Things to Do South West

It’s no wonder that that 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.

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.

The South West isn’t all gentle strolls and a slow way of life, it is a region that has a lot of exciting 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 theme parks, adventure parks, farm attractions, wild life 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.

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 also free to enjoy, 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

Clarks Village

Twenty-five years ago, the UK’s first ever outlet shopping centre opened its doors in the heart of...

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm

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

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Ashton Court Estate

Address

Ashton Court, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN

Telephone
+44 (0)117 9633 438

brlscas@bristol.gov.uk

Long Ashton, Bristol

Historic 850-acre parkland with mansion, two pitch-and-putt golf courses, deer park, miniature railway, orienteering and nature trails

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Clarks Village

Address

Clarks Village, Street, Somerset, BA16 0BB

Telephone
01458 840 064

hello@clarksvillage.co.uk

Street

Twenty-five years ago, the UK’s first ever outlet shopping centre opened its doors in the heart of Somerset. Unlike any other shopping experience, today it is home to more than 90 designer and high street brands with up to 60% savings on RRPs every...

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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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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 infants Mimi, Bulu Mata, and Rieke playing and growing up together with their foster family, at the...

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Haynes International Motor Museum

Address

Castle Cary Road, Sparkford, Nr Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7LH

Telephone
01963 440804

visitus@himm.co.uk

Nr Yeovil

There's a world of fun fuelled action and excitement just waiting to be discovered at Haynes International Motor Museum. An all weather attraction, including cafe, shop and lots for kids to do.

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Mountbatten Leisure Centre

Address

Mountbatten Leisure Centre, Alexandra Park, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 9QA

Telephone
02393 200401

mountbatten@bhlive.org.uk

Portsmouth

Click here to learn all about Portsmouth's premier sporting facility, Mountbatten Leisure Centre.

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John Wesley's Chapel 'The New Room'

Address

36 The Horsefair, Bristol, BS1 3JE

Telephone
+44 (0)117 926 4740

info@newroombristol.org.uk

Bristol

The oldest Methodist building in the world, constructed as a meeting room and accommodation after Wesley began to preach in 1739.

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Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower

Address

Heritage Way, Priddy's Hard, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 4LE

Telephone
+44 023 9250 5600

info@explosion.org.uk

Gosport

The amazing story of naval firepower, from gunpowder to the Exocet, in an exciting visitor experience for all the family on the Gosport side of Portsmouth Harbour.

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Stanway House & Gardens

Address

Stanway, Near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5PQ

Telephone
+44 (0)1386 584469

stanwayhse@btconnect.com

Near Cheltenham

Golden stoned Jacobean manor house with exquisite gatehouse set amid 20 acres of landscaped grounds. Important 14thC tythe barn. Tudor great hall with shuffleboard.

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Mapperton House & Gardens

Address

Mapperton, BEAMINSTER, Dorset, DT8 3NR

Telephone
+44 01308 862645

office@mapperton.com

BEAMINSTER

Spectacular formal valley gardens beside 16th-17thC manor. Pools, orangery, fine views and walks. Voted 'The Nation's Finest Manor House' by Country Life magazine.

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The Pyramids Centre

Address

The Pyramids Centre, Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 3ST

Telephone
023 93 200330

info.pyramids@bhlive.co.uk

Southsea, Portsmouth

One of Portsmouth’s largest entertainment, leisure and event complexes, located just off Southsea Beach.

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Soldiers of Gloucestershire Museum

Address

Custom House, Gloucester Docks, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2HE

Telephone
+44 (0)1452 522682

enquiries@sogm.co.uk

Gloucester

The Museum displays the remarkable story of the Soldiers of Gloucestershire who have served their regiments since 1694. It depicts their courage, humour, traditions and their sacrifices in exciting and colourful exhibitions for all ages.

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Gloucestershire Archives

Address

Clarence Row, Alvin Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 3DW

Telephone
+44 (0)1452 425295

archives@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Gloucester

Gloucestershire Archives preserves historical records and makes them available for research e.g. family, house and local history. Collections are listed in an online catalogue. Document pre-ordering and an enquiries service are available.

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Tyneham Village

Address

MOD Ranges, East Lulworth, Wareham, Dorset, BH20 5QF

Telephone
+44 01929 404819

East Lulworth, Wareham

Tyneham village was evacuated in 1943 during WWII and has been deserted ever since. The Church and School have exhibitions about the village and villagers. Tyneham Village, Worbarrow Bay and the Lulworth Range walks are open to the public most...

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The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre

Address

56 East Street, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1BS

Telephone
+44 023 9247 2700

kates@thespring.co.uk

Havant

The Spring has a broad programme of entertainment including theatre shows, music, comedy nights, films, dance events, exhibitions and workshops. It is also a community museum telling the local story using a variety of medias.

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Five Oaks Trout Lake

Address

The Lodge, Five Oaks, Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green, Southampton, Hampshire, SO31 7AL

Telephone
+44 01489 577379

jeffpurk@hotmail.com

Sarisbury Green, Southampton

A beautiful setting for fly-fishing in rural Sarisbury Green. Clean weed-free water with good access for all keen fly-fishers. Pre-order catering available for all visitors. Corporate entertainment also available.

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Eastleigh Museum

Address

The Citadel, 25 High Street, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 5LF

Telephone
023 8064 3026

enquiries@hampshireculturaltrust.org.uk

Eastleigh

Take a tour through Eastleigh's past and discover what life was like in the 1930s; displays include recreations of a local engine driver's home.

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The Garden House

Address

Buckland Monachorum, Devon, PL20 7LQ

Telephone
01822 854769

marketing@thegardenhouse.org.uk

Buckland Monachorum

Stunning, innovative planting centred on a lovely walled garden surrounding the romantic ruins of a medieval vicarage. Eight acres of colour and interest throughout the season, featuring 'naturalistic planting' within a beautiful landscape.

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Whitchurch Silk Mill

Address

28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7AL

Telephone
01256 892065

info@whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk

Whitchurch

A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is the oldest working silk museum in Britain; keeping alive silk weaving skills on Victorian machinery.

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