What to do
The area around The Bath Arms is one of exceptional and unspoilt beauty. In addition to Longleat Estate itself, the surrounding counties of Wiltshire, Somerset and nearby Dorset each contain their own unique assortment of country parks, stately homes, historic and pre-historic monuments. All these are set either in countryside of outstanding natural beauty or in the quintessentially English villages, towns and cities that populate this region. The local cities of Salisbury and Bath are of course architectural jewels in their own rights and well worth a visit - not to mention the quality and range of their shops. 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
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