Location
We are based in Melksham Wiltshire on the southern edge of the Cotswolds close to Bath, Somerset, Gloucestershire and within easy reach of Dorset and Hampshire. We are located just 10 miles from Junction 17 of the M4, 38 miles from Bristol Airport and just over an hour from London Paddington, with single rail fares from as little as £8, yet close to open countryside designated an area of outstanding natural beauty with three world heritage sites on our doorstep. Come and drive our romantic roads!
We are close by to...
Cotswolds
Is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty: an area of warmth and clarity whose stone walls and buildings, open skies, rolling grasslands, beech woods and captivating villages make it an outstanding English landscape - a landscape once experienced, never forgotten.
Salisbury Plain
Outstanding prehistoric ritual landscape with widespread earthworks andmonuments.
1. Stonehenge
One of the most famous of England's mysteries. Now under protection with a world heritage site designation, experience the mysterious fascination that these special stones exert.
2. Longleat House
A magnificent Elizabethan property. In the grounds is the famous Safari Park along with many other attractions.
3. Atwell Wilson Motor Museum
The contents are varied, from a number of everyday classics, to rare cars and lorries. Amongst these are a 1934 Alvis Speed 20, 1938 Daimler EL24, 1953 Allard Palm Beach, (complete with a rarely seen, Dodge Red Ram engine), and a 1951 Dennis FireEngine.
4. Bowood House and Gardens
Designed by Robert Adam in the 18th Century. On display in the exhibition rooms upstairs is a remarkable collection of family heirlooms built up over 250 years. This Wiltshire stately home stands in one of Capability Brown’s most beautiful parks.
5. Old Wardour Castle
A terrible battle was fought here in 1643 and consequently the castle sustained extensive damage. Today with landscaped grounds and other attractions this venue offers a great day out.
6. Wilton house
450 year old home of the 17th Earl of Pembroke, set in 21 acres of landscaped Parkland, breathtaking architecture and many fabulous VanDyck paintings.
7. Stourhead Gardens and House
Enjoy lakes, temples, rare trees and magnificent mature woodland, run and managed by the National Trust this site caters for disabled visitors.
8. Westonbirt Arboretum
Home to some of the rarest, most beautiful trees in the world, including the National Japanese Maple Collection. Six hundred glorious, easy-to-stroll Cotswold acres. An unforgettable experience in all seasons.
9. Cheddar Gorge
Britain’s largest Gorge. The Cheddar Yeo in Gough’s Cave is Britain’s biggest underground river, and the Gorge Cliffs are Britain's highest inland limestone cliffs.
10. The Clifton Suspension Bridge
Spanning the beautiful Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world.
11. Avebury Stone Circle
World–famous stone circle at the heart of a prehistoric landscape.
12. Broadlands
Family home of the Mountbattens and one of the finest examples of mid-Georgian architecture in England which stands in spacious parkland in a landscape which is typically English.
13. Highclere Castle
Home Earl and Countess of Carnarvon and housing an Eygptian collection gathered by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon who participated in and funded excavations in Egypt from 1907 until his death in 1923 most notably the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun.
14. The Tank Museum, Bovington
The world’s largest and finest collection of Armoured Fighting Vehicles from unique World War 1 tanks to the latest main battle tank of the British Army – Challenger.
15. Cotswold Motoring Museum and Toy Collection
The Cotswold Motoring Museum is full of motoring memorabilia, nostalgia, sights, sounds and even smells of years gone by. On every inch of every surface there's something to see including toys.
16. Glastonbury Tor
The dramatic and evocative Tor dominates the surrounding countryside and offers spectacular views over Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire. Site of many legends and myths and reputed to be King Arthur's birthplace. Fantastic 360 degree views from summit of the Tor.
17. Blenhiem Palace
Home to 11th Duke of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, (recently voted Greatest Briton of all time) offers a memorable day out. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland landscaped by ‘Capability’ Brown, the exquisite Baroque Palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent Lake.
18. STEAM
Museum of the Great Western Railway is housed in a beautifully restored Grade II railway building. The Museum tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on – ‘God’s Wonderful Railway’ – a railway network that, through the pioneering vision and genius of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was regarded as the most advanced in the world.
19. Bath
Roman Baths – In Aquae Sulis around Britain's only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water.
Bath Aqua Theatre of Glass - Enjoy the ancient skills of the glassblowers and stained glass artists, in this unique working museum, in the heart of the artisan quarter of Bath.
Celebrating Bath’s most famous resident, The Jane Austen Centre offers a snapshot of life during Regency times and explores how living in this magnificent city affected Jane Austen’s life and writing.
20. Bristol
Step back in time on board Brunel’s SS Great Britain the world’s first great ocean liner.
Explore–At–Bristol - A the first of it's kind - A true 21st century science centre combining the best of hands-on activities with the very latest multi–media techniques.Animal lovers are spoiled for choice with exotic breeds at
Bristol Zoo Gardens and the new Monkey Jungle exhibit.
Discover some of Wiltshire's hidden gems, its rich history and heritage, shopping delights, market towns and the great outdoors and see why Wiltshire awaits your visit in this short video by Visit Wiltshire
