Overview
England's southwest – or the West Country, as it's often known – offers something for everyone: buzzy big cities, iconic monuments, green countryside and golden beaches galore. Stone circles and hilltop castles litter the landscape, while stately homes and serene cathedrals give way to a patchwork of green fields, wild moors, quiet villages and fishing ports. Surrounded by the sea, the region's long history of seafaring lives on in Portsmouth, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Falmouth and the dynamic city of Bristol, while beautiful Bath is a dazzling showpiece of Georgian architecture, and without doubt one of the gems in England's crown.
Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider
Dreaming of Southwest England? Protect your trip
Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.
We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Take your England trip with Lonely Planet Journeys
Time to book that trip to England
Lonely Planet Journeys takes you there with fully customizable trips to top destinations – all crafted by our local experts.


Planning Tools
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Best Things to Do
From towering Salisbury Cathedral to the standing stones of Stonehenge, here are the best things to do in and around Salisbury in southwest England.
Read full article
Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.
in partnership with getyourguide

