Student guide to South West England: top 10 things to do

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South West England is the biggest region in the UK and stretches from Gloucestershire all the way to the tip of Cornwall. There’s fascinating history, beautiful beaches, great music and culture, so if you’re thinking about studying here take a look at our top things to do in South West England.

1) Thermae Bath Spa

Good for: Treating yourself

What it is: The UK’s only natural thermal spa

Why you should go: Relax in Bath’s naturally warm waters, heated as if by magic from Mother Nature herself. The Romans had the right idea, as they did the same 2,000 years ago! Today, the spa has an amazing rooftop pool where you can relax in the water while gazing out at this incredible city. Go on a summer evening for a beautiful sunset, or enjoy a steamy winter dip. If you’re looking to splash out, there’s loads of treatments to book, as well as an on-site restaurant with packages including food and spa experiences.

2) Moles

Good for: Drinking, dancing and more dancing

What it is: Bath’s best music venue

Why you should go: This tiny underground space is world famous as Bath's home of live music and club nights. It’s hosted the very best bands and DJs since the 70s. Legendary acts have performed here, including The Smiths, Blondie, Ed Sheeran and Radiohead. Today, Moles has some of the best new music around, as well as a lineup of regular club nights to suit a variety of tastes. Propaganda is the weekly indie night for rocking out to everything from Paramore to My Chemical Romance, and the Big Cheese every Tuesday has a karaoke room for belting out all your favourite pop classics.

3) Plymouth Hoe

Good for: Scenic views

What it is: A green space in Plymouth perfect for relaxing

Why you should go: If you’re a student in Plymouth you’re bound to make a trip to the Hoe. On a sunny day in Plymouth there is nowhere better, whether you’re picnicking on the grass or taking a dip in the art deco Lido. At the top of the hill is the iconic Smeaton’s Tower Lighthouse. On a clear day it’s worth climbing to the top as you get some amazing views out onto the sea. There’s also crazy golf and a tennis court in the nearby park if you fancy something a bit more active.

4) Banksy Walking Tour

Good for: Admiring some infamous artworks

What it is: Street art by the anonymous local graffiti artist

Why you should go: Once just a kid in Bristol armed with a spray can, Banksy is now one of the most famous artists in the world, whose work sells for hundreds of thousands of pounds. Plenty of his art can be seen around the city. You can join a guided street art walking tour, or just wander around by yourself to discover some of his pieces. The most well known include Graffiti Paint-Pot Angel inside Bristol Museum, the Girl with the Burst Eardrum on the harbourside, and the latest piece which appeared in 2020 in Totterdown, of a lady sneezing into a tissue.

5) Exeter Cathedral

Good for: Discovering a thousand years of history

What it is: A majestic cathedral in the city centre

Why you should go: A trip to this awe-inspiring cathedral is one to make if you’re studying in the area. It is definitely one of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe. You’ll see amazing examples of Gothic architecture and mediaeval stained glass, as well as exploring Norman towers and chapels. Not to miss is the astronomical clock – a working model solar system as understood back in mediaeval times. It shows the earth as the centre of the solar system with the sun and moon orbiting around it.

6) Gyllyngvase Beach

Good for: Swimming, sunbathing and paddleboarding

What it is: The university town of Famlouth’s nearest and best beach

Why you should go: Less than 10 minutes from the centre of Falmouth, this is one of the area’s most popular beaches. Its wide arc of golden sand and inviting sea make it perfect for watersports, sunbathing and walking all year round. Plus it’s a blue flag beach, which means it’s clean, safe and has a high water quality, so great for a swim. There’s a stand-up paddle boarding station on the beach, so you can hire boards to take out on the water. And the Gylly Beach Cafe has amazing food, amazing views and chilled out acoustic music sessions in the evenings.

7) Bournemouth Air Festival

Good for: Entertainment in the air, on land and at sea

What it is: The UK’s biggest air festival

Why you should go: Get set for four days of action in this annual seafront festival, a must do if you’re studying in Bournemouth. You can expect to see the nation’s favourite display team the Red Arrows, aircraft from the RAF and Royal Navy and awesome parachute displays. Then cheer on your favourites as you watch boats and planes pit against each other in sea sprints. If you feel safer on land don’t worry, there’s plenty of food stalls and a fairground to keep you entertained. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down, as there’s amazing pyrotechnic night flying, street entertainment, live music and an outdoor cinema.

8) Clifton Suspension Bridge

Good for: Admiring an icon

What it is: Bristol’s most recognisable bridge

Why you should go: This 160 year old bridge has become a symbol of the city’s creativity, industrial history and independent spirit. Designed by the famous Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it took 33 years to complete. From the bridge you can see amazing views over the Avon gorge, onto the rocky cliff face and into the city itself. It’s free to walk across, and you can learn more about its history in the nearby visitor centre. When you’ve finished exploring, head to the Avon Gorge Hotel for a drink on the terrace, where you’ll enjoy the best views in town looking back at the bridge.

9) Exeter Foodies Festival

Good for: Eating and drinking all day long

What it is: Food and drink festival at at Exeter’s Escot Park

Why you should go: If you like good food, drink and music (and who doesn’t?) this is the perfect day out. Foodies is the UK’s biggest touring food festival and it’s coming to Exeter in June. Expect loads of street food vendors, healthy living stalls and drinks stands, as well as theatres showcasing top chef demonstrations, celebrity cookalongs and cake and bakes with testers to try. There’s a music stage with classic acts lined up including Sophie Ellis Bextor, Blue and Scouting for Girls, so grab some cocktails from the drinks tent, stuff your face with tasty treats and enjoy the foodie vibes.

10) Chance & Counters

Good for: Battling it out with your new housemates

What it is: Bristol’s board game cafe

Why you should go: Tucked away at the bottom of the Christmas Steps, this cosy cafe is stuffed floor to ceiling with a variety of games to try. There’s old school classics and modern challenges, and QR codes which link to recommendations. The staff are really knowledgeable, so whether you’re a casual player or seasoned strategist, they’ll have something to recommend and teach you. While playing, you can enjoy a drinks menu which includes some of Bristol’s best craft beer, as well as delicious locally-sourced bites. Make sure you pre-book as it’s super popular.

Key info about South West England

No matter what type of uni you’re looking for, South West England will have something for you. Ten of the region’s institutions rank in the Complete University Guide’s top 100 for 2024, with the Universities of Bath, Bristol and Exeter highly regarded for teaching and research.

The South West has plenty of options for different locations, whether you’re looking to live in a city, on the coast or more rurally. If you’re a beach lover, you’ve got options to study at Falmouth, Bournemouth or Plymouth. There’s great travel links too, as you can hop on a ferry to France, Spain and the Channel Islands, or travel to Bristol for the international airport.

Thinking about studying in South West England but not sure what city you want to live in? Check out our city guides to learn more about the local area.