Lonely Planet Pocket Bath, Bristol and the Southwest

This is a spectacular region of England, where primordial stone circles hum with energy as ancient Roman baths, serene cathedrals, genteel Georgian cityscapes, colossal bridges and top-drawer museums await exploration. And the great outdoors is never far away, with rugged hikes through sublime moorland or breezy escapades around the Isle of Wight.

Steaming waters and Roman remains.

Georgian grandeur and everyday life.

Austens regency Bath revealed.

Marvellous, multi-sensory heritage experience.

Ancient artefacts meet street art.

Trains, cranes, animation and Banksy.

Extraordinary engineering and awesome views.

Archaeological mystery, prehistoric monument.

Neopagan vibes meet abbey ruins.

Cathedrals, medieval masonry and the Magna Carta.

Otherworldly landscapes and raw scenery.

Dramatic cliffs and serene sand dunes.

While the food in many pubs is good quality and good value, some places raised the bar to such a degree that a whole new genre of eatery the gastropub was born. The finest gastropubs are effectively restaurants (with smart decor, neat menus and uniformed table service; a few have won Michelin stars).