Top Things to do in South West England
10 Ancient Ruins in South West England That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in South West England, United Kingdom including Chapel Carn Brea, Scorhill Stone Circle, Tintagel Castle, Chysauster Ancient Village, St. Mawes Castle, Merry Maidens, Avebury Stone Circle, The Hurlers (3 stone circles), Maiden Castle, West Kennet Long Barrow.
Restaurants in South West England
1. Chapel Carn Brea
2. Scorhill Stone Circle
3. Tintagel Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,358 reviews
This brooding 13th-century castle sits on the rugged and spectacular Atlantic coast in Cornwall, which recalls the myth and mystery associated with King Arthur and Merlin the magician. New exhibition explores the stories linking Tintagel to King Arthur which includes a 3D model of the site illustrating how it has changed over the centuries. Dog friendly and child friendly, this is a great day out for all the family.
Reviewed By E7915GUianc - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Excellent trip to the castle, im petrified of heights and still managed to get to the top, king Arthur is up on the highest of hills and the views from up there are breath taking... it is well worth a visit... excellent fun for ALL the family
4. Chysauster Ancient Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Dated back to the later Iron Age and in continued use during the Roman period, this ancient settlement consists of about seven round huts, the walls of which are mostly intact and well preserved. Stunning views across the countryside and out to sea. Child and dog friendly.
Reviewed By 149stuartc - Rayleigh, United Kingdom
We popped into Chysauster on the way to St Ives and so glad we did. There was a small car park with toilets. From there it is a 5 to 10 minute walk up a hill to the ancient village. The man in the English Heritage shop was so friendly and funny making my teenage daughters laugh when he said they might find an ancient version of Primark walking around the village. The village itself is fantastic and unlike anything I’ve ever visited before. There are lots of information boards and even a lookout over the whole site. Having looked around the kids decided to have a game of hide and seek which was so much fun. A really interesting day place.
5. St. Mawes Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 635 reviews
This round stone artillery fortress was built for Henry the Eighth in 1542, using a cloverleaf plan with a four-storied round tower. Take the free audio tour to discover life at the castle during the Civil War and explore the castle and grounds with its stunning views out to sea. Child friendly and dog friendly.
Reviewed By 762jeffreyg - London, United Kingdom
Set just outside St Mawes this castle built on behalf of Henry VIII was intended to stop invaders and pirates from invading the upper reaches of the river estuary. Later the French and then Germans were the main threat and so this castle and Pendennis Castle on the other side of the Estuary controlled these waters with their artillery for many years. There are many steps and the castle is structured over a number of layers to provide gun platforms for controlling that side of estuary. Lots of hand rails and safety guards. Excellent toilet facilities and shop run by English Heritage. Lots of benches for sitting and admiring the views and ideal for picnics.
6. Merry Maidens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 208 reviews
One of England's best-preserved and complete ancient stone circles consisting of 19 granite stones that form a perfect circle nearly 78 feet in diameter.
Reviewed By SClond - London, United Kingdom
We saw the merry maidens from the upper deck of a bus thanks to a tip off from a local after we had been excited by an earlier view of a single standing stone on the same A1 bus route. The bus waited there quite a long time and we realised it was because the bus driver had stopped to pop out and. take photos of the maidens. The local said he had been using the bus for 30 years but had never seen a driver stop to take pictures before.
7. Avebury Stone Circle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,291 reviews
This mysterious stone circle is thought to have been constructed in Neolithic times between 2500 to 2000 BC by The Beaker people, who might have played a major role in the formation of another eerie ancient site at Stonehenge.
Reviewed By F5904TEianm - Ashbourne, United Kingdom
In many ways more impressive than Stonehenge, and such a lot to see. It's great to get up close and walk amongst and indeed touch the stones, also a beautiful picturesque village with pub, church, manor house and museum barn. Easily enough for a half day, or perhaps a full day. If you enjoy walking and exploring our history, a 5 mile circuit also taking in Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow makes a full and fine day!
8. The Hurlers (3 stone circles)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Said to have been hurled by an angry God in response to violation of His Sabbath day, these three large stone circles are built close together and vary in size from 105 feet to 135 feet across.
Reviewed By PaulC923 - Plymouth, United Kingdom
Wonderful scenery with breathtaking views across Bodmin Moor and beyond. A gentle walk to the Cheesewring passing Daniel Gumps old "house" gives you an idea of what it was like many years ago. Occasional climbers in the quarry below the Cheesewring make interesting watching. Good choice of cafes and a pub in Minnions
9. Maiden Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 371 reviews
Reviewed By petersL830TM
Maiden Castle offers a brilliant free outing for anything from a spare half hour stroll to a half day exploring and picnicing. There is a large free car park and clearly marked and well maintained paths up to the remarkable three rampart and ditch system surrounding an extensive grassy plateau. The elevated position offers excellent views all round, including down to Dorchester and Poundbury, and the chalky subsoil drains fast so it is good for most weathers and dries out fast after rain. A natural delight for both adults and children.
10. West Kennet Long Barrow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 360 reviews
Reviewed By 71flojo - Newbury, United Kingdom
Nice 10-15 min walk from lay by mostly uphill to the Long Barrow which has large stones at the entrance where you can squeeze past to enter the chambers. It is very dark inside but can see several rooms branching off. Worth a look inside. Standing on the top of the site is a lovely view of Silbury Hill in the distance.
