It's hard to imagine that one region could have so many contrasts and that in even the most hectic of cities, the sheer beauty of the west-country can force you to relax. A place that is real, where the countryside villages resemble those on chocolate boxes and where beaches are so spectacular they take your breath away.

Cornwall offers more miles of unspoilt coastline than anywhere else in Britain. It’s vibrant image is the result of a rich history and culture that still lives and breathes through the sites and scenery scattered throughout the county such as stone circles, castles and remains of iron-age villages. Cornwall’s fishing industry still survives in harbours like Newlyn, Mevagissey, Padstow, Falmouth, Looe and Polperro, and many smaller boats still work out of coves such as Port Issac, Cadgwith and Mullion. Release the artist within you and fall in love with the light and landscape that the far end of England’s south-west peninsula has to offer. Cornwall has a wealth of small gallery’s and art cafes to pass the time away – that’s if you’re not too busy surfing, which is another of Cornwall’s pastimes, but that’s another story!

Devon benefits from having two very different coastlines, in the north you will find dramatic, rugged headlands and surf-washed sands whilst in the south, you can enjoy golden coasts, white pebbled beaches and sheltered bays. There are many reasons to visit Devon and one of the most popular is to sample the traditional Devon cream tea or to enjoy a fresh seafood platter – Devon is as famous for its culinary delights as it is for its magnificent coastline.

Devon is perfect for family fun with miles of blue flag beaches and the best sand in the UK for building sandcastles! Devon is England’s greenest county and has been declared the number one organic county according to the latest figures from Defra. The spectacular coastal path, rolling countryside of Dartmoor, stone circles, historic market towns and literary connections all add to the wealth of Devon’s rich heritage.

Somerset is a land of contrasts, from the 40 miles of coastline and the popular seaside resorts of Minehead and Burnham-on-Sea, to the smallest city in England, Wells and the legends that surround Exmoor and Glastonbury.

Somerset is a haven for explorers – for walkers, South Somerset has over 1,100 miles of paths and tracks to lose yourself in! For the perfect rural retreat, visit the Heart of Somerset, home to the Blackdown, Brendon and Quantock Hills, Somerset Levers and Moors and the historic towns of Taunton, Wellington, Wiveliscombe – all with their own unique character and style.

Somerset is alive with history and legend – walk in the footsteps of King Arthur and King Alfred, explore Exmoor – home of Lorna Doone and visit the mysterious Glastonbury Tor, rising out of the Somerset Levels (ancient wetlands) like a beacon.

Dorset is home to the World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast and its fossils dating back more than 190 million years. With seven miles of golden beaches, parks and gardens, Bournemouth is Dorset’s little gem, combining traditional splendour with modern facilities. Poole Harbour is Europe’s largest natural harbour and is a stunning location for all types of watersports. Amongst the scenery, attractions and picturesque villages, the spectacular and much photographed geological features of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks are worth seeing.

From historic market towns such as the County town of Dorchester, to seaside fun, dramatic cliffs and sweeping beaches, West Dorset truly offers something for everyone! Walkers can choose the magnificent Heritage Coast or the many way-marked routes inland.

Bristol is famous for Brunel who designed the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Actor Cary Grant and Sir Humphrey Davy who discovered laughing gas and invented the miners’ safety lamp. In the 18th century, Bristol was the second largest port in the country and it was here that Brunel’s ss Great Britain was built. Launched in 1843, this was the first iron, propellant-driven ship to cross the Atlantic. Today, much of the character and charm of Bristol’s maritime past still remains and is used mainly for leisure and recreation. Bristol will cater for your every need with an array of new and old shopping areas, arts and museums, green spaces and parklife and for the adventurous, you can go rock climbing in the Avon Gorge, paddle through the harbour or mountain bike through Ashton Court Estate.

Bath is home to the Thermae Bath Spa, the only place in the UK where you can bathe in natural hot waters. The World Heritage Site of Bath is one the most stunning places in Britain with some of the most famous architectural masterpieces in Europe such as the Roman Baths & Pump Room, Royal Crescent, Bath Abbey and Pulteney Bridge. Apart from being the perfect base in which to explore the north-east of Somerset and the Cotswolds, Bath itself offers its visitors a wealth of quality attractions, shopping experiences, theatre and restaurants in traditional yet modern surroundings.

Wiltshire unites the districts of Kennet, West Wilts, North Wilts, Salisbury and South Wilts with the Borough of Swindon. With a population of nearly 430,000, much of the county is designated as an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.

The mystical force that surrounds the world-famous Stonehenge can sometimes overshadow the sheer beauty of this area. It’s breathtaking countryside, the open downland where uninterrupted views stretch for miles, ancient forests, picture postcard villages and the sparkling clear waters of the river valleys are perfect for outdoor activities all year round. Explore Europe’s largest man-made prehistoric mound, Silbury Hill and the White Horse Trail where you can search for the eight white horses that are carved into the hillside, some of which can be seen for miles.

Wiltshire has over 7,500 walking paths and cyclists will love the traffic free country lanes with a series of routes range from family friendly off-road routes to the 160 mile, long distance, Wiltshire Cycleway route.

Gloucestershire is the ideal place to visit at any time of the year. Covering most of the Cotswolds, the ancient Forest of Dean and the Vale of the River Severn, long summer days can be enjoyed kayaking or 4x4 racing, or drinking in one of the many lively pubs. Stroll amongst the Bluebells in Spring on your way to an antique shop or castle and in Autumn, watch the sleepy villages come to life as the trees change colour. In Winter, cosy restaurants with log fires and magnificent cathedrals are more than welcoming.

Many historic towns, villages and splendid manor houses can be found in the county, including the homes of many celebrities. In addition to the spectacular countryside, Gloucestershire has some outstanding historical buildings, including Gloucester Cathedral, Tewkesbury Abbey and the stunning Regency buildings of Cheltenham Spa.

South-West England offers a wide variety of accommodation luxurious hotels, guest houses, cottages, caravans and tents.

Whether you go in seek of the Jurassic coastline and dramatic cliffs of Devon and Dorset, the magnificent cathedrals of Salisbury and Gloucester, the famous spa in Bath or the maritime history in Plymouth, the south-west of England has a delight around every corner.

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