Getting away for a holiday doesn’t have to be expensive or take you to far flung, exotic locales. Sometimes staying within your own home borders can leave you feeling refreshed and rested and ready to take on what the coming months have to offer. Does this sound like you? Not sure where to head within the borders of the UK? Read ahead for some top places to check out in the South West.
Devon and Somerset
If you want to get back to nature without having to deal with higher tourist areas or prices, Devon or Somerset are the places for you. Both of these counties in the deep south west of England are well placed to enjoy great connections by rail, air and road from other countries or parts of the UK and are home to some simply stunning natural wonders. Cheddar Gorge in Somerset is known for its cave systems, some of which were home to cave dwellers thousands and thousands of years ago. The coastline, where you can easily find a luxury holiday cottage in Devon, is the perfect place for anyone to head to in order to get away from it all and get back to nature. You won’t regret any trip to the region once you take in the breathtaking beauty.
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is brimming with amazing things to see and do, including the gorgeous cathedral city of Salisbury, home to the impressive gothic Salisbury Cathedral, built in 1220. The Haunch of Venison pub, former hostelry for the cathedral workers still serves pints to this day. Wander the streets and get lost in the history of the city or take a walk out to Harnham, a beautiful, picturesque village with small rivers and the Old Mill Hotel, perched right on the edge of the water meadows. Take a train out to the gorgeous town of Bradford-on-Avon, which, set into the hillside, is like something out of a fairytale and offers some great hiking trails up to the quaint hamlet of Avoncliff on an old aqueduct and gorgeous river.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a county that has it all in terms of things to see and do. From small seaside villages to bustling markets in the centre of the bigger cities, seafronts and beaches with gorgeous sand and sailing to be had, Cornwall attracts thousands of visitors every year both from at home and abroad. Get lost in the low hedged back lanes of the county and find yourself in small cove villages like Boscastle, famed for its witchcraft museum, or head out to the Lizard Point – the southernmost tip of the whole United Kingdom. Don’t forget a trip to Land’s End – well worth it just to have your photo taken at the sign, if nothing else and marvel at the fact the next main landmass over the water is North America.
There you have a couple of great spots to check out in the South West of England this autumn. The South West enjoys fairly temperate weather most of the year, especially Cornwall where the ocean helps regulate the temperatures. Get in now that the weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, or just make a cup of tea and marvel at the scenery and nature that the South West has to offer.