Things to Do in South West England

This first-century Roman bathhouse complex was a meeting point for patricians who came to bathe, drink the curative waters, and socialize. The baths fell out of use with the Roman exodus from Britain but were rediscovered and excavated in the late-19th century. Explore the Great Bath, which is filled with steaming, mineral-rich water from Bath’s hot springs.

A large natural harbor along the coast of Dorset, Poole Harbour is the centerpiece of its namesake town, flowing into Poole Quay and Upton Lake. With miles of rugged coastline and beaches, the harbor is a hotspot for water sports like windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding, while Poole Quay is home to an atmospheric promenade, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants.

Some places just have a special feeling and Avebury is one of them. A Neolithic site of three stone circles dating from 2600 BC, Avebury has the largest stone circle in Europe. Avebury is a henge, which means a bank or ditch with stone circles within this ring. No-one knows exactly who built it or why but it was most likely used for some kind of worship. Today it is still important to contemporary pagans especially during the solstices. The village of Avebury is partially within the circle, and in the 1930s archaeologist Alexander Keiller became interested in the stones and began excavating. He opened a small museum in the stables of his home, Avebury Manor. Today the museum fills the stables and a 17th-century barn with interactive displays which bring the site to life for adults and kids alike. Avebury Manor has also just reopened to the public.