England - South Coast - From Southampton via Weymouth to Teignmouth Attractions

The Hardy Monument honors Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Flag-Captain of the HMS Victory at the Battle Of Trafalgar. It was erected in 1844 and has recently been restored by the National Trust.

Budleigh Salterton (pop. 4,000), at the end of Lyme Bay, is similar in character to Sidmouth.

The town of Budleigh Salterton offers a range activities including badminton, tennis, golf, cricket, cycling, and bird watching.

Dawlish (pop. 8,000), on the other side of the Exe estuary from Exmouth, is surrounded by fascinating red cliffs. This more peaceful seaside resort has golden sand and offers good opportunities for swimming.

In addition, Dawlish is popular for the active entertainment schedule, the beautiful park located in the centre of the town as well as the museum, theatre and bowling green.

Inland from the coast road lies East Budleigh, a typical Devon village, with a pretty church. It is the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh (1522-1618), the English seafarer, writer and favorite of Elizabeth I; the Raleigh coat of arms, borne by stags, can be seen on a pew in the 15th century small parish church of All Saints.

A bronze statue of Raleigh was unveiled in 2006 by the Duke of Kent.

Charles the second rested at Mere after the Battle of Worcester. The village of Mere is also the starting point of the Mid Wilts Way walking route.

The River Teign is spanned by one of the country's longest bridges, which leads to Shaldon, a quiet seaside resort. Strangely-shaped red cliffs, a magnificent beach, a promenade, a pier and parks make Shaldon very popular.

Shaldon has many older buildings, some dating back to the 17th century, a range of specialty shops and several restaurants.

Stoke-Sub-Hamdon Priory is a National Trust property dating back to the 14th C. The group of buildings were built for the priests of the chapel of St Nicholas, most of which have now destroyed. Only the Great Hall is open for viewing.

Sturminster Newton has a mix of 17th and 18th century thatched cottages, and 19th century brick buildings.

The English Heritage property, Fiddleford Manor, located east of Sturminster Newton in Dorset is part of a Medieval manor with interesting roof structures.

The Regency resort of Teignmouth (pop. 11,900) lies on a tongue of land at the mouth of the River Teign, and thus enjoys a vista out to sea and over the estuary.

The town is still a popular holiday resort destination boasting an octagonal parish church, St James. The beach and pier in Teignmouth feature an amusement arcade and rides.

Watchet is an ideal base for anyone looking to explore Exmoor National Park or the Quantocks. Daws Castle was built to defend the Saxons of Watchet against Viking attacks.

Wylye lies in a river valley and has an interesting church with a 17th C pulpit. The River Wylye is a chalk stream that is popular with anglers, especially for fly-fishing.