Living and Working in the South West

The South West of England is a diverse and picturesque region of the UK, known for its stunning coastlines, historic landmarks and natural beauty, The region comprises of eight counties which are Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Bristol (which is both a city and a county!) and the Isles of Scilly.

Each city in the South West has its own unique character and attractions. The largest city in the region is Bristol, a cultural hub with a rich maritime history and known for its cutting edge creativity. Nestled along the River Avon, it boasts iconic landmarks like the Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the SS Great Britain, a groundbreaking victorian steamship. The city’s harbourside is a lively area with museums, restaurants and a host of cultural venues, reflecting its transformation from an industrial port to a thriving modern destination. Bristol is also known for its street art and the birthplace of Banksy alongside numerous annual festivals. With a thriving music scene, diverse culinary offerings and a proud and independent spirit, Bristol seamlessly blends history and innovation.

Bath in Somerset is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for its ancient Roman heritage and stunning Georgian architecture. The city’s centrepiece is the Roman Baths, a beautifully preserved complex that reflects its origins as a spa destination. Visitors can also enjoy the modern Thermae Bath Spa which offers rooftop views of the city. Bath is renowned for its elegant streets such as the iconic Royal Crescent and The Circus, showcasing exquisite Georgian design. The city is also linked to literary history through Jane Austen who lived there  and drew inspiration from its social life.

Exeter is situated in Devon and combines rich heritage with a vibrant modern atmosphere. At its heart lies Exeter Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The city’s Roman origins are evident in its ancient city walls and the fascinating Underground Passages, once used for medieval water systems. Exeter’s Quayside offers a picturesque spot for dining, shopping and various outdoor activities. With a thriving arts scene, excellent shopping and its proximity to the scenic landscapes of Dartmoor National Park, Exeter blends culture, history and natural beauty.

Plymouth is a dynamic and historic port city, also in Devon and is especially known for its maritime heritage and natural beauty. Overlooking Plymouth Sound, its iconic Hoe offers breathtaking coastal views and landmarks like Smeaton’s Tower, a historic lighthouse. Plymouth is also known for its naval history with the Royal Navy’s Devonport Dockyard playing a vital role.

Truro, Cornwall’s cultural hub and the only city in Cornwall is known for its Cathedral, a Gothic Revival structure with three spires that dominate the skyline as well as picturesque streets lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Cheltenham, a Regency spa town renowned for its elegant architecture and vibrant cultural scene is only eight miles from Gloucester with its interesting Roman roots, stunning Cathedral and historic docks area.

Bournemouth is a vibrant coastal town known for beautiful sandy beaches, offering a classic British seaside experience with its Victorian architecture, pier and lively seafront. The town is also renowned for its gardens and its thriving cultural scene with theatres, galleries and a variety of festivals.

Swindon, a major commercial and transport hub is another key town in the South West, historically known for its Great Western Railway and its proximity to the Cotswolds.

The history of the South West of England is marked by its rich cultural and geographical diversity. Prehistoric sites like Stonehenge and ancient hill forts dot the landscape, reflecting the region’s early significance. In the medieval period the area saw the construction of impressive castles and cathedrals, with the region’s maritime history taking centre stage in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Industrial Revolution transformed places such as Swindon and Plymouth with the rise of the railway and ship building.

The South West of England boasts a diverse and dynamic economy, characterised by a mix of traditional industries and emerging sectors. The region is home to several key industries that drive its economic performance, providing both regional and national significance.

Agriculture remains a core component of the South West's economy with the region producing a wide range of food and drink products. Dairy farming, particularly in Somerset and Devon is a major industry contributing to the production of world famous products like Cheddar cheese and clotted cream. The South West is also known for cider production with Somerset being one of the largest cider making regions in the UK. Additionally, the area produces a variety of crops which include fruit and vegetables as they benefit substantially from the mild climate.

Tourism is another vital part of the South West’s economy. The region’s natural beauty, including the Cotswolds, Dartmoor and Cornwall’s coastline, attract millions of visitors annually. Cities like Bath and Bristol are popular tourist destinations with visitors flocking to historic sites, cultural festivals and events such as the Cheltenham Festival and Bristol Balloon Fiesta.

In recent years the South West has seen huge growth in technology and aerospace industries. Bristol has become a hub for aerospace engineering with global companies operating in the area, making it a key player in the UK’s aerospace sector. The city has earned a reputation as a leading centre for advanced technology with strengths in robotics, software development and digital media. The city is also home to a thriving creative technology sector with companies focusing on augmented reality, virtual reality and artificial intelligence. Bristol’s UWE Bristol and University of Bristol are key players.

Exeter has also emerged as an important player in the region's digital economy particularly with its focus on digital infrastructure and cybersecurity with the Exeter Science Park and Devon’s High Tech Corridor being hubs for research and development.

The high tech sector is thriving in Cornwall with innovations in marine technology and renewable energy, in particular wind and solar power. The public sector also plays a significant role with government institutions, health services and education being major employers. The creative industries are growing in cities like Bristol, contributing to the digital media, fashion, arts and film sectors. Overall the South West’s economy is diverse and evolving with a strong foundation in traditional industries and rapidly growing sectors like technology and innovation.

The South West of England is renowned for its breathtaking beauty. The Cotswolds is famous for its picturesque villages and countryside while Dartmoor and Exmoor provide dramatic moorlands and scenic hiking trails. The region’s coastline including the cliffs of Cornwall and Devon beaches offer stunning views while the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World heritage Site, is a geological wonder, showcasing ancient cliffs and fossils.

The South West of England offers a perfect balance of natural beauty, vibrant cultural scenes and a high quality of life. With a growing economy, particularly in sectors like tech, creative industries and tourism, it provides excellent opportunities for work while offering a relaxed and scenic environment.