Things to see and do Southwest

Brownsea Island is a small 500-hectare island owned by the National Trust and accessed by ferry from Poole Quay or Sandbanks Terminal. In 1907, Lord Baden Powell set up the first Scout camp here. Quiet beaches, walking trails and beautiful coastal views make this an attractive location. The red squirrel is one of the rare species that can be seen here. For the crossing, contact Brownsea Island Ferries (www.brownseaislandferries.com). A great idea for a family day out!

Built in 1117, Berkeley Castle's history begins with the meeting of the western barons who forced King John to sign the Magna Carta at Runnymede. It continues with the murder of Edward II in 1327 and Cromwell's siege in 1645 (he actually breached the wall, which is legally forbidden to repair). There are many fine interiors to visit, as well as a sublime English-style garden adorned with roses, rare plant species, shrubs and trees. A wonderful visit, typical of the region, and of English castles and their history.

Barbara Hepworth is one of the great names in British abstract sculpture. She worked with Henri Moore, Picasso, Mondrian... She lived in St Ives from 1949 until her death in 1975. Her studio has been preserved as it was at the time, and the museum, consisting of two rooms and a graceful garden, exhibits some of her sculptures in wood, stone or bronze. It is in the latter that the artist's greatest works are housed, between forms and volumes, animal and vegetal.

A whole complex of shops, cafes and restaurants on cobbled streets, many pubs (Indie House, The Galley Bistro, The Dorset Ale House).

Bishop's Palace dates back to the 13th century and has been modified many times over the centuries. It is the residence of the Bishop of Bath and Wells, who still lives within the walls of the north wing today. The building is open to visitors and it is interesting to discover its rich history and varied architectural styles. A special feature is that the swans in the gardens have been trained to ring the bell when they are hungry and are fed with wholemeal bread! A nice visit to make with the family.

Originally a Saxon church, it became a Benedictine abbey in 998 and was subsequently extensively enlarged and decorated. It is one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic in the region, and should not be missed. The building's most striking feature is its magnificent, typically English fan vaults. The one over the choir is even the oldest large vault built in England. Simon Jenkins once wrote: "I'd put Sherborne's roof up against any contemporary Italian Renaissance work".

This abbey, now in ruins, is known as the oldest Christian shrine in Britain and is linked to Joseph of Arimathea. A fire destroyed the building in 1184, and the monastery, which had been rebuilt, was abandoned in 1539. Legend has it that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were buried on the estate, but their remains were lost when the site was dissolved. Don't miss Abbot Dunstan's kitchen, particularly well preserved. There's also a small museum on site.

A train, a weather station, a boat, so far the miniature village has nothing very surprising, but on the turn of a mini-hill, you discover a beach of nudist model reduced, finally a little originality! The visit will entertain children, parents perhaps a little less.

This contemporary art centre presents, through a cinema, a bookshop and five galleries, various programmes by British and foreign artists. Highly multimedia, the Arnolfini art centre does not exclude any mode of expression: painting, drawing, sculpture and video are thus put to work here. The café is very pleasant and has a terrace on the quays. There is also a specialised bookshop on site, so that you can continue learning and discovering at home and at your own pace. Information and bookings can be made online.

In 1864, this 32-room Roman villa with baths and mosaics dating from the ^1st century A.D. was excavated. It is set in the heart of a beautiful valley. In the basement, you can visit the baths, kitchens, salons, temple and latrines of the period. It was later transformed into a large half-timbered manor house, and the audio commentary helps to recreate the atmosphere of the time. One of the largest Roman villas in Britain, it offers a rare insight into Roman life in the country.

This is the only cheddar cheese factory in Cheddar! It's the perfect opportunity to visit a museum of craftsmanship "in action": you'll see how England's famous favorite cheese is made, as they've known it since 1170. The various stages of the process are shown, and the caves are used as giant refrigerators. The tour naturally ends with a tasting of the different varieties. Every cheddar has its own particularity!

The Cheddar Caves are the main local attraction and are accessible through a single company that manages all the entrances. Several types of tickets are sold, the most common being also the most complete. It gives access to the various caves, the museum (which houses a 40,000-year-old human skeleton) and other attractions (natural and unnatural) such as a bus tour of the gorge, a three-mile hike to the top or access to the observation tower. Climbing and caving trips are also possible.

A Gothic masterpiece from the 12th century, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful in the Southwest with its imposing façade. The West Front is twice as wide as it is high and represents the Last Judgement with a very special finesse. Once you enter, you can admire the magnificent nave of the building, as well as its 15th century library and old books. You should not miss the astronomical clock (14th century), a small jewel of craftsmanship that comes alive with a knightly battle every quarter of an hour, to the delight of visitors.

Covering more than 4 hectares, this beautiful private garden with its shimmering flowers is adorned with marble and bronze sculptures. Open all year round, you can stroll through the cleverly arranged plants and trees. There are many different atmospheres to discover along the way: Japanese pavilion, Italian garden, heather and subtropical garden... You can enjoy a few treats as you stroll through the gardens, as well as a cup of tea in the pretty visitors' room. Free parking and plant sales all year round.

Surrounded by huge parks conducive to hiking, this small village has a centre of art that presents various crafts: floral art, pottery, jewellery, metalwork, glassware… Some shops at the entrance to the thatched roof sell the crafts. A picturesque visit.

By going down to the beaches, we discover not only a superb view of the estuary but also a waterfall. Behind it is a cave which, according to legend, would be the birthplace of Merlin the enchanting.

The story of Brixham through the ages is told in this little museum a little dusty. Learn more about the landing of William d'Orange, or Brixham's role during World War II. A room displays boat models, photos and tools, tracing the maritime history of the village.

It's Bristol's star attraction. The SS Great Britain was born from the imagination of Isambard Brunel in 1843. Consecrated the largest ship in the world at the time, this colossus sailed to New York and Melbourne. It was also used to transport troops to the Crimea and India. An exhibition explains how it worked, which was revolutionary from a technical point of view. Thanks to a dry dock, one can go around the hull before going through the deck and its many parts.

The amusement park in the region drains thousands of tourists year round, and guess what? It is located in Minehead. Hence the increase in the population of the small fishing village…

The history of plant evolution through a unique collection of over 4,500 species. Succulent plants, giant Amazonian water lilies, a collection of sacred lotuses - a fantastic garden, a haven of peace far from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also splendid greenhouses, a tropical house, a large pond and a Chinese pharmacology garden. Numerous events (exhibitions, scientific picnics, etc.) are organized here throughout the year.

Let us take you on a half-day tour of Stonehenge, one of England's most mysterious sites. Comfortably seated in your purple minibus, you'll be able to observe the splendid surrounding countryside while enjoying the commentary of your driver and guide, who will be delighted to pass on his knowledge of the area and answer any questions you may have. The tour lasts a total of 4 hours, from pick-up to return to the city. The meeting point is in front of the Abbey Hotel in the center of Bath.

In the nearby market town of Wilton, Wilton House is an elegant noble residence that has belonged to the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years. Enlarged and embellished over the years, it is an example of highly refined architecture and its interiors are of rare beauty. It is best known for its seven state rooms. The site also boasts some of England's first known formal gardens, with grottoes and water features, and has been the location for several films, including Barry Lindon and Pride and Prejudice.

Owned by the National Trust, this rich property has a park of over 1,000 hectares and a lovely palladian house. With its Chippendale furniture and its very aesthetic decoration, it is a place that will delight lovers of history and architecture.

An iconic landmark, this architecturally attractive building was opened in 1925. It belongs to the University of Bristol and houses the university's law and earth sciences departments. It is here that the university's prestigious graduation ceremonies are held. Visits are rare but well worth the detour. You can see the great hall, the Council Chamber and the libraries, all of which are very interesting. From the top of the 78-metre tower, the view is superb - not to be missed!

Appreciated for its beautiful architecture and red brickwork, the Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park is one of the city's best-known landmarks. It was built in 1897 to commemorate the voyage of John Cabot, the Italian navigator in the service of England, between Bristol and North America four hundred years earlier. The park, with its water-lily pond, is a pleasant place to stroll. You can then climb to the top of the tower, free of charge, for beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. But beware: the stairs are very steep!

The north coast of Cornwall is splendid, and home to some of England's finest coastal scenery. From west to east, you can admire the beauty of this coastline by walking along the sea from the road. If the beaches here are divine and pearly white, it's largely because they're often completely covered at high tide. The vistas change with the day, and you're just as likely to contemplate stretches of fine sand arched by cliffs, as granite rocks dropping sheer into the capricious Atlantic.

Gwithian Towans Beach: an immense white-sand beach fringed by dunes, a place full of charm and grandeur, popular with surfers.

Godrevy Point: its pretty cliffs provide unobstructed views of the surrounding area, and the attraction of this point also lies in the small island opposite it, with its lighthouse: Godrevy Lighthouse.

Portreath: a tiny, recessed village, typical of Cornwall, with a pretty beach at the foot of the green cliffs.

Hell's Mouth: between Gwithian and Portreath, this spot is easy to access from the road, with parking available at the Hells Mouth Kitchen and Bar. The photogenic cliffs are high above the water, and the area is of great beauty.

St Agnes and Wheal Coates: the cliffs south of St Agnes are among the most impressive in the region. Very high and covered with heather, you can admire the picturesque remains of old small stone mines on the Wheal Coates side. The superb beaches of Chapel Porth and Porthowan Beach, popular with surfers, stretch as far as the eye can see below. A short walk from the Porthowan parking lot to Trevaunance Cove is the perfect way to enjoy a Cornish postcard. If you simply wish to take a look at the ruins of Wheal Coates, a National Trust parking lot on Beacon Drive makes the site easily accessible on foot. For a bit of height, Beacon Hill is nearby.

The coastline between St Agnes and Perranporth is one of the steepest in the area and makes for a superb walk between the two towns. The view of the beach from the heights around YHA Perranporth is breathtaking.

Bedruthan Steps: the Bedruthan Steps could be straight out of an Australian or New Zealand postcard. At low tide, when they're no longer being rocked by the waves, these breathtaking masses of rock sit enthroned on a pristine beach, at the foot of the cliffs and facing the open sea. It's one of the most dazzling sights you'll ever see!

The villages of Mawgan Porth, Porthcothan, Harlyn, Trevone and New Polzeath are all very characteristic of the region.

Trevrose Head: visible from Newquay, this majestic headland juts out into the Atlantic and offers some stunning scenery, with its lighthouse and towering cliffs.

Stepper Point and Pentire Point: facing each other on either side of the mouth of the River Camel, these two charming, easy-to-reach points offer sweeping panoramas.

Port Quinn and Port Isaac: these adjoining Cornish villages are well worth a photo stop.

Between Boscastle and Bude: the cliffs in the area of Crackington Haven and Millook Haven are absolutely breathtaking, displaying an original and more complex geology than in the rest of the county.

This amusement park in Lappa Valley takes you aboard a dozen small steam trains. There's also mini-golf, canoeing, forest walks, a children's trampoline and a challenging maze. The site is set in an area of unspoilt nature, with interesting flora and fauna. Above all, it's an excursion for families with young children. Parking, toilets and café on site.

It's a welcome change from the pleasures of sea, beach and hiking. Spread over 5 hectares on the edge of Newquay, you can come here to meet species from all over the world, such as lions, toucans, meerkats, snakes, penguins and many others. You can even watch the animals feeding. Reduced rates are available for online bookings, and attractive prices are available for families. It's an enjoyable family outing that's a welcome change from cultural visits.

The Jurassic Coast is Dorset's greatest asset. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this enchanting coastline stretches for over 150 kilometers from Studland Bay, near Poole, to Exmouth in Devon. Its landscapes are of rare beauty, and its name derives from its very special nature. No less than 185 million years of geological history have shaped this coastline, where numerous dinosaur fossils have been found. The best way to discover the region is to get behind the wheel and embark on a road trip along the sea, which can be completed in a single day. Here are the main sites of interest, from east to west:

Corfe Castle: this picture-postcard medieval village is on the way to the coast from Poole. It's well worth stopping for a photo or to visit the impressive ruins of its hilltop castle (www.nationaltrust.org.uk).

Old Harry Rocks: at the eastern tip of Studland, this stunning chalk geological formation features stacks and huge white rocks jutting out of the water. It might remind you of Australia's Great Ocean Road, but this is England.

Lulworth Cove: this small, almost perfectly circular natural bay is an idyllic place of rare beauty, and one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. Right next door, on the western flank, is Stair Hole, another cove with rocks from elsewhere.

Durdle Door: not far from Lulworth Cove, this poetically-named site is a splendid arch cut into the cliff. On its eastern side, St Oswald's Bay and Man o'War are delightful beaches.

Bat's Head and White Nothe: to the west of Durdle Door, Bat's Head and White Nothe are two enormous points of white rock from which you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. There is no road to get there, but the South West Path provides access.

Chesil Beach: just beyond Weymouth, Chesil Beach is an interminable 19-kilometre long beach. A lagoon separates most of it from the coast, and it can be admired from Portland, Abbotsbury and West Bexington.

West Bay: made famous by the Broadchurch detective series, which uses it as a backdrop, this small community boasts a typical harbour and superb East Cliffs, set like a wall against the sea.

Golden Cap: 10 kilometers before Lyme Regis, Golden Cap forms a 191-metre-high rocky promontory facing the sea. It's particularly visible from Seatown, where a path provides a 40-minute walk.

Lyme Regis: the charming little village of Lyme Regis is very picturesque, and Lyme Bay is famous for its many shells and fossils.

South West Coast Path: if you'd like to explore the Jurassic Coast on foot, the South West Coast Path (www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk) is a 1,014-kilometer long-distance footpath between Minehead (Somerset) and Poole (Dorset). It covers the whole of the South West Peninsula, well beyond the Jurassic Coast, but you're free to do only the sections that interest you.

Accommodation: there are plenty of campsites and B&Bs. The national youth hostel association YHA (www.yha.org.uk) also has several addresses along the coast (YHA Swanage, YHA Lulworth Cove, YHA Litton Cheney and YHA Beer).

Further information: www.jurassiccoast.org

St Nicholas Priory is a historic building originally built in the 11th century as a Benedictine monastery, but over the centuries, it has been used for a variety of purposes, including a merchant's house, a workhouse, and a museum. Today, the priory is open to the public as a museum and offers visitors a unique insight into the life and history of Exeter. The museum's collections include a wide range of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the town's rich history, from the Roman occupation to the present day. Consult website for events.

The Bill Douglas Cinema Museum is dedicated to the history of cinema and pre-cinema. The museum was founded in 1994 by the filmmaker Bill Douglas and his friend Peter Jewell, and it is located on the campus of the University of Exeter. The museum contains a vast collection of items related to the history of cinema, including posters, photographs, books, magazines, props, costumes, and equipment. The collection spans the entire history of cinema, from its earliest days to contemporary.

Exeter Cathedral is a beautiful medieval cathedral located in the heart of Exeter. It is one of the most impressive and historic buildings in the city and is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The cathedral was constructed in the 12th century, and over the years, it has been expanded and improved upon by many different architects and craftsmen. It is famous for its Norman towers, carvings, and stained glass windows. Guided tours will show you around all the historical details that make the cathedral special.

Climb at the top of Plymouth lighthouse, built on Fn Reef in 1759, then moved (stone stone) at the beginning of the th century to its current site. At the top of the 93 steps, the view of the city and its port is worth a visit. Prone to vertige.

A 5-minute concert room from Gyllyngvase Beach, the programming of beautiful musical surprises.

In East Looe, the streets of the city centre lead to a charming sandy beach. It is not dangerous and covered with soft sand, especially attracting families.

The aquarium faces the sea, and is a great place to see sharks, as well as all sorts of colorful fish, octopuses, rays and a host of molluscs. It's not necessarily the most typical activity in the area, but it can be a great activity for the whole family. Don't forget to book your tickets in advance, as you'll benefit from discounts and avoid the wait. You can also join a guided group tour. The aquarium is very spacious, so you'll have no trouble spending the whole day there. Ideal when it's raining.

This island is a few miles by boat from Ilfracombe and is a 4.45 km² nature reserve. Puffins are the local stars, but there are also fallow deer, ponies and all kinds of birds. It is possible to stay on site.

Let us take you on a half-day tour of Stonehenge, one of England's most mysterious sites. Comfortably seated in your purple minibus, you'll be able to observe the splendid surrounding countryside while enjoying the commentary of your driver and guide, who will be delighted to pass on his knowledge of the area and answer any questions you may have. The tour lasts a total of 4 hours, from pick-up to return to the city. The meeting point is in front of the Abbey Hotel in the center of Bath.

This impressive valley with its jagged coastline is one of Exmoor's most beautiful spots. Less than a mile from Lynton, the Valley of Rocks is famous for its rock formations and strange caves. The formation of this natural site is thought to date back to prehistoric times, with the valley sanding up over the years to form a U-shape. On your walk, you may come across wild goats roaming freely, often quite frighteningly, along the jagged cliffs. Don't forget your camera on this beautiful walk!

On foot from Newquay town center, follow the coast along the natural byways of the South West Coast Path. You'll pass The Huer's Hut, a ^14th-century white stone hut where a "crier" used to sound the alarm about approaching shoals of sardines. The view over Newquay's beaches is magnificent. Continue on to Headland and its belvedere. The scent of the plants and the fresh air along the walk are a real change of scenery. Come at the end of the day to enjoy an incredible sunset.

One of Newquay's largest fishing boats will take you out to meet the marine wildlife. Experience an unforgettable sea safari and hope to spot many dolphins, birds and even the occasional shark! Depending on your chosen experience, you can try your hand at fishing, with all equipment provided by the captain, and snorkeling. And for the brave, the most sensational experience is cage diving among blue sharks!

Discover the Newquay coast in a different way! Newquay Riding Stables offers treks and horseback rides to enjoy Cornish nature. Rides are suitable for all levels, lasting from one to two hours. You'll follow bridle paths and country lanes, cross rivers and gallop along Newquay's sublime beaches. An unforgettable experience, accompanied by an expert guide for your safety. For the little ones, pony rides and lessons are available.

M Shed is Bristol's museum of popular culture. Housed in a very long shed on the water's edge, its colorful, interactive exhibition traces the city's social history, and the people and events that have shaped it over the centuries. Nearly 3,000 original objects, 150 films and thousands of photos tell the story of the war years, the industrial sector, means of transport through the ages and cultural events. An interesting exhibition both for its exhibits and for the venue itself.

Dunster Castle is situated on a wooded hillside 10 minutes from Minehead. After serving as a medieval fortress, in the ^19th century it became a sumptuous residence belonging to the Luttrell family, who lived there for almost 600 years. The magnificent garden features many varieties of Mediterranean and subtropical plants. Further down, the river leads to the mill, which is still in operation. From the castle, you can enjoy sublime views over the Bristol Channel.