10 Sights & Landmarks in South West England That You Shouldn't Miss

July 9, 2021 Enriqueta Cusson

Discover the best top things to do in South West England, United Kingdom including Coleton Fishacre, Jurassic Coast, The Roman Baths, Tintagel Castle, Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta, Clifton Suspension Bridge, Stourhead House and Garden, Exeter Cathedral, Underground Passages, Lanhydrock House and Garden.
Restaurants in South West England

1. Coleton Fishacre

Coleton Fishacre Brownstone Road Kingswear, Dartmouth TQ6 0EQ England +44 1803 842382 [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/coleton-fishacre
Excellent
83%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,786 reviews

Coleton Fishacre

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. Jurassic Coast

DT11 0JG England +44 1305 224132 [email protected] http://footscape.co.uk/contact
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 220 reviews

Jurassic Coast

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.

3. The Roman Baths

Abbey Church Yard, Bath BA1 1LZ England +44 1225 477785 [email protected] http://www.romanbaths.co.uk
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22,941 reviews

The Roman Baths

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

4. Tintagel Castle

Tintagel Castle Castle Road, Tintagel PL34 0HE England +44 1840 770328 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/tintagel-castle/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=tintagel%20castle
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,358 reviews

Tintagel Castle

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

5. Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

6 The Close, Salisbury SP1 2EF England +44 1722 555120 [email protected] http://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
Excellent
76%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,642 reviews

Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta

Prepare to be amazed by one of the finest cathedrals in the UK, home to Britain’s tallest spire and largest cathedral close and cloisters. Our original 1215 Magna Carta is the best-preserved copy in existence and our 14th century clock is the oldest working mechanical clock in the world. We suggest 1.5 – 3 hours for your visit, but you can see most highlights in 45 minutes if you are pressed for time. You can enjoy delicious snacks and meals prepared freshly on-site in our Refectory Restaurant and browse our unique range of souvenirs in our Gift Shop. 10-minute walk from Salisbury Train Station | 20-minute drive from Stonehenge| 1.5 hours from London. Tickets must be booked online. There is no charge, but please support our work by giving a donation.

Reviewed By TroutQ - London, United Kingdom

What a great day out! I went mainly to see the Magna Carta but was surprised to discover a fantastic art and sculpture collection. The highlights for me being a sculpture by Anthony Gormley, the amazing font and a magnificent tapestry by Grayson Perry, the worlds oldest working clock and of course the Magna Carta. All the staff inside the Cathedral were helpful and friendly but Rob stood out as a fantastic curator. Thanks Rob for taking us back into the Cathedral to view the rear of the tapestry which we hadn't spotted. Oh and of course its a beautiful cathedral.....

6. Clifton Suspension Bridge

Suspension Bridge Road Leigh Woods, Bristol BS8 4AP England +44 117 974 4664 [email protected] http://www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,556 reviews

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Designed and built in 1836 by a young engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this 702-foot-long, 250-foot-high suspension bridge gracefully spans the Avon Gorge between Clifton and Leigh Woods.

Reviewed By Margaretlaurieton

An amazing feat of engineering crossing high above the stunning Avon Gorge which in itself is interesting as there is a wealth of rare fauna

7. Stourhead House and Garden

Stourton BA12 6QD England +44 1747 841152 [email protected] https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead
Excellent
68%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,507 reviews

Stourhead House and Garden

Stourhead includes a Palladian house and world-famous landscape garden. The garden is perhaps the most beautiful and magical of all the great landscape gardens, Stourhead is an 18th-century view of an Arcadian paradise. On a plateau of high ground Stourhead house was built and became home to generations of the Hoare family.

Reviewed By Jeff1903 - King's Lynn, United Kingdom

There is a mansion in the Palladian style, gardens and extensive grounds. Admission is a touch expensive, but the chances are that you are already a National Trust member, but if you are not, it's worth considering especially as it will also save you £4 parking charges. I thought the house was fascinating, but excessively adorned and it gives the impression that quantity was more important than quality when bringing back stuff from the Grand Tour. However there are some gems like a John Piper painting and a Fredrick Leighton portrait. The grounds are magnificent and you are forever coming across temples or follies among the specimen trees and other plants as you walk round the lake. Picnics seem popular and the ice house is the best preserved I can remember seeing. Add in the gardens, shop, café and gallery and there is enough to do here for a whole day. Bear in mind that there is a good deal of walking, much of it up and down steep paths, so it could be a challenge for some and either wait for good weather or bring your waterproofs.

8. Exeter Cathedral

Excellent
66%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,879 reviews

Exeter Cathedral

Lift your gaze to the world’s longest uninterrupted Gothic stone vaulted cathedral ceiling. Discover Scott’s sledging flag from the legendary British Antarctic Expedition. Marvel at the medieval astronomical clock. With a thousand years of history, stunning architecture, unique treasures, musical and spiritual heritage, you’ll feel inspired from the moment you step inside Exeter Cathedral.

9. Underground Passages

2 Paris Street, Exeter EX1 1GA England +44 1392 665887 [email protected] https://exeter.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/our-attractions/underground-passages/
Excellent
44%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 613 reviews

Underground Passages

In light of the advice from the Government about COVID-19 the Underground Passages are closed to the public until further notice. Dating from 14th century, these medieval passages under Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain. The Passages have long exercised a fascination over local people, with stories of wars and sieges, plague and pestilence! Their purpose was simple: to bring clean drinking water from natural springs in fields lying outside the walled city, through lead pipes into the heart of the city. The pipes sometimes sprang leaks and repairs to buried pipes could only be carried out by digging them up as we do today. To avoid this disruption the passages were vaulted and it is down some of these vaulted passageways that visitors are guided.The Passages are dark and narrow with a fascinating history. Visitors can experience interactive and educational exhibits in the Underground Passages Heritage Centre and watch a short video presentation before their guided tour.

Reviewed By JakeCox

Top of our list of things to do (along with the brilliant Royal Albert Museum - see other review) were the famed underground passages of Exeter's interesting past. We booked out tickets for the next tour, beginning in about 45 minutes' time, browsed a few nearby shops and then made our way back and downstairs ready for the tour to begin. In the room downstairs there is plenty to keep you occupied and interested as you wait for everyone in the tour group to gather. Next you go through to a room where there are lockers for your belongings and are shown a short video explaining the history of the tunnels as well as a brief introduction from the tour guide. Kitted up with hard hats you begin the journey through the passages of varying height and width, occasionally pausing as the guide gives very informative pointers on the history surrounding the area you're currently in. As a man exceeding 6 foot in height I found myself ducking a lot and being thankful for the hard hat but this is to be expected and didn't infringe upon my enjoyment at all. The stops are always timed for areas where the ceiling is of comfortable height so don't worry about being stuck doubled over for any significant length of time. You're also able to leave the tour at any point (provided you notify the guide of course) if you become claustrophobic so if that's an initial concern then see how you go at least. Later on in the tour you're given the choice of two routes. One path leads you back through a comfortable height tunnel, the other through a very low tunnel. Needless to say I chose the former. If you're below 6 feet tall and have no back or knee issues then you'll be fine - it's only a short route. If in doubt though, take the comfortable route and wait for the others to emerge; some muddy-handed if they had to steady themselves through the low tunnel! Great fun and our tour guide Alex was excellent. Defninitely recommend this.

10. Lanhydrock House and Garden

Bodmin PL30 5AD England +44 1208 265950 lanhydrock@national trust.org.uk http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock/features/delve-into-the-history-of-lanhydrock
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,035 reviews

Lanhydrock House and Garden

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

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