Welcome to the stunning South West of England! With its rolling hills, breathtaking coastline and charming towns and villages, this region is one of the most picturesque in the country. From Cornwall’s rugged cliffs to Devon’s golden beaches, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore. But with so many countries to choose from, where do you start? In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the main counties in South West England and what makes each one unique. So buckle up and get ready for an adventure through some of the UK’s most captivating landscapes!
Map of South West England
1. Devon
Devon is one of the nine traditional English counties and is located in South Western England. The county town of Exeter is the most populous city in Devon. There are thirty-one other towns and villages in Devon. The county has a population of 1,527,600 people.
The coastline of Devon is long and includes many seaside resorts and small fishing villages. The rural areas are mostly small villages and hamlets, with rolling countryside to the west and north. Dartmoor is the largest National Park in England, covering an area of. Other major tourist attractions include Plymouth Hoe, Axminster, Dawlish Warren, Teignmouth-Quay Head and Torquay.
The economy of Devon is mainly based on agriculture, with dairy products being a major export commodity. Other important sectors include food processing, tourism, light industry and services. There are several universities located in Devon, including the University of Exeter, University of Plymouth, University of Bristol and Royal Marines Academy Sandhurst.
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2. Cornwall
Cornwall is a county located in the south-west of England. The county comprises the traditional counties of Cornwall and Devon, as well as the former administrative county of Torbay.
Cornwall has a population of 1,545,600 people. The county is sparsely populated, with most of the population living in the two largest towns, Truro and Falmouth. There are thirty-one other towns and villages in Cornwall. The coastline of Cornwall is long and includes many seaside resorts and small fishing villages. The rural areas are mostly small villages and hamlets, with rolling countryside to the west and north.
The economy of Cornwall is mainly based on agriculture, with dairy products being a major export commodity. Other important sectors include food processing, tourism, light industry and services. There are several universities located in Cornwall, including the University of Exeter, the University of Plymouth, the University of Bristol and the Royal Marines Academy Sandhurst.
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3. Somerset
Somerset is a county in the South West of England. It covers an area of 2,464 square miles (6,971 km2). The county town is Taunton. Other major towns include Bridgwater, Glastonbury, Yeovil and Wells. The county borders Gloucestershire to the North East, Devon to the South East and Cornwall to the South West. There are three royal manors in Somerset – Berkeley Castle, Knole House and Willington Quay Court Manor – all of which are open to the public.
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4. Bristol
Bristol is the largest city in South West England, with a population of 1.5 million people. It is situated along the coastline, between the Somerset Levels to the east and Bristol Channel to the west. The city has a rich history dating back to 1066 when it was founded by the Norman lord Robert de Beaumont. Bristol’s economy is based on its port and maritime industry, and it has been ranked as one of the best cities in Britain to live in. The city has a diverse cultural heritage, including theatres and music venues, as well as art galleries and free museums. Bristol also has a lively nightlife scene, with many bars and nightclubs located in its centres.
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5. Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire is located in South West England and is bordered by Wiltshire to the north, Somerset to the east, Dorset to the South West and Hampshire to the west. The county has a population of 1,549,000 and covers an area of 565 square miles. The main industries in Gloucestershire are agriculture and horticulture. The county also has significant mineral wealth, including coal, iron ore and lead. There are several places to explore in Gloucestershire, including Stonehenge, Bath Abbey and Glastonbury Tor.
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6. Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a county in southern England on the borders of Hampshire and Berkshire. The population of Wiltshire was estimated at 1,063,000 in 2014. It has an area of 852 square miles (2,240 km²). The county town is Salisbury.
Wiltshire contains a number of significant tourist attractions, including Stonehenge, Old Sarum, Montacute House and The Kennet and Avon Canal. There are also many mineral reserves, including coal, lead and silver. Agriculture is a major industry in Wiltshire, with crops such as wine grapes, apples and corn being grown. The local council is Wiltshire County Council which consists of 47 councillors.
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7. Dorset
Dorset is the largest county in South West England and one of nine historic counties of England. The ceremonial county of Dorset also includes the Isles of Scilly, which are administered separately. Parts of the Poole metropolitan borough are also within the ceremonial county. The population density was 133 people per square kilometre in 2011. There were 243,827 households in the county at the 2011 census. In 2013/14, the total value of all goods and services produced in Dorset was £20,763 million. Dorset is divided into five districts: East Dorset, West Dorset, North Dorset, Poole and Bournemouth.
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Conclusion
There are many different places in South West England that make great destinations for a holiday, and each has its own unique attractions. From the beautiful coastline of Cornwall to the rolling hills of Devon, there is something for everyone in this part of the UK. If you’re looking to explore more than just the towns and villages on your doorstep, be sure to check out some of the main county towns in South West England – they all have their own charms and attractions.
