What to do
Stourhead House and Gardens - "A Palladian Mansion" - 15-20 minute car journey.
One of the most splendid gardens in the country, Stourhead was created by Henry Hoare II and laid out between 1741 and 1780 in the English landscape style. The classical temples, the Pantheon and Temple of Apollo, are located alongside the lake, each contributing to the magnificent view.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk Wilton House - 30 minute car journey
Wilton House, one of the treasured houses of England, is some 460 years old. Its history, art, treasures and 21 acres of gardens and parkland attract visitors from all over the world.
www.wiltonhouse.co.uk
Stonehenge - 30 minute car journey
The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world. What visitors see today are the substantial remnants of the last in a sequence of such monuments erected between circa 3000BC and 1600BC. There has always been intense debate over quite what purpose Stonehenge served. Certainly, it was the focal point in a landscape filled with prehistoric ceremonial structures, now a World Heritage Site.
Open every day:
16 Mar-31 May 9.30am-6pm
1 Jun-31 Aug 9am-7pm
1 Sep-15 Oct 9.30am-6pm
16 Oct-15 Mar 9.30am-4pm
26 Dec & 1 Jan 10am-4pm
Closed 24-25 Dec
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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How much does it cost?
Adult: £6.60
Children: £3.30
Concession: £5.60
English Heritage Members: Free
Other: Family Ticket: £16.50 |
Iford Manor - 30 minute car journey
Harold Peto lived here from 1899 until his death in 1933. Skilful planting in William Robinson style combines with the countryside. Japanese garden restoration and improvements to the 18th century woodland walks are planned. In 1998, Iford Manor gardens was awarded with the HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year award. Iford Manor is a Tudor House with a classical facade. The property, set the peaceful Frome valley, was once a centre of the flourishing Wiltshire woollen industry.
www.ifordmanor.co.uk
Lacock Abbey & Village - 45 minute car journey
Lacock has a unique architectural style, encompassing over 750 years of history. The Grounds and Gardens provide the perfect foil to the house and are managed in the style of a Wiltshire squire who governs his surroundings in partnership with nature. The woodland garden is of the 19th-century style and contains an historic collection of formal and native trees. Early plans show the form of an elaborate 18th-century water garden hidden beneath the surface, intermingled with the remnants of the working medieval landscape. A charming rural village untouched by modern development, Lacock Village dates back to the 13th-century. It remains largely unchanged over the centuries and has many lime-washed, half-timbered and stone houses. During the Middle Ages, Lacock became a prosperous and thriving town through its wool industry. The village was well placed for communications, sited as it was on the 'cloth road' from London and the River Avon, which gave access to the sea at Avonmouth near Bristol.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Old Wardour Castle - just under 30 minute drive
Beautifully sited beside a lake, Old Wardour Castle was built in the late 14th century by John Lord Lovel as a lightly fortified but showy and luxurious residence. A hexagonal tower house ranged round a central courtyard, its form is very unusual in England.
Substantially updated by the staunchly Roman Catholic Arundell family after c.1570, the castle saw much fighting during the Civil War. In 1643 the 60 year old Lady Arundell was forced to surrender it to Parliament. But the new garrison was almost immediately besieged in turn by Royalist forces led by her son. After an eventful 10 months of bombardment and undermining, they finally capitulated in March 1644.
The badly damaged castle became a romantic ruin, and was incorporated in the 18th century into the landscaped grounds of Lord Arundell's New Wardour House (not managed by English Heritage, no public access). The castle's setting in a Registered Landscape enhances the significance of this hidden jewel.
Vobster Quay
Vobster Quay is situated in the heart of the Somerset countryside approximately 5 miles from the market town of Frome and 4 miles from Radstock. With easy access from the M4 and M5, finding it is easy.
Whether you're a certified scuba diver or just starting out, Vobster Quay offers the perfect blend of great fresh-water diving, first class service and the warmest of welcomes.
www.vobster.com
Microlight Flying
Fly with a CAA qualified microlight flying instructor with over 25 years' experience, giving flying lessons from several clubs including Old Sarum Flying Club (40 min drive) and Swallow Aviation (30 min drive).
Experience the thrill of flying in a simply open cockpit aircraft, cheaply and safely, and it will be something you will never forget. It can be a trial lesson during which you will take control, of the aircraft or you can just sit back and enjoy the wonderful views. You choose; just as long as you have fun. From just £50.
Contact: Bertie Grotrian
Tel: 01985 840705
Mobile: 07785 717108
email: bertie@flyingdreams.co.uk
www.flyingdreams.co.uk
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