Bristol • Bath • Cornwall • Devon • Dorset • Gloucestershire •
The Cotswolds • Somerset • Wiltshire

If South West England is not yet on your roster of world-class vacation destinations, it should be. This region is quintessentially British with its cozy pubs, country inns, ancient castles, rugged shoreline, pristine beaches, lime-green rolling countryside, celebrated gardens and bustling cities. This is an ideal location for a Home Based agent to become familiar with — and perhaps even specialize in. Your clients will thank you for it.
It is the land of myth and legend, with tales of King Arthur and the Holy Grail practically permeating the air. And, ancient mysteries are played out routinely for those who visit the stone monoliths of Stonehenge or the Avebury Stone Circles. And, for Americans, the Mayflower Steps in Plymouth are a stirring reminder of those hearty, determined Pilgrims who boarded small ships in the 1600s for the hard-scrabbled journey to the New World.
These are among the many other reasons why American agents are certain to find South West England the right choice for their clients’ next vacation, according to the group of local tourism officials who participated in the South West Tourism Workshop held during the recent 17th Annual Travel Trade Travel Industry Summit, based in the bustling city of Bristol.
The workshop took place at historic Charlton House, in Somerset — both the house and the region are destination confections. The workshop focused on several key areas: pre-and post-cruise tour opportunities; the seven wonders of the region; and Brunel 200, the year-long celebration of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the British engineer who helped shape the industrial revolution and introduced modern cruising.
Judy Graydon, regional tourist board for the South West; introduced the presenters, who included television producer Jules Hyam, Little Gems TV; Andrew Kelly, director, Brunel 200; and Bob Harrison, director of cruise operations, Cruise South West England.
For a visual look at the man-made and natural jewels of the South West, Hayman showed a series of film clips. The areas were chosen from suggestions made by historians, geologists and private citizens in the areas filmed. They included:

• SS Great Britain: Built by famed engineer Brunel, this ship was the first propeller-driven wrought iron vessel in the world. The vessel transported passengers to America and Australia and had first class accommodations that offered luxurious opulence. It also housed many immigrants in far less grand style. The restored ship is on permanent display in Bristol in a unique setting at the Harbor and is open to visitors and available for private parties. (www.ssgreatbritain.org)
• Exmoor National Park: Covering part of West Somerset and North Devon, this is one of Britain’s hidden treasures. The landscape is dramatically varied with open moorland, intimate valleys, ancient oak woodland and rugged coastal areas. Eco-tourists, trekkers and anyone who wants the serenity of unspoiled wilderness are drawn to Exmoor.
• Symonds Yat: A village in the Wye Valley, West Herefordshire, this is an area of magnificent scenery and under special conservation care with rare Lime and Yew Woodlands. It is the site for Wordsworth’s famed poem, Tintern Abby.
• Glastonbury: Set in the stunning Somerset countryside, it is an area steeped in myth and legend. It is the legendary burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. And, legend contends that the biblical Joseph of Arimathea brought the Holy Grail, the cup used by Christ at the Last Supper, to Glastonbury. Its Abbey was once the largest and richest in England.
• The Stone Circles and Stonehenge: Ancient Stonehenge, located in Wiltshire and one of the seven wonders of Great Britain, remains a compelling mystery. Many believe the Druids dragged the stones into place to create a way to mark the seasons. While not as impressive as Stonehenge, Avebury is a World Heritage Site, and is the largest stone circle in the world. The rings of stone were put in place about 4,500 years ago. It was probably built as a temple.
• Bath: Architecture has made the city of Bath known the world over. Its limestone yellow, semicircular buildings were created by 18th century architects — a father and son team who created Queen Square, the Circus and the Royal Crescent, all excellent examples of Georgian architecture. This Georgian spa city is also known for its Roman Baths and the new Thermal Bath Spa.
• Wells: England’s smallest city, Wells’ beautiful Cathedral and Bishops Palace are showstoppers.

Pre- & Post-Cruise Opportunities
Bob Harrison, director of Cruise Operations, Destination South West England, said that the South West region is something of a vacation miracle for cruise passengers, with its top attractions within easy reach of ports; many are just steps away from the ship.
The region has 10 ports, three of which have deep-water harbors, including Falmouth, Plymouth and Portland.
The year-round mild climate produces a bumper crop of exotic plants and flowers. Harrison pointed to just a few of the top pre- and post-cruise possibilities, and noted that a wide range of attractions, not open to the general public, welcome cruisers for private visits.
Devon: Dartmoor, located in Devon, is home to Royal Naval College. Private tours of this proud institution are available to passengers. Dartmoor, added Harrison, is England’s version of Portofino, Italy and is the place where Queen Elizabeth met Prince Phillip, as well as home to mystery novelist Agatha Christie. Arthur Conan Doyle drew inspiration here.
Dorset: With 90 miles of coastline, most of which comprises the Jurassic Coast, England’s only UNESCO natural World Heritage Site is also the locale of the National Park of The New Forest. It is also home to the purpose-built Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, which will be a venue for the 2012 Olympics, the first to be held in Britain since 1948.
Bristol: This bustling city is a blend of high-tech (it built Concorde supersonic jets and currently builds Rolls Royce engines) and historic maritime traditions. Among the many attractions is Explore, an amazing world of hands-on discovery; Wildwalk, a living rainforest in the heart of the city; Bristol Zoo Garden, with more than 400 exotic and endangered species; and the IMAX Theater. (visitbristol.co.uk)
Cardiff: This lively Welsh city is home to a beautiful National Museum & Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of world-class art, including many Impressionist paintings. Cardiff Castle, located in the center of the city, is one of the region’s most popular attractions, with a history that spans nearly 2,000 years.

The Brunel 2006
Throughout 2006, all of Great Britain is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the brilliant civil, structural, mechanical and marine engineer who designed the first modern cruise liner, the SS Great Britain; and the 702-foot Clifton Suspension Bridge, which bridges the gorge between Bristol’s Clifton quarter to Leigh Woods; the London Tunnel; flat-back temporary hospitals (the design is still used today) and rail lines in Great Britain, Italy and India.
Kelly described Brunel as “one of the most inspired engineers of the ninth century.” He noted that while all Great Britain is celebrating the anniversary, the majority of special events are in the South West.
“We encourage people to come to our region of England,” said Kelly — to enjoy the many parades, arts projects, song and dance performances and educational lectures that surround this event. (www.brunel200.com)