Debs’s guidebook
Sightseeing
Longleat House & Gardens and Safari Park is set in stunning Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds. There is something for everyone from the house with it's Elizabethan architecture, to the gardens, to the tremendous (and renown) safari park.
It hosts many special events through the year, including amongst others hot air balloon events, music events and the enchanting, not to be missed, Festival of Light in the run up to and over Christmas - make sure you book in advance it's hugely popular.
108 locals recommend
Longleat House
Longleat House & Gardens and Safari Park is set in stunning Capability’ Brown landscaped grounds. There is something for everyone from the house with it's Elizabethan architecture, to the gardens, to the tremendous (and renown) safari park.
It hosts many special events through the year, including amongst others hot air balloon events, music events and the enchanting, not to be missed, Festival of Light in the run up to and over Christmas - make sure you book in advance it's hugely popular.
The prehistoric, World Heritage Site, monument of Stonehenge is an iconic site to visit.
677 locals recommend
Stonehenge
The prehistoric, World Heritage Site, monument of Stonehenge is an iconic site to visit.
Part of the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge & Avebury - at Avebury you can walk amongst (and even touch!) the stones; also the museum and manor house.
332 locals recommend
Avebury
Part of the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge & Avebury - at Avebury you can walk amongst (and even touch!) the stones; also the museum and manor house.
Wookey Hole Caves are a series of limestone caverns (and home to the legendary Witch of Wookey Hole) hidden away under the southern edge of the Mendip Hills.
109 locals recommend
Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole Caves are a series of limestone caverns (and home to the legendary Witch of Wookey Hole) hidden away under the southern edge of the Mendip Hills.
A spectacular natural landmarks with awe-inspiring cliffs to extraordinary subterranean stalactite show caves.
497 locals recommend
Cheddar Gorge
A spectacular natural landmarks with awe-inspiring cliffs to extraordinary subterranean stalactite show caves.
The picturesque town of Bradford on Avon is a treasure! Positioned on the banks of the River Avon it has beautiful and historic buildings, independently-run shops and cafes, river walks, hidden stairways & alleyways. Wander across the ancient Town Bridge or along the Kennet & Avon Canal, marvel at the Saxon Church and the spectacular 17th century Tithe Barn (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bradford-on-avon-tithe-barn/). Walk the canal or hire a bike and cycle or take a trip on a narrow boat there's lots to do. Kids will enjoy Barton Farm Country Park with plenty of space to run around and a play area; enjoy playing pooh sticks on Barton Bridge, a medieval stone packhorse bridge, that crosses the River Avon.
189 locals recommend
Bradford-on-Avon
The picturesque town of Bradford on Avon is a treasure! Positioned on the banks of the River Avon it has beautiful and historic buildings, independently-run shops and cafes, river walks, hidden stairways & alleyways. Wander across the ancient Town Bridge or along the Kennet & Avon Canal, marvel at the Saxon Church and the spectacular 17th century Tithe Barn (https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bradford-on-avon-tithe-barn/). Walk the canal or hire a bike and cycle or take a trip on a narrow boat there's lots to do. Kids will enjoy Barton Farm Country Park with plenty of space to run around and a play area; enjoy playing pooh sticks on Barton Bridge, a medieval stone packhorse bridge, that crosses the River Avon.
Parks & Nature
Originally site of an Iron Age hillfort over 2000 years ago it is much visited now for the White Horse, cut into the landscape around the late 1600's to commemorate the much earlier Battle of Ethandun in AD 878.
It is a great spot for a picnic, and the perfect place for flying a kite. It has plenty of space for children to play and run around, and there are fantastic views over the surrounding Wiltshire countryside - still somewhere I visit with my children.
28 locals recommend
Bratton Camp and White Horse
Port WayOriginally site of an Iron Age hillfort over 2000 years ago it is much visited now for the White Horse, cut into the landscape around the late 1600's to commemorate the much earlier Battle of Ethandun in AD 878.
It is a great spot for a picnic, and the perfect place for flying a kite. It has plenty of space for children to play and run around, and there are fantastic views over the surrounding Wiltshire countryside - still somewhere I visit with my children.
Designed by Capability Brown, now cared for by the National Trust, these beautiful gardens afford the most stunning views over Bath - something that still blows me away every time I am there.
133 locals recommend
Prior Park Landscape Gardens (NT)
Ralph Allen DriveDesigned by Capability Brown, now cared for by the National Trust, these beautiful gardens afford the most stunning views over Bath - something that still blows me away every time I am there.
A fantastic place to visit for young and old, with its Palladian house and famous landscape gardens, in all seasons. The festive after-dark trail is rather special in the run up to Christmas.
We always like to combine our visit to Stourhead with a visits to King Alfred's Tower, a red-brick folly almost 50m high, giving breathtaking views over the estate if you make the climb! After all your outdoor exertions you will be deserving of a visit to The Spread Eagle pub!
276 locals recommend
Stourhead
A fantastic place to visit for young and old, with its Palladian house and famous landscape gardens, in all seasons. The festive after-dark trail is rather special in the run up to Christmas.
We always like to combine our visit to Stourhead with a visits to King Alfred's Tower, a red-brick folly almost 50m high, giving breathtaking views over the estate if you make the climb! After all your outdoor exertions you will be deserving of a visit to The Spread Eagle pub!
A country park with gravel walking paths, a picnic area, a tea room & animal park - where you can feed the animals.
8 locals recommend
Southwick Country Park
A country park with gravel walking paths, a picnic area, a tea room & animal park - where you can feed the animals.
Food scene
Only 10 minute drive away is this great Farm Shop, including a Butchers, Fish Mongers & Deli) for stocking up on provisions. There is also a Gift Shop, Cafe and Fish & Chips. It's very family friendly with outside seating and play areas where children can climb, run, dig, ride, slide and say hello to the piglets, rabbits, hens, ponies and alpaca’s.
Explore our outdoor play area. Build and play in the sand, pedal tractors jump on board and give it a go.
56 locals recommend
White Row Farm
Only 10 minute drive away is this great Farm Shop, including a Butchers, Fish Mongers & Deli) for stocking up on provisions. There is also a Gift Shop, Cafe and Fish & Chips. It's very family friendly with outside seating and play areas where children can climb, run, dig, ride, slide and say hello to the piglets, rabbits, hens, ponies and alpaca’s.
Explore our outdoor play area. Build and play in the sand, pedal tractors jump on board and give it a go.
A quintessential & welcoming village pub with ales brewed on premise with a great menu. Weekend afternoons try the Low and Slow Shack for smoked meats and treats and outside bar. If you like the on site brewed beers pop into the Farm Shop for some to take away with you. It's also a great spot with kids as it's garden is adjacent to the village playing field and its childrens' play equipment. Booking advised.
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28 locals recommend
The Three Daggers
47 Westbury RdA quintessential & welcoming village pub with ales brewed on premise with a great menu. Weekend afternoons try the Low and Slow Shack for smoked meats and treats and outside bar. If you like the on site brewed beers pop into the Farm Shop for some to take away with you. It's also a great spot with kids as it's garden is adjacent to the village playing field and its childrens' play equipment. Booking advised.
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In the beautiful village of Combe Hay a few miles from Bath, The Wheatsheaf dating from the 1500's is situated in large terraced gardens. It is a great gastro pub with good wines. With lots of great space outside it's a perfect spot in the summer as they have a gorgeous garden and a pizza oven; while open log fire warms welcome you inside in the Autumn and Winter. Booking necessary.
39 locals recommend
The Wheatsheaf
Combe Hay LaneIn the beautiful village of Combe Hay a few miles from Bath, The Wheatsheaf dating from the 1500's is situated in large terraced gardens. It is a great gastro pub with good wines. With lots of great space outside it's a perfect spot in the summer as they have a gorgeous garden and a pizza oven; while open log fire warms welcome you inside in the Autumn and Winter. Booking necessary.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, the restaurant within Hauser Wirth Art Gallery, offers everything from breakfast through lunch and afternoon tea to dinner. The menu focuses on sustainable and season local produce with a passion for quality British food. Combine with a visit to the Hauser Wirth gallery and the stunning gardens designed by Piet Oudolf the internationally-renowned landscape designer.
104 locals recommend
Roth Bar & Grill
Dropping LaneOpen Tuesday to Sunday, the restaurant within Hauser Wirth Art Gallery, offers everything from breakfast through lunch and afternoon tea to dinner. The menu focuses on sustainable and season local produce with a passion for quality British food. Combine with a visit to the Hauser Wirth gallery and the stunning gardens designed by Piet Oudolf the internationally-renowned landscape designer.
Eat in with style - this is a fantastic butchers (supplying many of the best hotels & restaurants all over the south, south west, London & the Midlands) - that is not just a butchers as it has a fish mongers, deli and pantry offering and does home delivery. My favourite - especially for meat & fish needs. Co-ordinate with me if you want to order to home delivery ready to await your arrival - happy to take delivery and pop in the fridge to await your arrival if I can.
Walter Rose & Sons Ltd
21-22 Sidmouth StEat in with style - this is a fantastic butchers (supplying many of the best hotels & restaurants all over the south, south west, London & the Midlands) - that is not just a butchers as it has a fish mongers, deli and pantry offering and does home delivery. My favourite - especially for meat & fish needs. Co-ordinate with me if you want to order to home delivery ready to await your arrival - happy to take delivery and pop in the fridge to await your arrival if I can.
Within walking distance. Offers a good variety of home cooked pub 'fayre' in a spacious dining area. Also a garden.
Farmhouse Inn
Frome RoadWithin walking distance. Offers a good variety of home cooked pub 'fayre' in a spacious dining area. Also a garden.
Thai Kitchen
8 King StFantastic fresh, tasty, authentic food in a cosy restaurant and BYO.
Lovely traditional village pub with a great menu and hospitable landlords. Cosy open fires in winter and a newly landscaped small garden area.
11 locals recommend
The New Inn
79 Westwood RdLovely traditional village pub with a great menu and hospitable landlords. Cosy open fires in winter and a newly landscaped small garden area.
Beautifully converted from a Chapel to a modern restaurant; sun terrace outside for summer. Lovely atmosphere, great menu choice and family friendly. It also has a fabulous bakery. Booking essential if you want to sit in.
175 locals recommend
At The Chapel
28 High StBeautifully converted from a Chapel to a modern restaurant; sun terrace outside for summer. Lovely atmosphere, great menu choice and family friendly. It also has a fabulous bakery. Booking essential if you want to sit in.
A fabulous little gem of a cafe in the nearby village of Beckington. All home made food, lovely staff and a stunning cake selection. A real local favourite.
27 locals recommend
Mes Amis Cafe Deli
12 Bath RdA fabulous little gem of a cafe in the nearby village of Beckington. All home made food, lovely staff and a stunning cake selection. A real local favourite.
Relaxed pub/restaurant with great food, right next to the river which makes it very popular in the summer.
42 locals recommend
Timbrell's Yard
49 St Margaret's StRelaxed pub/restaurant with great food, right next to the river which makes it very popular in the summer.
Activities
Tells the stories of naval aviation from the first manned kites towed behind naval vessels, to helium filled airships, seaplanes, bi-planes and the carrier borne aircraft of WW2 and modern Sea Harriers and helicopters. A great day out with lots of interactive exhibits for children.
50 locals recommend
Fleet Air Arm Museum
Tells the stories of naval aviation from the first manned kites towed behind naval vessels, to helium filled airships, seaplanes, bi-planes and the carrier borne aircraft of WW2 and modern Sea Harriers and helicopters. A great day out with lots of interactive exhibits for children.
Good day out for all ages and good for days when the weather is not so good. In addition to taking a 5 mile round trip train journey you can visit the Engine Shed and Workshop, the small Museum, Signal Box, Miniature Railway, Shop, Whistlestop Café and play area. Watch out for the various special events through out the year.
30 locals recommend
East Somerset Railway
Railway StationGood day out for all ages and good for days when the weather is not so good. In addition to taking a 5 mile round trip train journey you can visit the Engine Shed and Workshop, the small Museum, Signal Box, Miniature Railway, Shop, Whistlestop Café and play area. Watch out for the various special events through out the year.
Award winning museum - a fantastic, all weather, day out for all ages.
101 locals recommend
Haynes International Motor Museum
Award winning museum - a fantastic, all weather, day out for all ages.