| Places to Visit |
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Don't forget to see the Activities page too! |
| Salisbury - city tour |
Salisbury is a medieval town and still maintains its original 'chequer' layout. We have 'suggested walks' which take in many of the interesting and beautiful buildings in the city, including the fine Georgian Mompesson House and a 5 screen cinema with a 15th century foyer! There are 150 markets a year held in the ancient market square, including the Charter, Farmers', Craft, and French markets.
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| Salisbury Cathedral |
In 'Notes from a Small Island' travel writer Bill Bryson says "In the tragic event that you have never been there - Salisbury Cathedral is the single most beautiful structure in England and the Close around it the most beautiful space".
We recommend asking one of the excellent volunteer guides to show you some of the more unusual and interesting facts about this magnificent building. If you've a head for heights, include a Spire Tour - the highest in England! |
| Prehistoric Sites |
Stonehenge, a World Heritage Site, is only 20 minutes away. Private tours can be arranged through English Heritage. These take place outside normal opening hours and are the only way to get into the stone circle itself.
The stone circle at Avebury (largest in Europe) with nearby Silbury Hill and Kennet Long Barrow is 45 minutes away.
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| Chalk Pictures and Corn Circles |
There are several ancient white horses cut out on chalk downs in the area and the First World War Fovant Badges (10 mins) are impressive.
The area is also famous for its puzzling crop circles. |
| Country Houses |
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| Gardens |
| We maintain a file with brochures and information on the many beautiful gardens and garden centres open to the public within a short drive. These include Stourhead, the Hillier gardens, Compton Acres, Heale House, Mottisfont Abbey, Houghton Lodge (with its Hydroponicum) and Wilton House. |
| New Forest |
William the Conqueror's 'New' Forest is only 25 minutes away and is a beautiful, relaxing place to explore - either by car, bicycle or on foot. Ponies, donkeys, cattle,pigs and sheep roam freely, protected by ancient rights. Click to visit the New Forest website |
| Wildlife |
Animal lovers, visit Monkey World, Marwell Zoo, Longleat Safari Park, Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm, Hawk Conservancy, Abbotsbury Swannery,
New Forest Otter, Owl and Wildlife Park and more!
Alternatively, just on a walk from Ebblesway Courtyard you might well see hares, deer, egrets, hawks, foxes and badgers! |
| Beaulieu |
At Beaulieu in the New Forest, you can visit Palace House, the home of the Montagu family, the Abbey and the National Motor Museum, a must for any car or motorcycle enthusiast.
Also worth visiting is the nearby sister attraction of Buckler’s Hard, restored as an 18th Century shipbuilding village, historically where some of Nelson’s ships were built. |
| Dorset Coast |
This beautiful and dramatic coastline is well worth a visit. One of our favourite outings includes lunch in Wimborne and a walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door.
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| The Great Dorset Steam Fair |
Occupying a 600 acre site and with over 200,000 visitors, this is the biggest event of its kind in Europe. Overall there are 200 working steam engines and 100 fairground organs at the show together with around 2000 other working exhibits. 'Side shows' include hundreds of fascinating stalls and several fairs - at night the whole atmosphere is magical.
Click here to see details of the next Steam Fair
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| Shaftesbury |
The ‘Shaston’ of Thomas Hardy’s novels, Shaftesbury is one of the oldest and highest towns in England and dominates what Hardy called the ‘engirdled and secluded’ Blackmore Vale.
The beauty of the surrounding Dorset countryside is complemented by the collection of fine, historical buildings that make up the centre of Shaftesbury itself.
Gold Hill, made famous by the Hovis Bread advertisement, with its steep cobbles and picturesque cottages is the epitome of rural charm from a previous time. |
| Historic Dockyard at Portsmouth |
Visit the magnificent historic ships Nelson's HMS Victory, HMS Warrior 1860 and the Mary Rose as well as the fascinating Mary Rose Museum, Royal Naval Museum and Action Stations, an interactive attraction on the modern-day Navy. Click here to see Historic Dockyard website |
| Bournemouth and Southampton |
The coastal towns of Bournemouth and Southampton, with good shopping areas and many places of interest, are only a 40 minutes drive away |
| Bath |
The Roman city of Bath is a World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit - only an hour away by car.
For a special occasion book a Spa / Treatment at the Bath Thermae Spa, Britain's only natural thermal spa as the Celts and Romans did 2000 years ago. Click here for details and video. |
