Things to do in South West England

Step into the past with skip-the-line entry to the Bodmin Jail in Cornwall where over 55 executions took place. Uncover the dark history of this haunted site built by King George III and explore the recently renovated wings and cells. Feel the cold against your skin as you walk down the Naval Wing. Travel just outside the town center to find Bodmin Jail and marvel at its imposing structure on the skyline as you reach the entrance. Count yourself lucky as you walk into the prison as a visitor and not as an inmate. Face a cold walk along the original Naval Wing and get a first-hand impression of what the dreary days and nights behind bars were really like. Look into grimy cells and listen to stories of prison punishments. Learn about the tragedies within these walls and the tales of the criminals who called Bodmin Jail home. Exit the prison after seeing the only original and fully working Victorian hanging pit in the United Kingdom.

Stonehenge is perhaps the most famous prehistoric monument in the world. It was built in several stages, beginning as a simple earthwork enclosure. The unique linteled stone circle was erected in the late Neolithic period, around 2500 B.C. Your timed admission ticket gives you access to a site that has continued to attract interest for centuries. Today Stonehenge, Avebury, and other associated locations comprise a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a unique and dense concentration of prehistoric monuments. Stonehenge has been the subject of speculation and fascination since at least the early medieval period. How did Neolithic people construct this masterpiece of engineering using only the simple tools and technologies available to them? Hundreds of prehistoric objects from the Stonehenge World Heritage Site are on display in the visitor center. One of the new features at Stonehenge is an outdoor gallery that includes several reconstructed Neolithic houses. Using archaeological evidence and authentic materials, these buildings provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Neolithic people who built Stonehenge. Stonehenge has many different meanings to people today. It is an icon of Britain, a wonder of the world, a spiritual place, and a source of inspiration.

Discover some of the most scenic coastline in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both Lulworth Cove and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and get plenty of information and maps to help you along the way. Use the time to go for a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill to Lulworth Cove and get magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Spend the time at Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and get a beautiful view of the arch on an optional boat ride from the beach, at your own expense. Benefit from a map highlighting the main features, or feel free to follow your own nose and explore independently. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door.

Discover the impressive Jurassic Coast on a cruise through Dorset. See Round Island, marvel at the iconic chalk formations on the coast, and learn fascinating facts about the area from live commentary onboard. Begin your trip at Poole Harbour and board an open deck boat with seating and comfortable saloons. From here, start your journey through 185 million years of history along the Jurassic Coastline. As you cruise, pass some of Dorset's most famous landmarks. See the golden beaches of Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, and the Old Harry Rocks, named after a notorious pirate. Enjoy expert commentary from your captains as you glide by. Sail by Dorset's small islands, including Furzey, Long, Green, and Round Islands, as you make your way to Swanage. Once reaching Swanage, head back towards Poole and capture the perfect picture of the famous chalk formations from the boat's outer deck.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath on this 1.5-hour guided walking tour. Your expert guide will explain the history, architecture, and some of the many stories that have made Bath such a fantastic place to visit. During the tour see the iconic sights of Bath including the Royal Crescent, The Circus, Queen Square, Pulteney Bridge, and Bath Abbey. Wander through the city as your guide brings the history, architecture, and the people of Bath to life through a lively and enjoyable commentary at each of the stops around the city. Ask them lots of questions and maybe even test the edges of their knowledge. Get insider knowledge on the best times to revisit certain sights.

Experience the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath on this guided walking tour. Your expert guide will bring history, people, and architecture to life with their commentary. See the ancient Roman Baths at the end of your tour. First, meet with your guide before heading to the Pump Room, the Royal Crescent, The Circus, Queen Square, Pulteney Bridge, and Bath Abbey. Then, walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen and hear about the filming of the Netflix hit, Bridgerton. From here, wander through the city as your guide brings the history, architecture, and the people of Bath to life through a lively and enjoyable commentary. Get insider information on the best times to revisit certain sights. Finally, visit the world-famous Roman Baths after your tour -- Bath’s most popular attraction. Be surprised by the complexity of society in the Roman town of Aquae Sulis.

Take a cruise around Europe's largest natural harbor, home to the town of Poole, the golden beaches of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. From either open deck seating or comfortable saloon you will see stunning views of the exceptional landscape that surrounds it. Your 70 minute trip will start on charming Poole Quay with its old buildings and buzzing atmosphere.  Next you will go past Brownsea Island, home to wildlife and picturesque Brownsea Castle, built to protect against French invasions. After that comes the Sandbanks Peninsula and the luxurious houses of the ‘Golden Mile’. Then you will tour the great natural expanse of the harbor and the remaining islands: Green, Furzey, Long and Round. Fronting onto beautiful scenery it helped inspire classics like Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's Travel. 

Visit one of the most famous pre-historic sites in the world on this half-day morning tour to Stonehenge. Your priority group admission ticket is included, allowing access to the monument, exhibition and site shuttle bus.   Depart London at 7:30 AM to be some of the first visitors that arrive at the site. Learn about the history of this monument from your driver/guide, and take advantage of the audio-guides available upon arrival.   Situated on Salisbury Plain in the Wiltshire countryside, Stonehenge is said to have been constructed more than 5,000 years ago. Enjoy the views of the surrounding plain, visit the monument, and explore the exhibition for approximately 2 hours. Head back to Central London for around 1:30 PM, so you’ll have time to sightsee for the rest of the day.

Visit one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world as you depart London by bus for a visit to the mythical Stonehenge. End your tour with an optional meal – the classic British fish and chips. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site with a downloadable audio guide available in multiple languages to learn more about the mysteries surrounding the incredible megalithic monument. Marvel at the 40-ton rocks standing alone in a vast tract of open land. A feat of engineering and design dating back nearly 5,000 years, the curious Stonehenge structure continues to divide historians as to its precise purpose. Theories include that Stonehenge was a temple to the sun, an elaborate cemetery, and even that Merlin had a giant build the structure for him. Make up your own mind as you explore this marvel of the ancient world at your own pace and learn about its origins. Conclude your tour with an optional meal of fish and chips, a British favorite served at a classic London venue.

Uncover Bristol's historic downtown area on a two-hour tour with an expert guide. Begin your tour outside Bristol Cathedral on College Green, an imposing medieval church built in the 12th century. As you walk through the downtown core, hear about the origins of the city, where it first started, and its medieval center. You'll then continue on to the Norman castle site, situated strategically between the River Avon and River Frome. See evidence of blitz damage, perpetrated by the Nazis against Bristol during the Second World War.  Throughout, you'll learn about Banksy, Brunel, Blackbeard, and many other of Bristol's famous residents (whose names may or may not start with a B). Hear bizarre echoes and finally finish on Bristol's historic harborside after seeing the smallest, largest, and most beautiful pieces of street art in the city.