Welcome!
The South West of England is a region of striking contrasts – dramatic coastlines, rolling hills, lively market towns and historic cities that reflect centuries of trade, creativity and tradition.
This site provides an overview of the region and connects you to local guides, events and travel information through our partner site ThisIsSouthWest.com, where you’ll find in-depth features and travel inspiration.
Whether you’re browsing a map of the South West, planning a trip through its towns and countryside, or simply curious about what areas make up this corner of Britain, you’ll find plenty here to start exploring.
What Areas Make Up the South West
The region stretches from Cornwall in the far west to Wiltshire and Gloucestershire in the east, encompassing Devon, Somerset, Dorset, and the city of Bristol along the way. Each county offers its own unique character: from the surf beaches and fishing harbours of Cornwall to the cathedral cities of Exeter, Wells, and Salisbury, and the ancient landscapes of Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Cotswolds.
Towns and Destinations
Scattered across the region are hundreds of places that capture the spirit of the South West. Larger towns and destinations, such as Bath, Bristol, Exeter, and Plymouth, blend historic landmarks with creative energy. In comparison, smaller market towns like Totnes, Bridport, and Frome have strong local identities and weekly markets that are worth making a detour for.
On the coast, the names are equally familiar: St Ives, Falmouth and Padstow in Cornwall; Sidmouth, Lyme Regis and Weymouth along the Jurassic Coast; and the traditional harbours and sandy coves that define the English seaside at its best.
Things to Do and Places to Visit
There’s no shortage of things to do across the South West. Walk sections of the South West Coast Path for endless sea views, explore national parks and nature reserves, or visit one of the many heritage sites that tell the region’s story, from Stonehenge and Tintagel Castle to Bath’s Roman Baths and Brunel’s Clifton Suspension Bridge.
If you’re looking for places to visit with family or friends, try the Eden Project, Exmoor Zoo, the Fleet Air Arm Museum, or smaller local attractions such as gardens, craft studios and heritage railways. For food lovers, the South West is also home to some of Britain’s best produce. from West Country cider to Cornish pasties, Devon cream teas and award-winning cheeses.
Your Gateway to the West
SouthWestOfEngland.com acts as a gateway to regional travel, culture and discovery. From here you can explore local stories, detailed guides and event listings through our partner site ThisIsSouthWest.com.
Each of our comprehensive travel guides includes a link to a map to help you see how things connect, locate major towns and villages, and find travel routes.
We aim to showcase the variety of the South West and the places that we love– its landscapes, communities, and the experiences that connect them – all in one place.
South West of England
Join our Community & Share Your Experiences
To bring you closer to the traditional Westcountry hospitality and to help your planning, our Facebook Group is the place to share travel tips, stories, and recommendations across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset.
Got questions? We’re human, we love where we live, and we’re genuinely here to help. Drop us an email or message on WhatsApp
Have you got a South West event you would like to share?
Tell us all about it here.
About Us
SouthWestOfEngland.com is an independent regional travel network showcasing the best of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. The site brings together practical visitor information, transport links, maps and regional resources under one roof.
Our partner platform, ThisIsSouthWest.com, offers a local perspective, featuring travel writing, photography, and event coverage, backed by a wealth of local and not-so-local travel experience.
Together, we help visitors plan memorable trips and discover genuine Westcountry experiences all year round.
Editorial & Transparency Statement
SouthWestOfEngland.com is an independent travel site covering Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset. It brings together regional resources and partner projects, including ThisIsSouthWest.com, which provides local stories, photography and detailed guides.
We are not an official tourism body. Content is written and updated by our editorial team using first-hand research and verified sources. Where affiliate links or sponsored features appear, they are clearly marked and do not influence our recommendations.
Our aim is to make trip planning in the South West clear, accurate and enjoyable.