Hampshire, Wiltshire & Stonehenge

The distant past is perhaps more tangible in Hampshire and Wiltshire than in any other part of England. Predominantly rural, these counties overlap substantially with the ancient kingdom of Wessex, whose most famous ruler, Alfred, repulsed the Danes in the ninth century and came close to establishing the first unified state in England. And even before Wessex came into being, many earlier civilisations had left their stamp on the region. The chalky uplands of Wiltshire boast several of Europe’s greatest Neolithic sites, including Stonehenge and Avebury.

The countryside is consistently seductive and the towns are also generally modest and slow-paced. The two great cathedral cities in these parts, Salisbury and Winchester are worth a day each, but you don’t have to wander far off the beaten track to encounter medieval churches, manor houses and unspoilt country inns.

Highlights of Hampshire & Wiltshire

• Explore the historic city of Salisbury with its magnificent cathedral and lovely old buildings
• Visit Wilton House, home of the Earl of Pembroke, and his collection of classic cars
• See Stonehenge and discover all about this mysterious and ancient site
• Visit the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop
• Explore the New Forest (created in the 11th century)
• Stroll around Exbury Gardens, famed for azaleas and rhododendrons
• Visit Beaulieu with the excellent National Motor Museum and Palace House
• Discover the yachting town of Lymington
• See the Rockbourne Roman Villa
• Enjoy the National Collection of Old Fashioned Roses at Mottisfont Abbey
• Explore the beautiful and ancient city of Winchester, the amazing cathedral and historic centre

Itinerary

May be subject to change.

Day 1:

Classics at Farthing Corner

Bedroom

Farthing Corner

En-suite bathroom

En-suite bedroom

Arrive at Farthing Corner after 4pm to check in and enjoy a welcome pot of tea and fresh, home-made cake or scones. Try the local pub, the Black Horse in the village centre for supper.

Day 2: 56 miles

Salisbury Cathedral

Wilton House

Stonehenge

Today’s route encompasses the ancient cathedral city of Salisbury, which is home to the magnificent cathedral and the largest cathedral close (80 acres). There are quite a few attractions within the Close and the medieval city is also well worth the exploration. Then continue on to Wilton House, home of the Earl of Pembroke, where you can visit the house, beautiful grounds and Lord Pembroke’s classic car collection. Drive north to Stonehenge, where there is now a fabulous new exhibition centre and much-improved facilities. Return to Farthing Corner via Middle Wallop and the Museum of Army Flying.

Day 3: 66 miles

Bucklers Hard

Beaulieu National Motor Museum

Beaulieu Palace House

The New Forest

Explore the New Forest with a choice of two routes (or do both if you wish to stay for longer). The first route takes you to the 200-acre grounds of the captivating Exbury Gardens, renowned for the azaleas and rhododendrons, as well as the beautiful autumn colours. Drive on to the beautiful village of Beaulieu, famed for its Abbey and the National Motor Museum. Continue on to Bucklers Hard, on the banks of the Beaulieu River and discover its distinguished ship-building history. Drive along the coast to the pretty yachting town of Lymington. Head north on the back lanes to Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst and then drive through some lovely villages as you wind your way back to West Tytherley. The second route heads south to Brockenhurst and then along the ornamental drive past Rhinefield House and onto Linwood and Mockbeggar. Head north on small, out-of-the-way lanes to Fordingbridge. Visit the Roman Villa at Rockbourne and then onto Breamore House. This fascinating Elizabethan Manor also has an excellent countryside museum. This part of the Forest is always pretty quiet and secluded. Drive through Lover and Hamptworth back to Farthing Corner.

Day 4: 41 miles

Walled Garden at Mottisfont

Drive across to the lovely National Trust property of Mottisfont Abbey, once a medieval priory and later the home to Maud Russell, who made it a retreat for her artistic friends in the 1930s. Peruse the extensive art collection, be amazed by Rex Whistler’s trompe l’oeil and enjoy a stroll around the magnificent walled gardens, home to the National Collection of Old Fashioned Roses. Drive through some pretty villages to Winchester, once the capital of the Kingdom of Wessex. This lovely city is a great place to wander for a few hours. A visit to the Norman cathedral is an absolute must. Anthony Gormley’s haunting statue in the crypt is unmissable, so are the Great Screen and the captivating weight of English history. Leave Winchester and drive to picturesque Stockbridge – ideal for a stroll and a cup of tea, or if it’s late enough stay for dinner in one of the superb pubs or restaurants.

Accommodation

Stay at an idyllic early 15th century thatched cottage bed & Breakfast, located between Salisbury & Winchester. Farthing Corner is a beautiful thatched house set in private gardens and woodland, in the small village of West Tytherley in Hampshire’s Test Valley. There is plenty of suitable parking for your classic, although not under cover. The house is attractively decorated with the warmth and comfort of a true home. Cross the threshold under a metre-thick thatch into the beamed entrance hall, with large brick inglenook fireplace, and an antique table adorned with fresh flowers. Farrow & Ball colours, Wilton carpet, antique rugs and furnishings, big comfortable beds, crisp, pretty, cotton bed linens, and feather duvets and pillows make for a wonderfully relaxing stay. The home-cooked breakfasts are simply perfect.