Schmap.com supports the following browsers:
PC
 Period American rooms and beautiful country grounds |
Claverton Manor Bath, North East Somerset BA2 7BD United Kingdom +44 1225 82 3010 http://www.americanmuseum.org |
The museum is housed in Claverton Manor, built by Jeffrey Wyatville in 1820 in neo-classical style, and was the site of William Churchill's first political speech in 1897. The building was converted into the museum and opened in 1961. The grounds are vast, and walking paths, picnic areas, as well as spacious parking make your visit a relaxed and varied experience. The Manor's rooms show American craftsmanship in textiles, glass, silver, and furniture from the 17th to 19th centuries. Access to the library of historical and period books is free by appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob Miles |
 Photo: Jody Morris |
 Photo: behappyMay in Taiwan |
 Photo: behappyMay in Taiwan |
 Photo: daz smith  |
 Photo: Marie L. |
 Photo: Chris Ford |
 Photo: keepinsidethelines |
 A great day out for all the family |
Bath Road Pixash Lane Bath, North East Somerset United Kingdom +44 117 986 4929 |
Avon Valley Country Park is situated midway between Bath and Bristol and proves a popular choice for families during the summer months. However, the owners are well aware that a British summer may involve frequent showers and have adapted the park accordingly; a recent addition is an undercover assault course, so rain doesn't have to stop play. In addition, there is an adventure playground, barbecue facilities, miniature railway, quad bikes, ball pool and a fascinating riverside trail which allows close contact with many of the unusual animals in the park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Keep fit in a bright and friendly environment |
Bath Hill Keynsham Bath, North East Somerset BS31 1EB United Kingdom +44 117 987 3262 |
Bensons in Keynsham is a health club with a welcoming environment, which you'll need if you're keen on keeping fit. Classes range from traditional aerobics to step, circuit training, body conditioning, Tai Chi and Yoga. A sauna, fast tan sun bed, and crèche are available for non-member use. Members have access to a gym full of high-tech cardiovascular equipment and exercise machines, get free fitness tests and programme consultations with the fitness instructors, free classes, and free use of the crèche (open 10am-12pm Mon-Fri.) Also on site is the Benson's Health Spa, offering skin care treatments and massage using the Dermalogica range of beauty products. Members get 10% off. So go on, pamper yourself! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Berkeley Castle |
Near Stroud Berkeley, Gloucestershire GL13 9BQ United Kingdom +44 1453 81 0332 http://www.berkeley-castle.com/ |
Ancient, beautiful and steeped in history, Berkeley Castle has featured in Shakespeare, been the scene of the murder of an English King, been battered and breached by Cromwell, and seen a butcher's daughter marry the 5th Earl (after they had seven children). The castle itself is a beautiful, romantic and haunting building built of pinkish sandstone and grey tufa, which gives an ethereal look to the place. And as in the best fairy stories, terrifying and hideous things happened in the dungeons. Here in 1327 Edward II was imprisoned in a cell by the horrible pit where rotting carcasses and half-dead prisoners were thrown in hopes that the stench would kill him off. When it didn?t, he was tortured to death with the infamous hot poker up the backside. Today, however, Berkeley is an elegant and lovely home set in beautiful gardens. The state rooms contain fabulous collections of furniture, paintings by English and Dutch masters, tapestries and the world-famous Berkeley silver. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Fennell |
 Photo: Rita Shaw |
 Photo: Richard Olpin |
 Photo: Scrumble. |
 Photo: hall.kelly@sbcglobal.net |
 Photo: Stuart Elks |
 Photo: GenieB1950 |
 Photo: kevinpowell790 |
|
The best Capability Brown gardens, just as he designed them |
Off the A4 Betwwen Chippenham and Calne Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Starting with over 2000 acres of grounds landscaped by Capability Brown in the 1760s, these gardens include a fine serpentine lake graced with a Doric Temple to which a highly picturesque rocky valley was added toward the end of the 18th century. This new addition also incorporates a cascade and a hermit's cave. Close to the house, the grand 19th century Italianate terraces are planted with roses and many other flowering and scented plants. Brown planted an arboretum of rare trees in the Pleasure Grounds, and here also is the pinetum, begun in the 19th century. Directions: Take the A4 out of Bath toward Chippenham, Bowood is off the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, some 16 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
A perfect Georgian house and the best Capability Brown gardens |
The Estate Office Bowood Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Bowood is a perfectly proportioned Georgian building, however, there used to be the Big House and the Little House, which in 1770 were joined together by an enormous drawing room. By the end of WWII, the Big House had become so dilapidated that the present Marquess had it demolished in 1955, leaving the Little House. Bowood as it now exists is hardly a poor remnant, however. Surviving Adam portions include the magnificent Diocletian wing, containing a splendid library, the laboratory where Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen. Exhibition rooms show family treasures and as the family were knowledgeable and avid collectors, the collections are more than worthwhile and include superb collections of watercolors, miniatures and jewelery. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Tim Norris |
|
Over 60 acres of glorious blooms |
Off the A4 Between Chippenham and Calne Bath, Wiltshire SN11 0LZ United Kingdom +44 1249 81 2102 http://www.bowood-estate.co.uk |
Possibly the greatest glory of the Bowood Garden are the Rhododendron Walks, begun in the mid 19th century and added to by successive generations. Now covering over 60 acres, with some 2 miles of paths, the spectacle of the enormous range of rhododendrons and azaleas in flower is breathtaking. This area is open for 6 weeks during flowering time from April to early June. Directions: Take the A4 out of Bath toward Chippenham, Bowood is off the A4 between Chippenham and Calne, some 16 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Over 300 species in an attractive garden setting |
Clifton Down Bath, Bristol BS8 3HA United Kingdom +44 117 973 8951 http://www.bristolzoo.org.uk |
Tired of the civilised pleasures of Bath? Then you gneed a gnu! Even if you prefer your four-footed friends in a painting by Stubbs, you'll find the zoo a very enjoyable experience, because over 300 different species are set amid very attractive gardens. The Seal and Penguin areas have amazing underwater views. Don't miss the Wallace Aviary where you can stroll among the beautiful plants and watch exotic birds flying above you. With a restaurant, picnic area, gift shop, toilets throughout, plus baby changing facilities and a wheelchair-friendly layout, the zoo is a complete environment for homosapiens as well as the rest of the animal kingdom. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
|
The prettiest village |
Off the M4 On the Southern edge of Cotswolds Bath, Wiltshire BA1 1EE United Kingdom |
Voted the Prettiest Village in England, Castle Combe is tucked away in a valley. Not surprisingly the village is a favorite location for filmmakers, the most famous film being Doctor Dolittle. The impressive Dower House served as Dr Dolittle's house in the film. Every turn in the road shows a new and delightful vista, from the 14th century market, cross on down the street of centuries-old honey-colored stone houses (listed as ancient monuments!) to the little hump-backed bridge over the sparkling by brook. The village was once a center for cloth weaving, and by the bridge are weavers' cottages and the Weavers House, where it is said lived the Blanket brothers, who gave a new word to the language when they created a new type of warm bed covering. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Amit Kothari (www.amitkoth.com) |
 Photo: Ed McCauley |
 Photo: Sam Kroonenburg |
 Photo: Sam Kroonenburg |
 Photo: Douglas McMasters |
|
Beautiful lake in woodland setting |
92 Bridgwater Rd Bath, Bristol BS99 7DQ United Kingdom +44 1275 33 2339 http://www.bristolwater.co.uk |
Chew Valley Lake benefits from a naturally beautiful setting. Surrounded by over one thousand acres of unspoilt countryside, it is the ideal place for a family day out. Anglers cannot fail to be impressed by the well-stocked lake which contains over 50,000 fish. Those disinclined to fish can take a trip along the nature trail. Look around for hidden wildlife; many species of wildfowl and birds are common in and around the lake and hides are provided for those who take their ornithology more seriously. Landscaped picnic areas are available as well as a tea shop which sells lunches and snacks at reasonable prices. Much of this area is accessible for buggies and wheelchairs. Directions: Approximately 10 miles west of Bath off the A368 Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Beautiful manor with outstanding art |
Corsham Court Bath, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ United Kingdom +44 1249 70 1610 http://www.corsham-court.co.uk |
A Royal Manor from the days of the Saxon Kings until the reign of Elizabeth I, when it passed out of royal hands and finally in 1766 to the Methuen family, who still own it. Originally bought by Paul Methuen to house his collection of old master paintings, the glory of Corsham is still its collection of fine art and furniture. Featuring names such as Adam, Chippendale, Caravaggio, Lippi, Reynolds, Rubens, Van Dyck and Michelangelo, this is certainly one of the most important collections still complete and in private hands. The house itself is a blend of the Elizabethan house of 1582 with 18th and 19th Century additions, all in warm, honey-coloured stone. The splendid state rooms, beautifully designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown to show off the collections, are an incomparable setting for the art treasures, some of which have not been moved for over 200 years! Directions: Approximately 4 miles West of Chippenham off the A4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gareth Morgan |
 Photo: Michael Prior |
 Photo: threewise |
 Photo: Jhih-Ying Jiang |
 Photo: Roger Griffiths |
|
Tranquil Capability Brown gardens complete with strutting peacocks |
Corsham Court Bath, Wiltshire SN13 0BZ United Kingdom +44 1249 701610 |
The formal sections of these gardens, hidden away behind the house, are probably the best-kept secret of Corsham Court. They're well worth finding though, particularly for fans of Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, both of whom worked on the designs. The gardens feature herbaceous borders, a rose garden, a lily pool, secluded gardens, sweeping lawns with splendid specimen trees - and the famous Corsham peacocks, strutting and screaming! b>Directions: Approximately 8 miles from Bath, 4 miles west of Chippenham off the A4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Village of charm and honey-coloured stone |
Off the A4 Between Bath and Chippenham Bath, Wiltshire BA14 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 477101 |
Full of charm and atmosphere - all that wonderful Bath stone, slate roofs with golden lichen and green moss - a nice, lived-in village, as picturesque as many a more touristy one, but not usually so crowded. This is the perfect place to stop for that afternoon cup of tea or an ideal base for those looking to visit Bath and the West Country without all the noise and bustle that accompanies the city centre accommodation. Easily combined with a visit to Corsham Court. Directions: Approximately 8 miles from Bath, off the A4 between Bath and Chippenham. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Garden in the Hidcote tradition |
Holt Trowbridge Bath, North East Somerset BA14 6RR United Kingdom +44 1225 782340 |
A charming garden in the tradition of Sissinghurst and Hidcote, full of fascinating plants and exhibiting an imaginative use of colour. As if that wasn't enough, there is also an arboretum with many excellent specimen trees, topiary, water features and garden ornaments. A garden to delight anyone who enjoys traditional gardening and great Out of season by appointment onlyswathes of color. Check Website for Admission Fees. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Fine stately home with original contents |
Chippenham Bath, Gloucestershire SN14 8ER United Kingdom +44 117 937 2501 |
Set in a narrow steep-sided valley, Dyrham, despite being so grand has a wonderfully romantic air, and was one of the settings for the film, The Remains of the Day. The present house was built for William Blathwayt, who married the heiress of Dyrham in 1686. He added the west front to the old Tudor house in 1671. Prospering under William III, Blathwayt built what is virtually another house, linked to the original by the Tudor Hall, this time with a rather grandiose Italianate front. The rooms have changed little since they were furnished by Blathwayt and the contents recorded in his housekeeper's inventory include many fine textiles, Dutch paintings and blue and white Delft ware which can be seen in the house today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Gailor |
 Photo: Robert Davies |
 Photo: Robert Davies |
 Photo: Richard Eason |
 Photo: Paul Young |
 Photo: Hiroht |
 Photo: Peter L Herring |
|
Picturesque castle ruin with great views |
Farleigh Hungerford Bath, North East Somerset BA3 6RS United Kingdom +44 1225 75 4026 |
Extensive and picturesque ruins command splendid views over the valley of the River Frome. The superb chapel contains wall paintings and the fine tomb of Sir Thomas Hungerford, who built the castle in the 1370s when, we are told on good authority, all knights were bold and chivalrous and all their ladies beautiful and good. The inhabitants of Farleigh seem to have been the exceptions: one was a damsel who, far from being in distress, showed a distressing ability to take care of herself. For this talent the wicked Lady Hungerford was hanged at Tyburn in 1523 on a charge of strangling her husband and then having his body burned in the castle's kitchen. A later Lady Hungerford was walled up in one of its towers for four long years by her husband. And no one has been able to satisfactorily explain the eight lead coffins in the crypt beneath the chapel. No wonder the castle is a ruin - it was obviously dangerous to live there! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Will Webster |
 Photo: Bijeshnath |
 Photo: Bijeshnath |
|
Commemorates the achievements of the inventor of the modern photographic negative |
Lacock Bath, Wiltshire SN15 2LG United Kingdom +44 1249 73 0459 |
Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock Abbey—the seeming incongruity of the Photography Museum in the outbuildings of an ancient stately home is explained by the fact that a later Talbot, William Henry Fox Talbot (1800-77), a pioneering photographer, took one of the very first photographs ever (of a window in the Abbey—you can see it in the museum) and invented the modern photographic negative. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of photography. Directions: 3 miles south of Chippenham off the A350, approx 12 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Charming medieval moated manor |
Off B3107 via Broughton Gifford Common Bath, Wiltshire SN12 8NJ United Kingdom +44 1225 782239 |
Chalfield was acquired in 1467 by Thomas Trompnell, who rebuilt the house around a courtyard. The south range has since disappeared, but the north front has probably altered very little. One enters through the original front door into the screens passage (the screen is a 19th century copy of the original). The great hall overlooks three spy windows, and there is a separate eating room across from the screens passage, possibly the first separate dining room in any English house. The house and gardens endured a number of changes, entering the 20th century in a sadly neglected state, but were restored by Major R Fuller, whose family live there and manage the property for the National Trust. Viewing of the house is by guided tour only. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Peto Garden Concerts & Operas |
Iford Arts Ltd The Bullpit Bath, Wiltshire BA15 1NB United Kingdom +44 1225 86 8124 http://www.ifordarts.co.uk |
Each summer, from June to August, Iford Arts presents an exciting programme of opera, Promenade concerts and recitals within the award-winning terraced gardens of Iford Manor, located near Bath. Operas are performed in an exquisite Italianate cloister seating just 90 in the round. Bring a picnic and come experience the haunting beauty of Iford. For further details call or visit their website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Beautiful scenery |
Runs from the Severn Estuary near Bristol to the River Thames at Reading Bath, North East Somerset BA1 1EE United Kingdom +44 1225 47 7101 http://www.katrust.org/ |
The canals of England, once the arteries that carried the life-blood of commerce, have in the past few decades become one of the greatest pleasure boating venues and conservation areas. The Kennet and Avon Canal, by virtue of the beautiful countryside it traverses, is one of the loveliest of English canals. Completed in 1810 it was built to connect Reading with Bath and then Bristol via the River Avon. Aside from its beauty, the canal boasts a spectacular flight of 29 locks which haul the water level up an astonishing 70 metres in the space of two miles, and are now equipped with a water-saving system of backpumps to recycle the water so the locks can now be open to boats every day. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Adam Franco |
 Photo: Steve Cox |
 Photo: Graham |
 Photo: Andrea Hummer |
 Photo: Kevin Rickis |
 Photo: Ruth Sargent |
 Photo: debbie |
 Photo: tommyb2005 |
 Photo: Neil Watson |
 Photo: Ben |
 Photo: Tom Guilbert |
 Photo: Gary Burns |
 Photo: Andrea DG |
 Photo: John |
 Photo: John Hedtke |
 Photo: John Hedtke |
 Photo: Steven |
 Photo: Andy Clist |
 Photo: Alan Price (Al G) |
 Photo: Yelena Bondarenko |
 Photo: Dana&Ron |
 Photo: graham rogers |
 Photo: Robin Williams |
 Photo: Jasja Dekker |
 Photo: Mary-Lou Quick |
 Photo: Myk Garton |
 Photo: Andrew Watson |
 Photo: Peter van der Kruk |
 Photo: Michael Jones |
 Photo: thenotknowingiseasy |
 Photo: Oli Brand |
 Photo: Andy Stacey |
|
Picturesque village, stately home and fascinating museum |
Lacock Bath, Wiltshire SN15 2LG United Kingdom +44 1249 73 0277 |
At first glance the Abbey looks like an 18th century Gothic house, but it's much older. As the name reveals, it was originally an Augustinian nunnery, founded in 1229 and flourishing until Henry VIII suppressed it in 1539. William Sharrington, ancestor of the Talbots, bought the estate the following year and his descendants have lived here ever since. Sharrington demolished the church but kept the fine medieval cloister, sacristy, chapter house and monastic rooms, building his house on the first floor, above the original ground floor rooms of the nunnery. b>Directions: 3 miles south of Chippenham off the A350, approx 12 miles from Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Butler |
|
The setting for many films and TV costume dramas |
Off the A350 3 miles south of Chippenham Bath, Wiltshire SN15 2LG United Kingdom +44 1249 73 0277 |
The very picturesque village of Lacock, with its many charming stone and half-timbered houses, is entirely owned by the National Trust. Lacock Village has featured in various Tv and film costume dramas, in particular Pride and Prejudice, Moll Flanders and Emma. Its popularity with the makers of costume dramas is easy to understand. None of the shops show any sign of belonging to the 20th century, let alone the 21st! Residents and businesses are forbidden to display any form of advertising, so a visit to Lacock really is like a journey into the past. It is well worth the short trip from the city to visit Lacock and its many pubs, cafes and gift shops. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Colin Walsh |
|
Grand Elizabethan house and gardens |
Longleat Bath, Wiltshire BA12 7NJ United Kingdom +44 1985 84 4400 http://www.longleat.co.uk |
There really is something for everyone at Longleat, whether you are a culture vulture or an old hippy, whether you relish fine art and architecture, have a historical bent or are simply intrigued by the goings on of the present Marquess of Bath. The house is rich in all the usual accoutrements of a great stately home - fine state rooms, excellent paintings and furniture and the ghost of grieving Louisa, 2nd Viscountess Weymouth, whose lover was killed by her husband in the upstairs gallery now known as the Grey Lady's Walk. There are also some more unusual pieces such as the fascinating Karma Sutra mural by the present Marquess of Bath, whose 60s flower power and free love lifestyle has attracted so much interest. This Marquess, sometimes called the Loins of Longleat because of his notorious harem of 'wifelets', has proved a better conservator of his heritage than some critics thought and has also commissioned a series of mazes for the gardens. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laurence Ashworth |
 Photo: Mary Eliza Jade |
 Photo: Mary Eliza Jade |
 Photo: cardbush |
 Photo: Clive Moore |
 Photo: Louise Marcus-Hamilton |
 Photo: Ron Rademaker |
 Photo: Shane Kelly |
 Photo: Jack Pearce |
 Photo: Chris Upfield |
 Photo: Duncan |
 Photo: Polly Silk |
 Photo: Angela Martin |
 Photo: Martyn Ward |
 Photo: rob moger |
 Photo: Gabby Esplin |
 Photo: James Tucker |
 Photo: Jamie Bennett |
 Photo: Happytigress |
 Photo: Andy Gates |
 Photo: Sarah Jones |
 Photo: Matt Jenner |
 Photo: storqmplus |
 Photo: David Cowlin |
 Photo: Angie Dethridge |
 Photo: Ashley Taylor |
|
World's first drive-through safari park |
Frome Road Bath, Wiltshire BA12 7NW United Kingdom +44 1985 84 4400 http://www.longleat.co.uk |
This safari park has extensive collections of some of the world's most magnificent animals, including elephants, tigers, wolves, rhinos and the famous lions, all roaming freely, while people must remain "caged" in their cars. The park is a living monument to the 6th Marquess of Bath, whose pioneering spirit and capacity for lateral thinking led him to be the first of the aristocracy to open his house and land to the public in 1949. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Chris |
 Photo: Sean Bolton |
 Photo: Laura Howard |
 Photo: Laura Howard |
 Photo: Nina Gibson |
 Photo: David Kelleher |
|
Largest rare breeds farm in the South West. |
Bath Road Norton St Philip Bath, North East Somerset BA3 6LP United Kingdom +44 1373 83 4356 |
The largest rare breeds farm in the South West, with over 30 old British breeds of cows, pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. This is a great day out for the whole family, where you can watch and touch the animals, and there are usually a number of young animals to feed or hold. There is a safe play area with amusements for the kids and a good restaurant and picnic area. Special events like a sheep-shearing day provide unusual and educational as well as entertaining days out. You can also visit the Norwood Farm Shop, which sells organic produce. Directions: 6 miles south of Bath, on the B3110 Bath to Frome road. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Award-winning Italian-style garden |
Off the A36 7 miles South East of Bath Bath, Wiltshire BA15 1NB United Kingdom +44 1225 863146 http://www.ifordmanor.co.uk/ |
One of the few Grade I listed gardens in the country, this unique and romantic Italian-style hillside garden is graced with terraces, steps, a colonnade, cloister, casita, evergreen planting and magnificent rural views. Winner of the prestigious HHA/Christie's Garden of the Year award in 1998, the garden is known for its aura of peace and tranquillity and its inspired inter-marriage of formal and natural gardening, using formal structure with much naturalised planting. Throughout the summer a programme of concerts, recitals and operas takes place in the cloisters. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: nicksarebi |
 Photo: bee:jay |
|
Radstock Museum |
Waterloo Road Radstock Bath, North East Somerset BA3 3EP United Kingdom +44 1761 43 7722 http://www.radstockmuseum.co.uk |
Full of reconstructed scenes from around the turn of the century (1900 - that is), Radstock Museum offers a chance to learn about life on the North Somerset coalfields. A reconstructed mine tunnel awaits exploration, and a living room, co-op shop, carpenter's workshop, blacksmith's, and schoolroom take you back to the way things used to be in this region. Tea and cakes are served in the cafe, and a small shop sells related cards, books and gifts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
|
Enchanting, world-famous landscape garden |
Stourton Bath, Wiltshire BA12 6QD United Kingdom +44 1747 841152 |
It is remarkable that in the age of the great landscape gardeners Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton, this shining example of English landscape gardening was the creation of its owner, Henry Hoare II, who laid it out between 1741 and 1780. His fabulous artificial landscape centres upon a chain of lakes, created by damming a stream, and the three classical temples, the bridge, the grotto and the rock arch are seen one at a time as the visitor moves from light to shade through the great trees and shrubs. Hoare derived his inspiration from his studies of the classics, and it was the personal tragedy of losing his wife and children over a period of years that led him to devote forty years to creating this vision of what must have been a paradise lost. But for visitors it is an unalloyed joy - a unique work of art that is beautiful in every season. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![Stourhead Garden [National Trust] photo by David Paterniti](pictures/135780.jpg) Photo: David Paterniti |
![Stourhead Garden [National Trust] photo by Mark Hooper](pictures/135780_1.jpg) Photo: Mark Hooper |
|
Handsome Palladian mansion in world-famous landscape garden |
Stourton Bath, Wiltshire BA12 6QD United Kingdom +44 1747 841152 |
Stourhead is most famous for its landscape garden, but in any other setting the house would be outstanding as well. An extremely handsome square Palladian mansion built around 1720 with some later alternations, it contains one of the great 18th century art collections in England, with important paintings and sculpture and an Italian pietre dure cabinet that once belonged to Pope Sixtus V, plus an abundance of fine English furniture. Look out for pieces by the younger Chippendale. Directions: At Stourton, off B3092 approx 22 miles from Bath. From Bath take the A36 south to the A361, take the A361 south past Frome, turn left onto the B3092, take that to Stourton. Review © 2007, Wcities |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Mic Whitty](pictures/135771.jpg) Photo: Mic Whitty |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Mic Whitty](pictures/135771_1.jpg) Photo: Mic Whitty |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Heather V Hogg](pictures/135771_2.jpg) Photo: Heather V Hogg |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by David Biggins](pictures/135771_3.jpg) Photo: David Biggins |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by tas.wake](pictures/135771_4.jpg) Photo: tas.wake |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Ian Wilson](pictures/135771_5.jpg) Photo: Ian Wilson |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Matt Foster](pictures/135771_6.jpg) Photo: Matt Foster |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Etrusia UK](pictures/135771_7.jpg) Photo: Etrusia UK |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by blimlips](pictures/135771_8.jpg) Photo: blimlips |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Jo Parsons](pictures/135771_9.jpg) Photo: Jo Parsons |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Dave Watson](pictures/135771_10.jpg) Photo: Dave Watson |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Isabella Perry](pictures/135771_11.jpg) Photo: Isabella Perry |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Amanda Nemec](pictures/135771_12.jpg) Photo: Amanda Nemec |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by John Turp](pictures/135771_13.jpg) Photo: John Turp |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by rockcake](pictures/135771_14.jpg) Photo: rockcake |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Dan White](pictures/135771_15.jpg) Photo: Dan White |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Paul FG](pictures/135771_16.jpg) Photo: Paul FG |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Jake Bickerton](pictures/135771_17.jpg) Photo: Jake Bickerton |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Charles Dyer](pictures/135771_18.jpg) Photo: Charles Dyer |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by Graham Rains](pictures/135771_19.jpg) Photo: Graham Rains |
![Stourhead House [National Trust] photo by PETER WRIGHT](pictures/135771_20.jpg) Photo: PETER WRIGHT |
|
Beautiful old manor house |
Off the B3109 Westwood Village Bath, Wiltshire BA15 2AF United Kingdom +44 1225 863374 |
This manor goes back to Saxon times, and at the time of Domesday it was in the possession of the Bishop of Winchester. There is a fragment left of the house from about 1400, but most of it was built by Thomas Culverhouse in the 1480s, Thomas Horton in the 1520s and John Farewell in the early 17th century. Notable features are the late Gothic and Jacobean windows and some fine plaster work, including a Red Indian on a totem pole, which is a very early American connection, possibly the first of its kind in England. As with so many small manor houses, Westwood was neglected during the 18th and 19th centuries, being used as a farm. Edgar Lister took it over around 1900 and restored it sympathetically, leaving it, his furniture and some attractive wall hangings to the National Trust in 1956. There is a modern garden, which is entered through a topiary hedge in the shape of a life-size cottage. Directions: 1 mile southwest of Bradford on Avon, off the B3109 in Westwood Village beside the church, approximately 10 miles southeast of Bath. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Green + Grmek |
|
Dramatically illuminated, exciting and beautiful caverns |
From Bath A39 to Wells Bath, North East Somerset BA5 1BB United Kingdom +44 1749 67 2243 |
So much more than a hole in the ground. But while we're on the subject of holes, one of the best things about Wookey (considering the vagaries of the British weather) is that all its myriad pleasures can be enjoyed throughout the year - there just isn't much weather underground. Formed by the action of the waters of the River Axe eroding the limestone, the caves have given shelter to man and his animals for some 50,000 years. No longer serving as houses and barns, they have a brilliant new lighting system to show off the many caverns, rock formations (including the famous Witch of Wookey, whose tale you will hear), stalactites and stalagmites, as you ramble walkways and bridges over the underground water course. During the half-mile tour with a knowledgeable guide, you will traverse 50,000 years of history and legend. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Justine Humphries |
|
Fabulous, fascinating -- and fun! |
From Bath A39 to Wells Bath, North East Somerset BA5 1BB United Kingdom +44 1749 67 2243 |
It's fabulous, it's fascinating, it's fun! The mirror maze creates the impression of a huge and colourful vaulted crypt with many passages, some apparently full of twists and turns, and some appearing long and straight. Some mirrors allow fleeting glimpses of mysterious images. The beautiful musical fountain at the end of the maze, whose waters dance entrancingly to the music, appears and disappears and reappears from a different direction over and over. Combines all the craziness of a funhouse with a beautiful fairytale setting. Review © 2007, Wcities |