Things to Do South West

It’s no wonder that the south west is one of England’s most popular holiday destinations, it has a varied landscape that includes a beautiful coastline as well as rural, countryside areas and some unique attractions that are perfect for day trips. There are plenty of accessible things to do and places to stay and with its easy pace, it is ideal for those looking for a wheelchair friendly or elderly holiday destination.

History and places of interest…

You can find historic monuments, such as Stonehenge, beaches in the areas of Cornwall, Dorset and Devon, two National Parks and lots of interesting events that are going on all year around. Plus, you have the cities of Exeter, Plymouth, Bath, Bristol and Wells, the smallest city in England, to name a few places you can go for museums, shopping and more!

Whether you’re heading for one of the cities in the region or planning to spend time on the coast or exploring the more rural areas, you’ll never be short of things to do and places to interest you. There are museums covering every topic imaginable, sites of scientific interest, shopping areas, iconic landmarks, national parks, regency towns full of Georgian and Roman heritage, bustling city centres, canals, animal parks and so much more. It is a great place to visit for nature lovers, city breaks and seaside holidays, wherever you go you’ll find top attractions and activities that will interest everyone in your party. There are plenty of wheelchair friendly options and places that are autism-friendly, plus a range of towns that pride themselves on being dementia friendly destinations.

Quiet and busy – the best of both worlds

The South West isn’t all gentle strolls and a slow way of life, it is a region that has a lot of exciting disabled friendly attractions and activities hidden away, as well as having a rich culture, so whatever kind of break you are looking for, you’ll find it in the South West.

Families can take their pick from a choice of accessible theme parks, adventure parks, farm attractions, wildlife parks and more. It is an ideal destination for anyone who likes history and wants to immerse themselves in the heritage of an area, many hamlets and villages in the south west have the same features that they did when they were first built, from the Georgian splendour of places like Bath and Cheltenham to the Victorian style sea fronts on the Bristol Channel and the chocolate box towns in places like Wiltshire, the Cotswolds and Devon. The Jurassic Coast that stretches through Devon and Dorset is the place for any dinosaur fan, with museums, fossils that are visible in the cliff faces and more! Perhaps the most famous music festival in the world takes place in Somerset – Glastonbury Festival, revellers come from all over the globe to enjoy the most exciting acts in music. The festival works hard to be as inclusive as possible, and you’ll find wheelchair access and more.

Of course, it is also a region that boasts countless interesting and beautiful natural attractions, thanks to the diversity of the landscape. The people of the area are incredible proud of their stunning surroundings and conservation is important, so you’ll be sure to find lots of attractions and activities that involve the natural environment.

Many of the top attractions are housed in venues that have gone the extra mile to make sure they are completely accessible, you’ll find audio guides, braille maps and enough space to bring mobility aids. There are even sensory gardens and parts of exhibitions and there are often ‘autism friendly’ hours to make sure that the environment is as friendly and inclusive as possible. Quite a few of the big local authority run attractions are free to enjoy as well as being accessible, so be sure to add them to your plans.

Whether you’re looking for a bit of culture, a trip to the beach or something a bit more exhilarating, you’ll find it in the south west.

Things To Do Highlights

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the home of the big zoo animals including African Elephants, White Rhino,…

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out. The multi…

Paultons Park

Paultons Park is the UK’s number one family theme park with over 70 exciting rides and attractions…

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Clarks Village

Address

Clarks Village, Street, Somerset, BA16 0BB

Telephone
01458 840 064

hello@clarksvillage.co.uk

Street

In the green heart of Somerset, a retail retreat unfolds…
An outlet escape like no other – where the edge and flair of modern shopping meets the effortless calm of the countryside, and the cool and classic sit side by side.

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Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Address

Sidmouth Road, Clyst St Mary, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR

Telephone
01395 233200

fun@crealy.co.uk

Exeter

Crealy Theme Park & Resort is the South West’s number one family value day out.
The multi award-winning family attraction is located just minutes from junction 30 of the M5 near Exeter and has over 60 indoor and outdoor rides and attractions…

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Longleat

Address

Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12 7NW

Telephone
01985 844400

enquiries@longleat.co.uk

Warminster

Longleat Safari Park, nestled within 900 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds, is home to the UK’s original Safari Park, one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture, and an abundance of exciting attractions including Jungle…

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Paultons Park

Address

Ower, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 6AL

Telephone
02380 814442

Enquiries@paultons.co.uk

Romsey

Paultons Park is the UK’s number one family theme park with over 70 exciting rides and attractions to enjoy.

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Hestercombe Gardens

Address

Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8LG

Telephone
01823 413923

info@hestercombe.com

Taunton

Open daily near Taunton in Somerset, Hestercombe is a unique combination of beautiful gardens, all saved from disrepair and restored to their former glory over the last 20 years.

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Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

Address

Clevedon Road, Wraxall, Bristol, Somerset, BS48 1PG

Telephone
01275 852606

info@noahsarkzoofarm.co.uk

Bristol

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is the home of the big zoo animals including African Elephants, White Rhino, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers and Bears. You’ll be amazed at the variety of nature you’ll see within the biggest zoo in the South West.
The zoo has recently…

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Isle of Wight Zoo

Address

Yaverland Road, Sandown, Isle Of Wight, PO36 8QB

Telephone
01983 403883

Enquiries@isleofwightzoo.com

Sandown

THE ISLE OF WIGHT ZOO occupies a very special location, right on a beautiful sandy beach in Sandown Bay, on the east coast of the island.

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World of Country Life

Address

Westdown Lane, Sandy Bay, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 5BY

Telephone
01395 264126

debbie@wocl.co.uk

Exmouth

Where else can you hand feed deer and llama, watch an exhilarating birds of prey flying display, take a walk down a Victorian Street, wonder at all the memorabilia from the war and times gone by, wander around the Hall of Transport (where you’ll…

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The Roman Baths

Address

Roman Baths, Abbey Church Yard, Bath, BANES, BA1 1LZ

Telephone
01225 477785

romanbaths_bookings@bathnes.gov.uk

Bath

The museum of the magnificent Roman Baths.

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Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre

Address

Longthorns, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 6HH

Telephone
01929 462537

apes@monkeyworld.org

Wareham

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre is home to over 250 rescued and endangered primates, including Europe’s only orangutan crèche! Visitors can see a number of primate infants playing and growing up together with their foster families at the purpose…

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Thermae Bath Spa

Address

Hetling Pump Room, Hot Bath Street, BATH, BA1 1SJ

Telephone
+44 (0) 1225 33 1234

reservations@thermaebathspa.com

BATH

Bathe in the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters.

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Kids Days Out

Address

Meadowside, The Street, Lea, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9PA

Telephone
01666 825390

info@kidsdaysout.co.uk

Lea, Malmesbury

Kids Days Out – the online guide to over 1,500 family friendly attractions and clubs throughout the UK, with details of activities and access for wheelchair users.

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Holburne Museum

Address

Great Pulteney Street, Bath, Avon, BA2 4DB

Telephone
01225 388569

enquiries@holburne.org

Bath

The Holburne’s mission statement is ‘Changing Lives through Art’, signalling its commitment to opening up the enjoyment of art to people of all ages and from every walk of life.

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Kents Cavern Torquay

Address

Ilsham Road, Wellswood, Torquay, Devon, TQ1 2JF

Telephone
01803 215136

caves@kents-cavern.co.uk

Torquay

Join the Tribe!

Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top and most exciting Stone Age caves, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns open daily all year. Our entertaining guides will take you on an underground adventure…

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Itchen Valley Country Park

Address

Allington Lane, West End, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO30 3HQ

Telephone
+44 023 8046 6091

ivcp@eastleigh.gov.uk

Eastleigh

Itchen Valley Country Park is an unspoilt area of water meadows, ancient woodland and grazing pasture situated beside the River Itchen, between Eastleigh and Southampton.

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Stuart Line Cruises

Address

Exmouth Marina, Exmouth Docks, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1DU

Telephone
01395 222144

info@stuartlinecruises.co.uk

Exmouth

Sail with Stuart Line Cruises on a River Exe cruise or a Coastal Cruise. Breath-taking scenery & fascinating history throughout the year.

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Marwell Zoo

Address

Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH

Telephone
01962 777407

marwell@marwell.org.uk

Winchester

Marwell Wildlife, set in 140 acres of beautiful Hampshire parkland, has an incredible range of exotic and endangered species.

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Beatrix Potter's House of the Tailor of Gloucester

Address

9 College Court, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2NJ

Telephone
+44 (0)1452 422856

info@tailor-of-gloucester.org.uk

Gloucester

Children's author Beatrix Potter created one of her most loved characters here. This charming shop and museum is the original building that inspired the very story and is used in the illustrations. Free entry and open to the public every day

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Lappa Valley Steam Railway

Address

St Newlyn East, Cornwall, TR8 5LX

Telephone
+44 01872 510317

info@lappavalley.co.uk

Lappa Valley Steam Railway is a great day out for the whole family. With lots of fun activities to entertain the children as well as the three different railways to explore. All attractions are included in the price of one ticket!

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Trowbridge Museum

Address

The Shires, Court Street, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8AT

Telephone
01225 751339

c.lyall@trowbridge.gov.uk

Trowbridge

Trowbridge Museum, where you can discover 1000 years of the town’s history. Discover how Trowbridge was shaped by the scale of production and quality of its West of England woollen cloth and became the county town of Wiltshire. Housed in a former…

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