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.

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Those who are adventurous enough can make their way up to the Loch Skeen. The picturesque views of the area surrounding the peaceful loch are worth the almost hour-long walk it takes to reach.

Grey Mare’s Tail, Scotland, UK by Leon Pettit

Within the park, you will also find an earthwork fortress that dates back to the Iron Age. Known as Tail Burnt, the old fort was built upon a hill that has become known over the years as the Giant’s Grave.

If you are really up for an adventure, then you will need to bring your hiking boots because the trip up the side of White Coomb is a treacherous one. You may need to make your way through a herd of wild goats that live along the slopes of the hill. But the adventure is worth the effort as you stand over Tail Burn Gorge and simply admire the beauty that is the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve.

Since not everyone is willing to take the long and tiring trek up to the top of White Coomb, there is a visitor’s center which comes complete with a CCTV system. From the center, you can watch over the nest of a Peregrine Falcon and even see the entire Tail Burn Gorge. Most of all is that the visitor center offers a state of the art interactive system that will help you to learn more about the nature preserve as well as its long and colorful past.

There’s a reason why so many people over the years have made their way to the Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve. The picturesque views of the valley, gorge and loch are definitely one of the biggest reasons to visit the area. Enjoying a peaceful day in the wilderness and a chance to become closer with Mother Nature is another popular reason that so many have visited the park to date.

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