Things to do

Find things to do on our network

Explore the south west

The south west has an incredible amount to do. And from roller coasters to spa retreats, we've got everything you need to find something to do on your next day out! Whether you're looking for something to do with the family, for a romantic trip, or a day out with friends, you can find your inspiration for a day out below.

Bath
Berkshire
Bournemouth
Devon
Dorset
Exeter
Guildford
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
London
Poole
Portsmouth
Salisbury
Somerset
Southampton
Surrey
Weymouth
Bristol
Wiltshire
Winchester
Windsor

After work
Beach and coastal
Events and attractions
Festivals and carnivals
Food and drink
Free and cheap
Indoor
Museums and galleries
Music, theatres and concerts
Outdoor
Parks and gardens
Shopping and markets
Sights and landmarks
Sports, leisure and excursions
Zoos and farms

Couple
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Group friendly

Autumn
School holidays
Spring
Summer
Winter

Clear all

Bath
Berkshire
Bournemouth
Devon
Dorset
Exeter
Guildford
Hampshire
Isle of Wight
London
Poole
Portsmouth
Salisbury
Somerset
Southampton
Surrey
Weymouth
Bristol
Wiltshire
Winchester
Windsor

After work
Beach and coastal
Events and attractions
Festivals and carnivals
Food and drink
Free and cheap
Indoor
Museums and galleries
Music, theatres and concerts
Outdoor
Parks and gardens
Shopping and markets
Sights and landmarks
Sports, leisure and excursions
Zoos and farms

Couple
Dog friendly
Family friendly
Group friendly

Autumn
School holidays
Spring
Summer
Winter

Clear all

All articles

Find the south west's best stately homes with SWR

The best stately homes in the south west

Have a hankering for some history? Visit some of the best stately homes on our network

17 January 2022

Find the best days out with your dog with SWR

Best dog-friendly things to do in the south west

From dizzying heights to the seashore, explore the south west with your furry best friend

15 January 2022

Discover the best spots to propose to your partner with SWR

10 beautiful proposal spots on our network

We've put together the best spots to pop the question on our network

13 January 2022

Find the south west's most scenic cycle routes with SWR

Most scenic cycling routes in the south west

Get on your bike, feel the wind in your hair and discover the most scenic cycle routes in our region

11 January 2022

Top 10 most unique afternoon teas in London

Traditional afternoon teas are great, but if you fancy some fun, try out these themed options!

23 December 2021

Find the best Christmas activities with SWR

Top Christmas attractions for kids in the south west

In search of some festive fun for all the family? Jump on a train and discover the best!

15 December 2021

Find the best indoor activities in the south west with SWR

Top indoor activities in the south west

Rainy day? Don’t fret, enjoy some of the great indoor activities on offer!

13 December 2021

Performance by Rankin

Celebrate Theatre #BackOnStage with this incredible photographic exhibition

11 December 2021

Find destinations better than any history lesson with SWR

Top 5 historic places better than a history lesson

From London to Exeter - discover some of our most historic landmarks

9 December 2021

Find the best things to do in Berkshire with SWR

Top things to do in Berkshire

Discover the best restaurants, coffee shops and the best places to stay in England's most royal county

7 December 2021

Best shopping centres in the south west

Have the itch for a shopping spree? Discover the best shopping centres in our region

6 December 2021

Find the best independent bookshops with SWR

The best independent bookshops in the south west

There's little better a feeling thank curling up with a good book – find the best places to buy one!

2 December 2021

Find the best spas in London and the south west with SWR

Best spa breaks in the south west

Sit back, relax and discover the best spa getaways in London and the south west

23 November 2021

The best pantomimes in the south west

Take part in a great Christmas tradition with a pantomime! Take a look at the best inside.

16 November 2021

The best Christmas markets in the south west with South Western Railway

Best Christmas markets in London and the south west

Mulled wine, handicrafts, alpine lodges, ice skating...nothing beats a Christmas market!

16 November 2021

Five of our favourite winter walks

The benefits of a walk in crisp winter air can't be overstated - take a look at five of our favourites inside.

16 November 2021

Find the best places to see marine wildlife with South Western Railway

Top places for seeing marine life in the south west

From SeaLife centres and dolphin spotting trips to rock pooling spots and more

10 November 2021

Find London's best food markets with South Western Railway

Best food markets in London

London is one of the foodie capitals of the UK – find the best ones to visit!

3 November 2021

Best autumn walks near London

Escape London in colourful autumn for a stunning country walk

28 October 2021

October Half Term activities with South Western Railway

The best October half term activities for kids

Looking to keep your kids entertained this half term? Look no further than our guide!

19 October 2021

Discover the ultimate dog-friendly carriage with SWR

The ultimate dog carriage

Travelling with your dog? We’ve envisioned the paw-fect doggy train carriage of dreams for pets and owners alike!

16 October 2021

The most beautiful places in Dorset

It's hard to choose the most beautiful places in Dorset - but look inside for our list!

15 October 2021

London Necropolis Railway Brookwood Cemetery station

The London Necropolis Railway

Discover one of London's strangest and spookiest railways

1 October 2021

The best bonfire night displays in London and the south west

Make this bonfire night unforgettable with one of these spectacular bonfire night events

30 September 2021

Ultimate Guide: The top spooky UK attractions

Feel like getting in the Halloween spirit? You can’t miss these top attractions this spooky season!

26 September 2021

The best places to watch the Great South Run

The UK’s biggest 10-mile runs hits Portsmouth – check out our tips on the best places to see it!

14 September 2021

Southampton International Boat Show

Discover everything you need to know about the UK’s best festival for ocean-goers and boat-buyers alike

9 September 2021

Join the Marine Conservation Society's Great British Beach Clean 2021

The Great British Beach Clean

Join the Marine Conservation Society and thousands of volunteers in the annual event to clean Britain's beaches

2 September 2021

10 of our favourite theatre shows in London

There’s never been a better chance to support our theatres and get back out there this summer

23 August 2021

Best afternoon teas with South Western Railway

9 of the best afternoon teas in the south west

There’s little more British an addition to a day out - discover some of our favourites!

28 July 2021

10 of the best parks and gardens in the south

This Love Parks Week, show some of the best parks and gardens in the south some love!

21 July 2021

Best festival tips from South Western Railway

Top 10 festival tips

Our top 10 tips to make your festival trip go smoothly - whether it's your first or your fortieth

15 July 2021

9 of the best floral alternatives to the Hampton Court Flower Show

Where do you go if you can't make it to the Hampton Court Flower Show? Easy - just read on.

9 July 2021

Best chocolateries in the south west with SWR

The south west’s best chocolateries

Enjoy one of Britain's favourite treats this International Chocolate Day

7 July 2021

Discover the UK's best breweries with SWR

The UK’s best independent breweries

The UK is home to some of the best beers in the world - and there’s plenty of choice for everyone

6 July 2021

8 amazing spots to watch Wimbledon

No courtside tickets to Wimbledon? We've got the next best thing - check out our best spots to watch Wimbledon when you can't get tickets

29 June 2021

7 perfect picnic spots

Grab a blanket, pack some tasty treats, and let’s jump on a train to some of the best picnic spots in the region

24 June 2021

Benefits of coastal walks

Discover the benefits of seeing the sea by foot

17 June 2021

Discover the movies and TV shows filmed on our network

The railway movie trail

Our region is scattered with famous film locations easily reached by train

27 May 2021

All you need to know about Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

All about Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

Explore everything you need to know about Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

21 May 2021

The best short and long walking trails in the south west

From coastal, inland and mountain hikes, explore some of the shortest and longest walking trails across the South West

12 May 2021

South Western Railway Quirky Bucket List

The south west's quirky bucket list

Discover some of the unique traditions and activities on our network

5 May 2021

Most beautiful wedding mansions across the south west

Take a look at the marvellous wedding mansions across the south west

5 April 2021

Most beautiful villages in the south west

South west’s most beautiful villages

Discover the south west and explore some of UK’s most beautiful villages

2 April 2021

Best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in the south west

6 of the best vegan & vegetarian restaurants

Discover vegan and vegetarian restaurants across our network

15 March 2021

Best stargazing spots near London

Two of the world's seventeen International Dark Sky Reserves are in our region - find out more!

13 March 2021

The best virtual museum tours in the south west

Although lockdown means we can’t visit our favourite museums and galleries in person, take advantage of these great virtual tours!

6 March 2021

Lidos in the south west

Enjoy an outdoor swim with some of the UK’s best lidos

26 February 2021

The best wildlife parks in our region

Enjoy some of the UK's most well-known wildlife centres by train

25 February 2021

The south west’s best roller coasters

Discover our region’s tallest, fastest, and loopiest thrills

21 February 2021

Classic books set in the south west

Explore the settings of some incredible classics

15 February 2021

Best farmers and food markets in London and the South West

Discover the wealth of locally grown and made food in our region

24 January 2021

9 traditional treats to try next time you’re in the south west

Make sure to try these delicious local treats next time you’re travelling

19 January 2021

Amazing locations that feel like they're abroad

9 south western destinations that will make you feel like you’re abroad

Take advantage of these amazing spots to make the most of a staycation

18 January 2021

Bridgerton filming locations: 7 iconic Regency settings you must visit

Discover the incredible locations where hit Netflix drama Bridgerton was filmed on our network

9 January 2021

The best markets to visit in London

From street food heaven to flea market bargains, check out the 10 very best markets the city has to offer

11 December 2020

Enjoying King Alfred’s Way by train

Discover Cycle UK's newest 350km cycling route across Wessex

4 September 2020