Top Things to do in South West England
Things to do in South West England, England: The Best Historic Sites
Discover the best top things to do in South West England, United Kingdom including Coleton Fishacre, Wells Cathedral, Jurassic Coast, Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room, Bath Abbey, The Roman Baths, Cabot Tower, Powderham Castle, Lanhydrock House and Garden, Saltram (National Trust).
Restaurants in South West England
1. Coleton Fishacre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,786 reviews
Reviewed By JandAre
Third visit to this beautiful house. The grounds are magnificent and stretch down to the river. Unusual plants everywhere adding so much colour and interest. This is by far my favourite NT property - the warm feel of the house coupled with stunning views and beautifully designed and planted gardens surpass all the others.
2. Wells Cathedral
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,708 reviews
Climb the spiral staircase to walk in the footsteps of Cathedral masons with behind-the-scenes tours of Wells Cathedral’s High Parts; the most memorable thing to do in Wells! Discover hidden spaces and chambers, explore the south transept roof space and marvel at the nave from a very different perspective! Tours run regularly throughout the week; book via the website. Terms and Conditions apply.
Reviewed By DKS824 - Harrow, United Kingdom
This Cathedral is very beautiful both in and out, I loved seeing the clocks striking on the quarter hour and hearing the choir practising was a special joy while wandering around. There are some steps up to the Chapter House on the left which is a light area with a very attractive ceiling and a good place to sit peacefully for a few minutes.
3. Jurassic Coast
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 220 reviews
We offer professional guided walks, tours and fossil hunts anywhere along the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas. There is so much to be discovered within the World Heritage site. Not only is there 95 miles of breathtaking coastline, but delve a little deeper and you can physically 'walk throught time' as it reveals 185 million years of life on earth, showcasing the three Dinosaur periods known as Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous. Let us guide you through time so you can experience the wonders that are to be discovered along the way...... We pride ourselves as being Ambassadors for the Jurassic Coast. Plan your walks with us and get the most from your visit, Learn more about the geology and fossils of this world famous coastline. Walks and tours can be tailored to suit all ages and abilities. They are led by a trained & experienced Coastal Leader. Walks and tours can be arranged for individuals, couples, families or groups.
Reviewed By 997DanielC - Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
If you want to avoid paying for parking you can park your cars higher up the hill and walk down to see the sights of the South English countryside. Once you reach the famous coast you'll see it is filled with rocks, watch your step because you can slip and maybe twist your ankle. Look up at the cliffs next to you and you'll history that dates back 80 million years back when dinosaurs still walked the Earth. You can also see that the cliff is in layers, each one piled on top of each other and showing a different time period. Surprisingly when you touch the stone it feels soft and brittle as it easily breaks off in your hands, sometimes some will rain on your head from above. Keep your eyes open and you may even find some real fossils trapped in huge rocks or in the cliff itself; the fossils are of sea creatures called ammonites.Keep walking out to the sea and you'll be surprised by how far you'll get since the rocks are hidden beneath the water, it almost looks like you're walking on the water. Follow the rocks around the edge of the cliff and you'll find some great photo opportunities suck as large rocks sitting on their own in the water that you can jump over too. Once you've finished here there is usually an ice cream van and a Mexican food van nearby, or you can go to the nearby village and visit a pub. Across the road is a museum all about the dinosaurs that had once lived here which takes about an hour to explore.
4. Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 647 reviews
Opening 12th April Please check website for opening days. Booking from 9.00am on the day by phone. Following Government guidelines David and Kathy’s Tearoom will be providing outdoor undercover seating with cakes made from flour milled onsite, from 12th April 2021. The Mill interior will open later in the year when permitted.
Reviewed By HAL101
3 of us enjoyed a gorgeous afternoon tea at this pretty corn mill near Ilfracombe bay. One friend is diabetic and I am vegan. The staff were very knowledgeable about different dietary needs. My freshly baked vegan cheese scone was delicious, the nicest scone I have ever had. There was a choice of savoury or sweet (24 hours notice required for vegan). There was a choice of cheese or houmous with it. I chose cheese with onion marmalade for my scone and houmous and chutney for my sandwich. The bread was lovely. After, there was a choice of 2 vegan cakes( raspberry and coconut or cherry and chocolate), both delicious. It was served with a huge pot of tea. There was plenty to eat , the food was delicious ( much is baked with their own milled flour) and it was very reasonably priced.
5. Bath Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8,059 reviews
Begun in 1499 by Bishop King, this is England's last great medieval church, dissolved in 1539 and now serving as a parish church.
Reviewed By russelljf72 - Brixham, United Kingdom
What a thoroughly interesting site, spent a good while looking around the place, which is worth a visit in itself. We came back for the next available TOWER TOUR which was very reasonably priced and the absolute highlight of my day - you need to be able bodied and physically fit to climb the steep and very numerous stairs of the spiral staircase, but you are well rewarded. Very knowledgeable guides, small groups (due to space confines) and amazing content - sitting behind the clock face, on top of the Fan ceiling, in the Bell Room and on the roof of the tower with its stunning views of Bath are BIG highlights. I'd give this 6 out of 5 if I could!
6. The Roman Baths
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,941 reviews
The Roman Baths is one of the finest historic sites in Northern Europe, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK. Hidden beneath the present city of Bath lies the stone remains of one of the finest religious spas of the ancient world.
Reviewed By 2chopper - Banbury, United Kingdom
Excellent and unique must see attractions in Bath, is fascinating to learn the history of the Roman Baths, the free audio guide provides extra information too
7. Cabot Tower
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,424 reviews
Reviewed By Shelbegrn - East Garston, United Kingdom
Cabot Tower offers serene and beautiful park surroundings with plenty of park benches and natural water features to revive tired souls or even calm hectic ones. The path to the tower is very steep and may be impossible to climb for those with mobility issues.
8. Powderham Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Open from 24 March until 1 November 2019. Powderham Castle is the family home of the 19th Earl & Countess of Devon. It was originally built by Sir Philip Courtenay in 1391 and despite undergoing many transformations since surviving the ravages of the civil war in the 17th century, it has remained in the same family. Entertaining guided tours bring the fascinating history to life, you will find them engaging whatever your age. Discover secret doors, stunning architecture and even a haunted landing. We would advise you to allow at least 3 hours for your visit so you can take time to explore the many acres of gardens and grounds. The Walled Garden is home to our friendly Powderham pets, including Tessa the tortoise and Harry the donkey, and is a safe haven for our little visitors. Relax in the peaceful surroundings, from the beautiful Rose Garden, overlooking the deer park and Exe estuary to the Woodland Garden, with its stunning collection of trees.
Reviewed By keithkillingback - Dawlish, United Kingdom
Great place to visit, great restaurant good menu friendly staff, good farm shop and butlers, good walks dog friendly
9. Lanhydrock House and Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,035 reviews
This 19th-century high-Victorian country house is one of the most fascinating in England. Colourful gardens, riverside walks and family friendly cycle trails.
Reviewed By pgould87 - Burton upon Trent, United Kingdom
Keep coming back we love visiting been many times staff are so friendly even our youngest managed to catch a ride back up on the electric buggy car lol cheeky devil definitely worth visiting so much to see beautiful house and gardens
10. Saltram (National Trust)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 959 reviews
Saltram House is a George II era mansion located in Plympton, Plymouth, England. The house that can be seen today is the work of Robert Adam, who altered the original Tudor house on two occasions. Wikipedia Saltram park offers a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and picnics. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Car park fees payable to non-National Trust members. Enjoy the Park Cafe, Shop and visit the House, Garden with Orangery, Castle Folly and Chapel Tea Room. There is a display of Arts and Crafts by local artists in the Gallery. Become a member and support the National Trust in the conservation work carried out to preserve our heritage for future generations and enjoy these facilities free all year. See our web pages for special events and opening time
Reviewed By woolywombat - Sedona, United States
Simply a magnificent property. The National Trust is lucky to have this estate which was turned over to the government with furnishings almost intact in lieu of death duties. There are numerous paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, a library of over 3,000 books, remarkable Chinese wallpaper, a spectacular collection of Wedgewood, and much, much more. Room docents were outstanding. The gardens are beautiful and there is both a tea room and a delightful cafe where we enjoyed a late lunch - the carrot and coriander soup was delicious. There is a gift shop as well as second hand bookshop. Don't miss this treasure!
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