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Attractions

There are literally hundreds of impressive attractions in the West Country, particularly around the Bath area, which you can visit during your stay at Burghope Manor. The following information lists a recommended selection of major attractions to include in your itinerary.

Please do not consider the Burghope selections as a complete guide, there is plenty more to see.

Have a look at the following selections:

Abbeys, Churches & Cathedrals

Architecture & Monuments

Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens

Eating & Drinking

Entertainment

Museums

Shopping

Tours & Walks

Further Information

 

Abbeys, Churches & Cathedrals - Selection

Bath Abbey	Tel: 01225 422462. Open Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm (November to Easter 9am-4.30pm), Sunday 1.30pm-2.30pm and 4.30pm-5.30pm. Sunday services at 8am, 9.15am, 11am, 12.15pm, 3.15pm, 6.30pm. There has been an Abbey on this site since the 8th century, although the present building dates from the late 16th century. The West Front, with its carved angels ascending ladders to heaven, was inspired by the dream of Bishop Oliver King. Inside there are many interesting memorials and inspiring stained glass windows. The fan-vaulting is magnificent. A donation is requested on admission.
Glastonbury Abbey	Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9EL. Tel: 01458 832267. Traditionally the oldest Christian sanctuary in the British Isles. The Abbey is set in 36 acres of beautiful, peaceful parkland. Claimed to be the burial place of King Arthur, famed for both it's Holy Thorn Tree and it's award winning heritage museum. Glastonbury has a close link with Arthurian legend, thought to be the resting place of King Arthur, and the Holy Grail. Other attractions include the Glastonbury Tor, Somerset Rural Life Museum, Lake Village Museum, Glastonbury's Norman Abbey, the Chalice Well and Gardens, a truly ornate garden and place for reflection.
Lacock Abbey	Lacock, Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 2LG. Tel: 01249 730227. Lacock Abbey was the home of the Talbot family since before the Civil War. The house itself was an Abbey of 1232, domesticated in 1539 and Gothicised by one of the Talbots in 1739. There are still medieval cloisters, a chapter house, the 16th century stables and the Gothic hall added in the 18th century. The grounds at Lacock are largely 19th century; there are cedars and black walnuts, a tulip tree and a swamp cypress set in landscaped parkland (not by Capability Brown), aswell as glorious gardens. In the village, there is a famous collection of cottages from the 13th to 19th century, a 14th century tithe barn, an 18th century lockup, and a 16th century barn which now houses the Fox Talbot Photographic Museum, (not to be missed by those keen on photography).
Salisbury Cathedral	The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire. Tel: 01722 555120. The Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary was consecrated in 1258. The soaring spire was begun some time later and completed c.1315. It reaches to 404 feet and is the highest in England. This architectural gem where people have worshipped God for over 700 years, has an enduring grace and spirituality. Inside you can see inspiring stained-glass windows, monuments and memorials, the oldest cloisters in any English cathedral and the earliest working clock in England (c.1386). The Chapter House was built between 1263 and 1284 and contains many treasures including a 13th century frieze, a fan-vaulted ceiling, and one of the four original Magna Carta documents. A Brass Rubbing Centre is open in the summer. Open daily from May to mid-Sept 8am-8.15pm, and mid-Sept to April 8am-6.30pm. The Magna Carta is on view daily except December. A donation for admission is requested. Gift shop and self-service restaurant. Facilities for the disabled.
Wells Cathedral	Wells BA5 2UE. Tel: 01749 674483. Beautiful early English Gothic Cathedral with magnificent west front. Captivating early mechanical clock complete with jousting knights, outstanding Chapter House and Scissor Arches. Gift shop and Cloister Restaurant. Full concert programme. Opening Times: Open 07.30-18.00 October to March 07.30-19.00 April to June and September 07.30-20.00

Architecture & Monuments - Selection

Roman Baths	Pump Room, Stall Street, Bath. Tel :01225 477785. The first stop for any visitor to Bath is the Roman Baths surrounding the hot spring at the heart of the City. The Great Roman Temple and bathing complex built almost 2000 years ago is one of the country's finest ancient monuments.
Royal Crescent	Bath. John Wood the Younger's magnificent crescent was completed in 1774 after seven years' construction. It is made up of 30 grand houses, ornamented with 114 Ionic columns. The elegant sweep of lawn in front of the crescent is separated from the park below by a ha-ha, a cleverly constructed wall, invisible from the street above, built to prevent sheep and cows from straying onto the crescent.
The Tithe Barn	Bradford-on-Avon is the home to one of the country's finest examples of a medieval Tithe Barn. Built in the early 14th century, this gigantic barn was constructed to store the taxes or "tithes" paid by the local peasants. Produce would be brought to the barn across the 14th century packhorse bridge (still in existence, picture below) which was built especially for that purpose. In 1971, the farmhouse, barn, bridge and farm became Barton Farm Country Park.
The Circus	Bath. A stunning circle of different 3 storey houses built around a central green, all with subtle individual markings. It was started by John Wood the Elder in 1754, and completed by his son. It leads to the Royal Crescent.
Milsom Street	Bath. One of the West Country's greatest streets, an essential visit if shopping.
Great Pulteney Street	Bath. One of the most striking streets in Europe, designed by Thomas Baldwin. Very fashionable place to live in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is 100 feet wide and 1100 feet long.
The Guildhall	High Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 477724. Open every Monday 9am-5pm and various other times. The Guildhall is magnificent, with its royal portraits and crystal chandeliers. The Georgian interior of the Banqueting Room is possibly the finest in Bath. Free admission.
Stonehenge	Junction of A303/A344/A360 nr Salisbury. Tel: 01980 624715. The great and ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is one of the wonders of the world.

Historic Houses, Parks & Gardens - Selection

Bowood House	Bowood, Calne. Tel :01249 812102. Outstanding 18th Century Robert Adam House with remarkable collection of family heirlooms including fine paintings and water-colours. 100 acre park landscaped by Capability Brown with Arboretum, Pinetum, Doric Temple, Cascade and Lake.
Castle Combe	Castle Combe has been called 'The Prettiest Village in England' and with good reason. Visitors have been coming to enjoy its charms for at least a century. Originally it was a British hill fort which became occupied by the Romans due to its proximity to The Fosse Way. After the Romans, came the Normans, who built the fort up into a Castle.
Cheddar Gorge	Cheddar Caves & Gorge, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3QF. Tel: 01934 742343. You can spend a day in Cheddar Gorge, visiting eight attractions, sampling speciality food and shopping, admiring the beauty of the Gorge and a 300-acre grassland estate.
Corsham Court	Corsham Court was a Royal Manor in the days of the Saxon Kings and currently is the home to Lord Methuen, The home is based on an Elizabethan house dating from 1582. It was bought by Paul Methuen in the mid-18th century to house a collection of 16th and 17th century Italian and Flemish Master paintings and statuary. During the middle of the 19th century the house was altered to receive a second collection of fashionable Italian Masters and rare Italian Primitives and stone inlaid furniture. Inside Corsham Court are several lovely rooms, in these is a collection of over 140 paintings, statuary, bronzes and furniture. The collection includes works by such names as Adams, Chippendale, Caraaggio, Lippi, Rubens and Van Dyck. The picture gallery is designed as a triple cupe, 72ft in length. The intricate plasterwork of the ceiling is mirrored in the pattern of the carpet specially commissioned by the 4th Lord Methuen and made in 1959 by the Royal Tapestry and Carpet factory in Madrid. The grounds to Corsham Court were planned by "Capability" Brown and were later finished by John Nash and Thomas Bellamy.
Dyrham Park	Dyrham, nr Bath. Tel: 0117 937 250. Set in 265 acres of ancient deerpark, this fine William and Mary house was built between 1691 &1702 for William Blathwayt, William III's Secretary at State and at War. Rooms changed little since they were furnished by Blathwayt in the Dutch style, Delft China, Dutch Paintings, & fine 17th century textiles. New for 2000: 1840's domestic rooms open.
Longleat House & Safari Park	Longleat Estate, Warminster. Tel: 01985 844400. Longleat is widely regarded as the best example of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public, with parkland landscaped by Capability Brown. The safari park is famous for its lions. Ten magical attractions include: safari boat trip, world's longest hedgemaze, railway, pets corner and parrot show, adventure castle, mirror maze, Postman Pat village, Doctor Who exhibition, butterfly garden, venturer simulator ride.
Ston Easton	A magnificent country house built around 1740.
Stourhead House & Garden	Nr Warminster. Tel: 01747 841152. This garden, with enchanting lakes and temples, rare trees and plants is one of the most famous examples of the early 18th century English landscape movement. Wander round the 100 acres delighting in the beauty and splendour of the garden. The house contains an outstanding library, magnificent picture gallery, fine furniture and works of art.
Prior Park Landscape Garden	Bath. Tel: 01985 843600. Beautiful and intimate 18th century landscape garden created by Bath entrepreneur Ralph Allen with advice from poet Alexander Pope and Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. Sweeping valley with magnificent views over the city of Bath. Palladian Bridge and lakes. Major restoration of the garden continues. Open daily (except Tue) 12noon-5.30pm. Admission charge.
Georgian Garden	Entrance from Gravel Walk, Royal Victoria Park, Bath. Tel: 01225 477752. Open Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm from May to the end of October. The Georgian Garden has been recreated following the original plan of c.1760 to show a typical layout of the period. The position of flower beds, paths and the trellis were located after excavations by Bath Archaeological Trust. The Garden has been filled with plant species found in other town gardens of the time. Free.
Westonbirt Arboretum	Tetbury. Tel: 01666 880220. Six hundred acres of magnificent trees and shrubs - probably the best collection in Britain. 17 miles of paths. Magnificent Autumn colours. Major events include a fireworks concert on the last Saturday in July, Festival of Wood (country Fair) late August Bank Hol. The Enchanted Wood - a one mile illuminated Trail at night, late Nov and Dec, weekends only
Wilton House	Wilton, Salisbury. Tel: 01722 746720. 450 year old home to the Earls of Pembroke. Wonderful Stately Home with a world famous art collection. Magnificent state rooms , including Double Cube room designed by Inigo Jones. Award winning film, Tudor kitchen and Victorian laundry. 21 acres of landscaped parkland.

Eating & Drinking - Selection

Bath and the surrounding area is full of great places to eat and drink, you will never go thirsty or hungry. The vicinity offers one of the highest ratio of restaurants per capita in the country, and most styles of cuisine are covered from Italian to Thai. The following are just token recommendations from Burghope.

Cafes & Tea-rooms	The Pump Rooms	Abbey Courtyard, Bath. A well deserved tea at the Pump Rooms should follow after seeing the abbey and the Roman Baths (to which it is connected).
	Sally Lunns	North Parade Passage, Bath. Sally Lunns is a Bath institution, you cannot leave without sampling the famous Bath Bun.
	The Canary.	One of Bath's most charming tea rooms, centrally located just off Milsom Street.
Pubs & Bars	The Old Green Tree	Green Street, Bath. One of the cosiest pubs in the area serving a fine selection of ales.
	The Saracens Head	Broad Street, Bath. Steeped in history, the "Saracen's" will refresh you with a plethora of beverages.
	The George	Norton St Phillip. One of the oldest pubs in the country, full of character.
	More Pubs	Try The Good Pub Guide, a great place to start if you want to research.
Restaurants	The Moon & Sixpence	6a Broad Street, Bath BA1 5LJ Tel: +44 (0) 1225 460962 One of Bath's longest established restaurants, situated in the centre of Bath, modern international cuisine.
	Popjoys	Beau Nash House, Sawclose Bath BA1 1EU Tel: +44 (0) 1225 460494. Beautiful 18th century restaurant, originally owned by Juliana Popjoy mistress of Beau Nash in 1720, excellent cuisine serving fresh local produce.
	Woods	9-12 Alfred Street, Bath BA1 2QX Tel: +44 (0) 1225 314812. A relaxed and tasteful restaurant, perfectly situated.
	More Restaurants	A selection of restaurants in the Bath area.

Entertainment - Selection

From all there is to see and do in the area you should be too tired for evening Entertainment but if you're not, the following may be useful.

Theatre Royal	Box Office Tel: 448844. The Theatre Royal Bath is one of the oldest working theatres in the country, right in the heart of the Georgian City of Bath. For pre West End productions, drama, opera, ballet and concerts. Tours of this beautiful Theatre are available most Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am, followed at 12pm by `Lunch & Listen' with a member of the cast.
Cinemas	3 in Bath city centre. Check local listings for further details.
Pubs	There is no substitute for inside knowledge so please ask. A good place to start for background reading is the Good Pub Guide - see the above section for link.
What's On	A guide to events and goings on in the area.

Museums - Selection

No. 1 Royal Crescent	Tel: 01225 428126. Open from mid-February to the end of October, Tuesday to Sunday, Bank Holiday and Bath Festival Mondays 10.30am-5pm. November 10.30am-4pm. Closed Good Friday. Number 1 was designed by John Wood the Younger, and was the first house to be built in the Royal Crescent, now designated a World Heritage Building. It has been beautifully redecorated and furnished to show how it might have appeared in the late eighteenth century.
American Museum	Claverton Manor, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7BD (near to Bath University). Tel: 01225 460503. The grounds are open from mid-March to early-November, 1pm-6pm Tuesday to Friday and Mondays in August, 12noon-6pm Saturday and Sunday. The house is open 2pm-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and Mondays in August. Also open 11am-5pm (grounds 11am-6pm) on the Sunday and Monday of Bank Holiday weekends. Eighteen rooms each displaying an American home interior from the 17th to 19th centuries. With displays of silver, pewter, textiles and quilts, American Indian and Shaker art, historical maps and a herb garden. Special events. Teas and light refreshments are available.
Bath Abbey - Heritage Vaults	Abbey Church Yard, Bath. Tel: 01225 422462. Open Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm. Closed on Sundays. Wheelchair access. Displays celebrating the history of Christian worship at the Abbey site from Roman times to the present, and the people, such as Bishop Oliver King and Sir George Gilbert Scott, whose vision and faith have ensured the Abbey's survival through the centuries. The museum contains important finds from recent archaeological excavations, including Saxon and Norman stonework, and the 800 year old skeleton of a woman, believed to have been an important benefactress. A model contrasts the Abbey site today with how it looked in the 13th century.
The Book Museum	George Bayntun, Manvers Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 466000. Open Monday to Friday 9am-1pm, and 2pm-5.30pm, and Saturdays 9.30am-1pm. The museum has exhibitions on the craft of bookbinding, Bath in literature and early American bindings. Free to bookshop customers.
Building of Bath Museum	The Vineyards, The Paragon, Bath. Tel: 01225 333895. Open from mid-February to the end of November, 10.30am-5pm Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. This museum reveals the fascinating story behind the facades of Georgian Bath, showing how it was built, and how people lived. Exhibits include a spectacular model of the entire city.
Holburne Museum of Arts & Crafts Centre	Great Pulteney Street, Bath BA2 4DB. Tel: 01225 466669. Open from mid-February to mid-December, Monday to Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 2.30pm-5.30pm. Closed Mondays until Easter. The collection of decorative and fine art on display here includes English and continental silver and porcelain, furniture and paintings by Gainsborough, Turner and Stubbs, among others. The museum also displays the work of leading British 20th century arts and crafts people, and maintains a lively programme of exhibitions and events. The 18th century building is situated in beautiful grounds. Disabled access. There is limited free parking, and the Museum Teahouse provides light refreshments.
The Impossible Microworld	4 Monmouth Street, Bath, BA1 2AJ. Tel 01225 333003. Open daily 10am-6pm. A truly astounding exhibition of Microscopic and Miniature Sculptures by the world's leading micro-artists, Willard Wigan and Manuel Ussa. See the polar bear carved into a grain of sugar, birds nesting on an eyelash, and the Statue of Liberty in the eye of a needle, among many other fascinating exhibits. You won't believe it until you see it.
Jane Austen Centre	40 Gay Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 443000. Open daily from April to September 9.30am-5.30pm, October to March 9.30am-5pm. Jane Austen lived in Bath between 1801 and 1806 and set two of her novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, in the city. This new museum explores Bath in Jane Austen's time and the importance of Bath in her writing and her life. Gift shop.
Museum of Costume	Bennett Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 477752. Open all year 10am-5pm (last admission 4.30pm). This fine collection of original costumes and accessories brings to life the story of fashion over the last 400 years. A free state-of-the-art personal audio-tour is available in 6 languages, or there are occasional guided tours.
The Postal Museum	8 Broad Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 460333. Open Monday to Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm. The letter bearing the first postage-stamp was sent from this address on 2nd May 1840. The Museum has displays and a continuous video showing the development of the postal system from earliest times to the present day, and changing exhibitions. There is also a full-scale reconstruction of a Victorian post office. Tea Room.
Roman Baths Museum	Abbey Church Yard, Bath. Tel: 01225 477785. Open from April to September 9am-6pm daily (& in August at 8pm-10pm). October to March 9.30am-5pm daily. Explore the remains of "Aquae Sulis" - the Roman settlement which later became Bath. Objects found during excavations, including coins, mosaics and stone carvings (such as the Gorgon's Head illustrated on the cover of this map) are on display. Highlights include the Circular Bath, glittering with coins thrown into it by visitors, and the gilt-bronze head of the statue of Sulis Minerva. A computer animated reconstruction and wooden model show the site as it probably looked in Roman times. Free guided tours are available every hour, or use the free personal audio-guide. Museum shop. Refreshments are available in the elegant setting of the Pump Room.
Royal Photographic Society	Milsom Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 462841. Open daily 9.30am-5.30pm. The galleries show a varied programme of acclaimed national and international, contemporary and historical exhibitions of photography and holography. The Museum tells the story of the history of photography, and includes some of the earliest photographs and equipment. A well equipped darkroom is available for hire. Bookshop and restaurant.
Salisbury & South Wiltshire Museum	The King's House, 65 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EN. Tel: 01722 332151. This museum has won many awards for its displays and exhibitions of local history from early man to the present day. Highlights include the Stonehenge gallery, the Pitt Rivers Collection, Dr. Neighbour's Surgery, the History of Salisbury, and the Giant and Hob Nob. There are displays of costume, lace and embroidery, Wedgwood, ceramics, early photographs and paintings which include water-colours by Turner.
Sally Lunn's	North Parade Passage, Bath. Tel: 01225 461634. Museum open 10am-6pm (Sundays 12pm-6pm). The cellars of the oldest house in Bath (1482) reveal its Roman and Medieval foundations, a 900 year old bakery, stalagmites and stalactites, and objects from recent excavations. Home of the delicious Sally Lunn Bun, made according to a unique and secret recipe.
The William Herschel Museum	19 New King Street, Bath. Tel: 01225 311342. Open 7 days a week 2pm-5pm from March to October; Saturday and Sunday only from November to February. While living here in 1781, the scientist and musician William Herschel discovered the planet Uranus. The museum is furnished according to the period, and shows the contribution of William and his sister Caroline to the worlds of science and music. Telescopes and NASA photographs are on display. Museum bookshop. No wheelchair access due to awkward stairs.

Shopping - Selection

Bath and the surrounding area is full of great shopping. Many of the historic streets are lined with fantastic shops selling everything from antiques to fashion. The main shopping areas are in Bath or Bristol, surrounding towns offer a different shopping proposition for example Bradford on Avon is a must for antique seekers. Out of the towns many outlets / shopping villages are well worth a visit. The best guide is to ask on arrival.

Antiques	Bath & Bradford-on-Avon Antique Dealers Association (Tel: 01225 442215) have compiled a free brochure containing details of more than 50 dealers.
Jollys	Bath's biggest department store, located in the middle of Milsom Street, it should cover most of your needs.
Bath Shopping	Have a look at this site for a quick guide to some of the shopping in Bath, but be assured there's plenty more on offer.

Tours & Walks - Selection

Being such a popular destination, the tours and guides are first class. There are several operators to choose from which keeps it competitive, and different themes are offered. The comedy and ghost walks are well recommended, but if you do one thing in Bath before you leave (providing it is a sunny day) make sure you do the guided bus tour.

Guided Tours	Take a free 2 hour walk around Bath's historical and architectural sights, led by the Mayor's Honorary Guides. Tours leave Abbey Church Yard at 10.30am every day; at 2pm from Monday to Friday and at 2.30pm on Sundays. Additional tours leave at 7pm on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays from May to September only.
	The Ghost Walk (*recommended). A 2 hour walk to 40 spooky locations! Meet at the Garrick's Head, next to Theatre Royal at 8pm, Monday to Saturday from May to October. Fridays only from November to April. Tel: 01225 463618.
	An Appointment With Fear. Join a 1 hour Ghost Tour of Bath with costumed guides every night at 8.10pm from the Pump Room main entrance in Abbey Church Yard. Tel: 01904 700945.
	The Comedy Walk - Bizarre Bath (*recommended) - The Whimsical Walkabout. An eccentric evening stroll through Bath. Leaves from outside The Huntsman Inn in North Parade Passage at 8pm every evening.
Open Top Bus Tours (*recommended)	Tickets are valid all day and you may get on and off as often as you like to explore places of interest. This is one of the best ways to see many of Bath's attractions. Keep your ticket for discounts at some Bath attractions.
	The Bath Tour (green and cream buses). An hour long (or more), award-winning tour with Guide Friday professional guides, leaves at least every 15 minutes in Summer. (In Winter tours leave hourly on weekdays, half-hourly at weekends). The tour starts at the Bus Station but can be joined at many of the stops en-route. Tel: 01225 444102.
	The Bath Classic CityTour (red buses). A 45 minute tour, leaving at least every 30 minutes from Terrace Walk. Tel: 01225 424157 for details.
	Bath Bus Company. Every 15 minutes from Grand Parade and other stops on the route.
Hot Air Balloon Flights	Balloons lift off most days between April and October around 6pm, from Victoria Park. Great fun to watch too! Bath Balloon Flights Tel: 01225 466888. Heritage Balloons Tel: 01225 318747. Also see balloonsoverbath.co.uk
Pleasure Boat Trips	50 minute cruises along the Avon to Bathampton Weir, leaving from below Pulteney Bridge hourly, 11am-dusk, from Easter to October.

Further Information

More Links	Research further through these links on the area.
Add an attraction	Add an attraction or comment to the above listings.

Go to Reservations.

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