EST. 2020 · SOMERSET · DEVON · DORSET · CORNWALL
ABOUT THE JOURNAL
Stories rooted in somewhere real
The West Country Journal is an independent online magazine celebrating the people, places and traditions of Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. We write for people who love this part of the world — whether they've lived here all their lives, or can't stop thinking about it.
Independent
We have no outside investors, no corporate owners and no advertisers telling us what to write. Every editorial decision is made because it serves our readers and the region - nothing else.
Unhurried
We don't chase traffic or trending topics. Our writers take the time to do their subjects justice - long reads, careful observation, no filler. Good writing about a good place deserves more than a quick spin.
Genuinely local
Every contributor has a real connection to the South West. This isn't travel writing by outsiders passing through - it's journalism by people who belong here, care about it, and notice things that a visitor never would.
Why we started - and why it still matters
In the spring of 2020, the shops closed, the pubs went dark and the markets packed away. Overnight, the independent businesses that stitch together the communities of Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall lost the ability to be seen, heard or found.
The West Country Journal began as a direct response to that. A way to shine a light on local businesses when they needed it most - to tell their stories, keep their names in front of readers, and remind people what they were missing and what was worth fighting to save.
Five years on, the lockdowns are a memory. But the need for independent, thoughtful coverage of the South West hasn't gone away. We're still here, still publishing, still rooted in the same belief that this region's people, places and traditions deserve to be written about properly.
"We started because local businesses needed a voice. We kept going because the whole region deserves one."
The West Country Journal · Est. 2020
OUR JOURNEY
2020
Founded during the first lockdown
Launched in response to the closure of independent businesses across the South West. The Journal initially focussed on Somerset, and gave local shops, restaurants, makers and producers a platform to stay connected with their communities at the worst possible time.
2021
Expanding beyond businesses
As the world reopened, so did our scope. We widened our area to include Devon and Cornwall, and began covering the places, traditions and people that give the region its character - not just its economy.
2022-23
Growing the editorial range
Food & drink, seasonal traditions, walking routes, hidden places - the Journal grew into a genuine lifestyle publication for people who love the South West, not just those who run businesses in it. We also added Dorset to the mix.
TODAY
Still independent, still rooted
Six years in, the Journal remains volunteer-run, advertiser-free and entirely focused on the four counties. The mission hasn't changed: to make sure the South West has a publication that takes it seriously.
WHAT WE COVER
Independent businesses
Where we began - the shops, studios, farms, pubs and makers that define the character of the South West and deserve to be found and supported.
Food & drink
The producers, growers, chefs and cider-makers keeping the West Country's extraordinary food culture alive - from Newlyn fish to Exmoor venison.
Seasons & traditions
Apple Day, wassailing, the Minehead Hobby Horse, the Furry Dance - the calendar events and customs that mark the year across the four counties.
Places & landscapes
The hidden valleys, coastal paths, market towns and moorland villages that make this region unlike anywhere else in Britain.
People & makers
Potters, farmers, fishermen, writers, weavers - the individuals who give the region its character and keep its crafts and traditions in good hands.
Things to do
Walks, visits, festivals and experiences recommended by people who actually live here - not press trip itineraries or sponsored content.
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Counties covered
Somerset, Devon, Dorset & Cornwall
2020
Founded
During the first lockdown
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Advertisers
No sponsored content, ever
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South West voices
All contributors are local