Landscapes that melt together rambling moors, rolling hills and postcard-shot beaches dotted with medieval market towns and cathedral spires. South West England shouts 'picturesque' from every corner. Hiking and biking trails criss-cross valleys and ridgeways, wind between stone-built villages and traverse towering gorges. Legends of mystical moorland beasts and stone circles lead you through endless Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Foodies should fast well in advance for a gourmet trip stuffed with cream teas, fruity cider and crumbly cheeses.
South West England
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August events: Grab your partner and ceilidh on down to Sidmouth Folk Week
The Regency town of Sidmouth on Devon’s Jurassic Coast celebrates a week of folk music, dance and song every August.
Location: Sidmouth, Devon
June events: Revel in music at Westonbirt Arboretum for Forest Live
England’s forests turn into atmospheric music venues for Forest Live, offering an eclectic range of artists & an amazing night out.
Location: Westonbirt near Tetbury, Gloucestershire
July events: Tewkesbury Medieval Festival
Originally one of the world’s biggest battle re-enactments, this event in the normally quiet village of Tewkesbury has grown into a festival recreating all aspects of medieval life.
Location: Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Experience Gloucester’s festival favourites
Bring the whole family along to experience Gloucester’s festival favourites this summer. There is a huge range to do and see so join in the fun.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
September events: Celebrate over 2,000 years of Gloucester’s history
Experience the city’s rich history at the Gloucester History Festival in September with family activities, parades. talks and tours.
Location: Gloucester, Gloucestershire
November events: Celebrate Mozart with world-class cultural events in Bath
If Mozart is music to your ears then don’t miss a spectacular celebration of the musical genius at the annual Bath Mozartfest this November.
Location: Bath, Somerset
October events: Be wowed by Abbotsbury's Illuminate
Discover an illuminated winter wonderland at one of Dorset’s finest annual events.
Location: Abbotsbury, Dorset
October events: Lace up your boots for Dursley’s Walking Festival
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the undiscovered south Cotswolds and take part in the annual Dursley Walking Festival, which takes place every October.
Location: Dursley, Gloucestershire
October events: Celebrate all things foodie at the Forest Showcase Food Festival
Head to the Forest of Dean this autumn for the best in local, seasonal and speciality food and drink at the Forest Showcase Food Festival.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
Get your ‘blues’ fix at Broadstairs Blues Bash
Aint’ nothin’ but the blues - not the winter ones, but the music type in Broadstairs every February for one weekend.
Location: Broadstairs, Kent
December events: Find the perfect gift at the Exeter Christmas Market
The Exeter Christmas Market represents the best of what Britain, the South West and the rest of Europe has to offer – with a mix of great food, excellent crafts, unique gifts and decorations.
Location: Exeter
Adventure like the Famous Five in Dorset
Visit the Isle of Purbeck on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, which is said to have inspired Enid Blyton's books.
Location: Purbeck, Dorset
December events: Enjoy a festive family day out at Perrygrove
Enjoy a truly magical experience with the family this Christmas at Perrygrove Railway.
Location: Coleford, Gloucestershire
December events: Enter an underground Christmas cave
Follow the story of Archie and the Unicorn, told through glittering lights in an underground cavern.
Location: Clearwell Caves, Gloucestershire
December events: Explore the Bournemouth Christmas Tree Wonderland
Full of atmosphere and tradition, the Christmas Tree Wonderland is an epic trail through historic gardens and seafront walkways draped in lights.
Location: Bournemouth, Dorset
Tickle your ribs at Bristol's Slapstick Festival
A unique celebration of silent film and slapstick comedy, the festival offers a unique chance to watch silent films with a live orchestra along with a VIP list of guests and celebrities sharing their passion for this genre.
Location: Bristol
May events: See Salisbury's amazing Art Festival
Take part in the Salisbury International Arts Festival, and immerse yourself in music, art, dance, and theatre of the highest caliber.
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
September events: Take the Scilly Sea Swim Challenge
Watch the spectacle or put yourself to the test as challengers swim and walk between Scilly's main islands in just one day.
Location: Isles of Scilly
October events: Enjoy the beauty of words at the Cheltenham Literature Festival
The Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, one of four main Cheltenham Festivals, is one of the longest running literature festivals in the world.
Location: Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Enjoy street food beside the river in Exeter
Choose from an impressive line-up of different cuisines at this regular night market, set against the stunning backdrop of Exeter's historic quayside.
Location: Exeter, Devon
Celebrate historic England at Abbey 900 in Cirencester
At Cirencester's year-long festival you can marvel at the Abbey's manuscripts, dance at a May Day Fleece Fair and tuck in at a Medieval Banquet.
Location: Cirencester, Gloucestershire
