Green Breaks

South West England enjoys some of the country's finest landscapes, beaches and heritage. Inspiration, relaxation, exhilaration or contemplation - the variety of our spectacular coast and countryside is sure to meet your need.

With 40% of England's Blue Flag beaches, 15 National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (a third of England's total) and 4 World Heritage Sites, the South West has a world-class environment for you to enjoy.

Best of all, many of these natural and historic gems can be enjoyed for free. Forget admission fees as you enjoy the natural thrill of a Cornish clifftop view, the delights of cycling through Devon's countryside, or sample Somerset's spiritual sites.

You can also rest assured that the South West is pioneering in its care for this special environment - we have more eco-labelled choices for you to visit and stay in than any other region in Europe.

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about fantastic holiday ideas and great accommodaton options in our top Green Break destinations...

Must Sees

Step back in time

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The region's World Heritage Sites take you from the evocative tin mines of Cornwall & Devon to the Roman & Georgian splendour of Bath, the prehistoric monuments of Stonehenge & Avebury to the fossils of the Jurassic Coast.

Find out more at 
worldheritagesouthwest.org.uk

Exmoor & Dartmoor

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England's highest clifftops, the open skylines of moors and tors, cool, clear streams and picturesque villages make these National Parks perfect for escaping from the pressures of everyday life.
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Sundown at Glastonbury Tor

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Even those sceptics will be left with a ‘spiritual high' after enjoying the 360 degree views stretching out across the beautiful Somerset countryside to the River Severn.
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Island Escapism

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Don't miss the anticipation and discovery as you step ashore one of our unique isles - choose from the Art Deco luxury of Burgh Island, the abundant wildlife of Lundy, or the iconic heritage of
St Michael's Mount.

Breathtaking Beaches

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The drama of the coastal scenery, the buzz of watersports or beach games with the kids - which will take your breath away? Cornwall and Devon alone have hundreds of beaches so you'll be spoilt for choice.

Must Dos

South West Coast Path

South West Coast PathWith few coastal roads, the best views of the spectacular coastline are reserved exclusively for those using England's longest National Trail - but even 1 mile will provide plenty of memories.

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Feel Good Green Choices

South West England has hundreds of tourist facilities that have been independently ‘eco-labelled' - more than any other in Europe. Look for the logo and make them your ‘feel good' choice.

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Exe Explorer, Devon

Take a beautiful estuary, add the most scenic travel by bike, boat and train from the city of Exeter, and top with some fine dining of the freshest, local produce. The perfect day out!
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Rediscover the romance of railways

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Forget about getting from A to B, our railways are some of the most beautiful in the country and an experience in themselves. Forget the commute and rekindle the romance of rail.
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The Dream Journey

Lights out in London, rise and shine in the South West with the Night Riviera Sleeper. Enjoy a nightcap in the lounge car before retiring to your private compartment - sweet dreams!
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Locals' Hidden Gems

Clovelly, Devon and Port Isaac, Cornwall

Clovelly, North Devon"The South West has some of the most beautiful stretches of coastline, littered with coves and secret sandy beaches. My favourite places are Clovelly and Port Isaac where narrow streets tumble their way down past whitewashed cottages to reveal tiny working ports."

Rick Stein, internationally-acclaimed chef

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Lanhydrock, Cornwall

"A particular favourite of mine at Lanhydrock has to be Robartes swimming pool that lies waiting to be discovered in the woods of the estate - on a summers day it's alive with dragonflies and damselflies, newts and diving beetles."

Matt Lewis, Area Warden for Lanhydrock estate in Cornwall.

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Soar Mill Cove, Devon

"A hidden gem for me is the walk from Bolberry Down car park to Soar Mill Cove, an area steeped in history with lots of stories to be told. The walk goes down into a small secluded sandy beach, ideal to take the family to for a picnic." 

Emma Townsend, Area Warden for South Devon.

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The Tamar Valley, Devon

"The Tamar Valley remains one of my favourite locations to work in. Unusually, its people and places seem to have moved into the 21st Century without severing links to the past. I return here to recalibrate and hope to continue to do so for many years to come".

Ted Giffords, Landscape Photographer

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Pilsdon Pen, Dorset

Silver Moonlit Trail by Caroline Ireland"The pathway up through the Rowan trees which winds its way up to the top of Pilsdon Pen in Dorset is a hidden gem.  Eventually you emerge onto the summit of the hillfort and gasp at the 360 degree view.  On a clear day you can see Glastonbury Tor."

Caroline Ireland, Dorset based artist

Find out more at visit-dorset.com

Image: Glastonbury Tor © Jo McLure

Visit our official destination partner websites, from across the region, for more information and holiday ideas

Bath, Bournemouth & Poole, Bristol, Cornwall, Cotswolds & Forest of Dean, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire