Southwest England Travel Guide (PDF) - Ultimate Self Guided Road Trip

This free travel guide contains the first 2 days of our self-guided road trip of Southwest England.

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Buy the complete travel guide (PDF – 119 pages A4, easy to print or read on tablet), and explore more than 128 highlights of beautiful Southwest England, with lots of practical information and tips by locals.

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INTRODUCTION

The southwest of England is culturally and socially quite different to other parts of the country. Stretching from Cornwall in the west to Wiltshire and Gloucestershire in the east, the West Country, as it is known, is surprisingly diverse in its landscapes and attractions. This guide is designed to give you a taste of this fascinating part of England on a cycling or driving tour from London that will take in many of the most enticing sights and attractions. This tour is designed to fit within a two-week period, though you could easily make this a longer trip should you desire. Equally, if you do not have as long, you could plan to explore just one or two of the counties. Wherever you decide to go, you will find that there is far more to the western counties of southern England than you could possibly imagine.

This tour includes a great many different sites, and depending on how long you wish to spend at each one, you may find that you do not have the time to see them all. We have marked some places as optional, but be sure to read all the descriptions, so you can choose the ones that appeal most to you personally.

• Total distance: 1,384 miles (2,225 km)

DAY 1: LONDON TO SALISBURY

A great many visitors to the UK will arrive at one of the London airports. Others will come from the continent through the Channel Tunnel or on a ferry. Most of the ferries arrive in Dover or Portsmouth. The first few items on this tour are not technically in Southwest England, but they will be interesting stops as you make your way from the capital

• Distance: 142 miles (230 km)

• Starting Point: London (Heathrow)

• Finishing Point: Salisbury

• Highlights:

• Alton (optional)

• Jane Austen’s House Museum (optional)

• Winchester

• Stonehenge World Heritage site

• Shaftesbury

• Melbury Vale Vineyard (optional)

• Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

• Wilton House (optional)

• Old Sarum (optional)

• Salisbury

Beginning your tour in London, you can start today’s tour with two optional stops, especially of interest for Jane Austen fans.

Alton, a thriving market town, was built around a rich Saxon settlement, which had the most valuable market listed in the Domesday Book. Saxon archaeological artefacts are displayed in the Curtis Museum here. The 11th-century St Lawrence Church is another interesting site in town. The surrounding area is famous for being the haunt of the famous author, Jane Austen. If you have a little longer to explore, you should take a ride on the Watercress Line steam railway that chuffs its way from Alton, through the village of Ropeley to Alresford.

 GPS: 51.1507, - 0.9732

Just to the south of Alton along Winchester Road you will find your next stop a must for lovers of this author.

Jane Austen is one of the best known and best loved novelists writing in the English language. The Jane Austen’s House Museum was her home for the last eight years of her life, a period when, in a new flush of creative inspiration, she wrote many of her best works and revised those written before. From 1809 until 1817, Jane Austen lived here in Chawton village with her mother, her sister Cassandra, and their friend Martha Lloyd. Here you will now discover a museum to the author, which contains family portraits, memorabilia, and even original manuscripts and first editions of her novels. You can see where Jane Austen lived, wrote, and dreamt. This museum is located on the upper edge of the South Downs National Park.

 Jane Austen's House Museum, Chawton GU34 1SD, Hampshire // GPS: 51.1331, - 0.9890 // See website for opening hours // Paid entry // www.jane-austens-house-museum.org.uk/visit-us

Join the A31 and continue for around 20 miles to Winchester. At the roundabout, take the B3404 to venture into the heart of the city.

Winchester is our first must-see stop of the tour

Tranquil and appealing, Winchester was once the fifth largest town in Britain during the Roman period and capital of the Wessex kingdom in the 9th century. For a long period, Winchester rivalled London as the seat of power William the Conqueror was crowned both here and in London. Amongst many historic buildings, the cathedral here stands out as a key attraction. Winchester Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, with the longest nave and longest overall length of any cathedral in the gothic style. Also of note is Winchester Castle, of which the Great Hall is the only part still standing. It is a mediaeval building that dates from 1067; it is now a history museum. Another castle, now in ruins, known as Wolvesey Castle or the Old Bishop's Palace is found next to the cathedral. Those interested in the history of the city may also enjoy the restored, 18th-century Winchester City Mill. You

could easily spend a day or two looking around here, though you will be able to take in the major sites within an hour or two should time be more limited.

 GPS: 51.0598, -1.3101

Take the A34 northwards out of the city for around 7 miles (11 km), and then take A303 towards A343/Andover/Salisbury and continue for 20.7 miles (33 km). At the roundabout, take the second exit and continue to follow the A303 for the next 3.5 miles (5 km). At the roundabout, take the third exit onto the A360 and follow signs for the Stonehenge visitor centre and parking.

Without a doubt, Stonehenge is one of the most famous attractions in the whole of England. The mysteries surrounding its creation and its evocative atmosphere have enchanted generations of dreamers. The first constructions here were around 5,000 years ago, and the stone circle was erected in around 2500 BC. This henge is the heart of the World Heritage site, which enjoys a unique concentration of historic monuments. There were earlier constructions and earthworks on this site before the stones were put here. There are two types of stone: the larger sarsens and the smaller 'bluestones'. The sarsens were placed in an outer circle and inner horseshoe arrangement, and the bluestones made a double arc between them. About 200 or 300 years later, these were reconfigured to make a circle and inner oval (later

Winchester Cathedral © Shutterstock

altered to form a horseshoe). The henge seems to have been of importance to various peoples throughout history and is still an important spiritual site to many people today.

 Stonehenge, Amesbury SP4 7DE // GPS: 51.1789, -1.8262 // Advance booking recommended // See website for details // Paid entry // www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/prices-and-opening-times

The next stop in our tour is Shaftesbury. Follow the A303 and A350 for about 22.5 miles (36 km) towards Shaftesbury.

This small, working Dorset town of Shaftesbury has a history stretching back to Saxon times. The town is home to the picturesque Gold Hill, which was made famous in an advertisement for Hovis bread. It affords spectacular views down over Blackmore Vale. Shaftesbury has long been a market centre due to its location on ancient trade routes, and it’s still a market town today. There is a charter market on Thursdays and regular farmers’ markets, flea markets, and book fairs, as well as monthly markets on a Sunday. In addition to Gold Hill, other attractions in the town include Shaftesbury Abbey and Park Walk a lovely stroll with far-reaching views.

 GPS: 51.0046, -2.1981

Stonehenge © Shutterstock

The last stop of today’s tour is Salisbury. To reach this town you’ll drive through Cranborne Chase, famous for its natural landscapes.

Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an 981 sq km chalk plateau. Here you will find a varied landscape of ancient woodlands, chalk escarpments and river valleys, and downland hillsides with a strong farming tradition and pretty little villages. There are many different ways to enjoy this area scenic drives, walks, cycle rides, and much more.

You can drive directly to Salisbury following the A30 for about 21.5 miles (43 km), or you can choose to stop at one or more of these optional activities.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: OPTIONAL ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

From Shaftesbury, take the A350 southwards for a short distance to a vineyard and sustainable winery, where you can find out more about the world of British wines.

Gold Hill © Charles D P Miler

What with our changing climate, English wines are gaining parity with those of their European neighbours to the south. The Melbury Vale Vineyard, along with its sustainable winery that was built in 2013, are worth a visit for those who want to know more about English winemaking

 Melbury Vale Vineyard, Foot's Hill SP7 0BW // GPS: 50.9870, -2.1818 // www.mvwinery.co.uk/

Head west on Foot's Hill toward Cann Hill/A350, then turn right onto Bozley Hill. At the roundabout, take the fourth exit onto Salisbury Rd/A30. Turn right after 16.8 miles (27 km), and your next destination will be on your right.

The Wilton House is an English country house that has been the country seat of the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years. It provides a fascinating insight into British history. The house was built on the site of a 9th-century nunnery in 1544 and has 21 acres (8.4 hectares) of grounds. Construction of the house began in Tudor times, and it was greatly expanded in the following centuries to become the grand building that it is today. The gardens hold much appeal for all visitors, and younger ones will enjoy the adventure playground.

 Wilton House, Wilton SP2 0BJ // GPS: 51.0786, -1.8593 // See website for opening hours // Paid entry // www.wiltonhouse.co.uk/

Head northwest toward Minster St/A30, then continue onto The Avenue, Camp Hill, and Phillips Lane. At the next roundabout, take the fourth exit and stay on the A345. After 0.5 miles (0.8 km), you will see Old Sarum on your right.

Old Sarum is the earliest known settlement in the area of Salisbury; it is the roots of the modern-day town. This interesting settlement is a couple of miles from the modern town centre and is recorded in some of the earliest records in England; the Romans, Normans, and Saxons have all left their marks here. Climb the mighty ramparts of this old settlement and imagine what this thriving town must once have been like. Here you can look back into 2,000 years of history, stand in the footprint of Salisbury's original cathedral and view the site of the royal castle that once proudly topped the motte.

 Old Sarum, Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1 3SD // GPS: 51.0932, -1.8049 // See website for opening hours // Paid entry // www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-sarum/prices-and-opening-times

To go to today’s last stop, Salisbury, turn right onto Castle Rd/A345, go through two roundabouts and at the third one, take the third exit onto Churchill Way W/A36. At the following roundabout, take the first exit onto Fisherton St and follow signs to the Salisbury’s city centre.

You can now return to Salisbury through the Cranborne Chase AONB a distance of just over 20 miles (32 km)

Salisbury is the city that was formed when the bishopric was moved from Old Sarum in the 13th century. The famous cathedral, undoubtedly the city’s major attraction, was started in 1220 and was largely completed within 40 years. The spire, however was added a century later. If you have a little longer, you should also take the time to take a look at the Guildhall, which dates from 1795, St Thomas' Church, one of the oldest churches in Salisbury, the Poultry Cross, which once marked the site of the city's market, Fisherton Street Clock Tower, once home to the city's lock-up, and a number of interesting little museums.

Salisbury Cathedral © Shutterstock

 GPS: 51.0688, -1.7945

You should easily find pleasant accommodation in or near Salisbury to end your first day

 Looking for a hotel in Salisbury? Click here for special offers.

DAY 2: SALISBURY TO WEYMOUTH

Today you will leave Salisbury behind and venture towards the south coast. This is not just any coast as well as seeing a range of interesting historic locations, you will also get to see your first portion of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, which will surely leave you spellbound. You will end the day, after a winding journey through Dorset, in the elegant Georgian seaside resort of Weymouth.

• Distance: 102 miles (165 km)

• Starting Point: Salisbury

• Finishing Point: Weymouth

• Highlights:

• Hod Hill (optional)

• Hambledon Hill (optional)

• Kingston Lacy (optional)

• Poole Harbour (optional)

• Old Harry Rocks (optional)

• Lulworth Castle (optional)

• Lulworth Cove (Jurassic World Heritage Coast)

• Durdle Door

• Max Gate

• Dorchester

If you have more time, you can consider starting the day with the following optional activities. Otherwise, you’re first stop will be Lulworth Cove near the Jurassic Coast.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: OPTIONAL ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Begin by heading southwest from Salisbury on the A354 to Tarrant Hinton, at a distance of around 21 miles (34 km). At the roundabout, take the third exit and continue onto the A350 for about 4 miles (6.5 km).

Hod Hill was home to a large Iron Age community. There was once a fort here with over 200 roundhouses, but when the fort was conquered by the Romans, the settlement was

disbanded and used as a Roman military site for a brief period before being abandoned. Wellpreserved ditches and ramparts and the remains of the Roman camp can still be seen here.

 GPS: 50.9000, -2.2000

Head north on the A350 and then take a left after 56 ft (20 m). Turn left and then continue onto Duck St to reach the next destination.

Hambledon Hill is another of the region's Iron Age hill forts, a key settlement of the Durotriges tribe who dominated Dorset. From here you will also get excellent views, and the wildflowers are magnificent at certain times of year. This is a peaceful place to escape for a few moments to contemplate the long human history that has shaped this part of England.

 South St, Bridport DT6 3NN // GPS: 50.9117, -2.2218

Return to the A354 and take the third exit at the roundabout. Continue onto the B3082 for about 6 miles (10 km) before turning right to reach Kingston Lacy.

The elegant country mansion Kingston Lacy was for many years the family seat of the Bankes family. The house dates from the 17th century and is well worth visiting for its formal gardens alone; these have been extensively restored. Inside the house you can see a treasure trove of artwork, a collection that reflects the Bankes family and their colourful history. Garden tours are available to enrich your visit to the Japanese tea garden, the rose garden and herbaceous borders, the well-stocked kitchen garden, the shaded fernery, and the Nursery Wood arboretum. In the gardens you will also find a 6.5-metre tall Egyptian obelisk brought back to the UK by William Bankes, the explorer.

 Kingston Lacy, Wimborne BH21 4EA // GPS: 50.8109, -2.0317 // See website for opening hours // Paid entry // www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

Continue to the B3082, then take the B3074, Broadstone Way and the A350 to the quay in Poole Harbour.

The stunning, natural Poole Harbour is a drowned valley and was formed at the end of the last ice age. It is the estuary of several rivers, the largest of which is the River Frome. There is a wonderful blue flag beach here, Sandbanks, which offers plenty of chances to build a sand castle. While in Poole, you may also like to enjoy the bustling quay and can explore the historic part of the town on the Cockle Trail or the Poole Trail. The Poole Museum will teach you more about the history of this place, while Poole Pottery will give you an insight into local crafts and trade.

 GPS: 50.71196, -1.98480

From Poole Harbour you will be able to see the interesting rock formations known as Old Harry Rocks by ferry; otherwise, you could also drive there

Old Harry Rocks are three chalk formations at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. These impressive formations mark the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast,

Poole Harbour © Shutterstock

which you will see more of later on this tour. The rock formations rise out of the coastal waters and provide a captivating scene as well as a haven for sea birds and other wildlife.

 GPS: 50.64146, -1.94594

Head back to the A350, then follow the A35, A351, A352 and B3070 to East Lulworth, a distance of just over 15 miles (24 km). Take a right, a slight right, and then turn left to reach the next destination on your left.

The early 17th-century Lulworth Castle looks like something from a fairytale. It is a 'mock' castle that was built to entertain royalty and was originally a grand hunting lodge. It was devastated by a fire in the 1920s but has since been lovingly restored. It is set in pleasant grounds. For centuries this was the family seat of the Weld family, who are the current owners of the castle and estate. Climb the tower for spectacular views of the Purbeck countryside towards the Jurassic Coast and be sure to visit the 18th-century Roman chapel and the 15th-century church of St Andrew. After a stroll in the scenic grounds, you may wish to enjoy tea and a homemade cake at the Lulworth Castle Tearoom.

 Lulworth Castle, East Lulworth BH20 5QS // GPS: 50.6385, -2.2068 // See website for details // Paid entry // www.lulworth.com/visit/places-to-visit/castle-and-park/

Lulworth Castle © Andrew Bone

Head north and turn right, slight left, and right to rejoin the B3070. Turn right and then, after 1.6 miles (2.6 km), turn left to stay on B3070 and continue for a further 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to reach the coast for your next destination.

If your first stop of the day is Lulworth Cove, take the A354 northbound for about 26 miles (42 km) Continue on to Bere Regis and then turn right onto the A31. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto A35 and take Rye Hill and the B3071 to B3070.

Formed by the forceful actions of waters swollen by melting ice at the end of the last ice age, Lulworth Cove is a breathtakingly beautiful part of the south coast, with unique geology and beautiful, blue waters. This is your first chance to get up close and truly appreciate the Jurassic World Heritage Coast In this rounded cove you will find a lovely white pebble beach, which is extremely popular with holidaymakers in the summer months. This place has often been described as one of the natural wonders of Southwest England.

Lulworth Cove © Shutterstock

The best way to reach your next destination is to take a little time out from your road trip and take a walk along the coastal path. The walk is around a 3-mile (4.8 km) round trip and offers some interesting features.

Also a part of the Lulworth estate is this limestone arch, located a little farther along the Jurassic Coast. Durdle Door is an iconic natural beauty spot and is one of the best known natural attractions of this portion of the English coastline. Beside the famous rock formation you will find a lovely, sandy beach. Its name is derived from the Old English word thirl, which means to drill or bore. It does look as though this arch has been made by man, but in fact it was created entirely through the agency of the wind and the water.

 GPS: 50.621111, -2.276667

From Durdle Door, it’s about a 20-minute drive to Max Gate. Head north onto High Lane and continue on Water Lane. Turn left onto the A352 and take the second exit at the roundabout to stay on the A352. After driving about 4 miles (6.5 km), you will find your next destination on your right.

Durdle Door © Martin Grancic

The atmospheric Victorian house Max Gate was home to the famous author Thomas Hardy. It was designed and built by the writer (he was a trained architect as well as an accomplished writer), and he lived there from its construction in 1885 to his death in 1928. It as here that he wrote some of his most famous works. The furnishings in the home during Hardy's time were sold off after his death by his second wife, Florence, so what you see here today are recreations of how the rooms may have looked when Hardy lived here. Like the house, the garden was also Hardy's creation. The plot of land was almost bare when he moved here; he planted a shelter belt of trees and gradually created a beautiful garden to grow vegetables and flowers. There is also a croquet lawn and a Nut Walk to enjoy, where Hardy walked almost every day. Hardy also kept chickens, and now 10 ex-battery hens have also been given a home here.



Follow signs into the city centre to see what else Dorchester has to offer.

Max Gate, Alington Ave, Dorchester DT1 2AB // GPS: 50.7081, -2.4200 // See website for opening hours // Paid entry // www.nationaltrust.org.uk/max-gate

The Keep, Dorchester © Ben Sutherland

In many ways, Dorchester is Thomas Hardy's town. A large statue of the author stands here, and the characters of Casterbridge, his fictional version of the town, haunt the streets. The origins of the real Dorchester go back much further. Durnovaria was founded by the Romans in 70 AD. They first formed a garrison here after defeating the Durotriges tribe. They built an aqueduct to supply water and created an amphitheatre on an ancient British earthwork. The town diminished after the departure of the Romans but grew to dominance in the mediaeval period, when it became an important centre of politics and commerce. Dorchester's at times dark history includes the period during which it was the site of the 'Bloody Assizes' after the Monmouth Rebellion, and later, this was the site of the trial of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. 293 structures in the parish are listed by Historic England as notable for their history or architecture.

 GPS: 50.7112, -2.4412

You could, if you wish, find somewhere to stay the night Dorchester. You can easily, however, make it to Weymouth and other nearby places on the coast, which would also be pleasant places to stay. You will get the chance to explore Weymouth and the adjacent Isle of Portland on the next day of this tour.

Weymouth © Richard Gillin

This free travel guide contains the first 2 days of our self-guided road trip of Southwest England.

Save hours of research, we already did the fieldwork for you!

Buy the complete travel guide (PDF – 119 pages A4, easy to print or read on tablet), and explore more than 128 highlights of beautiful Southwest England, with lots of practical information and tips by locals.

 Buy the complete guide on shop.themediabay.be/en

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Latest update: September 2017

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