Stonehenge, Castles, and Bradford-on-Avon

An early start and we were on the road and arrived at Stonehenge, just 15 minutes away, half an hour before the 9.30 am opening time. Finally, after driving past the site twice, I came up close to Stonehenge. Of course you’re not allowed to get too close, but it was wonderful to finally be able to get a good view of the stones, and in the early morning light they were actually more impressive than I expected.

After Stonehenge we drove to Old Wardour, a 14th century castle damaged during the Civil War and now a picturesque ruin near a lake and surrounded by some beautiful parkland. We took the audio tour, climbing spiral stairs to view different levels of the castle. The place had a wonderful atmosphere and unlike Stonehenge, there weren’t many other visitors.

Next stop – two castles in one day – was Farleigh Hungerford Castle, late 14th century and home  to the Hungerford family for more than 300 years. Not too much of the castle remains except for a couple of impressive towers, some foundations, gatehouse, and a beautiful chapel complete with several tombs. Inside the latter was an incredible 15th century wall painting of St George, and in the crypt, several lead coffins of Hungerford family members. Again, a less-known and less-visited site, but like Old Wardour, one with a personality all of its own.

By now it was mid-late afternoon and we drove to Bradford-on- Avon. Stopping at a convenient carpark, we enjoyed excellent tea and scones with jam and cream at a little tea house in a tiny Georgian building, then realised we’d happened to park right next to the hotel we’d booked. We went for a walk around the little centre of town – very picturesque but with a bit of a rough, neglected atmosphere and way too much traffic – then got our room. Then we headed to a nearby pub for dinner, the Dandy Lion, which was excellent. I just love these little pubs with their good beer and food, low ceilings, candlelit tables and lovely atmosphere.

Our hotel is a bit musty and a bit noisy, but it’s clean and in an old Georgian building next to the tearooms. Thank heaven for earplugs though – TV went door, cars and drinkers outside.

Busy day!