A Tour of the English West Country
The West Country is one of the most popular places to visit in the UK – and when you discover everything there is to do, it’s not hard to see why. If you live in the UK don’t fancy a holiday abroad this year and want to keep your family-fun within the UK, or if you’re from overseas and looking for Britain’s most stunning locales, there aren’t many places better than the beautiful scenic views of the English West Country.
Cornwall Beach / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Weldon Kennedy
If you’re from a part of the world that has more concrete than greenery, then the West Country will feel like a million miles away thanks to the stunning views. Couple that with the rich heritage of cider making, farming and homely-living and you’ll be in love the West Country in no time.
One place you must visit is Newquay. For decades it’s been the place to go for surfers but thanks to its beautiful beaches and attractions it continues to be a family-favourite everyone will enjoy. If surfing isn’t your bag, then perhaps walking is. If you’re feeling fit and you’ve got your hiking boots, why not head for the South West Coast Path? This picturesque trail is 630 miles long and follows the meandering coast, meaning you can seriously take in the views and breathe in all that fresh sea-air.
Newquay beach / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Richard Clifford
Cornwall has a lot to offer and one the jewels in the crown is St. Ives. One of the most idyllic towns in the county, St. Ives is a tourist hot-spot for those who love the sun, ice-cream and boat-trips out. Just watch out for those pesky sea-gulls robbing your chips!
While you’re out and about, a must-visit place in and around that area is Land’s End. It may be a little bit of a trek, but you’d be a fool not to visit England’s most westerly point. Aside from the title, Land’s End is also absolutely beautiful on a sunny day and is a tourists’ favourite.
Getting hungry? Then get your eat on in Padstow! Rick Stein’s highly praised restaurant calls Padstow home and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic meal with some extraordinary people and scenery. Once you’re done gorging on sea-food, take a walk around Padstow and soak up its typical West Country charm.
Padstow Harbour / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by foshie
And if sea-food isn’t your favourite type of food, don’t fret; there’s so much choice and diversity of food in the West Country that everyone will be pleased. From pubs to gastro-pubs, from Michelin-starred restaurants to your basic fast-food restaurants, the West Country will undoubtedly keep your stomach from rumbling.
Getting tired by now? Well there’s one sure-fire way of slowing things down, by visiting Stonehenge. The enigmatic and utterly ancient monument, still of undetermined origin and purpose, has been wowing tourists for years and continues to be one of the West Country’s most famous and loved spots. It may not move, it probably won’t talk to you, but Stonehenge is something you need to see at least once in your life.
If you’re feeling pretty trodden at this point chances are you’ve done a lot, but there is still plenty to do in this region of the country. In and around Cornwall there are loads of fantastic go-kart tracks to tickle your adrenaline-fuelled pickle. St. Eval’s track is twisty and with their twin-engine karts you’d better be firmly in your Lewis Hamilton mentality.
Stonehenge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by mari
So there you have it; endless fun, plenty to do and lots to see. The West Country is full of surprises, and when it’s a lovely summer’s day there really aren’t many places better in the UK.
Sun, sea, beaches and loads of pubs, the West Country is Britain at its very best.
Thinking of paying a visit to the UK? Check out cheap car hire at Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester airports from Vroomvroomvroom.
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