The South West travel guide

Stonehenge

No other site in England presents the viewer with such grandeur and mystery, nor sparks the imagination so much as this iconic circle of stones in Wiltshire, southwest England. Writers, adventurers, historians, and conquerors have all tried to answer its mysteries, resulting in tales and fables of Druids, Merlin and King Arthur, ancient giants roaming the countryside, and a highly evolved prehistoric race of men. Yet the question of who managed to drag several 20-ton stones more than 240 miles (386km) from North Wales across steep hills to be aligned with mathematical and astronomical precision 5,000 years ago remains fairly unanswered. A must-see tourist sight in England, budget a full day to see Stonehenge and its Visitor's Centre properly. The stone circle is located just off the A303, 20 minutes' drive from Salisbury.

The Eden Project

The Eden Project's aim is to examine the ways in which human beings interact with their environment, with a special focus on the plant world, in order to develop new ways of sustainable development by spearheading new conservation methods. Owned by a charity called the Eden Trust, the project consists of several specially-created conservatories - the largest in the world - built into a giant crater in Cornwall. The Eden Project is more than a theme park, as it presents visitors with an opportunity to explore the plant kingdom, and to examine our dependence on it. The park also hosts concerts during the summer, with top international acts regularly featuring on the bill. The Eden Project is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, outside of London, and is well worth a visit.

Salisbury Cathedral

The city of Salisbury is dominated by the spire of its famous cathedral, the tallest in England at 404 feet (123m). Started in 1220, the cathedral was completed in 1258, and the Spire added a few years later. Built to reflect the glory of God in stone and glass, this majestic and awe-inspiring church has been a setting for many great occasions in its 775-year history. The grounds of the cathedral contain many notable houses, which are open to the public. Mompesson House is a perfectly-preserved 18th-century home, and Malmesbury House was once the sanctuary of King Charles II, fleeing the Battle of Worcester in the 17th century. Salisbury Cathedral is one of England's greatest old churches and historic pilgrimage sites and is well worth a visit for tourists.

Penzance

Penzance is home to much more than Gilbert and Sullivan's famous pirates, though it has a long association with the arts and continues to be a centre for art and music in Cornwall. Originally a market and fishing town, Penzance has a bustling harbour area with a Victorian promenade that features an art deco open-air swimming pool. Although many of the historic buildings in Penzance have been pulled down, there are still worthwhile sights like the Egyptian House, St Mary's Church, and the Union Hotel. Morrab Gardens are a pleasant setting to spend an afternoon in good weather. Penzance is also beautifully situated in a region with bucket-loads of natural charm.

Cheddar Gorge

Attracting about 500,000 visitors a year, southwest England's spectacular Cheddar Gorge makes a wonderful daytrip destination, guaranteed to delight lovers of the great outdoors. The limestone gorge, located at the southern end of the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar in Somerset, has been named Britain's 'second-greatest natural wonder' (after the Dan yr Ogof caves in Wales), and plays host to a variety of attractions and activities.

For the cost of admission, visitors gain access to the exciting Cliff-Top Gorge Walk; the spellbinding Gough's Cave, full of stalactites and stalagmites; and the Museum of Prehistory, where the oldest skeleton in Britain - the 'Cheddar Man', who is believed to be about 9,000 years old - can be viewed. There's also a thrilling Crystal Quest feature, which is sure to delight the young ones, consisting of a cave filled with models of mythical and magical beings. A highly recommended tourist attraction, Cheddar Gorge makes a wonderful day excursion for visitors to southwest England.

Plymouth

The historic port city of Plymouth is located on the Devon coast, about 190 miles (310km) southwest of London, and has been attracting both local and international holidaymakers for centuries. Dating back to the Bronze Age, this port's history has seen it function as a trading post during the height of the Roman Empire, and then as a departure point for the Mayflower, bearing pilgrims across the Atlantic. Plymouth's naval background is still evident in the city's shipbuilding industry, but the economy is also largely influenced by tourism and service-based businesses, the well-established facilities and infrastructure creating an appealing environment for visitors. There are ferries to and from Plymouth linking the city to France and Spain, and the city's airport supports a number of international flights. There are many historic attractions in Plymouth to enjoy, including the 17th-century Royal Citadel and Smeaton's Tower lighthouse, built in 1759. Visitors can stroll along the many cobbled streets of the Barbican, and read the memorial plaques on the Mayflower Steps in Sutton Pool, from which the famous pilgrims' voyage was launched. The National Marine Aquarium and Crownhill Fort are also great local attractions. Plymouth is a good base for excursions to Dartmoor National Park, the Tamar Valley and the popular surfing beaches of southeast Cornwall.