Our journey starts at Salisbury Cathedral (construction started in 1220), which just recently celebrated its 750th year anniversary. Made famous by the painting of Constable, it boasts the world's oldest working clock (1386) and the tallest tower in Britain, at 123 metres. Tours of the tower can be arranged for the energetic, if you're keen to handle the 332 steps!
The pointed arches supporting the vast windows makes Salisbury Cathedral one of the finest examples of English Gothic architecture in the country. The 6000 ton spire was a later addition, with Sir Christopher Wren helping to support it with structural metalwork. The stunning 13th century Chapter House is home to an original copy of the Magna Carta from 1215 - some say the best copy still in existence. The American Constitution and the rights of the individual are based on this charter. The Cathedral is set in the open spaces of the beautiful Close. Former Prime minister Edward Heath had his home here. William Golding taught here. Should the weather cooperate, a gentle stroll around the Close to admire the architecture is always rewarding. We then head on a 45 minute journey through the beautiful countyside of Wessex to Old Wardour Castle. Built in 1390 by Baron Lovell, this castle is a microcosm of English history through the ages. During the Wars of the Roses (1455-87), the Lovells backed the “wrong horse” and had their castle confiscated. In 1544 it was bought by Sir Thomas Arundel, executed for treason a few years later. |
During the Civil War, the castle surrendered to the Roundheads after a siege in 1643. Lord Arundell then laid siege to his own castle and accidentally blew up one side of it.
The castle is perched on high with splendid views of the surrounding countryside. An excellent audio guide brings your castle visit to life, helping you envision daily living in the castle during the middle ages. If you're a fan of the cinema, you may recognise the castle as one of the backdrops in the Kevin Costner film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. After Wardour, we head to Shaftesbury, a historic market town in Dorset. This beautiful town is set high on a ridge with stunning views over the Blackmore Vale (Thomas Hardy country). King Alfred the Great founded an abbey here in 888 and it became one of the wealthiest in England. Today, you can visit its ruins. Gold Hill is an unspoilt medieval street which you may recognise as the site of many period films. Finally we head north to the amazing Stourhead Gardens, a breathtakingly beautiful, classically landscaped garden laid out around a lake. The garden was started in 1740 by Henry Hoare, inspired by his journeys to Italy and the classical vision of Claude Lorrain. Although a delight to visit anytime of the year, we particularly love the incredible autumn colours reflected in the lake. After an hour or so enjoying the Gardens, we head back to Salisbury stopping at a delightful country pub on the way for supper. |
Number of Passengers/ Pick-up Location |
1-4 |
5-6 |
7-8 |
Salisbury |
£320 |
£400 |
£450 |
Bath |
£300 |
£380 |
£430 |
Southampton |
£520 |
£600 |
£650 |
Heathrow |
£580 |
£660 |
£710 |
Central London |
£630 |
£710 |
£760 |
Telephone+447852721468
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