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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Richmond Park

Richmond Park is the largest Royal Park in London and spans almost 2,500 acres. It is approximately 30 minutes from central London and resembles English countryside pictures from the fabled story of Robin Hood. There are many gates for entry to the park, and the Richmond Gate is the best entry. This park features panoramic vistas of the capital, including St. Paul’s Cathedral and King Henry VIII’s Mound.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Vince O’Sullivan

There are many paths throughout the park, and visitors can trek around the ponds and through Deer Park. One of the best areas to visit in the park is the Isabella Plantation. It is a visual wonder of magnolias, camellias, azaleas and rhododendrons. The Isabella Plantation is part of the Richmond Park Site of Special Scientific Interest and is great for birdwatchers. Redstarts, Whitethroats and Green Sandpipers are often spotted.

Richmond Park is also a great venue for sports. An area of the grassland that is north of Roehampton Gate is equipped for rugby and accommodates four adult pitches. Visitors can also rent horses from the local stables to go horseback riding through the park. For golfers, the park has two 18-hole golf courses with a clubroom and pro shop.

Hampstead Heath Park

Inspiring the writings of C.S. Lewis, the Hampstead Heath Park has long grasslands to picnic in, woods to stroll in and ponds to swim in. The park is perfectly juxtaposed and provides scenic views of the Canary Wharf Tower, the London Eye and St. Paul’s Cathedral. In addition to swimming in the ponds, the park is set up for a number of fun activities.

There are tennis courts, golf practice nets, croquet lawns, the Butterfly House and a zoo. The free zoo has exhibits of exotic mammals and birds, including kookaburras, ring-tailed coatis and ring-tailed lemurs. The Butterfly House has enclosed spaces for close-up views of stunning tropical species and areas where visitors can study the life cycle of these beautiful insects.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Cristian Bortes

St. James’s Park

St. James’s Park is a lush retreat from the city and is bordered by Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace and Kensington Palace. In addition to scenic views of the palaces, the graceful arc of the London Eye can be admired from the Blue Bridge. Rolling lawns stretch around the sparkling lake, which is home to many pelicans, geese and ducks.

During the warmer months, visitors can take in a concert, relax in the deck chairs, dine in the terrace at the park’s restaurant or alfresco with a picnic. There are also many ceremonial parades and national events that take place at the adjoining avenue of The Mall, which can be viewed from the park.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by - Simon -

This post was provided by the lovely people at hostelbookers.com. If you’re heading to London to enjoy its beautiful parks and sites book a hostel in London with HostelBookers.com

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