West Country Breaks

£119

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what's included?

one night stay
two people
breakfast included

Your gift break voucher is presented in a stylish silver envelope together with full booking information and details on accommodation choices available.

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break information

If you’re looking to treat someone to a weekend break away in the West Country, why not surprise them with this West Country Gift break for two.

Once you have purchased your West Country Gift break, you will be able to spend time selecting the perfect location for your break from the wide range of locations featured on the right.

Comprising of some of the most beautiful countryside in England, the West Country has plenty to offer visitors, including some of the most clement weather you can expect in the UK. You can visit both the most southerly point of the English mainland, the Lizard, and the most westerly point, Land’s End which is also famed as a starting point for journeys to John o’ Groats. For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, there are the National Parks of Dartmoor and Exmoor, both steeped in legend and famed for their magnificent scenery and as havens for wildlife of all kinds.

There are plenty of cultural events to enjoy in the West Country, most notably the Glastonbury festival which sees hordes of revellers descending on the town for a long weekend of music and cultural events. Stonehenge may be the most well-known attraction in the area, but you can also visit Woodhenge, which is also on Salisbury Plain, or the Knowlton Circles henge complex in Dorset. Keen walkers can enjoy coastal paths, rugged moorland, lowland heaths and woodlands, riders can enjoy superb bridleways and woodland trails, and for those who prefer something less strenuous there are plenty of safaris and bus tours from which you can sit back and enjoy the ride. So visit the West Country for the time of your life and you won’t be disappointed.

locations

Avon

Named after the river that flows through it, Avon is an area steeped in its history as home to one of England’s major ports, Bristol, which remained important as a centre of trade for several centuries. As international trade with Ireland, Iceland and Gascony became more important to the area’s economy in the 15th century, merchants from Bristol were involved in exploring the world to find new opportunities for trade in the new world of North America, so Avon has a varied and fascinating history and plenty to offer any visitor to the area. The reputation that Bristol’s shipbuilders had for creating incredibly sturdy and well crafted ships from the finest materials led to the phrase ‘Ship shape and Bristol fashion’ entering the language. One of the area’s most famous sons, Isambard Kingdom Brunel not only contributed to this industry with his revolutionary designs for steamships, such as the SS Great Britain, but also made his mark on the landscape with his engineering vision of a floating harbour which was much safer than the existing harbour arrangement and is still in use today. The countryside of the Avon area makes it a perfect place for nature lovers to take a short break, and the Forest of Avon is one of the jewels in its crown. As a community forest, the Forest of Avon is committed to increasing environmental awareness and makes a great place for visitors to enjoy the fruits of their efforts. The Avon Gorge was once a defensive gateway to the city, but is now a favourite amongst climbers and offers a habitat for several species of birds and other wildlife, including some species that exist only in the gorge itself. If you would like the chance to immerse yourself in history and have some fun on your short break then the Avon Valley Railway offers a chance to do so in style. You can learn about the history of rail travel in the area, enjoy unique views of the River Avon, see some artefacts from the early days of the line and even learn how to drive a steam engine if you’re feeling particularly adventurous. Whatever you are looking for from a short break, Avon makes an ideal destination with plenty to do whether you want to explore the historical aspects of the area, get outdoors and enjoy the countryside or spend some time messing about on the water, whether that’s the river or the sea.
Cornwall

The south east of England has long been regarded as an ideal holiday destination, benefiting as it does from some of the warmest weather in the country. A break to Cornwall is a great way to enjoy an area which has long considered itself to be a separate cultural entity from the rest of England, and honours many longstanding traditions. The history of Cornwall features long periods during which tin mining was one of the major industries in the area, joined by copper mining in the 19th century and only overtaken in the 20th century when improvements in transport meant that tourists could finally see what life was like in this far flung region. Those who came liked what they saw, and Cornwall has been a popular tourist destination ever since, boasting a wealth of attractions, activities and opportunities to have a great time. If you enjoy spending time by the sea drinking in the salty air and listening to the waves, then Cornwall is a perfect destination – surrounded on three sides by water, Cornwall has many miles of beaches and cliffs which are perfect for strolling along as you work up an appetite for some of the amazing local cuisine. The area’s fishing industry provides the freshest seafood for its local restaurants, which is why it has been chosen as the location for some of the country’s most renowned restaurants, owned by famous chefs such as Jamie Oliver and Rick Stein. If fine dining is your idea of heaven, then Cornwall makes for an ideal short break destination, and for those who want to really indulge themselves, a traditional Cornish cream tea with clotted cream which will definitely leave you appreciating the local cuisine. For anyone who likes an active break, Cornwall makes an ideal location for almost any sport or pastime. If you fancy a leisurely stroll along a coastal path then you can take in some spectacular views and maybe even spot a little wildlife. However, if you fancy something which will get your adrenaline pumping, then Cornwall is the perfect place for a spot of rock climbing, coasteering or even kite surfing so you can pursue a fun filled break in whatever way suits you best. Cornwall’s unique location is also ideal for trying out some more unusual activities, meaning that you could enjoy a boat trip – perfect for a relaxing cruise, a great way to get visit some of the area’s most amazing attractions such as Smuggler’s Cottage, Trelissick Gardens and St Anthony’s Headland. If you fancy something a little different then why not try a sea safari where you can expect to see some of Cornwall’s sealife frolicking in the waters off the coast. Cornwall doesn’t just benefit from some of the best weather in the UK, but some of the most incredible views, exciting activities and fantastic food. Whatever your pleasure, Cornwall makes an ideal gift break destination and with so much to offer any visitor you will find everything you need to enjoy a weekend away.
Devon

Devon has everything anybody could possibly want from a short break, from seaside to moor land, temperate weather to tiny ponies - whatever you enjoy doing with your free time you are sure to find an outlet on a break in Devon. Animal enthusiasts will love the wide variety of attractions in the south west, including the National Marine Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the UK and home to sharks, rays, tarpon and many other underwater creatures including an exhibition of Weird Creatures where you can see some of the most unusual fish in the world. Anyone who is looking for a chance to walk down memory lane will find just what they are after on a break to Devon, in particular the charm of Bygones, the Old World Street where visitors can walk back in time and visit the ironmongers, apothecary and forge to enjoy the sights and smells of Victorian England. Including a miniature world with a model railway and a host of other tiny attractions, a chance to hear some stories of years gone, Bygones has plenty to educate, entertain and impress any visitor. For visitors with an interest in transport, one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Devon is the Seaton Tramway, a fleet of narrow gauge trams running between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton. The tramway offers unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside such as the Axe Estuary where you might be lucky enough to spot rare birds and because the trams are open topped, it’s a great opportunity to take some stunning photos. The Jurassic coast is another thing which makes Devon a unique place for a short break. Offering visitors the chance to experience 185 million years of the earth’s history through the fossils which dot the coastline, the area has been designated a World Heritage site and is a great place to walk through time from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Devon is also perfectly adapted to outdoor activities of any kind, from gentle strolls through woodland or across moors to coastal paths which offer a chance to see the seaside from almost any angle you prefer. Anyone with a sense of adventure can take on more challenging trails or even water sports in the temperate tides off the coast, or perhaps a little fishing, golfing or perhaps a chance to go horse riding. Any visit to Devon wouldn’t be complete without some fantastic food and the area is famous for its cream teas which are the ideal indulgence after spending a day drinking in the sea air and working up an appetite. Seafood is also abundant in this area, and anyone who loves lobster or fancies some fish is sure to find something to tickle their taste buds on a short break to Devon. Whatever you enjoy doing, a trip to Devon is a great way to indulge an interest, experience new things or just take some time out to relax and enjoy the fabulous scenery – the south west has plenty to offer and once you have visited you will want to go back.
Hampshire

The south coast of England has an iconic heritage, and there is so much to see and do that a short break to the area might spark a new-found love of a county which has such a lot to offer. One of the most incredible ways to see the sights of Hampshire is with a scenic trip on the Watercress Line steam railway. Once used to transport produce to the markets at Covent Garden as well as passengers hoping to make their fortune in the capital, the railway has been lovingly restored by dedicated volunteers so that it can continue to offer a slice of history to modern travellers who want to relive the glory days of steam transport. The line passes through many picturesque towns and villages such as Arlesford, which retains many of the Georgian architecture and characteristics from its past, and Alton, a busting market town where you can immerse yourself in local life. The railway often hosts special events, so you might just get the chance to sample some real ales as you travel, enjoy a meal in the dining car or learn about the impact the war had on the area’s transportation system. If you’re interested in wildlife, then there is no better place to visit that the River Test, where despite the falling numbers elsewhere in the country, the local otter population is thriving. You aren’t guaranteed to spot one of these beautiful creatures, but you stand a better chance of catching sight of one in this area. The New Forest is also home to the herds of ponies which roam freely across the area, and much of Hampshire has red deer which have free reign over the countryside. There have been reports of Wild Boar in the area, so if you keep your eyes peeled, you might just spot one of these near-mythical creatures as well. Whatever you want from a short break, Hampshire has everything and more, making exploring the area an eye-opening experience for everyone.
Somerset

A rural county which encompasses the Mendip Hills, Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills, Somerset is a great place to visit for anyone with an interest in nature, and as the scene of significant events in the rise to power of King Alfred the Great there is also plenty for history buffs to enjoy in the county. Over 100 areas in Somerset have been designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest including much of Exmoor National Park. Originally a Royal Forest and hunting ground, the park was sold off in 1818 before becoming a National Park in 1954. The diversity of flora and fauna makes the park a haven for anyone with an interest in natural history, and as you walk around you can spot the wild Exmoor ponies which have lived on the moors since the last warden of Exmoor established the herd. For those who enjoy walking, the Coleridge Way is a 36 mile footpath which traces the routes that Samuel Taylor Coleridge took as he walked across the moor towards Porlock, and includes Nether Stowey and Dunkery Beacon on its route. If you’d like to see the sights on your short break to Somerset, but prefer to travel under someone else’s steam, then a trip on the West Somerset Railway is a heritage railway comprising the longest privately owned passenger rail line in the country. The beautifully maintained locomotives travel through picturesque stations and offer unrivalled views of the unspoilt countryside as well as fantastic photo opportunities. Somerset is also home to plenty of cultural traditions, from making cider to the legends of King Arthur and right up to the modern tradition of the Glastonbury festival, and a short break to Somerset is a chance to enjoy all the richness of local life and much, much more.
South Devon

The area around South Devon is often described as the most beautiful in the UK, not least because the temperate climate makes everything seem more appealing, and a short break to the area is sure to give you every chance to enjoy the beauty of the south coast. One of the most popular places amongst visitors to South Devon is Dartmoor, a national park which covers 368 square miles and encompasses some of the most incredible scenery you can find. There are a number of hilltops composed of exposed granite, known as tors, and although the land is privately owned, there are no restrictions on walking paths meaning that you can explore as much of it as you choose. You can also visit Castle Drogo, a country house built in the 1910’s and 1920’s entirely out of granite, set in formal gardens planted by Gertrude Jekyll and designed by Lutyens and including a croquet lawn. For a glimpse into a gentler way of life, a short break to South Devon is a great opportunity to visit Buckfast Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery founded in 1018. Although it has seen many changes over the years, not least the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 after which it stood in ruins for 200 years, today Buckfast is home to a self-sufficient community of monks. They have a farm and keep bees, pigs and cattle, as well as making the hugely popular Buckfast Tonic Wine a strong alcoholic drink made by the monks since the 1890s. Visitors can take a tour of the site, including the chapels, exhibitions and the gardens, and regular events are held in the grounds, from beekeeping to choral concerts. Whatever brings you to South Devon, you are bound to find more than you were looking for on your short break to this beautiful part of the world.
Wiltshire

As home to one of the most famous historical sites, Stonehenge, Wiltshire has plenty of fascinating places to visit for anyone on a short break to the area. With plenty of beautiful countryside, vibrant towns and villages and a wide variety of local events, Wiltshire is an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys soaking up the local culture. Of course some of the most significant spots in Wiltshire are the stone circles on Salisbury Plain, of which the most well-known is Stonehenge but which also includes Avebury. Of all the Neolithic sites in the UK, these are not only the best known, but also the subjects of the most speculation and myth surrounding their creation. Thought to date back as far as 2500BC, the construction of Stonehenge has long been considered a mystery, with several competing theories as to how the stones were moved into place, including those which tend towards the supernatural. Visitors today can enjoy the mystical atmosphere at the site and even come up with their own theories on how the structure came into being. For a glance into the more recent history of the area, a visit to Mompesson House is a chance to learn about this 18th Century building, with its incredible plasterwork, beautiful period furniture and breathtaking oak staircase. The house carries with it an air of tranquillity which can be felt as soon as you enter, and the artwork, mouldings and collections all make for fascinating viewing. Outside there is a beautifully maintained walled garden featuring traditional planting and a pergola as well as a croquet lawn where you can play a game yourself on your visit. A short break to Wiltshire is a great opportunity to enjoy the very best in the UK’s beautiful countryside, fascinating history and cultural events.

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West Country Breaks