97 Best Sights in The West Country, England

You can climb up the hill in town to the ruins of this castle—a fine Norman motte and bailey design—for a wonderful view of Totnes and the River Dart.

Cornwall's mild climate has endowed it with some of the country's most spectacular gardens, among which is Trelissick Garden on the banks of the River Fal. Famous for its camellias, hydrangeas, magnolias, and rhododendrons, the terraced garden is set within 375 acres of wooded parkland, offering wonderful panoramic views and making this a paradise for walkers. There are also tranquil views from the porticoed Trelissick House and exhibitions of contemporary Cornish art in the gallery.

Exeter's Underground Passages, which once served as conduits for fresh water, are the only medieval vaulted passages open to the public in Britain. They date to the mid-14th century, although some were enlarged by the Victorians. An exhibition and video precede the 25-minute guided tour. Many of the passages are narrow and low: be prepared to stoop. The tours often sell out during school vacations, so come early. Children under five are not permitted in the tunnels.

To the north of the cathedral, the cobbled Vicar's Close, one of Europe's oldest streets, has terraces of handsome 14th-century houses with strange, tall chimneys. A tiny medieval chapel here is still in use.

The great west towers of the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, the oldest surviving English Gothic church, can be seen for miles. Dating from the 12th century, Wells Cathedral (as it's more commonly known) derives its beauty from the perfect harmony of all of its parts, the glowing colors of its original stained-glass windows, and its peaceful setting among stately trees and majestic lawns. To appreciate the elaborate west-front facade, approach the building from the cathedral green, accessible from Market Place through a great medieval gate called "penniless porch" (named after the beggars who once waited here to collect alms from worshippers). The cathedral's west front is twice as wide as it is high, and some 300 statues of kings and saints adorn it.

Inside, vast inverted arches—known as scissor arches—were added in 1338 to stop the central tower from sinking to one side. In the left transept, look out for the cathedral's rare and beautiful medieval clock, the second-oldest working clock in the world, consisting of the seated figure of a man called Jack Blandifer, who strikes a bell on the quarter hour while mounted knights circle in a joust. Near the clock is the entrance to the Chapter House—a small wooden door opening onto a great sweep of stairs worn down on one side by the tread of pilgrims over the centuries.

Free guided tours lasting approximately one hour begin at the back of the cathedral; the website also has details of less frequent tours exploring the cathedral's stained glass, stone carvings, and embroidery (all free), as well as a "High Parts" tours taking in the galleries and roof spaces, "Outside" tours exploring the exterior and Vicar's Close, and chained library tours, all of which need advance booking and cost extra. A cloister restaurant serves snacks and teas.

These limestone caves in the Mendip Hills, 2 miles northwest of Wells, may have been the home of Iron Age people. Here, according to ancient legend, the Witch of Wookey turned to stone. You can tour the caves, dip your fingers in an underground river (artful lighting keeps things lively), and visit a museum, a penny arcade full of Victorian amusement machines, a mirror maze, fairy gardens, and a working paper mill that once supplied banknotes for the Confederate States of America.

One of the most famous beaches in the country, North Devon's Woolacombe is popular with surfers for its waves and with families for its soft sand and tidal pools that are great for kids to explore. This broad and extensive stretch of sand has all you could need for a dreamy day by the sea. At its northern end you'll find cafés, loungers, surfing equipment to rent, lifeguards, ice cream—you name it. If you're not looking for crowds and kids, you may want to head to the southernmost section of the beach, around Putsborough. The beach is 17 miles west of Lynton: to get here, take A361 and follow signs. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: surfing; swimming.