2020 bucket list: what you should do in the South West

With the new year on the horizon, it is time to think ahead. The start of 2020 is the perfect time to come up with a list of things that you wish to accomplish. However, these needn’t always be resolutions. Bucket lists are another great way to document the things that you’d like to attempt during the upcoming months as creating a list allows you to focus on your goals for the year and give you a sense of direction. Additionally, you can combine your resolutions and your bucket list together to have a productive year; If you’ve been meaning to be more active, adding a list of walks you’d like to complete encapsulates your resolution. The South West is a fantastic region for making a bucket list. From the gorgeous coastal path which is perfect for hiking to the crashing waves that are a great place to learn to surf, there is something for everyone here. So, whether you’d like to rediscover the countryside or learn about the history of your favourite cities, there has never been a better time than in 2020.

Discover the outdoors

The landscape across both Devon and Cornwall is unlike any other. From the undulating hills to the glistening sea, it is easy to be captivated by the scenery. During 2020, there are many ways in which you can discover the South West. Adding some of the below ideas to your bucket list will help you to fall in love with the region, whilst also helping to fulfil goals such as to become more active and lose weight, and encouraging you to pick up a new skill, such as photography.

Tamar Trails, Gulworthy, Devon

Situated near Tavistock, the Tamar Trails are nestled in the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A perfect place to reacquaint yourself with nature, there is 25km of trails ready for you to explore either by foot, by bike, or by horse. Here, you can also find The Beech Café, where you can pause for a bite to eat before trying your hand at an activity, such as canoeing and tree surfing.

The Bear Trail, Cullompton, Devon

Whether you’re visiting with family or as part of a group of friends, The Bear Trail should be on the bucket list of those looking for something a little bit different in 2020. This obstacle course is located in the Devon countryside and would make the perfect list addition to those who are looking to physically and mentally challenge themselves. There are 27 different things for you to try here, from scramble nets and zip wires to muddy tunnels for you to squeeze through. Most people spend between 2-4 hours here, although you can frequently pop back to your car, which you can park at the site for free. The Bear Trail told us: "Living in Devon is a lifestyle choice for us, we love the fresh air, the outdoors and all the opportunities it brings. What an awesome place to grow up in as a kid! We wanted to design an adventure park that encapsulates Devon’s Finest. We know technology and the city life has loads to offer and dreams become reality there too. But we really believe that being a kid is the greatest gift we are given in life so why waste it sat at the computer or stuck with your face in your phone? Ok, so we aren’t saying give all that stuff up… but what we are offering is a chance to take on a challenge and get outdoors, even if it’s only for a few hours. Allow your kids to push themselves to their own limits and burn off some of that energy. Allow them to be kids! “The Bear Trail is designed for everyone. We know our limits and we set your own goals. We encourage kids to push that bit further to achieve the imaginable! Scramble over the high nets, zip on down the zip wire and tumble through the bear tunnels… we dare you!"

St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall

There are so many places across Cornwall for you to add to your bucket list of outdoor places to visit. However, St Michael’s Mount is one not to be missed! Travelling either by foot or by boat, you will need to plan your day trip here so to not be affected by the tide times. At low tide, a causeway appears to let you journey across the water on a path that pilgrims and giants are of thought to have taken. Once over, you can discover both the castle and the garden before strolling around the quaint village.

Siblyback Lake, Bodmin, Cornwall

There is some incredible scenery around Bodmin, which is why Siblyback Lake is a fantastic place to add to your bucket list! From the dramatic tors to the circular path under an avenue of trees, the lake is great for those looking for a tranquil location for an afternoon meander either with friends or family. The path, which is 3.2 miles long, has stunning views out over the water, where you can spot wildlife including a vast array of birds, before heading over to The Rock Hopper café for a delicious cake or light lunch.

Try something new

For many, New Year’s resolutions involve stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new, so making sure that you add a couple of wild cards to your bucket list will encourage you to do the same. Thanks to the landscape of the South West, there is plenty of space for outdoor activities you might not have tried before, including things such as zip wiring.

Adrenaline Quarry, Liskeard, Cornwall

There is so much to do at Adrenaline Quarry. However, The Giant Swing is the most heart-stopping of them all. As you drop through the sky, you’ll be able to witness the breathtaking backdrop that Adrenaline Quarry is set in. If you’re not quite ready to take the plunge, there is also a zip wire, in addition to an aquapark where you can splash about on the inflatable playground.

Eureka Escape, Truro, Cornwall

Escape rooms have been an emerging trend for a while. However, Eureka Escape is definitely worth the visit. It’s Truro location is conveniently close to our showroom, so you could always combine trips together. 2020 is the perfect time to try an escape room as it tests your mental agility and focus, in addition to your team building skills. There are three different rooms for you to try, including a medical-themed room.

Quay Climbing Centre, Exeter, Devon

If you’re thinking about taking up a new sport or physical activity, climbing could be a great option for you. The Quay Climbing Centre is the largest climbing wall in the South West, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Suitable for all abilities, you can start out simple with some guidance at a taster session or, for those with a bit of experience, can clip and climb with a friend.

Discover as a family

Bucket lists are an amazing way of reconnecting with your family, immersing yourselves in activities that you can all enjoy. Across the South West, there is a number of interesting days out that you can all appreciate, offering one of a kind experiences that you’ll no doubt be talking about for a long time!

Underground passages, Exeter, Devon

Follow your tour guide through the passages underneath Exeter city centre for an interesting and informative excursion. Once built to allow easy upkeep of the lead pipes responsible for delivering clean water to the city, you can now discover their history whilst navigating the underground tunnels. From the original cathedral tunnel to the Georgian and Medieval sections of the network, you will be able to see how the style of building changed with each era.

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Newquay, Cornwall

Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm near Newquay in Cornwall has been growing apples for ciders for over 30 years. There is so much to see at this attraction, which is why it is a great addition to your bucket list for 2020. The admission to the whole farm is free, which means that you can roam about, learning the history of the farm before sampling some of its delicious offerings. For the designated driver, parking on site is also free, and there is a café providing hearty home-cooked meals.

National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, Devon

The UK’s largest aquarium, the National Marine Aquarium has an extensive collection of marine animals, both from local waters and some further afield. A trip to the aquarium can be massively educational, as well as a fun day out for the whole family. After peering through the UK’s largest single-tank viewing panel into the Eddystone Reef tank, you can then observe a variety of sharks in the Atlantic Ocean tank, which is the deepest in the UK and hold 2.5 million litres of water.

Kents Cavern, Torquay, Devon

The labyrinth of caves at Kents Cavern is waiting to be explored by you in 2020! A pivotal location for Stone Age sites, the 400-million-year-old rocks were once home to humans, who would use the caverns to shelter from the storms. Join a guided tour and discover the history of how the caves were formed whilst viewing evidence of Ice Age inhabitants and tools before slipping into the Great Chamber to see an exhibition dedicated to the Stone Age and Victorian excavators.

Your 2020 South West bucket list

The South West is an incredible region with so much to offer. Make 2020 a year to remember by ticking things off your bucket list, which will hopefully include some of the fantastic options listed above. To recap, here are our contributions towards your 2020 bucket list of things to do in the South West:

• Tamar Trails, Gulworthy, Devon
• The Bear Trail, Cullompton, Devon
• St Michael’s Mount, Marazion, Cornwall
• Siblyback Lake, Bodmin, Cornwall
• Adrenaline Quarry, Liskeard, Cornwall
• Eureka Escape, Truro, Cornwall
• Quay Climbing Centre, Exeter, Devon
• The Underground Passages, Exeter, Devon
• Healeys Cornish Cyder Farm, Newquay, Cornwall
• National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth, Devon
• Kents Cavern, Torquay, Devon

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