The region a glance: The South West is full of surprises: Cornwall, home to some of the best surfing in Europe (really!), the Jurassic Coast is scattered with fossils, and Agatha Christie sites will call to the sleuth in you.

Where is it? An easy hop from London, the South West stretches out in a peninsula beneath Wales.

Hungry? Cheddar cheese and Cornish pasties are just two of the region's most delectable exports.

Famous for: Agatha Christie, the Glastonbury Festival, the historic city of Bath, perfect English cottages, Stonehenge, the launching point of America's founding fathers in Plymouth, the Avebury Stone Circle, the chance to see a palm tree in Britain, the low-key cool of Bristol.

Travel easier: Take a tour of some of the most inspiring historical sites in Britain: Bath, Stonehenge and Salisbury. Learn more at our Online Shop.

The South West in depth: Be sure to visit the official site.