Outside London

SOUTH WEST

The South West of England region - from the Isles of Scilly, to the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire – is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Britain.

BATH AREA - Midsomer Norton, Shepton Mallet, Frome

Situated on the banks of the river Avon and surrounded by the Cotswold area of outstanding natural beauty, the 2,000 year old city of Bath enjoys a wonderful location and history. The amazing complex of Roman Baths, heated by hot springs to 46 degrees, lies within a city renowned for its elegant 18th century Georgian architecture and literary connections with Jane Austen.

Picture: South West England Picture: South West England

Day Visits to:

  • Stonehenge, built 4,000 years ago, the largest pre-history circle in Europe
  • Shakespeare's Stratford-on-Avon
  • Warwick Castle, the greatest medieval castle in England
  • Underground exploration of Blaenavon Big Pit coal mine
  • St Fagan's Welsh Folk Museum, the principal feature being a magnificent collection of farm buildings from 14th - 19th century
  • Oxford University town
  • Wookey Hole Caves and Cheddar Gorge
  • The tiny cathedral city of Wells.
TEIGNMOUTH

Teignmouth is one of Devon's oldest seaside resorts. There are many good sandy beaches, a pier, an attractive esplanade and an interesting walk to nearby Dawlish with the sea on one side and the train line squeezed against the cliff wall on the other.

Picture: South West England Picture: South West England

Day Visits to:

  • Lydford Gorge, the twisting narrow path above the river was once the hideaway of a notorious band of 17th century robbers
  • Take a scenic ride along the narrow gauge South Devon Railway
  • Tavistock and Totnes market towns
  • Lyme Regis seaside resort and fossil hunt
  • Dartmoor National Park and 13th century clapper bridge (massive flat rocks supported by stone pillars just above the river)
  • Plymouth naval dockyard
  • Kent's Cavern depicting man's primeval fight for survival.
CHRISTCHURCH

This pleasant seaside town nestles between the rivers Avon and Stour at their confluence and enjoys unparalleled harbour views, walks and wildlife.

Picture: South West England Picture: South West England

Day Visits to:

  • Portsmouth to see the magnificent ships of England's past naval might:- HMS Victory, Nelson's flagship at Trafalgar; Henry VIII's Mary Rose, which capsized on her first engagement without firing a gun; HMS Warrior, the most formidable warship of her day
  • Portchester Castle, the most complete Roman fort in northern Europe
  • Maiden Castle, the Iron Age fort that was overwhelmed in bitter fighting by Rome's foreign legions
  • The swannery at Abbotsbury where 600 swans shelter behind the pebbles of 20km Chesil beach
  • Gosport Royal Naval Submarine Museum
  • Winchester and Salisbury two quiet ancient towns with wide pedestrianised shopping areas
  • Stonehenge, built 4,000 years ago, the largest pre-historic circle in Europe.
Picture: Teenage Kids Jumping in the air