South West England attractions

Home to some of the UK’s most impressive archaeological collections, the award-winning Salisbury Museum is impressive both inside and out. Admire a 30,000-year-old meteorite, some of the country’s oldest gold artefacts, Victorian-era ceramics, and more in the Grade I Listed King’s House.

Characterized by jagged cliffs and green valleys, Cheddar Gorge is England’s largest gorge and one of southern England most impressive natural sights. Formed during the last Ice Age, the gorge cocoons the now-underground Cheddar Yeo River and winds its way through the Mendip Hills.

With ancient woodlands, windswept heathlands, and freshwater lakes hemmed in by grassy sea cliffs and sandy beaches, Brownsea Island crams a startling variety of scenery into its small landmass. The mostly uninhabited island, which is run by the National Trust, is the largest of the islands in Poole Harbour.

This quirky museum in Bath tells the story of the author who wrote Frankenstein—Mary Shelley. Set in a 300-year-old Grade II–listed townhouse, it has a screening room where you can watch the first ever Frankenstein film (from 1910), as well as two escape rooms, an immersive game, and plenty of eerie artifacts.

Unique among SEA LIFE® centers due to its mix of tank and outdoor exhibits, Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park encapsulates the global diversity of water-based life. From sharks to fairy penguins, sea turtles to otters, more than 1,000 species live in the 14-acre park, where you’ll also find play areas, cafés, and a mini-golf course.

The Wiltshire Museum illuminates the local history of Wiltshire, a county jam-packed with historic sites, from the prehistoric monuments of Avebury to the medieval Gothic masterpiece of Salisbury Cathedral. See gold and amber artifacts dating back to the time of Stonehenge, as well as displays covering Roman, Saxon, and medieval history.

Lavish both inside and out, the Grade II–listed Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum offers an insight into the eclectic tastes of world travelers Lady Annie and Sir Merton Russell-Cotes. Here, admire the striking art nouveau architecture, permanent collection of European and Japanese artefacts, sloping English gardens, and more.

Dominated by two giant, bubble-shaped biomes—the world's largest greenhouses—the Eden Project is one of Cornwall's most famous landmarks. The biomes maintain miniature ecosystems that enable all kinds of plants to flourish: orchids, palms, and cacao trees in the Rainforest Biome and proteas, cacti, and huge aloe veras in the Mediterranean Biome.

A signature British seaside sight, Bournemouth Pier remains as lively today as it was in its 19th-century heyday. While tourists no longer arrive by steamer boat, the pier is a hub of activity with traditional beachfront offerings like a helter-skelter, eateries, and arcade games, but also attractions like rock climbing and zip lining for a modern, adventurous twist.

Dating to 1482, Sally Lunn’s Historic House is one of the oldest houses in Bath. Named after Huguenot baker Solange Luyon (aka Sally Lunn)—who invented the first Bath bun that now bears her name—the establishment still serves Sally Lunn buns and other dishes. The original kitchen is now a museum.

Perched on a headland above Falmouth, Pendennis Castle is one of Cornwall’s most striking landmarks. Built by Henry VIII in 1542 as a coastal stronghold and used as a secret World War II military base, the castle is a magnet for visitors, who can admire its original Tudor keep, barracks block, historical weaponry collections, and panoramic sea views.

Set near Cornwall’s northern coast, Newquay Zoo offers a wildlife experience that’s perfect for families. Home to over 130 species, including red pandas, penguins, meerkats, and lemurs, the zoo blends conservation efforts with interactive exhibits. Visitors can spot colorful creatures in tropical habitats, attend talks, and watch feeding sessions too, making it a must for animal lovers exploring Cornwall.

One of England’s greatest medieval religious buildings, Gloucester Cathedral has loomed over the city’s rooftops since the mid-1400s. As well as housing the 14th-century tomb of King Edward II, highlights of this Gothic masterpiece include its central tower and elaborately vaulted cloisters—the latter featured in a number of Harry Potter movies.

Striking from the outside and packed with treasures on the inside, the Holburne Museum is housed in a Grade I-listed Georgian building that was originally a hotel and also a filming location in Bridgerton. Art lovers come here to admire its collection of over 9,000 works, showcasing 18th-century British portraiture, alongside an impressive array of fine and decorative art.

It’s got some stiff competition, but Dorset’s Weymouth Beach might just be England’s best beach—it’s won several awards, at least. The long arc of sand flanked by elegant Georgian facades along the seafront make Weymouth Beach both a naturally beautiful and culturally interesting place. A favorite of King George III in the late 18th century, it’s still a summertime hotspot.

Across the Avon River from the heart of Bath (via Pulteney Bridge), Great Pulteney Street is among Bath's longest and widest roads. Like many of the city's fine examples of Georgian architecture, the street and the stately homes that flank it were commissioned in the late 18th century.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, housed in a majestic Edwardian baroque building, dazzles with its eclectic treasures. Visitors can explore 19 dynamic galleries brimming with ancient mummies, European and Asian art, and stories of human ingenuity and the natural world. From Egyptian artifacts to dinosaurs, gemstones, and contemporary art—including local legend Banksy—every corner sparks curiosity and wonder for all ages.

Housed in a Georgian townhouse, the Herschel Museum of Astronomy is a must-visit for space enthusiasts. Once home to the renowned astronomers William and Caroline Herschel, this is where William famously discovered the planet Uranus in 1781. Visitors can explore original telescopes, period furnishings, and exhibits that celebrate the Herschels’ remarkable contributions to both astronomy and music.

Just downriver of Bath’s storied Pulteney Bridge is the Pulteney Weir: one of the most notable features of the River Avon, which runs through the UNESCO-listed city. A weir—a barrier built to control water flow and prevent flooding—has stood on-site here since 1603. Today’s version, with its iconic V-shaped cascades, was constructed in the 1970s.

Perched on top of Bristol’s Brandon Hill, Cabot Tower is a red-brick structure that dates back to 1897, when it was built to commemorate John Cabot’s historic voyage from Bristol to North America 400 years earlier. Located in the city’s oldest park, visitors can climb the tower's steps for panoramic views of Bristol and the Harbourside area. It's also the perfect setting to relax and have a picnic.

Opened by Princess Victoria in 1830, Royal Victoria Park is the largest public park in Bath. Centrally located, this expansive green space boasts numerous amenities, including a bandstand, botanical garden, large playground, and mini golf. Regular events make it a local and visitor favorite for outdoor relaxation and recreation.

Merlin's Cave, beneath the cliffs of Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, is steeped in Arthurian legend. Believed to have been the secret retreat of Merlin the wizard, its allure lies in its mystical history. Accessible only at low tide, it's a captivating spot where folklore meets reality, drawing visitors into King Arthur's realm and the spectacular geology of the area.

The Cross Bath is the ideal place for relaxing and unwinding. A site steeped in history, this ancient bathhouse dates back to the 18th century and has been restored over the years to preserve its architecture. Visitors come here for an open-air bathing experience with private hire possibilities—the perfect peaceful retreat away from the city's attractions.

The Circus is one of Bath’s most recognizable landmarks, consisting of a ring of Georgian townhouses that were completed in 1768. Once the most sought-after address for Bath’s high society, and home to a number of notable and famous figures throughout the years, the houses are all private property, but sightseers still stop by to take in the impressive architecture, designed by John Wood the Elder.

The Museum of Bath at Work reveals 2,000 years of Bath’s working history. Housed in a former industrial site, it showcases reconstructed workplaces and workshops, from furniture-making to ironmongery and Victorian engineering work. Visitors can see detailed exhibits and watch demonstrations on 19th-century soft drink manufacturing and bottling, offering a glimpse into the city’s diverse industrial past.

Sandbanks Beach is one of the best spots for kitesurfing in the UK, but there are plenty of other things to do at this family-friendly locale. With its golden stretch of sand, it’s a great place for sunbathing, building sand castles, and swimming in the crystal water, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding, and other sports.

Constructed in the 18th century as a venue for balls and other events, the Bath Assembly Rooms are among the city's most resplendent examples of Georgian architecture. There are four main rooms in total (Great Octagon, Ball Room, Tea Room, and Card Room), and today, they're used for everything from private parties to university graduation ceremonies.

One of Bath’s most charming museums, the Museum of Bath Architecture traces the city’s built history, from the medieval era to the modern day. UNESCO-listed Bath is celebrated for its Georgian architecture, and the museum’s collections provide an ideal primer for exploring, showcasing everything from paintings and artifacts to a 1:500 scale model of the city.

One of Bath’s most popular parks, the riverside Parade Gardens are located in the heart of the city, steps from Pulteney Bridge, Bath Abbey, and the Roman Baths. First laid out in the 18th century, and now a Grade II-listed landmark, the gardens are celebrated for their floral displays, bandstand, memorials, and summer programming.

Located in the center of Bath, the striking 19th-century St. John the Evangelist Church stands out in a city best known for its Georgian architecture. This Roman Catholic church is built in a Gothic Revival style, so expect stained glass windows, stone pillars, and a spire that stands at a whopping 222-feet (68 meters). The vaulted interior features statues of saints and still hosts daily masses.