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Region of England
Photo: Leebrady99, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The West Country is an unofficial, but popular, name for the South West of England. If you think you know southern England, but haven't ventured beyond the South East, the West Country will be a revelation. It is at once more rural and prettier than its crowded neighbour, offering extensive countryside of hills, forest and moorland, hemmed in on three sides by the sea. From the sandy beaches of Dorset, to the creeks and inlets of Devon, via Somerset's high cliffs and Cornwall's secluded coves, the South West Coast is as diverse as it is long. Large cities are few and far between, but for the cream of the crop, head to vibrant Bristol, historic and up-and-coming Plymouth, beachy Bournemouth or charming Bath.
By coach
Probably the cheapest way of getting to the South West - National Express and Megabus operate many services into the region, including routes from airports.
By rail
Great Western Railway operate most services into the region from London, the South East and Wales.
By air
Bristol Airport (BRS) is the main regional airport with many European destinations and even some in North America.
By ferry
Within the West Country itself are two seaports offering international ferry services: Plymouth receives ferries from Roscoff and St Malo in France, and Santander in Spain, while Poole receives…
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Exeter, Devon · Regional · EXT
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With hot springs that have attracted visitors for 2000 years, Bath is, according to its double UNESCO listing, one of the great spa towns of Europe. Marvel at the Roman baths, stroll the Regency resort or take a dip in the curative waters of Sulis.
A buzzing beach town with something for all ages, where retirement homes abut student halls and everyone spends their weekends on the sand.
Once a bustling medieval port, the South West's biggest city is both fashionable and colourful, while enjoying interesting topography and a world-famous bridge
Devon's county town is blessed with a stunning cathedral and an enviable location between Dartmoor and the sea
The UK's furthest inland port on its longest river; yet another cathedral city with Roman and Medieval credentials
The "Spirit of Discovery" invites you to the place where the pilgrims of the Mayflower set sail for the New World
"New Sarum" boasts England's tallest cathedral spire, a magnificent structure that evokes the great churches of the Continent
Cornwall's compact and pretty capital sits at the heart of the Duchy. Its narrow streets make it pedestrian-friendly and easily walkable
More of a large village than a city, Wells' gorgeousness packs a punch far greater than its size. This most English of settlements surrounds a justifiably famous cathedral
rolling countryside and chocolate box villages make one of England's most iconic areas of outstanding natural beauty. The region also extends into the South East and West Midlands.
windswept moors and lonely tors (peaks) that have inspired legend and literature for centuries.
the heathland home of the hardy Exmoor ponies and Great Britain's highest sea cliffs.
the "Queen of Forests" hugs the Welsh border and is ideal for hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing.
the birthplace of palaeontology and a , where you can dig fossils out of the beach with your plastic bucket and spade.
where Cornwall tumbles into the Atlantic Ocean, and sells a part of its soul to mass tourism.
a rugged and very scenic island off the north Devon coast, home to 20 people, thousands of seabirds and a surprisingly rich history.
the most famous prehistoric stone circle in the world is a joint with Avebury, a village built amongst standing stones about 20 miles to the north.
Articles and travel topics about West Country and United Kingdom.
Travel tipsCut London travel costs with contactless transit capping, avoid airport rail traps, and explore renowned national museums completely free of charge.
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Nature & adventureMaster driving single-track roads in the Scottish Highlands and Skye. Navigate passing places, explore Glencoe and the Quiraing, and manage summer midges.
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ItinerariesLeave London behind on easy direct train day trips. Discover Roman baths in Bath, honey-stone colleges in Oxford, and the royal castle in Windsor.
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InspirationFive small towns where you can unpack for a few days, walk everywhere, and hear yourself think, all reachable without a car.
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