Discovering Wiltshire

Thursday

We depart Henley in Arden and
journey to Westonbirt National Arboretum.
Managed by Forestry England, it houses one of the finest collections of temperate
trees and shrubs in the world. Covering 600 acres the arboretum is home to
3,000 different species of trees and around 15,000 individual specimens. Known
internationally for its spectacular autumn colour, it is also a delight to explore in the
Spring with its magnificent flowering trees and shrubs. From here, it is a short drive
to Chippenham, arriving late afternoon, where you will have time to relax before
dinner this evening.

Friday

Our excursion today takes us to Devizes and the famous Caen Hill Locks,
a staircase of 16 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal. From here we continue across
Salisbury Plain past historic Stonehenge to Amesbury and the cathedral city of
Salisbury. Here we have time for lunch and to explore the city before we leave.

Saturday

We enjoy a leisurely morning in Chippenham, a historic market town
with a population of over 40,000. The combination of old and new, the historic
architectural gems and modern shopping centres make this an ideal place to explore.
This afternoon we have a short drive to beautiful Bradford-on-Avon for a short break
before moving on to the time warp village of Lacock, famous for its picturesque streets
and as a location for TV and film.

Sunday

This morning we head for Swindon. Our first visit is to the McArthur Glen
Outlet for a chance of some retail therapy and afterwards we visit the superb ‘Steam’
Museum of the Great Western Railway. Built on part of the old British Railways
locomotive works, this is well worth a visit.

Monday

After breakfast we leave our hotel and make our way to Cirencester ‘Capital
of the Cotswolds’ – This delightful old market town is a delight to spend some free
time, before returning home during the afternoon.