Somerset · City
Bath
Roman history, Georgian architecture and one of Britain's easiest cities to explore on foot.
Explore Bath →Coast, countryside and cities worth slowing down for
Explore a region of cathedral cities, seaside towns, moorland roads, ancient landscapes and dramatic coast. From Bath and Bristol to Dartmoor, Exmoor and the Jurassic Coast, the South West rewards the longer route.
A region made for exploring
One trip can feel like several different Britains
Georgian streets, wild moorland, fishing towns, ancient monuments and long coastal roads all sit within the same wider journey.
Explore the South West
Choose somewhere to begin
Use the map to explore cities, towns, coastlines and landscapes across the South West. Choose a place to open its guide, or use the filters to find the kind of trip you have in mind.
Featured places
Where to go in South West England
Start with a city, coastline or landscape that matches the trip you want, then use each local guide to discover what else is nearby.
City · Culture
Bristol
Harbour history, street art, engineering heritage and a strong base for exploring the wider West Country.
Explore Bristol →
Devon · Landscape
Dartmoor
Granite tors, open moorland, small villages and roads that make the journey part of the day.
Explore Dartmoor →
Dorset · Coast
Jurassic Coast
Cliffs, coves, fossil towns and coastal walks along one of southern England's great shorelines.
Explore the Jurassic Coast →
Somerset · Heritage
Wells & Mendip Hills
A tiny cathedral city within easy reach of caves, gorges, villages and Somerset countryside.
Explore Wells & the Mendips →
Somerset / Devon · Landscape
Exmoor
High moorland meeting the sea, wooded valleys and some of the region's quieter roads and villages.
Explore Exmoor →
Wiltshire · Heritage
Salisbury & Stonehenge
A cathedral city paired with one of Britain's most famous prehistoric landscapes.
Explore Salisbury & Stonehenge →
Devon · City
Exeter
A compact historic city with a cathedral centre and easy routes towards coast, moor and countryside.
Explore Exeter →
Devon · Coast
English Riviera
Torquay, Paignton and Brixham combine harbour towns, beaches and a gentler coastal pace.
Explore the English Riviera →
Choose your kind of day
What is the South West best for?
Sea air & long viewsCoast & Beaches
Open countryMoorland & Walking
Stories in stoneHistory & Heritage
Slow weekendsCities & Market Towns
Easy combinations
Places that work well together
Some of the best South West trips come from combining one main destination with a second place nearby.
Bath, Wells & Cheddar
Mix city architecture with cathedral heritage and dramatic Mendip scenery.
- Bath for Georgian streets and Roman history
- Wells for cathedral atmosphere
- Cheddar Gorge for landscape and caves
Exeter, Dartmoor & South Devon
A strong mix of historic city, moorland and coast without spending the whole trip in the car.
- Exeter for city culture
- Dartmoor for open country
- South Devon for harbours and beaches
Lyme Regis & the Jurassic Coast
Ideal for a slower coastal day built around walking, geology and small-town stops.
- Lyme Regis for harbour and fossil coast
- West Bay for cliffs and views
- Abbotsbury for village and countryside
A region that rewards a little extra time
Distances can look short on the map, but coastal roads, moorland routes and busy summer weekends can make journeys slower than expected. Build the trip around one or two areas rather than trying to cover the whole region in a day.
For a dayChoose one city, one landscape or one stretch of coast.
For a weekendPair a city with countryside or coast nearby.
For a longer stayBase yourself in one area and explore outward.
In summerAllow extra time for popular coastal routes and parking.
When you know where you are going
Stay · Do · Explore
Once you have chosen a destination, the local guide will help you turn it into a complete trip.
Keep exploring west
Cornwall deserves a trip of its own
If your journey continues beyond Devon, explore Cornwall separately for Atlantic coast, fishing towns, gardens, beaches and some of Britain's most distinctive far-west landscapes.