Explore England’s West Country

A favourite holiday destination in England is the West Country, with places such as Torquay, the Isles of Scilly, Bath and of course charming seaside towns. With coastal scenery that ranges from rugged to gentle swells, picturesque fishing villages and two national parks, there is no end to the entertainment and exploration of England’s West Country.

The most important British Stone Age site, Kents Cavern, is located in the coastal town of Torquay. The many strata which makes up the floor in the cavern is proof of human habitation going back to around 700,000 years ago. Crossing into Cornwall one will find themselves in Newquay, another coastal town with history and charm. From pre-historic burial mounds on the Barrowfields to a village from the Bronze Age at Trethellan Farm, Newquay is another popular destination.

The Isles of Scilly are an archipelago of five islands around 30 miles from Land’s End. Hugh Town is located on, St. Mary, the largest of the islands and is where the majority of tourists go to when visiting the Isles of Scilly. There are several beaches, pubs and shopping in Hugh Town. Bird enthusiasts should head here in October because this is the first stop for many migratory birds including some rare species from North America and from Siberia.

Traveling into Devon, visitors can pass through Bideford which is situated on the River Torridge and is infamous for hosting the last witch hangings in England. Then visitors can head into medieval Dunster to see Dunster Castle. Owned by private families until 1976, the castle today is used to house the National Plant Collection of Strawberry Trees. Other landmarks include the 17th century Yarn Market and Conygar Tower.

One of the largest medieval towns in England, Bristol is not to be missed when on holiday in the West Country. Some of the landmarks include the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Avon Gorge and theatre productions at the Bristol Hippodrome. For a unique experience check out the Bristol Blue Glass Factory.

Mendip Hills and Cheddar Gorge are more photographic villages to see as is the town of Bath which is a World Heritage Site. Visit Pulteney Bridge for breathtaking architecture, the Roman Baths and the Jane Austen Centre with guides in period costume and an afternoon tea.

Even more stops to include are Truro, Falmouth, Exmoor and Wells. You can explore England’s West Country through escorted holidays or coach tours, or even by yourself, one thing is for sure however, you will take home memories for a lifetime.

By Suzana