DRIVABLE
DESTINATIONS
| Longleat
Stately Home & Safari Park |
Attraction
Longleat 'Lion Country' Safari Park, Mazes and Labyrinths, Stately Home and Gardens, Railway, Pets Corner, Safari Boats, Needlecraft
Centre, Pleasure Walk, Restaurants and Historic Exhibitions. |
Description
 Longleat is widely regarded as the best example of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.
The magnificence of the House itself is matched by the splendour of its surroundings; a spectacular mixture of landscaped parkland, lakes and formal gardens.
In 1949 Longleat became the first stately home in England to open its doors to the public. Today it has become - along with its equally famous Safari Park, mazes and other exciting features - one of the country's leading tourist attractions.
It has been the home of the Thynn(e) family for more than 450 years and is currently lived in by the
eccentric 7th Marquess of Bath, Alexander
Thynn. |
Directions
Take the
A36 for 17miles and go straight through the following two
roundabouts onto the A362, then simply follow the signs.
Longleat, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 7NW
Tel: (01985) 844400, Fax: (01985) 844885
e-mail enquiries@longleat.co.uk
Web: www.longleat.co.uk |
| Distance in
Miles - 22 |
Driving Time
- 30 Mins |
| Stonehenge |
Attraction
The most famous Neolithic
monument shrouded for millennia in mystery and fascination. A must
see for any tour of England. |
Description
 Stonehenge was built in several phases on a sacred site on the Salisbury Plain. In form Stonehenge is a series of concentric rings of standing stones around an altar stone at the center. The first ring has a horseshoe plan of originally five trilithons, each of two upright stones supporting a single colossal lintel. Beyond these was first a circle of smaller uprights, sacred "blue" stones, transported from South Wales, and then an outer, enclosing circle of sandstone monoliths 13.5 feet high, which support what was once a continuous lintel.
The oldest structures on the site of Stonehenge are the bank, ditch and the pits known as the Aubrey Holes which were dug just within the circumference of the ditch. These are thought to have been constructed around 3,100 BC. The ditch and bank are what make the "henge" at Stonehenge. |
Directions
Stonehenge is situated at the junction of the A303 and the A344, just west of Amesbury in Wiltshire.
From Bath take the A36 south for 22 miles then onto the B390, from
here just follows the signs. There is a large car park and
visitor centre on the north side of the A344. There is a charge of
around £4/5 to gain access to the site |
| Distance in
Miles - 35 |
Driving Time
- 50 Mins |
| The
City of Wells |
Attraction
The smallest city in England, Wells is a
picturesque market town steeped in English history. The great gothic
Cathedral and moated Bishop's Palace are extraordinary. A great
excursion. |
Description
 In Wells you will find a city like no other in Britain and a friendly welcome to match. There is so much to see and do that a whole day, or even two, can be spent exploring its many attractions.
The great Gothic cathedral and Cathedral Green are the centrepiece for a complex of buildings and streets equally old and fascinating, including the moated and walled Bishop's Palace, with 14
acres of gardens, Vicar's Close and the fine architecture of the Market Place, linked to the Green by the curiously named Penniless Porch.
Market days are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays in the beautiful Market Square.
Look out for the famous 600 year old clock! |
Directions
Take the
A36 South to the A367 and follow signs to Wells.
The Bishop's Palace
The Henderson Rooms, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2PD
Tel: (01749) 678691, Fax: (01749) 678691 |
| Distance in
Miles - 21 |
Driving Time
- 30 Mins |
| Wookey
Hole |
Attraction
Explore etherial underground caves famous for its witch and
additionally tour a working Paper Mill |
Description
 A cave tour matches breathtaking underground scenery, carved out by the mysterious River Axe, with a delightful mix of fact, legend and folklore, including the story of the famous witch. Dramatic lighting effects make it an even more exhilarating experience.
Admission Prices
Rates are inclusive of all attractions on the site. At least two hours should be allowed for the tour.
Adults: £7.30
Children: (4 -16 inclusive) £4.30 |
Directions
Wookey Hole Caves and Papermill are situated at Wookey Hole in the beautiful Mendip Hills, in South West England, just two miles from the Cathedral City of Wells in Somerset. Wookey Hole is easily accessible from the South-East, Midlands, Wales and West Country by the M4 and M5 motorways. Leave the M5 at junction 22 and follow the brown and white tourist signs for about 18 miles via Axbridge and Cheddar to Wells. If coming from Bath, take the A39 to Wells.
Wookey's Website: www.wookey.co.uk |
| Distance in
Miles - 24 |
Driving Time
- 35 Mins |
| American
Museum & Gardens |
Attraction
Experience the American way of life from the 17th to 19th centuries
in Claverton Manor's impressive venue. |
Description
 The
American museum has the finest collection of American Decorative
Arts outside of the United States, and is arranged as a series of
authentic furnished rooms in Claverton Manor. Galleries how
American craftsmanship of the period in pewter, textiles, silver and
glass. Additional exhibits include Shaker furniture, a display of
Native American artifacts and a Folk Art Gallery. With Tea rooms,
picnic areas and great views over the valley of the River Avon, this
Museum is an absorbing way to spend a day. Check out the AM
website for details of realistic enactments of the French and
Indian wars! |
Directions
The Museum
is well signed from the city centre up Bathwick Hill, and from the
A36 Warminster Road. You could also catch a number 18 bus from the
bottom of Great Pulteney Street. |
| Distance in
Miles - 5 |
Driving Time
- 10 Mins |
| Bristol
Zoo Gardens |
Attraction
Over 300
species, restaurant, shops and kid's playground. |
Description
 Bristol
Zoo Gardens is more than a fun-filled and stimulating day out for
all the family... it's a place to find out about animals in the
wild, especially those which are endangered. The site is divided
into the following sections: Seal
and Penguin Coasts, Gorilla
Island, Bug World, Twilight World, Aquarium, Reptile
House, Conservation
Education Centre, and
the Children's
Play Area.
The Pelican
Restaurant serves hot meals and snacks and there is a covered picnic
area for all-weather comfort.
Open daily
from 9am. Closes approx. 5.30pm in summer, 4.30pm in winter. Free
entry for under 3's - baby changing and feeding facilities available.
Allow 2-5
hours for your visit |
Directions
From the
M5: take A4018 via J17; A4 via J18, then follow the brown elephant
signs. These signs can also be followed from Bristol City Centre.
From South Wales: Use 2nd Severn Crossing (M4), take M49, then M5,
J18 (A4).
Check out the Bristol
Zoo Website. |
| Distance in
Miles - 15 |
Driving Time
- 30 Mins |
|