Essential Travel Guide – Articles

The West Country has any attractions for visitors, it has been a holiday favourite in the UK for a long time. Indeed whilst always being popular among visitors from the UK increasing numbers of overseas visitors are paying the region a visit. A closer look at what the area has to offer and it is not difficult to see why it is a tourist hot spot. It ranks with the best for weather in the UK and is home to the English Riviera with its character filled resorts.

One of the main cities in the region is Bristol, it has a recognised music scene and is the largest city in the area. Bath is a smart city, with fashionable shops and bars, it is named from the Roman baths that can still be viewed and provide a great spectacle. The area has some beautiful countryside with villages and walks around Bath and the Mendips in Somerset, or the Cotswolds are all close by. The resort of Weston-super-Mare retains much of its traditional character associated with UK costal resorts.

Somerset is associated as the land of King Arthur and also boasts Glastonbury with its new age association at its core. The Royal Forest of Exmoor contains rare and endangered wildlife including the red deer and Exmoor cat among them. The park some varied landscapes, including coastal, moorland and heath. The Quantock hills were a favourite place with English Romantic poets, inspired by the rural tranquillity. Taunton famous for the cider it produces, you could sample some of the local speciality. World famous for its summer music festival, Glastonbury is more than just a music festival venue, it is a fascinating place in its own right and has a rich history and culture.

The North Devon coast is known as good rambling country, Lynmouth, known as the ‘gateway to Exmoor’, is a good base from which to explore the surrounding areas and many good walks can be had there. The town of Tiverton is worth a visit with its 14th century castle, a museum and a Gothic house with one of finest gardens you will see anywhere.

The south of Devon is best known for its holiday resorts such as the exclusive Salcombe or popular Torquay and Paignton. You may wish to try a traditional cream tea or the local cider produce or to explore and wander around taking in the character filled country lanes and villages. Dartmoor has plenty of walks on offer through the English countryside that have a scattering of well hidden villages and towns. Exeter is one of the most historic cities in the UK with its long history, look out for the cathedral. The coastal town of Torquay and Paignton are popular retreats for people from all over the UK benefiting from good beaches in the area, both towns attract large numbers of visitors in summer.

Cornwall to the extreme south west of the UK has Lands End where you can view some of the most spectacular coastline in the UK and the Lizard Peninsular is famous for its caves and coves. The north coast is firm favourite for surfing fans with its great beaches such as Portreath and lively party centre of Newquay, known as the surfing mecca in the UK. A visit to the Scilly Isles, could mean seeing dolphins known to be in the area, and the Channel Islands are only a short trip away.

The West Country with its coastal resorts, parks, variety of walks, surfing, water sports and wonderful scenic english countryside offer the visitor a range of things to do and see. All that remains is to explore these for yourself!



West Country