Eclectic towns, cultural cities, street art, captivating castles, and memorable meals filled my days while touring Southwest England. My journey started off in the artsy beachside town of Brighton, where ExploreGB—a VisitBritain event where suppliers and buyers have the opportunity to meet—took place this year. After ExploreGB, I had the opportunity to traverse through Cornwall, Devon and Bristol while taking in all of its culture, stunning sights and charming personalities—and I don’t just mean the people. Each area has its own vibe, whether it’s the artsy side of Bristol, where the famous street artist Banksy is from, or the foodie town of Devon, where I feasted on a meal prepped by two-star Michelin chef Michael Caines. Cornwall doesn’t fall short on the list, either, offering up Port Isaac where the British drama-comedy “Doc Martin” is filmed, and the awe-inspiring sights of the cliffside Tintagel Castle ruins, where I marched up 130 steps for a magical ocean view. Sit back, and take a look for yourself, through these snapshots of my trip through Southwest England. I’m sure your clients, or even you, will want to be booking the next flight there.
Accommodations at the seaside Grand Brighton Hotel.
Aerial view from the British Airways i360 in Brighton.
Brighton’s BritishAirways i360 observation deck, which makes its way to the top for stunning views of the beach and town.
Views of the East Pier in Brighton.
Streetside in Brighton.
Seaside in Brighton.
The old West Pier in Brighton, which was burned down in 1975, but is still a great fixture of history for the town.
Strolling through the Brighton streets.
This hot chocolate hit the spot on a cold winter day. Put ChoccyWoccyDooDah on your client’s must-visit list.
The Royal Palace in Brighton, which was constructed for King George IV in the late 1800s.
How’s this for a fun dessert at the Salt Room.
Street art in Brighton.
My morning view from my balcony at the Fristal Beach Hotel.
The Eden Project in Cornwall.
Inside the Eden Project’s rainforest, the largest rainforest in captivity in the world.
Paella is served up for lunch on the Mediterranean side of the Eden Project.
I have to admit, I devoured this cauliflower, all veggie pizza from the Eden Project.
The Wellington Hotel is a quirky property that has been providing accommodations to royals dating back to the 1800s.
The pathway to Tintagel Castle.
Cliffside views from Tintagel Castle.
120 steps to the front end of Tintagel Castle.
Views of Port Isaac, where the British medical comedy drama series, “Doc Martin” is filmed.
Doc Martin’s home in the show is that smaller structure in the middle.
Two-star Michelin chef Michael Caines gives us a tour of the kitchen at his new Lympstone Manor hotel.
Michael Caines’ dessert creation—coconut panna cotta with exotic fruit salad, passion fruit sorbet and coconut foam.
The views from Lymstone Manor, which was still under construction during our visit, but just had its soft opening earlier this month.
Views of Bristol’s harbor.
The Bristol Cathedral, Southwest England
The detailed entrance to Bristol Cathedral.
Inside the Bristol Cathedral.
Stained glass panel in the Bristol Cathedral.
The city scene in Bristol.
Street art can be spotted throughout Bristol, and a street art tour gives you insight to the artists and the history behind it.
A Banksy painting in Bristol, where the world-famous street artist is from.
The Bristol Hotel, where we stayed during our time in this city.
Bristol’s eclectic vibe is all around, which guests can take in while strolling through the city.
The SS Great Britain, the biggest ship to set sail in 1843, now serves as an interactive museum for guests.
Life inside the SS Great Britain is depicted throughout the ship, from the first-class stays, to the third class stays, and the kitchen.
This communal pool and changing rooms date back to 1901. Now, the Lido Spa & Restaurant serves as a dining venue and spa.
Night views of the Clifton Bridge in Bristol.
The entrance to the Berkeley Castle.
Touring the Berkeley Castle with Charles Berkeley himself, who is next in line to live in the castle and grew up there as a child.
The Templeton Place in London provides accommodations for both short- and long-term stays.
On our last night, we took in a show at the Dominion Theatre in London to see “An American in Paris.”
