The South West is as diverse as it is interesting, and if you’re looking for a unique UK holiday break it’s a patchwork of pretty towns and exciting resorts. Which of the counties you visit depends on the kind of holiday you’re after. If you’re dreaming of a quick escape from it all and a short journey then Dorset is just two hours from the centre of London and easy to reach by car, plane and train. Add to that its array of traditional British beaches and activities and you’ll see why it’s the quintessential UK holiday spot.

If you fancied discovering somewhere a little further afield where you can immerse yourself in culture then Cornwall is perfect. Discover sandy beaches, a laidback surf scene and a historic landscape dotted with the features of a mining past. Cornwall is home to some of the most energetic resorts in the UK, with Newquay hosting all kinds of exhilarating events on its wonderful beaches. Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach are infamous amongst surfers, but they make lovely spots for families to visit too.

Devon is just along the coastline and aside from its mild climate it’s also dotted with family attractions and packed with characters you’ll neverforget. The South Devon fishing town of Brixham hides tales of smugglers and pirates behind its pretty, tea shop lined streets whilst Torquay is the birthplace of Agatha Christie. Many of her favourite places are just as they were when she grew up in the town, and she even based many of her thrilling novels in the bay. Torbay’s sheltered location makes the English Riviera one of the warmest choices for a UK break as it enjoys its own microclimate.

For all those walkers it’s got to be the rolling hills of Somerset. The county is known for the Mendip Hills and the Quantock Hills (where Wordsworth and Coleridge shared many a wander don’t you know) and they make for a beautiful stroll at any time of the year. Somerset is largely untouched by time , so if you’re seeking a true spot to get away from it all you’ll find its thatched cottages and winding lanes the idyllic rural retreat.