To the west of Somerset, the land rises to the heath laden Quantocks and Brendon Hills before reaching Exmoor and Dunkery Beacon, Somerset's highest peak at 1700ft. The brooding granite uplands of Dartmoor, the result of ancient volcanic activity, dominate Devon. Its northern coast consists of sweeping sandy beaches and imposing cliffs, while further inland, country lanes and high roads criss-cross a remote, windswept landscape. Towards the south coast a diverse range of plant species flourish including Palm Trees and sub-tropical flowers. It a dramatic coast which illustrates the relentless incursions of the sea. This is most evident at Hartland Point, where rock ridges reach out to sea and provide ghostly reminders of how far the coastline once stretched.
Parts of the South West maintain certain characteristics and customs that set it apart from other regions in the United Kingdom. Nowhere is this more evident than in Cornwall. As the marauding Saxon tribes drove the Briton's westwards during the Middle Ages, Cornwall became a Celtic haven. Its inhabitants maintained the Celtic language and its customs, which caused Cornwall to become detached and isolated from the rest of the country. In contrast, neighbouring Devon became the 'stage of history' during the reign of Elizabeth I with famous sons Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh contributing to the struggle against Spain and its armada.
The South West is peppered with remains that showcase a long and eventful history stretching back over 5000 years. Much of this history is intrinsically linked to the surrounding land. The Mendip Hills provided the limestone for countless historical buildings including Wells Cathedral. And the rich pastures found in Somerset were once fenlands, drained during the Middle Ages to improve local farming. The remains of barrows, hut circles, cairns and standing stones can be found throughout the region - these historical remains illustrate a diverse history that can be linked to the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron Age tribes. The Roman occupation is also represented by attractions such as the Mendip lead mines, and the Roman baths of Acuae Sulis, now know as Bath.
The town of Bath is home to a large number of historical buildings. Its beautiful Georgian terraces are renowned throughout the UK as are its well-preserved Roman Baths. The Cathedrals of Exeter and Wells are also notable with both providing magnificent examples of medieval architecture. The style is evident in a large number of buildings in the south-west including Pendennis Castle, Cotehele and Montacute House. South west England is one of the premier holiday destinations in the UK and is well-suited to short breaks. It is region steeped in legend and lore, with a romantic, varied countryside that inspired the likes of William Worsworth, Samuel Coleridge and R.D. Blackmore.
