South West England Travel Guide: Things to Do & Best Places to Visit in 2026

This South West England travel guide covers one of the UK’s most rewarding regions, bringing together the best things to do, places to visit and practical tips across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.

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Complete South West England Travel Guide for 2026

Whether you are planning a short break or a longer trip, this South West England travel guide helps you explore the best places to visit, from coastal walks and historic towns to beaches and countryside, with clear, practical advice to plan your trip.

We are lucky enough to live here and want to share the very best of the South West. We explore year-round to find the best things to do, places to visit, places to stay and what’s on across the region, with carefully selected recommendations, local insight and honest, practical advice you can trust.

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Disclosure: Some of the outbound links on this page are affiliate links to sites that we use and would genuinely recommend. Using them doesn’t cost you extra, but it does help support this free guide. We also provide links to other sites that we believe may be helpful to you.

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Why Visit South West England

South West England is one of the UK’s most varied and rewarding regions to explore, combining a dramatic coastline, historic towns, and diverse landscapes. From the beaches of Cornwall and Devon to the historic cities of Somerset and Dorset, it offers a wide range of experiences.

Whether you are planning a short break or a longer holiday, South West England offers a remarkable variety of things to do and places to visit. You can explore the South West Coast Path, discover market towns and historic cities, or spend time along the region’s coastline, where fishing villages, sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs define much of the landscape.

The region is known for its contrast and diversity. From the wild open spaces of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the fossil-rich Jurassic Coast and the sheltered estuaries of Devon and Cornwall, South West England combines natural beauty with a strong sense of history and place. Cities such as Bath and Exeter provide cultural highlights, while smaller towns and rural areas offer a slower pace and a more traditional feel.

Food and drink are also an important part of the experience, with fresh seafood, local produce, cider and cream teas all contributing to the region’s identity. Whether you are visiting for walking, sightseeing, or simply to relax, there are always plenty of things to do in South West England, making it one of the UK’s most rewarding regions to explore.

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Latest Travel Guides & Things to Do in South West England

Explore the latest updates from our South West England travel guide, including new walks, destination guides and travel insights.

Explore the latest travel guides, things to do and places to visit from across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset, or visit our What’s On in South West England 2026 guide for festivals, events and days out.

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Explore South West England by Region

South West England is made up of four distinctive counties, each offering its own character, landscapes and places to visit. From Cornwall’s rugged coastline to Dorset’s fossil-rich cliffs, these regions together create one of the UK’s most varied destinations.

Cornwall Travel Guide

Cornwall is known for its dramatic Atlantic coastline, sandy beaches and strong cultural identity. Highlights include St Ives, Tintagel and the Lizard Peninsula, along with some of the UK’s best coastal walking and surfing.

Devon Travel Guide

Devon offers a mix of coastline and countryside, from the beaches of the English Riviera and North Devon to the wild landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor. Historic towns, estuaries and walking routes add to its appeal.

Somerset Travel Guide

Somerset combines historic cities, rural landscapes and strong traditions. Bath and Wells provide architectural highlights, while the Mendips, Exmoor and the Somerset Levels offer excellent walking and wildlife.

Dorset Travel Guide

Dorset is defined by the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cliffs, bays and fossil history. Inland, you will find historic market towns, rolling countryside and landmarks such as Corfe Castle.

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Helpful Links

These trusted resources can help you plan and book your trip, from transport and accommodation to weather and local information.

• Booking.com – for most accommodation needs. Look out for options that include free cancellation.
• Easy Tide – Free UK tidal prediction service, providing tidal data and tide times for the current day and 6 days into the future.
• Expedia – good for flights and packages.
• Get Your Guide – find and book things to see. Includes unusual things to do.
• Hostelworld – Hostel-focused booking platform that fosters backpack connections.
• MetOffice – Weather forecasts from the UK official meteorological office.
• National Express – UK-based coach operator providing long-distance bus services
• Omio – Book travel tickets by comparing trains, buses and planes in one search.
• Rental Cars– to search out and book hire cars.
• Rome2Rio – Great for comparing local transport options (and for locating bus stops).
• Ticketmaster – What’s On – Major Events – Venues – Bookings
• Trainline.com – our go-to online platform for booking train and bus tickets, offering route planning, price comparisons, seat reservations, and ticket sales.
• Traffic England – for live traffic updates on major roads.
• Traveline SW – Comprehensive public transport information from A to B by bus, coach, train, ferry in South West England and Great Britain.
• TripAdvisor – for reviews of… pretty much everything. Our go-to before booking anything.
• Vrbo – Great for self-catering and vacation holiday home rentals.