South west heritage & maritime

One of the best-preserved ancient sites in Europe, the Roman Baths are a must-see. Admire the colonnaded pools and immerse yourself into the story of Romans at your leisure. The Roman Baths are a 5-minute walk from the train station.

One of the most famous images of Bath is those golden stone Georgian terraced houses. There’s the magnificent sweep of them at the Royal Crescent, and also a complete circle at the nearby Circus. If you want to experience Georgian life, stop by No. 1 Royal Crescent, where costumed actors will show you around. The Royal Crescent is within walking distance of Bath rail station.

Explore the elegant rooms of the Victoria Art Gallery and take in magnificent works by a great range of painters, from 20th-century artists like Walter Sickert and John Nash to 18th-century figures like Thomas Malton. There are fantastic depictions of Bath throughout the collection. The gallery is within walking distance of Bath station, and entry is free.

Catch the bus from Salisbury station to the famous ancient stone circle of Stonehenge. Dating back to about 3100BC, its original purpose and method of construction remain a mystery to this day, though theories suggest everything from sun temples to musical instruments. Don’t miss the brilliant timelapse recreation in the visitor centre, which vividly illustrates the life of the monument from its construction.

Salisbury Cathedral is one of Britain’s most magnificent - a beautiful example of early English architecture, a mix of gothic and Norman. It’s got more than a few superlatives to its name: it has the tallest spire in the UK - you can climb to the top! It also has the largest cloister, and the largest cathedral close in Britain – this large spacious green that surrounds it - ideal for photos!

Old Sarum was where the earliest settlement of Salisbury was located, 2 miles away from the modern city on a hilltop. There’s evidence of habitation here dating back to 3000BC, and the Normans built a great cathedral and a motte-and-bailey fort here in the 11th century, the signs of which can still be seen today.

Built to resemble a wind-filled sail, the Spinnaker tower is a 150m viewing platform which offers fantastic views over Portsmouth and out to sea. It’s two and half times as tall as Nelson’s Column in London, and well worth a visit to get a great look over Southern England.

Head to Gunwharf Quays for shopping, cinema, restaurants and leisure facilities, or even just a walk beside the sea. With 90 outlets stores, 30 restaurants and a 14 screen VUE cinema along with a bowling alley, casino and nightclub, it’s a great place to shop or find some entertainment.

King George IV’s magnificent pleasure palace is known, rather understatedly, as Brighton Pavilion. Built with grand Indian-style architecture on the outside, its interior is decorated like a Chinese palace, with golden dragons and brilliant colours. Take a guided tour to find its fascinating history. The Pavilion is a 10-minute walk from Brighton station.

Take a voyage to the depths of the ocean at the Sea Life centre. You’ll see everything from sharks to stingrays, seahorses, turtles and more, while you learn all about life underwater, conservation and the animal’s feeding habits! You can get here from the station on foot in 10 minutes.

Get one of the best views of Brighton from the top of the futuristic BA i360, the world’s tallest moving observation tower. You’ll be lifted to 138 metres in the tower’s glass viewing pod: from that height, you can take in Regency Brighton, the beautiful landscapes of the South Downs and all the way to Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters and the Isle of Wight.