Page 19 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

INTRODUCING ENGLAND ’ S SOUTH C O AST  17

A PORTRAIT OF

ENGLAND’S SOUTH COAST

Much of Britain’s most stunning scenery stretches along England’s South
Coast – from the gently rolling downland of Sussex and Hampshire to the
dramatic rugged terrain of Cornwall. It is an outstandingly beautiful area
at the heart of the country’s history, with a wealth of grand houses, sturdy
castles and striking cathedrals enhancing the spectacular landscape.
Although the English often talk of a weather in Britain, and holiday-makers
North-South divide, it is difficult to pin have been flocking to resorts such as
down the characteristics of a typical Brighton, Bournemouth and Torquay
“southerner”, not least because there since the 19th century.
is a surprising variety across the nine The Industrial Revolution of the late
counties that stretch along England’s 18th century, which contributed so much
southern coast. The South East – Kent, to the wealth of Britain, bypassed large
East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire – areas of the south of England. Although
is the most populous and prosperous towns and cities grew, the land continued
area of Britain by a sizeable margin. West to be mostly used for farming. Today,
of Bournemouth it is a different story. country life is still rooted in agriculture
The West Country, Cornwall in particular, with many rural communities based
has a wilder, more primitive landscape, around small market towns or picturesque
and is a harder place to earn a living. villages, usually with a medieval church
What both the southwest and southeast at their centre and a pub or village hall
parts of the South Coast have in common functioning as their social hub. Ancient
is their longstanding connection to the customs, such as celebrating the arrival
Royal Navy; the cities of Portsmouth and of spring, are still observed – with many
Plymouth have long been important naval interesting local variants – across much
bases. The region also boasts the best of the South Coast.

Sheep grazing on the picturesque South Downs near the village of Ditchling in East Sussex
Colourful fishing boats docked in the harbour of Coverack, a Cornish fishing village

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