out for families in the heart of Cornwall.

  • historic house
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
  • -
  • architecture
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  • furniture
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  • history
  • -
  • social history

No. 1 Royal Crescent in Bath is a restored Georgian townhouse museum. It recreates 18th-century life with furnished rooms, period décor and stories of past residents, offering insight into the city’s elegant social history.

Padstow Museum

Padstow

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history

Padstow Museum, near the harbour, highlights the town’s fishing, shipbuilding, and Obby Oss festival traditions. Its compact displays offer a fascinating look at the maritime heritage of this lively Cornish port.

  • garden
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café

Painswick Rococo Garden in Gloucestershire is a rare surviving example of 18th-century Rococo design. Its ornamental follies, winding paths, and vibrant seasonal displays create a playful, romantic landscape.

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

Paradise Park in Hayle is a family wildlife sanctuary home to colourful parrots, penguins, and rare birds. With farm animals, play zones, and beautiful gardens, it’s a fun and educational day out for all ages in West Cornwall.

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
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  • art
  • -
  • ceramics
  • -
  • furniture
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  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Pencarrow House & Gardens near Bodmin is a Georgian mansion set in landscaped grounds. Visitors can tour elegant rooms, explore woodland walks and enjoy seasonal blooms in this peaceful Cornish estate.

Perranzabuloe Museum

Perranporth

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage
  • -
  • maritime heritage
  • -
  • social history

Perranzabuloe Museum, in Perranporth, offers a fascinating look at local history, from mining and maritime life to village traditions. Its exhibits and photographs capture the unique heritage of Cornwall’s north coast.

Pinetum Gardens

St. Austell

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
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  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Pinetum Gardens, in St Austell, spans 30 acres of themed landscapes filled with rare trees, vibrant flowers, and tranquil ponds. It’s a peaceful haven celebrating nature, horticulture, and year-round beauty in Cornwall.

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary, near Looe, is a peaceful haven for rescued and exotic animals. With lemurs, meerkats, reptiles, and farm creatures, it offers close encounters and a focus on conservation and care.

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
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  • art
  • -
  • history
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  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Port Eliot House & Gardens, in St Germans, is a historic stately home set in sweeping parkland by the River Tiddy. With art-filled rooms and picturesque gardens, it blends heritage, creativity, and tranquillity.

Restormel Castle

Lostwithiel

  • fortress
  • -
  • ruin
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • military history
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Restormel Castle, near Lostwithiel, is a striking circular Norman ruin set on a hilltop. Its stone walls and sweeping views over the Fowey Valley reveal the grandeur of medieval life in Cornwall.

South Devon Railway

Buckfastleigh

  • tourist railway
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
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  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • film
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains
  • -
  • TV

South Devon Railway runs heritage steam trains between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Passing through scenic countryside and along the River Dart, it offers a nostalgic journey through Devon’s rural heart.

  • farm park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop

Springfields Fun Park, near Newquay, is a family attraction with friendly animals, play areas, go-karts, and boating. Its mix of outdoor adventures and hands-on activities makes it ideal for young children and relaxed days out.

St Mawes Castle

St. Mawes

  • fortress
  • -
  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • military history

St Mawes Castle, overlooking the Fal Estuary, is one of Henry VIII’s best-preserved coastal fortresses. Its elegant cloverleaf design and sea views reveal the Tudor defence of Cornwall’s southern coast.

St. Ives Museum

St. Ives

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history

St Ives Museum, near the harbour, offers a fascinating glimpse into the town’s fishing, mining, and artistic heritage. Packed with local artefacts and stories, it captures the spirit of this historic Cornish seaside town.

  • art gallery
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • art

The St Ives Society of Artists, based in the Mariners’ Church, showcases contemporary works by local artists. As part of the town’s artistic legacy, it offers ever-changing exhibitions in a historic seaside setting.

  • art gallery
  • -
  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • park
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  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
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  • architecture
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  • art
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  • furniture
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  • history
  • -
  • social history
  • -
  • royalty
  • -
  • walking

Sudeley Castle & Gardens near Winchcombe blends Tudor history with romantic beauty. Once home to Queen Katherine Parr, it features elegant rooms, award-winning gardens, and breathtaking views of the Cotswold hills.

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

Tehidy Country Park, near Camborne, is Cornwall’s largest woodland park with serene lakes, wildlife, and miles of trails. Its mix of forest walks and picnic spots makes it ideal for peaceful outdoor exploration.

The Camel Trail

Wadebridge

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

The Camel Trail, stretching from Padstow to Bodmin, follows a scenic, traffic-free route along a former railway line. Ideal for cycling and walking, it offers riverside views and peaceful Cornish countryside.

The Exchange

Penzance

  • art gallery
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • art

The Exchange in Penzance is a contemporary art gallery housed in a striking modern building. With changing exhibitions and creative events, it’s a key part of Cornwall’s vibrant art scene.

  • something different!
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • social history
  • -
  • nature

home to over 1000 gnomes and pixies, wildflowers, herbs, grasses and ferns with a family picnic area

The Golden Hind

Brixham

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • maritime heritage
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • boats

The Golden Hind in Brixham is a full-sized replica of Sir Francis Drake’s Tudor galleon. Visitors can explore its decks, discover maritime history and experience life aboard an Elizabethan ship.

The Model Village

Bourton-on-the-Water

  • something different!
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • restaurant
  • -
  • bar
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • toys & models

The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water is a perfect one-ninth scale replica of the village itself. Built from local stone, it captures every detail, from tiny gardens to the flowing River Windrush.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • history

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, in Boscastle, Cornwall, explores the history of witchcraft, folklore, and the occult. Its intriguing collection of artefacts, spells, and manuscripts offers a unique insight into Britain’s magical traditions.

  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • pre-booking advised
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop

Highgrove Royal Gardens are the private gardens of King Charles III, open to visitors on guided tours. Featuring wildflower meadows, themed gardens, and sustainable design, they blend elegance with a strong focus on nature and biodiversity.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • needlecraft

Tintagel Old Post Office, a 14th-century stone building, offers a glimpse into medieval and Victorian village life. With its slate roof and period interiors, it’s one of Cornwall’s most atmospheric historic houses.

Tolgus Tin Mill

Perranporth

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage
  • -
  • jewellery

Tolgus Tin Mill, near Redruth, is Cornwall’s last surviving tin streaming works. Part of Cornish Gold, it offers guided tours and exhibits that bring the county’s rich mining heritage vividly to life.

  • museum
  • -
  • something different!
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • fashion

see fashions & textiles for men, women and children, from the 18th century to the present day

Trebah Garden

Mawnan Smith

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Trebah Garden, near Falmouth, is a subtropical paradise with giant gunneras, vibrant blooms, and winding paths to a private beach. Its sheltered valley setting makes it one of Cornwall’s most enchanting gardens.

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • viewpoint
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Trelissick Garden, near Truro, is a stunning National Trust estate overlooking the River Fal. Its vibrant gardens, woodland walks, and riverside views offer year-round beauty and peaceful exploration in the Cornish countryside.

  • garden
  • -
  • viewpoint
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Trengwainton Garden, near Penzance, is a lush National Trust garden famed for its exotic plants and spring blooms. With sheltered paths, streamside walks, and views to St Michael’s Mount, it offers tranquillity and natural beauty.

Trethorne Leisure Park

Kennards House

  • theme park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop

Trethorne Leisure Park, near Launceston, offers family fun with indoor play zones, animal encounters, rides, and activities. Combining adventure and relaxation, it’s perfect for children and families exploring Cornwall’s countryside.

  • film/tv location
  • -
  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Trewithen House & Gardens, near Truro, is an elegant Georgian estate famed for its landscaped gardens and rare plant collections. Its peaceful setting and seasonal colour make it a highlight of Cornish horticulture.

  • place of worship
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • religion

Truro Cathedral, in the heart of Cornwall’s only city, is a magnificent Gothic Revival landmark. Its soaring spires, stunning stained glass, and peaceful atmosphere make it a highlight of Truro’s skyline and heritage.

We The Curious

Bristol

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • science
  • -
  • technology

We The Curious in Bristol is an interactive science and arts centre with hands-on exhibits and a planetarium. It encourages creativity and curiosity, making science accessible and fun for all ages.

Wesley Cottage

Trewint

  • historic house
  • -
  • place of worship
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • religion

Wesley Cottage, in Trewint near Launceston, is a humble 18th-century home where John Wesley once stayed. Now a museum, it explores Methodism’s Cornish roots and offers a peaceful glimpse into spiritual history.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • needlecraft

set in Honiton's oldest building with one of the most comprehensive collections of Honiton Lace in the world with examples from 16th 20th Century

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • cars

containing an array of vintage, post vintage and classic cars, along with some classic motorbikes

Bibury Trout Farm

Cirencester

  • leisure facility
  • -
  • something different!
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • food & drink
  • -
  • sport

Bibury Trout Farm, one of England’s oldest working trout farms, offers peaceful riverside walks and the chance to catch your own fish. Set in the picturesque Cotswold village of Bibury, it’s ideal for families and nature lovers.

Bolberry Down

Kingsbridge

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

natural landscape - dramatic clifftop with far-reaching views - levelled circular walking trails - breathtaking coastal landscape - hotel & inn nearby

  • place of worship
  • -
  • ruin
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • religion

once an important and wealthy monastery and part of the Benedictine order who were renowned for their tradition of hospitality

  • tourist railway
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains

built in 1926 and offering breathtaking scenery of the surrounded cliffs and beaches

  • landmark
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • walking

remains of an ancient Iron Age village in a scenic setting which was inhabited for some for 500 years

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

visitors can admire the remains of an Iron Age fort which is situated in a fine example of chalk grassland, running alongside is the Ridgeway National Trail

Bayard's Cove Fort

Dartmouth

  • ruin
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • military history
  • -
  • walking

enjoy the picturesque views of the Dart Valley from the remains of this small Tudor artillery fort

  • historic house
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • craft shop
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • Beatrix Potter
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • literature

with a small museum featuring the 'Tailor of Gloucester' , this is the house that inspired Beatrix Potter to write her story

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage

provided stone for 24 cathedrals and thus over the centuries a vast man-made complex of underground caverns have been created

  • fortress
  • -
  • ruin
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • walking

tucked away in a deep wooded valley, this romantic ruin has the preserved remains of an Elizabethan mansion. An audio tour is available

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • film
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • social history
  • -
  • TV

one of Britain's largest public collections housing large collections of books, prints, artefacts and ephemera relating to the history of cinema

Blackbury Camp

Southleigh

  • landmark
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

remains on an Iron Age hill fort - impressive ramparts - now surrounded by woodland - walks - wildlife - ideal place for picnics

Blackfriars Priory

Gloucester

  • historic house
  • -
  • pre-booking advised
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history

once a Dominican priory and then the house of a rich merchant dating back to the 13th Century

Borough Farm

Mortehoe

  • farm park
  • -
  • film/tv location
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • TV
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

home of Channel Five’s ‘Mist sheepdog tales’ this 400 acre working farm is home to a flock of 700 breeding ewes, plus their lambs, holds sheepdog & Falconry displays throughout the summer - April lambing open days

  • museum
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains

situated in the old station building - displays a varied collection reflecting the history of the town & area - exhibits include the remains of a 16th century pottery kiln, a GWR Brake Van & mine artefacts

  • something different!
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • pre-booking advised
  • -
  • guided tours
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history

medieval passages under the city's streets that were built to take fresh water pipes into the city with an exhibition and video presentation

  • museum
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history

The American Museum in Bath, set in Claverton Manor, explores the culture of the United States. Its collections include folk art, quilts, decorative arts and period rooms, all surrounded by gardens with views across the Limpley Stoke Valley.

Arlington Row

Bibury

  • landmark
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • external view only
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • architecture

Arlington Row in Bibury is one of England’s most photographed streets. Its 17th-century stone cottages, once weavers’ homes, line a tranquil stream and epitomise the timeless charm of the Cotswolds.

Ashton Windmill

Stone Allerton

  • something different!
  • -
  • viewpoint
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • history

Ashton Windmill, a 19th-century tower mill on the Mendip Hills, once ground corn for the local community. Now preserved as a museum, it features original machinery, offers panoramic views and showcases traditional milling heritage.

Athelstan Museum

Malmesbury

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • fashion
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • needlecraft

The Athelstan Museum in Malmesbury explores the town’s rich history from prehistoric times to today. Displays include local artefacts, medieval treasures, and exhibits on King Athelstan, England’s first crowned ruler.

Avalon Vineyard

Shepton Mallet

  • vineyard
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • food & drink
  • -
  • wine

Avalon Vineyard, in Somerset, produces organic wines and ciders amid views of Glastonbury Tor. Visitors can tour the vines, sample local flavours, and enjoy a relaxed taste of rural English winemaking.

  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • wildlife

Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park near Bristol combines farm animals, outdoor play and family activities. With tractor rides, adventure zones and seasonal events, it’s a lively day out for children and nature lovers.

  • tourist railway
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • film
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains
  • -
  • TV

The Avon Valley Railway near Bristol offers nostalgic steam and diesel journeys through scenic countryside. With restored stations, vintage carriages and a café, it’s a charming heritage experience for all ages.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • needlecraft
  • -
  • photography

Axminster Heritage Centre tells the story of the town famed for its carpets. Exhibits cover local history, crafts, geology and industry, with interactive displays and a recreated heritage street scene bringing Axminster’s past to life.

  • leisure facility
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • surfing

Barefoot Surf School in Cornwall offers expert surf lessons for all levels on Polzeath Beach. With qualified instructors and top equipment, it’s a friendly, safe way to learn and enjoy one of the UK’s best surfing spots.

Bath Racecourse

Lansdown

  • leisure facility
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • pre-booking advised
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • music
  • -
  • nature

Bath Racecourse, set on Lansdown Hill, is one of Britain’s highest flat racing venues. It hosts thrilling race days, events and concerts, with sweeping views over Bath and the surrounding countryside.

Batsford Arboretum

Moreton-in-Marsh

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Batsford Arboretum in the Cotswolds is a stunning 56-acre landscape of rare trees and plants from around the world. Its winding paths and seasonal colour make it a peaceful haven in every season.

Beaminster Museum

Beaminster

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • photography

Beaminster Museum in Dorset highlights the town’s history through archaeology, geology, farming and domestic life. With changing exhibitions and local artefacts, it offers an engaging insight into the heritage of this West Dorset community.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Beckford’s Tower, on Lansdown Hill near Bath, is a striking neoclassical folly built in 1827. Once part of William Beckford’s estate, it now houses a museum on his life and offers panoramic views from its 120-foot tower.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage
  • -
  • jewellery

Blue Hills Tin Streams, near St Agnes, is Cornwall’s last working tin stream. Visitors can watch traditional tin production, explore the valley setting, and discover the enduring legacy of Cornish mining.

  • leisure facility
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Boscawen Park, in Truro, is a riverside park with spacious lawns, sports facilities, and floral displays. Popular for walks, picnics, and events, it’s a lively green space close to the city centre.

Botallack

St. Just

  • film/tv location
  • -
  • historic house
  • -
  • natural landscape
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • visitor centre
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • industrial heritage

Botallack, on Cornwall’s rugged coast, is famed for its dramatic cliffside engine houses from the tin mining era. Part of a World Heritage Site, it offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into Cornwall’s industrial past.

Bourton House Garden

Moreton-in-Marsh

  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Bourton House Garden in the Cotswolds is a beautifully designed three-acre garden surrounding an 18th-century manor. Its vibrant borders, topiary, and imaginative planting create a stunning display through every season.

Bradford-on-Avon Museum

Bradford-on-Avon

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history

Bradford-on-Avon Museum explores the town’s past with Roman finds, weaving displays and local artefacts. Set in the Library Building, it offers a compact, engaging look at Wiltshire’s heritage.

  • museum
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • maritime heritage
  • -
  • literature
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains

Braunton & District Museum in North Devon tells the story of village life, farming and seafaring. Exhibits include wartime relics, surf history and local crafts, offering a rich glimpse into Braunton’s heritage.

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • wildlife

Brean Down Tropical Bird Garden in Somerset is home to exotic birds, animals and lush plants. Set near the coast, it offers a colourful, relaxing escape for wildlife lovers and families.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • maritime heritage
  • -
  • military history
  • -
  • toys & models

Bridgwater Blake Museum explores the town’s history and its link to Admiral Robert Blake. Exhibits cover local industry, archaeology and maritime heritage, offering an engaging look at Somerset’s past.

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Cardinham Woods near Bodmin offer scenic walking and cycling trails through peaceful forest landscapes. With picnic spots, a café and abundant wildlife, it’s a perfect destination for outdoor relaxation and adventure.

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Carnewas at Bedruthan, managed by the National Trust, boasts towering sea stacks, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping coastal views. Its scenic trails and café make it one of Cornwall’s most breathtaking coastal spots.

  • theme park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • wildlife

Cattle Country Adventure Park in Berkeley offers family fun with indoor play barns, outdoor rides, farm animals and adventure zones. Set in the Gloucestershire countryside, it’s ideal for children to explore, play and learn.

  • archeological site
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • archeology

The Cirencester Roman Amphitheatre, dating from the 2nd century AD, is one of the largest in Britain. Now a grassy earthwork, it once hosted gatherings and games for the citizens of Roman Corinium.

Cotswolds Pottery

Bourton-on-the-Water

  • art gallery
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • ceramics

The Cotswold Pottery in Bourton-on-the-Water is a charming studio and gallery where handmade stoneware and earthenware are crafted on-site. Visitors can browse unique pieces reflecting traditional techniques and natural tones.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history
  • -
  • literature

The Daphne du Maurier Museum at Jamaica Inn, Bodmin Moor, explores the author’s life and her links to the inn that inspired her famous novel. Displays include personal items, letters, and memorabilia celebrating her Cornish legacy.

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Fox Rosehill Gardens, in Falmouth, is a subtropical oasis filled with exotic plants from around the world. Sheltered by the mild Cornish climate, it offers peaceful walks among palms, ferns, and vibrant blooms.

Godrevy

Gwithian

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Godrevy, managed by the National Trust, offers sweeping beaches, dramatic cliffs, and views of the iconic lighthouse. It’s perfect for coastal walks, seal watching, and enjoying the untamed beauty of Cornwall’s north coast.

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Golitha Falls Reserve, near Liskeard, is a woodland haven where the River Fowey cascades through rocky gorges. Its mossy trails and rushing waterfalls create a magical setting for walks and wildlife.

Goss Moor Reserve

Goss Moor

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • cycling
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Goss Moor Reserve, near St Columb Major, is Cornwall’s largest inland nature reserve. Its open moorland, wetlands, and trails provide a peaceful haven for walkers, cyclists, and rare wildlife.

Gunwalloe

Penrose

  • natural landscape
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • archeology
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Gunwalloe, cared for by the National Trust, features rugged coastline, sandy coves, and the charming church of St Winwaloe set by the sea. It’s ideal for scenic walks, wildlife spotting, and exploring Cornwall’s wild beauty.

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • café

Gyllyngdune Gardens, in Falmouth, combine Victorian charm with coastal beauty. Featuring elegant terraces, a shell grotto, and sea views, they offer a tranquil escape just steps from the town and seafront.

Heddon Valley

Barnstaple

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • National Trust
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Heddon Valley, cared for by the National Trust, is a wooded river valley on Exmoor’s coast. With scenic walking trails, wildlife-rich habitats and access to dramatic clifftop paths, it’s a peaceful spot for exploring nature and views.

Iford Manor Gardens

nr Bradford-on-Avon

  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • external view only
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Iford Manor Gardens near Bradford-on-Avon blend Italianate design with tranquil terraces, statues and water features. Created by architect Harold Peto, the gardens offer peaceful walks and stunning valley views.

  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • external view only

Ken-Caro Garden, near Liskeard, is a peaceful two-acre garden with colourful borders, ponds, and valley views. Lovingly designed, it showcases diverse plants and seasonal interest in a serene Cornish countryside setting.

Kiftsgate Court Garden

Chipping Campden

  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Kiftsgate Court Garden in the Cotswolds is a family-created masterpiece known for its dramatic hillside setting and lush planting. Famous for the Kiftsgate rose, it offers sweeping views and vibrant seasonal colour.

  • fortress
  • -
  • ruin
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

King Charles’s Castle, on Tresco in the Isles of Scilly, is a 16th-century artillery fort built to defend against French attack. Its clifftop ruins offer sweeping sea views and a glimpse into island history.

  • park
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Kit Hill Country Park, near Callington, offers panoramic views from its granite summit. Rich in mining history and wildlife, it’s perfect for walking, picnicking, and exploring Cornwall’s highest inland point.

Launceston Castle

Launceston

  • ruin
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • English Heritage
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • walking

Launceston Castle, perched above the town, is a Norman stronghold with a striking round keep. Its ruins and panoramic views over Cornwall reveal centuries of power and defence on the Devon–Cornwall border.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • limited opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • toys & models

Liskeard & District Museum explores the town’s rich history through mining exhibits, local crafts, and social heritage. Interactive displays and changing exhibitions make it a lively stop for discovering South East Cornwall’s past.

Lynton & Barnstaple Railway

Martinhoe Cross

  • tourist railway
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • transport
  • -
  • trains

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is a heritage narrow-gauge line in North Devon. Visitors can ride restored steam trains through Exmoor countryside, enjoy the Woody Bay station and experience a glimpse of Victorian railway charm.

  • historic house
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • social history

Mary Newman’s Cottage, in Saltash, is a 15th-century Tudor home once linked to Sir Francis Drake’s first wife. With period furnishings and riverside views, it offers a charming glimpse into Elizabethan domestic life.

Mevagissey Museum

Mevagissey

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • ceramics
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • maritime heritage

Mevagissey Museum, set in a historic harbour building, tells the story of the village’s fishing and boatbuilding past. Its artefacts, photos, and maritime displays celebrate Cornwall’s coastal traditions and seafaring life.

Morrab Gardens

Penzance

  • garden
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • free admission
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking

Morrab Gardens, in Penzance, is a subtropical haven filled with palms, tree ferns, and exotic plants. Sheltered by the town, it offers peaceful walks, sea glimpses, and a touch of Victorian elegance.

  • museum
  • -
  • all-weather attraction
  • -
  • open year round
  • -
  • architecture

The Museum of Bath Architecture, housed in a former chapel, tells the story of the city’s Georgian design. Exhibits include models, drawings and tools that reveal how Bath’s elegant crescents, terraces and squares were built.

  • museum
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • ceramics
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history

North Cornwall Museum, in Camelford, showcases the region’s heritage through artefacts, crafts, and tools. Its exhibits explore rural life, local industries, and the traditions that shaped North Cornwall’s identity.

  • museum
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • antiques
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • local history

The Old Guildhall Museum, in Looe, occupies a 15th-century building that once served as the town’s magistrates’ court. Its exhibits reveal Looe’s maritime history, smuggling tales, and local heritage.

Rodmarton Manor

Cirencester

  • historic house
  • -
  • garden
  • -
  • seasonal opening
  • -
  • café
  • -
  • shop
  • -
  • architecture
  • -
  • art
  • -
  • ceramics
  • -
  • furniture
  • -
  • history
  • -
  • nature
  • -
  • walking
  • -
  • wildlife

Rodmarton Manor in Gloucestershire is a quintessential Arts and Crafts house, built entirely by local craftsmen. Its handmade furniture, detailed interiors, and beautiful gardens reflect the movement’s harmony between design and nature.

  • nature reserve
  • -
  • family-friendly
  • -
  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • sport
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Siblyback Lake Country Park, near Liskeard, offers watersports, cycling, and scenic walks amid moorland views. With a lakeside café and wildlife spotting, it’s ideal for adventure and relaxation in Cornwall’s outdoors.

St Anthony Head

Portscatho

  • natural landscape
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  • viewpoint
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  • family-friendly
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  • National Trust
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

St Anthony Head, on the Roseland Peninsula, is a National Trust coastal headland with panoramic sea views, walking trails, and a historic lighthouse. It’s a prime spot for wildlife, ship-watching, and coastal exploration.

  • landmark
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

The St Breock Downs Monolith near Wadebridge is Cornwall’s largest standing stone. Dating back to the Bronze Age, it stands dramatically on open moorland, offering sweeping views across the Cornish countryside.

  • fortress
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • architecture
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  • history
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  • military history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

St Catherine’s Castle, near Fowey, is a small Tudor fort built by Henry VIII to defend the harbour. Perched on a wooded headland, it offers historic charm and sweeping coastal views.

  • leisure facility
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • cycling
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  • nature
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  • sport
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  • walking

Stithians Lake Country Park, near Redruth, is a hub for watersports, walking, and wildlife. Its scenic trails, café, and birdwatching spots make it perfect for outdoor recreation in Cornwall’s countryside.

Tamar Lakes

Thurdon

  • leisure facility
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • cycling
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Tamar Lakes on the Cornwall–Devon border offer watersports, fishing and scenic walks. Surrounded by wildlife and countryside, they’re ideal for sailing, kayaking or simply relaxing by the water.

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • seasonal opening
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  • café
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  • nature
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  • wildlife

The Cornish Birds of Prey Centre, near St Columb Major, cares for rescued raptors and other animals. With flying displays and close encounters, it offers an inspiring look at wildlife conservation in Cornwall.

  • sightseeing tour
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • history
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  • maritime heritage

The Cremyll Ferry links Plymouth with Cornwall’s Mount Edgcumbe. Operating across the River Tamar, it offers a scenic short trip with beautiful harbour views and easy access to coastal walks.

  • garden
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  • open year round
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  • café
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

The Garden at Miserden in Gloucestershire is a timeless Cotswold garden overlooking rolling valleys. Combining formal terraces, herbaceous borders, and ancient trees, it offers year-round beauty and serene countryside charm.

  • garden
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  • something different!
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  • seasonal opening
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  • shop
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  • nature
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  • walking

The Japanese Garden in St Mawgan blends Eastern design with Cornish tranquillity. Featuring maples, koi ponds, and stone paths, it offers a serene space for reflection and year-round natural beauty.

  • nature reserve
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  • family-friendly
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  • limited opening
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  • shop
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  • wildlife

The National Lobster Hatchery, in Padstow, is a marine conservation centre working to protect lobster populations. Visitors can see baby lobsters up close and learn about sustainable fishing and coastal ecology.

Treffry Viaduct

Luxulyan

  • landmark
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  • family-friendly
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  • open year round
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  • pre-booking advised
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  • history
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  • industrial heritage
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  • nature
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  • transport
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  • trains
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  • walking

The Treffry Viaduct near Luxulyan is a striking 19th-century granite structure that once carried both water and rail. Set in a wooded valley, it’s a marvel of Cornish engineering within a tranquil World Heritage landscape.

Trethevy Quoit

St. Cleer

  • landmark
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  • ruin
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • English Heritage
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  • archeology
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  • history
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  • local history
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  • walking
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  • wildlife

Trethevy Quoit, near St Cleer, is a striking Neolithic tomb of massive stone slabs. Standing over nine feet tall, it offers a powerful glimpse into Cornwall’s prehistoric landscape and ancient rituals.

  • garden
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  • family-friendly
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  • free admission
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  • open year round
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  • history
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  • nature
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  • walking

Victoria Gardens, in Truro, is a peaceful Victorian park filled with colourful flowerbeds, ornamental trees, and a charming bandstand. Close to the city centre, it offers a tranquil green escape year-round.

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