The South West is one of the most rural regions in England, stretching from the vast Salisbury Plain in the east to the rugged cliffs of Cornwall in the west. Within its boundaries it demonstrates just about every landscape ever associated with rural England, and it owes this to the thousands of family farms that still work the land, many carrying on a traditional form of farming that has survived for centuries.
The beautiful countryside in the counties of Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall provides a stunning backdrop to some fascinating cities, such as Bath, or the cathedral cities of Wells and Exeter. Dotted throughout the South West are hundreds of interesting market towns, many still running weekly livestock markets and incorporating special farmers markets specialising in local food and drink.
The region's coastline with its renown South West Coastal Path and World Heritage Jurassic Coastal site is the longest of any region and is a glorious mixture of sandy bays and soaring cliffs, and includes surfing beaches now recognised as world class.
Because of its strong farming community the South West has lead the recent revolution in the appreciation of local food and this is now reflected in thousands of pubs and restaurants who now not only offer delicious food but can tell you which farm produced it.
To really get the most out of a trip to this region, whether for a short break or a longer holiday, you can't do much better than to stay on one of our family farms. Choose a Farm Stay member and a warm welcome is assured.
Your host will be happy to direct you to the best pubs, beaches, walks, cycle rides, horse riding, view points, shopping centres or just let you chill out on the farm itself.
Many offer a fantastic experience for children that they will remember for the rest of their lives; a number welcome dogs, and all offer a high standard of accommodation as each farm is inspected to the exacting standards laid down by the English Tourism Council.
