While it is tempting to get the simple package holiday to Tenerife where you can enjoy dependable weather and don't have to go much further than the side of the pool, a summer holiday in the South West of England can be lots of fun, really rewarding and cost a fraction of the price. Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the surrounding area have lots to offer as well as the best weather in the country (usually - I'm not making any guarantees!). You don't have to fork out for flights, instead you can take a relaxing coach trip, go by train or just jump in the car. Here, I have compiled a short list of some of the best places to go in the region.
The south west of England has the greatest concentration of gorgeous sandy beaches. As well as the resorts of Newquay, Bude and Torquay in Cornwall and Devon, there is Brean Sands in Somerset. UK Breakaways run regular trips to the Pontins holiday park on this resort. Here you can take part in plenty of family activities such as Go Karting, Wii challenge and Karaoke.
The CountrysideA little bit more inland is the beautiful landscapes of The Cotswolds. The quaint Georgian towns represent traditional England and the surrounding countryside has some fantastic relaxing walks to enjoy. Classed as the largest area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales, The Cotswold are a great ways to enjoy many of the things people love about England.
If you require something a bit more vibrant from your holiday away a city break to somewhere like Bristol might be your cup of tea (or Cosmopolitan cocktail). Bristol has a diverse range of restaurants, great nightlife and lots of museums and galleries the whole family can enjoy. For a break of more historic interest, Bath is a beautiful place to explore.
Other ActivitiesFor the adrenaline junkies, Extreme West features lots of awesome breaks to get the heart pumping. These experience days are great for gifts as well as treats for you and your family. If taking off and landing a 747 is not for you, there are plenty of opportunities to see rare and beautiful wildlife around the south west. Mousehole in Cornwall run Cormorant Cruises while there is a great wildlife park near Nanreath also in Cornwall. Staying in the south western tip, for the food fanatics, the town of Padstow has lots of great eateries (many of which are famously owned by TV chef Rick Stein).
So if you still have to plan your summer break why not consider the South West? As you can see there's an awful lot to get up to, in fact it's an area worth revisiting again and again.
Abbi Gabasa is the Managing Editor of MsCareerGirl.com and owner of UpraisedLiving.com. Having the background of a Marketing and Public Relations Manager with years of professional experience in various industries has given her an insightful perspective on careers, lifestyles, relationships, and attitudes which she humorously applies in helping people through her writing. Abbi is a training life coach, and an advocate of children's charities, women empowerment, optimistic thinking, and slow Sundays. A self-confessed Jane of all trades, she hopes to help girls all over the world find their calling and pursue their passions.