South West

The pretty Cornish village of Polperro has been a fishing port since at least medieval times and a magnet for visitors, including artists, for as long as anyone can remember. Narrow streets between quaint old flower-decked cottages mean that tourists are not able to drive their cars to the harbour, but there are carriages available – and boat trips too, when you get there.  The village’s name probably derives from the old Cornish ‘porth’ for ‘harbour’ and means ‘harbour of a man called Pyra’, but what is certain is its notoriety for smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries – which has contributed to a rich folklore and is illustrated in the Polperro Heritage Museum of Smuggling and Fishing overlooking the harbour.  Pilchards, apparently, were once a particular speciality for Polperro’s fishermen, while other members of the family were employed in processing them.  It is still a working fishing port as well as a popular tourist destination.  There is an annual Art Festival in June and the village has a renowned Fishermen’s Choir.

NB Don't rely on your Sat Nav - park outside the village and walk or take a carriage to the harbour.

The first cathedral was completed in 1092 at the now deserted Old Sarum, about 3 miles to the north of 'new Sarum' - modern Salisbury. Work on the present cathedral began in 1220 and was substantially complete by 1320. Salisbury Cathedral is a soaring Gothic masterpiece. It has the tallest church spire (404 feet - 123 metres), and the largest cloister and cathedral close in Britain, houses the world's oldest working clock, dating from 1386) and holds one of four surviving copies of the 1215 Magna Carta. Famously painted by John Constable, among its notable burials is ex-Prime Minister Edward Heath (1916-2005).

The Battle of Sedgemoor was fought on 6th July 1685, a desperate attempt by Charles II's illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, to seize the throne from his uncle, James II. Monmouth's largely peasant army was no match for the king's well-trained professionals. The defeated rebels were treated terribly harshly. There is a memorial (pictured) a short walk to the east of the postcode shown, but little else to see. Parking is extremely limited. A heritage trail is available from St Mary's church in Westonzoyland.

Large and graceful parish church which contains a magnificent painted rood screen, which dates from 15th century. Originally dedicated to St. Denis, the church became more popularly known as St. Disen’s in the late 19th century. According to legend St. Disen was a 7th century Irish hermit who was visiting the area, found no place of worship and so built the first church with his own hands. There is also a dedication to the Boone family, who emigrated from Bradnich to the USA in the 18th century and whose most famous son was Colonel Daniel Boone, woodsman, Indian fighter etc.

A simple, unadorned, little church, dating from the 15th century. Its claim to fame is as the setting for the fictional wedding of Lorna Doone with Jan Ridd in RD Blackmore's Victorian novel. There is a memorial to Blackmore in the church.