West of England

The region is centred on the city of Bath, one of the finest Georgian cities and a World Heritage Site.

To the south of Bath the kingdom of Wessex encompasses the limestone hills, gorges and caves of the Mendips, the low-lying meadows and moors of the Somerset Levels, the beautiful valley of the River Wylye, the vast expanse of Salisbury Plain and the sweeping Marlborough Downs. The area is enriched by a wealth of historical and architectural attractions, ranging from the prehistoric stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury to the stunning facade of Wells Cathedral and the elegance of Longleat House. Camelot, the legendary court of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, was sited close to Glastonbury. 

To the north of Bath, the rolling limestone hills of the Cotswolds produce some of the finest rural landscapes in England. For centuries this has been superb sheep farming country and the enormous wealth engendered from the medieval wool trade was poured into building majestic churches and fine houses. Built almost entirely of the local honey-coloured stone, the cottages, barns and manor houses contribute a great deal to the overall beauty of the Cotswolds landscapes.