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South West EnglandBristolBathWILTSHIREExperience, Discover, EnjoySouth WestEnglandClovellyDEVONSOMMERSETSalisburyBy Leanne de ToerkenczyFrom cliff-top castle walks to scrumptious tearoom treats, South WestEngland is bursting with wonderful days out for your entire family.This is the home of iconicStonehenge, magnificentBath Spa and quaint honeycoloured Cotswold villages.Beautiful Cornish beaches, gentlyrolling Devonshire hills and milesof lush English countryside justwaiting to be discovered.Pack your best walking bootsfor this vacation and get readyto enjoy some of the best creamtea, discover historical cathedralsand castles and walk whereRomans once walked as weexplore an absolutely beautifulpart of England.It’s a good idea to considerpurchasing a 9 or 16 day heritageadmission pass. This will give youfree entry into over 100 historicattractions plus free or reducedentry to hundreds of events andincludes maps. Cost from $50.www.english-heritage.org.ukSt IvesCORNWALLLizard PeninsulaSOMMERSETBath is the perfect base to explore theWest Country, including the Cotswoldsand Stonehenge. There is a range of toursto the surrounding area. You can join anorganised tour or contact one of the localguiding companies who can tailor a tourto suit your requirements.When in Bath do as Romans do...PlymouthNourished by Britain’s only natural hotsprings, Bath is a city shaped by its waters.Today you can visit the magnificentRoman Baths temple or bathe in Bath’swarm, mineral-rich waters at ThermaeBath Spa. Visit the heart of the WorldHeritage Site. Around Britain’s only hotDartmouthspring, the Romans built a magnificenttemple and bathing complex that stillflows with natural hot water.Special package includes 2 hour sessionat Thermae Bath Spa, a ticket to theRoman Baths and a 3 course lunch inthe Pump Room. Cost $130 per person.Details and bookings are available atBath Tourist Information Centre.www.visitbath.co.ukBristol has an amazing choice forshoppers with Bristol Shopping Quarterin the heart of the city, the out-of-towncomplex at The Mall Cribbs Causeway, theabundance of independent boutiques inClifton and St Nicholas Market in the OldCity. In the city centre, Bristol ShoppingQuarter is home to Cabot Circus, QuakersFriars, The Galleries and Broadmead, whichtogether have over 500 stores. With twocovered shopping centres, easy access andgreat value parking for over 3500 cars,Bristol’s city centre is a not to be missedshopping destination.WILTSHIREA prehistoric monument of Wiltshireand one of the most famous sites in theworld, Stonehenge is the remains of a ringof standing stones set within earthworksdedicated to worship the sun and the moon.Situated about 2 miles west of Amesburyand 8 miles north of Salisbury. Stonehengewas constructed in three phases. It hasbeen estimated that the three phases ofthe construction required more than thirtymillion hours of labour. And speculationon the reason it was built range fromhuman sacrifice to astronomy.www.stonehenge.co.ukSalIsbury claims its fame fromSalisbury Cathedral. Be inspired by thepeace and beauty of one of Britain’s finestmedieval cathedrals, set within eightacres of lawn and surrounded by historicbuildings and museums in the beautifulCathedral Close. This spectacular building isunique in being built almost entirely in onearchitectural style, Early English Gothicand has Britain’s tallest spire (123m/404ft)plus numerous famous literary connections.Explore the roof spaces on a tower tour,climbing 332 steps to the base of the spireto enjoy the magnificent views acrossSalisbury. Or just relax in the Refectoryrestaurant with a choice of homemadetreats and a fabulous view of the spire.The famous boy and girl choristers singdaily services with Evensong at 5.30pmMonday to Saturday or 4.30pm on Sunday.www.salisburycathedral.org.ukAncient monuments The city of Bath is well knownfor it’s rich Roman history and it’s baths are WorldHeritage listed; Stonehenge is a monument that leavesall who visit the site in awe of this ancient engineeringfeat.20 NOVEMBER 2013England’s treasured Salisbury Cathedral.ENDLESS VACATION 21