Things to do in South West England

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit South West England

Types of activities

Where to stay

South West England travel guide

Photo provided by Danny Evans/Jersey Images

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

Top places to visit

1. Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a mysterious ring of monolithic stones that has confused archaeologists for centuries. Admire this fascinating structure against the haunting backdrop of Salisbury Plain and discover what’s known about its puzzling history at the modern visitors’ center.

Learn more

Stonehenge showing building ruins and heritage elements

2. Poole Harbour

Poole Harbour is a large natural bay with several small islands in the southern part of the city. It has an intriguing history, with its shores having been inhabited for thousands of years. A boat from the Iron Age was discovered here. Watch the lifting of Poole Bridge, built in 1927 and spanning the waterway between the harbor and Holes Bay.

Learn more

Poole Harbour which includes heritage architecture and a river or creek

3. Durdle Door

Durdle Door is a natural arch carved into the limestone cliffs on the Jurassic Coast of England. The geological feature is the unquestionable highlight of the Lulworth Estate, which is open to the public and consists of 12,000 acres (4,856 hectares) of picturesque terrain. Go for a romantic stroll along the stony beach and take photographs of this stunning geological feature.

Learn more

Durdle Door showing a bay or harbour, a sunset and rocky coastline

4. Bournemouth Beach

Bournemouth Beach is one of England’s most popular and attractive sandy areas. For decades, locals and travelers have been relaxing under umbrellas against the roar of the English Channel’s waves. Discover the varying parts of the beach during your vacation, from the more active central bays to the spacious havens a little farther out from the city.

Learn more

5. Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park is one of Britain’s smallest national parks. Spanning 268 square miles (694 square kilometers), the park encompasses high moorland and over 34 miles (55 kilometers) of coast. Take a scenic hike, spot rare wildlife, cycle across high moors or visit the park’s charming medieval towns.

Learn more

Exmoor National Park showing wild flowers

6. Bournemouth International Centre

The Bournemouth International Centre, or the BIC, is a large events space and conference center that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year. Come here to take in everything from wrestling to stand-up comedy shows, from food and drinks festivals to musicals. And of course, if you are visiting Bournemouth for a conference or business event, there is a good chance it will be held here in the BIC.

Learn more

What to do in South West England

Popular places to visit

Stonehenge

4.5/5(155 reviews)

This powerful prehistoric structure is one of England’s most visited monuments and an important UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Poole Harbour

4.5/5(412 reviews)

Visit a forested part of this harbor’s archipelago after strolling along the charming promenade full of restaurants, pubs and boutiques.

Durdle Door

4.5/5(198 reviews)

Swim through the large natural arch in the cliffs, which juts out dramatically into the sea and dates back about 140 million years.

Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Why not see the exotic and native animals who live at Longleat Safari and Adventure Park during your holiday in Warminster? Wander the picturesque gardens or discover the beautiful countryside in this quaint area.

Cheddar Gorge

4.5/5(267 reviews)

Explore the great outdoors at Cheddar Gorge, a lovely green space in Cheddar. Visit the spas and lively bars in this relaxing area.

Bournemouth Beach

4.5/5(705 reviews)

Stroll along miles of England’s southern coast and stop at the fun parks and activity centers along the way.

Exmoor National Park

4.5/5(202 reviews)

Explore this stunning national park, a romantic landscape of ancient forests, secluded beaches, wooded valleys and brooding moors.

Bournemouth International Centre

4/5(193 reviews)

Go to a performance, conference, exhibition or other event at this large venue, which sits on the beautiful coast of Bournemouth.

Eden Project

4.5/5(160 reviews)

Explore one of Cornwall’s biggest and best attractions, an eco-garden of plants from around the world that was built to educate and entertain.

Areas of South West England

Cabot Circus Shopping Centre which includes street scenes and shopping as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

4/5(90 area reviews)

The beating heart of Bristol is packed with stunning architectural landmarks, shopping districts, centuries-old pubs and live music venues.

Bath Abbey showing a church or cathedral, a city and heritage architecture

Bath City Centre

4.5/5(295 area reviews)

The lively bars and relaxing spas are top of the list for many visitors to Bath City Centre. A stop by Thermae Bath Spa or Roman Baths might round out your trip.

Clifton

4.5/5(170 area reviews)

This picturesque suburb of Bristol is home to iconic city landmarks, an excellent zoo and boutiques set inside Georgian- and Victoria-era buildings.

The Holburne Museum showing heritage architecture

Bathwick

If you're spending some time in Bathwick, The Holburne Museum and The Recreation Ground are top sights worth seeing.

St. Mary Redcliffe Church which includes a bay or harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour

4/5(657 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by We The Curious or Millennium Square while you're exploring the area.