Ancient Mysteries and the Wonders of Wessex - 9 day tour
At Backroads Britain Tours, we offer unique and memorable sightseeing tours that take you to the most popular landmarks and hidden gems of this marvelous land.
This is, our Ancient Mysteries & the Wonders of Wessex tour, will transport you back in time.
During this 9 day/8 night tour, this fully escorted small group adventure will take you both on and off the beaten path through glorious countryside and deep into the past.
For the majority of this tour, we will visit four very different counties, Hampshire, Dorset (Wessex), Somerset and Wiltshire.
Hampshire offers the best of both worlds with beautifully countryside and a varied and historic coastline. The county has a long maritime history, and the mighty seafaring ports of Southampton and Portsmouth stand on its coast.
The north of the county is banded by the chalky uplands of the North and South Downs. A few wooded areas in the east are all that remain of the ancient Wealden Forest, that once stretched right across Sussex. However, the large expanse of the New Forest, one of Hampshire's two national parks, still remains in the south-west, where the famous New Forest wild ponies roam freely through its glades.
Dorset lies on the Jurassic Coast, an area of outstanding beauty and ancient rock formations. In 2001, 95 miles of the county’s coastline was designated a World Heritage Site, due to its wide variety of landforms and richness of fossils.
Beyond this spectacular stretch of coastline is a land rich in unspoilt countryside, from the chalk downlands of Cranborne Chase to the rich dairy pastures of Blackmore Vale. Here you will find ancient hill forts guarding a land of magnificent gardens and great Abbeys. It is one of the most rural counties in the UK, with small market towns and villages dotting the landscape. In fact over a third of the county has been officially designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is the variety of rock formations in this region that give Dorset its unique and varied landscape. Dorchester, which has been the county town since 1305, is steeped in history, and was the inspiration for Thomas Hardy's Casterbridge. Locally quarried Portland and Purbeck stone is abundant in Dorset's old stone buildings. Old world thatched cottages are typical in this area, as are its many beautiful old manor and farmhouses, which are a reminder of its rich agricultural heritage.
Somerset is an beautiful county of classic English rural countryside, filled with lush rolling hills, gorges and caves.
It has a vast agricultural area of some 3000 farms, producing two of its most famous products: Scrumpy cider and Cheddar cheese. It boasts many historic market towns, countless chocolate box villages and two of Britain's most beautifully cities; the architecturally stunning Georgian city of Bath in the north and the small but spectacular Wells in the middle of the county.
The central plain is flat, known as the Somerset Levels. The dykes that drain the levels are known as 'rhines'. This flat area is broken mid-way by the ridge of the Polden Hills. The plain is also bounded by the Mendip Hills in the north-east, which are cut by numerous gorges, the largest and best known being Cheddar Gorge.
The steep Quantock Hills form the western border of the plain and further west lies the wild moorlands of Exmoor, with the Brendon Hills projecting eastward. South of the Quantocks lies the fertile Vale of Taunton Dean.
Last but by no means least, we have Wiltshire, which is known as the gateway to the West Country.
The county is most popular for its three major attractions, Salisbury, Stonehenge and Longleat. While these three are all exceptional places to visit there is plenty more to discover in this historic county. Wiltshire is said to be the home of Britain's very first settlers, the Beaker Folk, and the whole area is packed with ancient archeological and heritage sites.
Stonehenge, one of the world's most important neolithic sites, was designated as a World Heritage site in 1986. Its magnificent standing stones draw-in over a million visitors each year.
Salisbury, located in the flat plains to the south, is one of Britain's most important and historic cities. The 440 ft tall spire of it's cathedral can be seen for miles around.
The whole county of Wiltshire is undeniably a pretty area of rolling green hills, with over forty percent of it classed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The area includes the rich arable farmland of the Marlborough Downs and the southern section of the Cotswolds.
The south and east of Wiltshire is mainly rolling chalk downs. The north-west lowlands are predominately meadow dairy land, producing milk and cheese, from which comes the saying 'As different as chalk from cheese'. Two thirds of the county lies on chalk and its inhabitants have used this canvas to carve white horses on the hill sides for centuries. These horse shaped symbols have today become the county's unofficial emblem.
Itinerary
Day 1
Less than an hour's drive from Heathrow airport, our tour begins in the charming market town of Farnham, Surrey. From there, we venture into Hampshire and make our way to the picturesque village of Chawton, where we will visit the renowned author Jane Austen's house. Following a delightful lunch or afternoon tea at The Bush Inn in Ovington, we conclude our day in Winchester, a pristine cathedral city situated on the outskirts of the scenic South Downs National Park. Winchester, once England's ancient capital and the former seat of King Alfred the Great, is famous for its 11th Century Cathedral and Great Hall, home to the enigmatic King Arthur's Round Table for over 700 years. The surrounding area of Winchester embodies the quintessential essence of England.
Overnight - Watership Down Inn, Whitchurch (or similar)
Day 2
Fans of a particular TV show will instantly recognize our first destination today. Highclere Castle, a country house built in 1679 and known for its appearance in "Downton Abbey", is a Grade I listed property with a park designed by Capability Brown in the 18th Century. As we continue our journey, we will pass through the picturesque village of Stockbridge before reaching the New Forest. This forest was declared a royal forest by William the Conqueror and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The New Forest is famous for its wild horses and offers a charming experience with its quaint towns, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful natural landscapes. Once you explore its cobblestone streets, fall in love with its enchanting glades, ancient woodlands, open moors, and heathlands, you may find it hard to leave.
Overnight - The Bell Inn, Brook (or similar)
Day 3
This morning, we will venture across the border into the county of Dorset, also known as Wessex in the novels of Thomas Hardy. This captivating county offers a plethora of Hardy-related attractions, such as the cottage where he resided and wrote, as well as the county town of Dorchester, which served as the inspiration for "Casterbridge" in several of his novels. In the picturesque Purbeck Hills, you will find the impressive ruins of Corfe Castle, a structure that dates back to the 11th Century. Nestled within the same-named village, this castle adds to the charm of the area. One intriguing historical mystery that has fascinated historians and archaeologists is the Cerne Abbas giant. Carved into a chalky hillside just outside of Dorchester, this colossal figure, standing at 180ft tall, is believed to represent Hercules. It is speculated that this giant may have served as a rallying point for West Saxon armies during Viking attacks in the area between 700 and 1100 C.E.
Overnight - Acorn Inn, Evershot (or similar)
Day 4
Another day, another county. This time it’s the beautiful rolling hills of Somerset. Begin your day at Barrington Court, an exquisite Tudor mansion constructed in the mid-16th Century with an Elizabethan architectural style. Explore the magnificent Grade II listed gardens, designed in the Arts and Crafts style by renowned garden designer Gertrude Jekyll. Afterward, make a quick stop at the acclaimed Stoke Wood Alpacas, where you can interact and take a leisurely walk with these charming creatures. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the medieval market town of Dunster, situated on the outskirts of Exmoor National Park. Discover its enchanting features, including a fairy tale castle atop a hill, an iconic Yarn Market, quaint shops lining cobblestone streets, a water mill, dovecote, and tithe barn. Don't miss the ancient packhorse bridge spanning the River Avill, the rose-covered thatched cottages, the Victorian folly on Conygar Hill, and even the opportunity to ride a steam train. With so much to explore and enjoy, Dunster promises an unforgettable experience.
Overnight - Tarr Farm Inn, Dulverton
(or similar)
Day 5
Today, we will delve deeper into Exmoor National Park, a truly remarkable place with its untamed moorland, secluded valleys adorned with ancient oak trees, and farmland that bears the marks of both human and natural influences spanning millennia. Our journey begins with a stroll across Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge over the River Barle, believed to have been built around 1000 BC. From there, we will venture to the charming coastal resort of Lynton & Lynmouth, where we can experience the renowned Cliff Railway. Next, we will explore the enchanting Oare Valley, known as Lorna Doone country, before descending to the picturesque harbor of Porlock Weir for a refreshing pint. Our itinerary also includes a visit to the famous packhorse bridge in the quaint hamlet of Allerford, and finally, we will conclude our day in the breathtaking village of Selworthy. This idyllic village, adorned with thatched cottages and the magnificent All Saints white church, offers sweeping views of the Porlock vale and the moors beyond. It is worth noting that Selworthy is part of the National Trust's Holnicote Estate, adding to its allure and significance.
Overnight - Tarr Farm Inn, Dulverton
(or similar)
Day 6
Heading East today, our first stop will be in the South West's most unique town, Glastonbury, known for its beautiful landscapes, Celtic mythology, and quirky stores. Glastonbury is famous for its music festival and attracts those who appreciate the strange and marvelous. Following that, we will drive through Cheddar Gorge, a remarkable natural landmark in Britain and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Gorge, part of the Mendip Hills National Landscape, features stunning cliffs, subterranean stalactite caves, and intriguing insights into our ancient ancestors. Our next destination will be the charming Medieval city of Wells, where we will explore the historic center, the impressive cathedral with its astronomical clock, and the moated Bishop's Palace. To conclude our day, we will make a quick visit to one of our favorite castles in the UK, Nunney Castle, a picturesque castle dating back to the 1370s. Despite being damaged during the English Civil War, the castle's great tower remains well-preserved, surrounded by a moat and connected by round corner towers and walls.
Overnight - Talbot Inn, Mells (or similar)
Day 7
As we venture into Wiltshire, renowned for its crop circles and more, our journey will take us past the magnificent Military Badges etched into the chalk hillside at Fovant this morning. We will then proceed through the town of Salisbury and make our way to the iconic Stonehenge, a prehistoric megalithic structure situated on Salisbury Plain. Comprising of towering sarsen standing stones, each approximately 13 feet high, seven feet wide, and weighing around 25 tons, adorned with connecting lintel stones, this remarkable monument stands as a testament to human ingenuity, imagination, and creativity. Continuing our expedition across the windswept Salisbury Plain, our next stop will be the mystical village of Avebury, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Within its Neolithic henge, constructed between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, lies the largest stone circle in Britain, originally consisting of around 100 stones, encompassing two smaller stone circles. Avebury forms part of an extraordinary collection of ceremonial sites from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, creating a vast sacred landscape in the region. Comparable in grandeur to Stonehenge, here you can freely explore and even touch the colossal standing stones. Our day will conclude in the breathtaking village of Lacock, a quintessential English village that has retained its charm over the past two centuries. With its picturesque streets, charming timber-framed stone cottages, and medieval tithe barn, Lacock offers a glimpse into the past. Lacock Abbey, which has transformed over its 800-year history from a nunnery to a Tudor family home, holds a special place in the annals of photography as the birthplace of the first photographic negative in 1835.
Overnight - The White Hart, Ford
(or similar)
Day 8
Our itinerary today begins with a trip to Corsham Court, a stunning Elizabethan mansion that was built in 1582 and has undergone various renovations throughout the years. The luxurious state rooms were designed by Capability Brown, with furnishings by Robert Adam and Chippendale. On the ground floor, you'll find a remarkable collection of Renaissance paintings, predominantly by Italian and Dutch masters. As we continue our journey, we'll pass by Great Chalfield Hall, which was prominently featured in the TV series Wolf Hall, before reaching the charming town of Bradford-on-Avon. A visit to The Bridge Tea Rooms is a must, as this former blacksmith's cottage from 1502 exudes a quintessentially English tea room experience. The town's ancient bridge, with its original 13th-century arches, remains a focal point, offering a historical view of the hill adorned with old weavers' cottages. Along the riverbank, you'll find 19th-century former cloth mills, adding to the town's allure. Our next stop is The George Inn in Norton Saint Phillip, a historic 14th-century Tudor inn and one of the oldest taverns in the UK. Farleigh Hungerford, an impressive 14th-century castle, awaits with its hidden treasures and intriguing past. The chapel boasts a remarkable collection of rare medieval wall paintings, while the crypt houses the best collection of human-shaped lead coffins in Britain. Finally, we'll conclude our day in or just outside the magnificent Georgian city of Bath.
Overnight - Dorian House, Bath (or similar)
Day 9
This morning, you will be free to explore this amazing city at your leisure, and there’s so much to see and do. You may choose to experience the grandeur of the Royal Crescent, a stunning architectural masterpiece that showcases the elegance of Georgian design. Marvel at the perfectly symmetrical rows of townhouses and immerse yourself in the history and charm of this iconic landmark. Or maybe indulge in the delectable delights of Sally Lunns, a historic eatery that has been serving its famous buns for over 300 years. Treat yourself to a taste of tradition and savor the unique flavors that have made Sally Lunns a beloved culinary destination in Bath. Discover the ancient Roman history at the Roma Baths, where you can explore the well-preserved ruins and learn about the fascinating bathing rituals of the past. Discover the secrets of this remarkable archaeological site and transport yourself back in time to the days of the Roman Empire, and, finally, cross the picturesque Pulteney Bridge, an architectural gem that spans the River Avon. Admire the graceful arches and the charming shops that line the bridge, offering a delightful shopping experience. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the beauty of this iconic landmark that perfectly blends history and modernity. You may chose to leave the tour here and extend your stay to explore this Georgian masterpiece, otherwise we will depart Bath around 2pm and head back to the London Heathrow airport area, with maybe one final stop along the way for afternoon tea if time allows. The tour will end when you are dropped off at either Heathrow airport or a local hotel around 5pm.
Please Note
The itinerary outlined here for each day is merely a recommendation and can be adjusted based on the preferences of the group. With a plethora of activities listed, it is important to avoid feeling overwhelmed or rushed from one location to another. This is why we make it a point to gather during dinner the night before to discuss and plan the following day's itinerary. Whether the group desires a jam-packed schedule or a more relaxed pace, the flexibility of this tour allows for customization to cater to everyone's interests and energy levels. The beauty of a tour like this lies in the fact that there is no rigid schedule to adhere to. It allows for spontaneity and each day can be tailored to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants.