Things to do in South West England

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.

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.

One of the largest prehistoric structures of its kind in Europe, the purpose of Silbury Hill—a man-made chalk mound which is comparable to the size of a small Egyptian pyramid—remains a mystery. Marvel over the 100-foot-high (30-meter-high) grassy slopes of Silbury Hill from a distance before continuing your exploration of Avebury.

Among the loveliest and most historical enclaves in the Cotswolds—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty located west of London—Lacock is also one of England’s oldest villages. Renowned for the 13th-century Lacock Abbey and 14th-century St. Cyriac’s Church, Lacock is celebrated for its classically English beauty.

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.

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

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.

The distinctive blue Bombay Sapphire bottle has been a staple of bar shelves since the gin was first produced more than 25 years ago. Since 2011, the company has based its production in this historic mill at the edge of the River Test, which has been transformed into a state-of-the-art production and visitor facility.

Part of a well-known chain of British seaside resorts founded in the 1930s, Butlin’s Minehead offers all-inclusive family vacations and easy access to both the beach and to Exmoor National Park. The resort also provides an assortment of entertainment offerings—from a traditional fairground to live shows—and has ample dining facilities.

More than 250 birds of prey—representing about 75 different species—can be found at this long-standing bird of prey center, which has been in operation since 1967. Walk through the center’s gardens, peer into aviaries, and observe flying demonstrations during which staff educate visitors on the behaviors and habits of raptors.

Since 1964, Somerset’s Fleet Air Arm Museum has immersed guests in the history of British naval aviation. Four main exhibition spaces showcase a range of historic aircraft, while interactive displays provide plenty for visitors of all ages to see and do—including an award-winning aircraft carrier experience and an outdoor play area.

Torquay’s Babbacombe Model Village is a fun and charming destination that’s suitable for the whole family. It’s a representation of English village life in miniature—complete with cottages, gardens, and transport—alongside well-known landmarks such as Stonehenge and Windsor Castle. With more than 400 models and approximately 13,000 miniature people, there’s plenty to see here.