discover South West England

Find places to stay and things to do in South West England

Browse our 'Top 10 Recommendations' lists for South West England to find hotels and weekend breaks, places to visit and things to do. Ideas include museums, rainy days out, parks, galleries, views, cathedrals and railway journeys.

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Top 10 Recommended Cathedrals in South West England

Cathedrals in South West England
In Salisbury Cathedral, South West England has, in our opinion, one of the finest cathedrals in the world. Given that the city of Salisbury is a very easy train journey from central London, we'd put this at the top of our list. If you have a head for heights, take the tour to the cathedral spire. The South West is blessed with many other superb cathedrals, abbeys and churches. To discover some of them, browse our 'Top 10 Recommended Cathedrals in South West England' list. Our cathedral list includes abbeys and a church. We'd also suggest you look at our 'Top 10 Recommended Churches in South West England'. By James Penman.

Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire

In the centre of Salisbury, within Salisbury Cathedral Close, Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent building. Whilst you're there, visit the Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum and Mompesson House. Walk in Harnham Water Meadows for the famous Constable view of the cathedral.

Exeter Cathedral, Devon

In the centre of Exeter, Exeter Cathedral's vaulted ceiling is sublime. We'd also recommend lunch in Exeter Cathedral Close and exploring Exeter Historic Quayside.

Wells Cathedral, Somerset

The cathedral is famous for the statuary on its west front and the scissor arches inside. Equally as impressive are the Vicar's Close and Bishop's Palace. Wells is a superb, if very small, city.

Truro Cathedral, Cornwall

Dominating the Cornish city of Truro, Truro Cathedral was built in the nineteenth century. We'd suggest using Truro as a base from which to discover the county. St. Ives and Padstow, St. Mawes and Mevagissey all within easy reach.

Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire

One of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in the UK. Explore the Cotswolds AONB from here. We'd also recommend visiting Cirencester St John the Baptist Church.

Bristol Cathedral, Bristol

Impressive building in the centre of Bristol City. In the local area, visit Millennium Square Bristol and SS Great Britain, Cabot Tower and the Arnolfini.

Bath Abbey, Somerset

In the heart of Bath City UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pop across the way to experience the Roman Baths.

Sherborne Abbey Church, Dorset

Wonderful Abbey Church in Sherborne. We'd also recommend visiting Montacute House and the village of Montacute across the border in Somerset.

Wimborne Minster, Dorset

Home to the second largest chained library in the UK. Whilst you're in the area, visit Kingston Lacy and Gardens.

Cirencester St John the Baptist Church, Gloucestershire

The 'Cathedral of the Cotswolds'. It's a superb building in a top South West England town. Visit Corinium Museum as well.