Welcome to the south west of England
The Southwest of the UK is a fantastic place to live and work.
It covers the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Somerset, making it the largest geographical deanery in England. With a population of around 5 million, much of the region is rural, scenic, and full of natural beauty.
Main Hospitals in the Southwest
Hospitals in the region are based in the following cities and towns:
- Cornwall- Truro
- Bristol
- Swindon
- Bath
- Yeovil
- Plymouth
- Exeter
- Taunton
- Gloucester
The Southwest of England is rich in history, culture, and a unique way of life, making it a fantastic place to live and work.
🏛️ History of the Southwest
The region has a long and fascinating history, dating back to prehistoric times.
- Stonehenge (Wiltshire) – One of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, built over 4,500 years ago.
- Roman Baths (Bath) – The city of Bath was founded by the Romans and is famous for its well-preserved thermal baths.
- Medieval Castles – The region has many castles, including Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, linked to the legend of King Arthur.
- Maritime Heritage – Plymouth is where the Mayflower Pilgrims set sail for America in 1620, and Bristol has a strong maritime history, once being a key port for trade.
🎭 Culture of the Southwest
The Southwest has a unique cultural identity influenced by its Celtic heritage, maritime history, and artistic communities.
- Cornish Culture – Cornwall has its own language (Cornish) and traditions, including the famous pasties and folk music.
- Festivals – Events like Glastonbury Festival (one of the world’s biggest music festivals) and the Bath Literature Festival celebrate music, arts, and literature.
- Food & Drink – The region is famous for cream teas (Devon vs. Cornwall debate!), cider, fresh seafood, and Cheddar cheese from Somerset.
- Art & Literature – The Southwest has inspired famous writers like Thomas Hardy (Dorset), Agatha Christie (Torquay), and Daphne du Maurier (Cornwall). St Ives in Cornwall is also a well-known artist hub.
🌊 Lifestyle in the Southwest
Life in the Southwest is laid-back, scenic, and full of outdoor adventure.
- Beautiful Coastline – The region boasts some of the UK’s best beaches, from Cornwall’s surfing hotspots (Newquay, Perranporth) to Dorset’s Jurassic Coast (Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove).
- Outdoor Activities – Surfing, hiking, cycling, sailing, and exploring Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks are popular.
- Work-Life Balance – Compared to London, the Southwest offers a slower pace of life, more space, and a strong sense of community.
- Historic Cities & Towns – From the Georgian elegance of Bath to the vibrant, creative city of Bristol, there’s a great mix of rural and urban life.
- Friendly Communities – People in the Southwest are known for being welcoming and community-focused, making it a great place to settle.
Truro
Truro, Cornwall’s only city, is renowned for its stunning cathedral with towering spires and beautiful Victorian architecture. Visitors can explore independent shops, galleries, and the Royal Cornwall Museum, showcasing local history. Truro’s riverside location offers scenic walks, while nearby gardens like Trelissick and the Roseland Peninsula provide natural beauty.
The Royal Cornwall Hospital, formally and still often known as ‘Treliske hospital, is on the outskirts of Truro.
Bristol
Bristol is a vibrant city famous for its maritime heritage, street art, and cultural scene. Attractions include the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and the SS Great Britain. The city is bustling with museums, galleries, music and eateries, and also home to europe’s largest ballooning event.
There are two main hospitals in Bristol- University Hospital Bristol and Weston NHS Trust, and North Bristol NHS Trust (commonly known as “Southmead Hospital”).
Swindon
Swindon is known for its railway heritage, best explored at the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. Shoppers enjoy the Swindon Designer Outlet, housed in a restored railway works. The town also offers scenic green spaces like Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park, ideal for walks and outdoor activities.
The hospital is called Great Western Hospital.
Bath
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its Georgian architecture and Roman history. Visitors can explore the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and the elegant Royal Crescent. The city is also known for its thermal spa experiences at Thermae Bath Spa. Museums such as the Jane Austen Centre and the Fashion Museum add to Bath’s cultural appeal.
The hospital is called Royal United Hospital or commonly called RUH.
Yeovil
Yeovil, in Somerset, blends history with countryside charm. Aviation enthusiasts can visit the Fleet Air Arm Museum, showcasing naval aviation history. The town is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including Ham Hill Country Park and Ninesprings, perfect for walking and wildlife spotting.
Yeovil Hospital is part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (with Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton).
Taunton
Taunton, the county town of Somerset, is steeped in history with landmarks like Taunton Castle and the Museum of Somerset. It has a vibrant town centre with many restaurants and shops. Vivary Park is ideal for relaxation, while the surrounding Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer hiking and cycling opportunities.
Taunton’s hospital is called “Musgrove Park Hospital” in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (with Yeovil Hospital).
Plymouth
Plymouth, “Britain’s Ocean City” is a coastal city with a rich maritime past. It is home to the historic Barbican area and the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrims set sail for America. The Hoe offers stunning sea views, while the National Marine Aquarium is popular with families. Plymouth’s Royal William Yard, with its waterside restaurants and shops, is a vibrant hub.
University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust’s biggest teaching hospital is “Derriford Hospital”.
Exeter
Exeter, Devon’s historic city, features a magnificent Gothic cathedral and Roman city walls. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM) offers diverse exhibits, and the city’s quayside is perfect for waterside walks and dining. Dartmoor National Park is nearby, offering outdoor adventures.
The hospital is called Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.
Gloucester
Gloucester’s heritage dates back to Roman times, with Gloucester Cathedral, known for its stunning architecture and Harry Potter filming locations, as a highlight. The revitalized Gloucester Docks feature shops, restaurants, and the National Waterways Museum. Nearby, the Cotswolds provide scenic villages and rolling countryside.
Gloucester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust also runs Cheltenham General Hospital in Cheltenham, which is about a 20 minutes drive (about 10 miles) from Gloucester.
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