| The temperate climate and impressive coastline of | | | | during the reign of Elizabeth I with famous sons Sir |
| South West England make it one of the United | | | | Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh contributing to |
| Kingdom's most popular regions. Inland too, the varied | | | | the struggle against Spain and its armada. |
| landscapes of upland moors, steep river valleys and | | | | The South West is peppered with remains that |
| rolling hills provide the visitor with a diverse and | | | | showcase a long and eventful history stretching back |
| intriguing escape. It is a region notable for its coastal | | | | over 5000 years. Much of this history is intrinsically |
| cliffs and steep upland moors, drained by a network of | | | | linked to the surrounding land. The Mendip Hills provided |
| rivers and streams. | | | | the limestone for countless historical buildings including |
| To the west of Somerset, the land rises to the heath | | | | Wells Cathedral. And the rich pastures found in |
| laden Quantocks and Brendon Hills before reaching | | | | Somerset were once fenlands, drained during the |
| Exmoor and Dunkery Beacon, Somerset's highest | | | | Middle Ages to improve local farming. The remains of |
| peak at 1700ft. The brooding granite uplands of | | | | barrows, hut circles, cairns and standing stones can be |
| Dartmoor, the result of ancient volcanic activity, | | | | found throughout the region - these historical remains |
| dominate Devon. Its northern coast consists of | | | | illustrate a diverse history that can be linked to the |
| sweeping sandy beaches and imposing cliffs, while | | | | Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age tribes. The Roman |
| further inland, country lanes and high roads criss-cross | | | | occupation is also represented by attractions such as |
| a remote, windswept landscape. Towards the south | | | | the Mendip lead mines, and the Roman baths of |
| coast a diverse range of plant species flourish including | | | | Acuae Sulis, now know as Bath. |
| Palm Trees and sub-tropical flowers. It a dramatic | | | | The town of Bath is home to a large number of |
| coast which illustrates the relentless incursions of the | | | | historical buildings. Its beautiful Georgian terraces are |
| sea. This is most evident at Hartland Point, where rock | | | | renowned throughout the UK as are its well-preserved |
| ridges reach out to sea and provide ghostly reminders | | | | Roman Baths. The Cathedrals of Exeter and Wells |
| of how far the coastline once stretched. | | | | are also notable with both providing magnificent |
| Parts of the South West maintain certain | | | | examples of medieval architecture. The style is evident |
| characteristics and customs that set it apart from | | | | in a large number of buildings in the south-west |
| other regions in the United Kingdom. Nowhere is this | | | | including Pendennis Castle, Cotehele and Montacute |
| more evident than in Cornwall. As the marauding | | | | House. South west England is one of the premier |
| Saxon tribes drove the Briton's westwards during the | | | | holiday destinations in the UK and is well-suited to short |
| Middle Ages, Cornwall became a Celtic haven. Its | | | | breaks. It is region steeped in legend and lore, with a |
| inhabitants maintained the Celtic language and its | | | | romantic, varied countryside that inspired the likes of |
| customs, which caused Cornwall to become detached | | | | William Worsworth, Samuel Coleridge and R.D. |
| and isolated from the rest of the country. In contrast, | | | | Blackmore. |
| neighbouring Devon became the 'stage of history' | | | | |