South West England

South West England is the largest of the country’s nine official regions. It stretches from the Isles of Scilly at the south-westerly tip of the UK up through Cornwall and Devon to Gloucestershire and Wilshire at its easterly border. The largest cities in the region include Bristol, Bournemouth and Exeter. The National Parks of Exmoor and Dartmoor sit within South West England, with other key visitor attractions being Cornwall, with its beautiful beaches and fishing villages, Stonehenge, and the historic city of Bath.

4.51
Average Location Score

Excellent

64%

Very Good

27%

Average

8%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

Best places to live in South West England

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

A harbour with colourful boats in Cornwall, South West England

Where is South West England?

South West England constitutes the region from the south-westerly tip of England (the Scilly Isles and Cornwall) up to Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset and Bournemouth in the east. It has the longest coastline of any English region (700+ miles), which overlooks the Bristol Channel, English Channel and Celtic Sea.

Population of South West England

The population of South West England was estimated at 5.6 million in 2019. Despite being the largest of England’s nine regions at 9,200 square miles, its population is one of the smallest.

South West England regions

South West England is made up of seven counties: Bristol, Cornwall (and the Isles of Scilly), Dorset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. We take a look at these below.

Clifton Suspension bridge in Bristol, South West England

Bristol

Bristol is the largest city in South West England and is also one of the seven counties that make up the region. Bristol University and the University of the South West of England bring many students to the city, while media, electronics and aerospace industries are the main economic drivers in the city and surrounding areas.

Cornwall (incl. Isles of Scilly)

With its rich history of mining and fishing, Cornwall attracts thousands of visitors each year. It’s a favourite destination for many Brits holidaying in the UK, thanks to its mild climate and outstanding beaches and countryside. The only city in Cornwall is Truro and the region boasts its own language, which has seen a major revival since interest grew during the early 20th century.

Devon

Neighbour to Cornwall and great rival when it comes to cream teas (scones with jam and clotted cream), Devon is also a tourism hotspot. It boasts a similar landscape of moorlands, rugged coastlines and pretty fishing villages, with Exeter as its principal city. The collection of resort towns along its south coast have become known as the ‘English Riviera’.

Dorset

The ceremonial county of Dorset includes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and Dorset. Dorchester is the county town but much of the region has a low population density, with more than half of its area designated an Area of outstanding Natural Beauty.

Bath in South West England

Gloucestershire

Named after its historic principal town Gloucester, Gloucestershire also includes the popular towns of Cheltenham, Cirencester and Stroud. It boasts large areas of outstanding natural beauty, including a large area of The Cotswolds, the Forest of Dean and the Severn Vale.

Somerset

A largely rural county, Somerset includes a wealth of beautiful landscapes, including those of the Mendip Hills, Quantocks and the Exmoor National Park. Somerset’s two cities are Wells and Bath – both of which boast historic cathedrals and the latter of which was granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a landlocked county bordered by Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Somerset and Dorset. Trowbridge is the county town but the region is probably best-known for the ancient stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury, which form a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

South West England Cities

Bristol is the largest city in South West England, with a population of around 430,000 people. Other principal cities include Exeter, Bath, Gloucester, Bournemouth, Wells and Plymouth.

Reviews in South West England

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Convenient and modern living

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

The location is perfect for anyone who works locally in bath, you can either walk or ride the bus as it is accessible in the area. Spring Wharf is a safe location, the community and the staff are accommodating. Special mention to Mr. Luke!

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The flat designs are great, the management always see to it that everything is in perfect condition before moving in. White goods are included which is also in good working condition, they will also make sure that you submit an initial inspection upon moving in.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

There is nothing that i could thinks about regarding this.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Always responds appropriately to Emails ang request.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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All in all very good

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

Plenty of shops about, Scoops across the way is great for wholefoods for the environmentally conscious. Pure Gym on the corner (but there’s a gym onsite). Tesco Express over the bridge with some takeaways. Up the road is a Costa, Lidl, M&S food and Currys. Down the road is Sainsburys.

The on-site gym is modern and well-equipped, perfect for staying active. While the tenants’ lounge is no longer available, there are still plenty of comfortable spots around the complex to relax, I am yet to use the outdoor areas.

I have secure parking which is plus.

Heat is “communal” so there is no choice on gas supplier.

A heads-up for light sleepers: Apartments in the mill can experience some traffic noise. However, the other amenities and the location definitely make up for it. Just an FYI – the EV chargers aren’t working at the moment (hopefully they’ll be fixed soon!).

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This place is a good spot to live – a leisurely 20-25 minute walk down the river takes you right into the heart of the city centre.

The onsite team are attentive a always willing to help sort stuff out. Plus the parcel room is a great help for when your deliveries.

Overall, this is a great place to live for those who value a convenient location and modern amenities.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Road noise. No Lounge (anymore), gas/heat no choice but to use the one here.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

So far so good. The dishwasher was broken on check in and it was repaired quickly and with no issues. The onsite team were able to sort an issue with the heating straight away.

4
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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My apartment is very acceptable for just an individual.

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Apr 2024

Very close to my campus, gym, bus stops. Location is perfect. I particularly love the shop Scoop below.

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My apartment is very acceptable for just an individual. I arguably have more space for storage than needed. Every room here, whether it is the living room, kitchen, bedroom and bathroom are all great in quality (as long as I keep them consistently tidy).

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I should have known about this place sooner. I wish I applied for it after my foundation year last year.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They are always present in the reception/concierge, and they seem to know everything I ask them about.

5
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
2
Value
5
Management
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Great rental block located in the heart of the city with excellent facilities and a wonderful property manager.

Review Date Apr 2024

Platform is in the heart of the city so it is an excellent location for local shops, restaurants and bars being only a short 10 minute walk away. There are good transport links nearby such as the bus or train within 10-15 minutes and there is a small garage for parking if you own a car. There is no anti-social behaviour or traffic noise.

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The block is spacious with a social area and gym for tenants to socialise. It is wonderful to have a gym so conveniently located.
The property managers have recently changed. Tom is pro-active and happy to help with any problems you may have and is also a wonderful listener. It is lovely to return home after work to be greeted by such a friendly face.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Tip I would share: make an effort to get to know your nextdoor neighbour in particular – make an effort to be friendly and organise a catch up.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes whenever I have had any problems the property manager has acted promptly to sort the issue for me.

4
Facilities
4
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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