Great Bedwyn is situated in a river valley 5 miles to the South West of Hungerford near to the well known Savernake Forest. The village of Great Bedwyn is on the banks of the River Dunn and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Brook Street crosses the river, railway and the canal, and nearby stands a building which used to be the village lock-up. The centre of the village is at the top end of Brook Street. The Square, where a Victorian lamp stands on a traffic island is called locally The Chains.
Southwards from The Square along Church Street is a stonemason’s yard which has a collection of stonework from the 18th century. The Church of St Mary the Virgin dates from the 11th century. In the Chancel is the tomb of Sir John Seymour, father of Jane Seymour who was Henry VIII’s third wife, she died giving birth to a son, later Edward VI
Overlooking the village are the tall ramparts of Chisbury Camp, built by the Saxons.
At Crofton by the canal is a pumping station with two large beam engines dating from 1812. The pumping station is owned by the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust. The engines can be seen in steam at various times of the year.
In the High Street is a Public House/Restaurant called The Three Tuns, which is owned by Alan and Jan Carr. Alan is a retired TV actor and has starred in many soaps including Londons Burning and EastEnders to name but a few.
Alan and Jan welcome you to sample fine ales and superb home-made food in their attractive eighteenth century hostelry. Book for a candlelit dinner in the restaurant or enjoy a drink or a meal in the bar with its inglenook fireplace. It’s well worth a visit and we personally recommend it. Telephone +44 (0)1672 870280 or Email thethreetuns@btinernet.com
Longleat House and Safari Park is located approximately 22 miles from Amesbury near to the town of Warminster Wiltshire. The safari park is home to Lions, Monkeys, Giraffes etc. The BBC Documentary “Lion Country” was filmed here. As well as the safari park other attractions at Longleat include the House and Gardens, Longleat Miniature Railway, Butterfly Garden plus lots lots more.
Farmer Giles Farmstead Working Farm Park & Family Restaurant. A great day out for all the family. See the Highland cattle, Shire Horses, Shetland Ponies, bottle feed the lambs, and lots more. At Farmer Giles Farmstead, Teffont near Salisbury. Ain’t no udder place like it!
Marwell Zoological Park A full day out with something for everyone. It’s wild..It’s wonderful..It’s Exciting..It’s Fun. Come face to face with birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fish and plants from around the world plus lots more at Colden Common, near Winchester, Hampshire. Open all year round except Christmas Day, and is easy to reach from the M3 and M27.
Cholderton Charlies FarmCholderton Rare Breeds Farm Park and Rabbit World is a converted milk dairy farm, set in beautiful countryside on the Wiltshire & Hampshire border only 4 miles from Stonehenge, with views to Salisbury Cathedral. Offering a relaxing experience for all ages whether you come for a coffee, or a few hours or to stay! Animal Handling – ‘Pork Stakes’ Pig Racing – Rabbit World – New Charlie’s Play Barn – New Climbing Wall – Cholderton Charlie Tractor Rides – Adventure Playground – Ancient Woodland Trail – Overnight Stays – Animal Walking. Tel: +44 (0)1980 629438 or Fax +44 (0)1980 629594
Wilton House Set in 21 acres of landscaped parkland, Wilton House, one of ‘The Treasure Houses of England’ is the family home of the 17th Earl of Pembroke. The house and grounds have been used for filming scenes from Sense and Sensibility and Mrs Brown. Wilton also has an Italinate style Parish Church, Shopping Village, Carpet Factory and a superb garden centre. A grand day out for all the family.
Museum of Army Flying Middle Wallop Airfield. Celebrating over one hundred years of Army Aviation, this award winning museum is home to one of the country’s finest historical collections of military kites, gliders, aeroplanes and helicopters. The museum is located on the A343 between Andover and Salisbury
Wilton Carpet Factory See the carpets still being manufactured by traditional methods, and meet the friendly and skillful staff who today make the world famous carpets that have graced homes and palaces all over the world.
Wilton Shopping Village The Wilton Shopping Village offers you a unique shopping experience – good value in an historic, riverside setting. With so much to see and enjoy you can spend the whole day here without spending a fortune.
Heale Garden Plant Centre & Shop Heale House and its eight acres of beautiful garden, lie beside the River Avon, at Middle Woodford, just north of the City of Salisbury. Much of the house is unchanged since King Charles II hid here in 1651. In January great drifts of snowdrops and aconites bring early colour and the promise of spring. The garden provides a wonderfully varied collection of plants, shrubs, musk and other roses, growing in the formal setting of clipped hedges and mellow stonework, which are at their best in June and July.
Particularly lovely in spring and autumn is the water garden, planted with magnificent magnolias and acers, surrounding the authentic Japanese Tea House and Nikko Bridge. Unusual trees, shrubs, climbers and herbaceous plants, including many of those growing in the garden, can be found in the Plant Centre, together with presents for all ages in the shop, with particular emphasis on the garden enthusiast. Heale Garden Plant Centre and Shop is located four miles from Salisbury, Wilton and Stonehenge, on the Woodford Valley Road between the A360 and the A345. Just follow the brown tourist signs. Coach parties by arrangement. NO dogs please. Telephone +44 (0)1722 782504
The Hawk Conservancy and Country Park Is open daily between mid-February and the last Sunday in October from 10.30am. Last admission is at 4.00pm and the grounds close at 5.30pm. Details of winter opening can be obtained from our 24 hour information line 01264 772252. We have hard surfaced paths for wheelchairs and were nominated in the 1997 Ease of Access for the Disabled awards. Both flying grounds have special wheelchair viewing areas. A typical day at the Hawk Conservancy and Country Park, 10.30am The Park opens. 11.30am Vulture Restaurant (see the big birds feed). Noon Flying demonstration followed by holding bird session for the children and adults. Visit Duffy’s Coffee Shop, browse in the Gift Shop, and view the wildlife paintings in the Art Gallery. 2pm Valley of the Eagles flying demonstration. 2.45pm Fly a Harris Hawk (visitors aged 16 or over). 3.30pm Flying demonstration (all demonstrations use a different team of birds) followed by holding bird session for children and adults. 4.30pm Heron and raptor feed for wild birds from the hides overlooking Reg’s Meadow. We are located four miles west of Andover, signposted from the main A303 London to Exeter road, and just 15 minutes drive from Stonehenge. Coach parties are welcome.
Exbury Gardens are Paradise regained. They are a place of tranquillity where everyone young or old, keen gardener or lover of natural beauty will find something that inspires them. The huge variety and spectacular displays of colour can literally take your breath away. Exbury is a place not only of retreat from the world, but wonderment in it. Historically, the gardens go back to the 1920’s, when they were created by Lionel de Rothschild; they are now run by his descendents who wish to share this wonderful creation with you. Visitors in Spring can view the early flowering rhododendrons, magnolias and daffodils alongside the mesmerising sights of Camellia Walk and Rock Garden. Mid-Summer brings out the best of the Rose Garden, where you can stop to view the amazing range of blooms, with their exquisite aroma. Other features include several rare and unusual types of hydrangea. We are located in The New Forest near Beaulieu, 20 minutes drive south from M27 junction 2. General Enquiries 02380 891203.
Hollycombe Steam Collection is located near Liphook in Hampshire. Steam Fairground + Steam Railways + Traction Engine Rides + Steam Farm with Animals + much much more. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the atmosphere of a bygone age. Ride the narrow gauge Quarry Railway to marvel at views of the Sussex Weald, or relive the great days of the traditional fairground. Travel through the woods behind a veteran traction engine but don’t miss our farmyard animals including ‘Toby’ and ‘Bell’ the Shire horses, our sheep, geese, chickens and ducks. Open Days – Every Sunday and bank holiday from 1st April to 14th October, opening times 12 noon to 5pm rides from 1pm. See our website for more details.
Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre is a 65-acre park near Wareham in Dorset. It was set up in 1987 to provide a permanent home for abused chimpanzees. Monkey World works closely with foreign governments from all over the world to stop the illegal smuggling and use of primates – man’s closest living relative. Monkey World provides monkeys and apes with a home and stable life in a forest environment. In the large enclosures, the animals can behave naturally and forget their traumatic pasts. Recognised as leading experts in ape rescue and rehabilitaion, Monkey World is also home to a wide variety of primates including: Oragutans, Gibbons, Wolly Monkeys, Lemurs, Macaques and Marmosets. Come and meet the stars of Televisions “Monkey Business”. Free Information Line +44 (0)800 456600. Opening Hours 10.00am til 5.00pm (July and August 6.00pm). It’s well worth a visit.