FAQs
Below are some answers to some frequently asked questions.
What are the best places to stay?
The south and south west has excellent accommodation whatever your desire. There are holiday parks, caravan and camp sites, hotels, guest houses and B&Bs, and holiday cottages and flats. All extend a warm welcome to visitors and many are situated in delightful settings with stunning sea or countryside views.
Is it easy to drive to the region?
The south and south west and well served by first-rate transport routes. In the Midlands the M5 provides an admirable route. From London and the south east the M3 and M27 are the main access routes. Whilst centrally there is the A350 from Warminster and the A338 from Swindon. Use the A38 or A30 from the West Country.
What are the main rail links?
There are good rail links with the rest of the country. South west trains operate two main lines to the region from London Waterloo station. The southernmost route links Southampton, Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester and ends at Weymouth. The other route links Salisbury, Sherborne, Yeovil, Honiton and ends at Exeter. First Great Western also operate a route from Bristol temple Meads station with links to Yeovil, Dorchester and ending at Weymouth. There are good rail links from Bristol, London and Salisbury from the rest of the country.
Are there any airports serving the region?
Bournemouth Airport is located centrally, in the county Dorset and just outside the large resort of Bournemouth and Poole. There are three other airports – Exeter, Bristol, and Southampton which all provide good access to the area.
Are the attractions open all year round?
The south is very much an all year round destination and the visitor attractions reflect that with the majority of them being open all year. However do check individual entries for exact opening and closing times.
Are there plenty of things to do?
The south and south west has probably the finest coastline and countryside in the whole of Britain, and with weather to match. So when you are done enjoying these top attractions you will not be short of other things to do. There are superb beaches, excellent watersports, magical market towns and rural villages to explore, plus great walking and cycling routes.There is something for all the family.
What about great food?
The area is famous for its local food – freshly caught fish, local cheeses – such as Denhay, beers – such as Badger and Palmers, bread – such as Dorset Knobs, cider – such as Perrys, apples and much more. There are regular Farmers Markets as well as the traditional weekly markets in Dorchester, Weymouth, Bridport and Wimborne. If your lucky you may catch one of the foreign markets that happen.
Are there any festivals?
The region is host to numerous festivals such as the Great Dorset Steam Festival. There are also music festivals, book festivals, dance festivals and food festivals as well as Agricultural Shows.
