For decades, the West Country has been a popular destination for ‘stay at home’ holiday makers, those who choose to take in the delights of the UK rather than travel abroad.

With miles of winding beaches, rocky coves, tales of smugglers and pirates, TV program locales like ‘Doc Martin’ and ‘River Cottage’, dinosaur fossils and some of the best surfing conditions in this part of the world, it’s easy to see the appeal of counties like Devon, Dorset and Cornwall.

Unfortunately, there are some who would say that the West Country has become a victim of its own success. What was once a peaceful retreat for the family has since turned into a destination hot spot, with the local populations being outnumbered by tourists in their hundreds of thousands. An example of this is the Devon resort of Newquay, which has a native population of around 20,000. During the height of the summer season, this swells to over 100,000, with visitors outnumbering the locals by 4 to 1.

Also, Newquay has had its fair share of bad press as the party town of the south coast, and there have been reports of out of control teens roaming the streets at all hours of the night making noise and causing general mischief in and around the town.

Although the West Country may have lost some of its original charm from years gone by, it still has a lot to offer and with improved road and air access, is easier than ever to get to. Bristol International Airport is a great starting point and with excellent road links from the airport, through Dorset then all the way to Devon, Cornwall and eventually Lands End, pre-booking car hire from the airport is a must.

So whether looking for the party atmosphere of a surfing resort, or perhaps something a little more cultured like a country village cream tea, the West Country has it all. If you haven’t done so before, leave the passport on the shelf and head for the Wild West – remembering to leave the cowboy hat at home.

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