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Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
With wild moors, spectacular coastline and some of the best beaches in Britain (Torquay has 3 European Blue Flag beaches alone), the South West is a strong contender for England's best looking region. Home to the counties of Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Cornwall and Wiltshire, on coach holidays to South West England you'll find monumental greats from Stonehenge and the Avebury Circles to the World Heritage City of Bath.
Whether you're after culture or coast, coach tours to South West England take in the best of the area's gems. Slightly balmier temperatures make it all the more alluring; unwind on clean, inviting beaches from Bournemouth and Weymouth to the palm tree clad Torquay at the heart of the English Riviera. Garden enthusiasts can revel in a superb selection of gardens – think the Lost Gardens of Heligan, Eden Project and a handful of National Trust gardens – and for families there are top attractions from Monkey World and Newquay Zoo to the West Somerset Steam Railway.
Nature lovers can enjoy the region's Jurassic Coast and Cotswolds. For the more active, there are dedicated walking tours of both, all fully guided. Newquay offers a more contemporary feel, whilst Bristol and Plymouth are great for shopping. Come the winter, Bath is also home to a Christmas market that gives those on a continent a run for their fairy lights.
All tours are on a coach travel or self-drive basis and include accommodation at a good quality hotel. Tours to coastal towns like Torquay and Newquay tend to be resort-based holidays with plenty of time to spend at leisure, while others feature good local bases from which to explore.
The South West England is vast in terms of what is available to see and do whilst staying here. Some gems of the region include:
The Cotswolds
Make sure you visit the quaint and picturesque villages in the rural setting of the Cotswolds. You'll be spoilt for choice with the number of villages to see but some of the most well-known are Bourton on the Water and Burford. If you are looking for a market town to visit then Cirencester is the place, known as the 'Capital of the Cotswolds'. The town has a market place as well as an impressive St John Baptist Parish Church.
Western Super Mare
Visit the traditional seaside resort of Western Super Mare and spend some time on Weston Bay with its miles of sandy beach and a fantastic promenade. No trip here would be complete without a visit to the Grand Pier which is home to a ultimate 21st Century indoor theme park as well as various cafes, restaurants and shops.
Bournemouth
A great town which has something for everyone including beautiful beaches, various parks and gardens as well as great shopping. The Pier is one of the town's most distinctive landmarks and you can take a fantastic stroll from there to Boscombe Pier and if you don't fancy the walk back, hop onto the land train.
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in South West England, please take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office:
Health and Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended by all our tour operators and for some operators it is a condition of booking. When choosing a travel insurance please ensure it fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions, cancellation charges, medical expenses, and repatriation in the event of accident or illness. As a British citizen you will obviously be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from an EU country or Switzerland, you can use a valid EHIC issued by your home country to access healthcare. Please note this is not an alternative to travel insurance. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for nationalities planning on visiting the UK.
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If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in the UK simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
The United Kingdom is a safe place to visit, however, as with all countries please exercise common sense. Petty crime can occur so take your usual precautions such as not leaving luggage unattended, beware of pickpockets in tourist areas and leave valuables in the hotel safe.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. If you go over your allowances, you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
UK Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man you may need to show a Border Force officer a document confirming your identity. In most cases an official form of identification such as a driver's license or an armed forces identity card will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so please check before you travel.
If you’re from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein you can enter the UK with one of the following identity documents: a passport, an Irish passport card or a national identity card issued by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, if you’re eligible to use one. The identity document should be valid for the whole of your stay.
If you’re from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you must have a valid passport to enter the UK. It should be valid for the whole of your stay. You may also need a visa, depending on which country you’re from. Please check here if a visa is required before you travel.