South West England Tours and Vacation Packages

Overview

The South West Region, comprising Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, is a picturesque destination offering diverse experiences.

Cornwall is a coastal gem, with sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs along the English Channel and the Irish Sea. Newquay, the capital of Cornish surfing, beckons with its largest resort. St. Ives charms with its arts scene, featuring galleries and craft shops, while Tintagel is shrouded in legend as King Arthur's supposed birthplace, crowned by an imposing castle. St. Michael’s Mount mirrors Mont St. Michel in France and can be reached at low tide, and Land’s End marks England's westernmost point. Other delightful destinations include the fishing villages of Bude and the traffic-free Polperro.

Devon, known for its beach resorts, boasts Torquay at the heart of the "English Riviera." Dartmouth, a historical town on the River Dart, is home to the Royal Naval College, a 15th-century castle, and the Dartmouth Museum. Exeter, Devon's largest city, offers a base for exploration with Roman walls, a 15th-century cathedral, and underground passages. Scenic walks along the River Exe estuary provide breathtaking views. Devon also features Dartmoor and Exmoor, two National Parks with rugged, wild landscapes and native ponies. Lynton and Lynmouth, picturesque twin towns on the coast, can be accessed via a cliff railway. Don't forget to savor a Devon Cream Tea.

Dorset, while less famous than its neighbors, offers rich experiences. Its 100-mile coastline features sandy beaches and secluded coves. Bournemouth, the largest resort, boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere with shops, restaurants, accommodations, and nightlife. Dorchester, founded by the Romans and the hometown of Thomas Hardy, showcases the Wessex and Dorset countryside. Abbotsbury charms with honey-colored cottages and a Benedictine abbey. The exceptional Chesil Beach stretches for 18 miles. Lyme Regis, once home to author John Fowles, offers cliff walks and panoramic views. Lulworth Cove, a scallop-shaped cove, is surrounded by changing chalk cliffs and a must-visit cliff-top walk. Dorset is an unspoiled treasure in England, offering diverse coastal beauty and historical richness.