(above photo © Steve – jetbluestone)

Longleat
(44) 0 198  – 584 5420
(44) 0 198  – 584 4400
Longleat, Warminster,
Wiltshire, BA12 7NW  England

www.longleat.co.uk

Longleat House Opening Hours:
10:00am   –   5:00pm  Monday – Thursday
10:00am   –   5:30pm  Friday – Sunday & Bank Holidays

Safari Opening Hours:
10:00am   –   4:00pm  Monday – Thursday
10:00am   –   5:00pm  Friday – Sunday & Bank Holidays
14th February- 22nd February,  Open daily
28th February-  29th March,  Weekends only
4th April – 1st November, Open daily

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Set deep beyond the forests edge, past the rolloing lawns is Longleat House, one Britain’s most beautiful and stately homes and among the best examples of High Elizabethan architecture.   The first private residence to open its enormous doors to the public, Longleat is located near the towns of Warminster in Wiltshire and Frome in Somerset.  Built by Sir John Thynne, mainly designed by Robert Smythson, in 1580, Longleat recalls countless storybooks and postcards.  It is now home to the 7th Marquess of Bath, a direct descendant of Sir John Thynne, who is an artist, mural painter and sponsor to many aspiring artists.

Longleat House is set within 900 acres (400 hectares) of magnificent Capability Brown landscaped parkland.  A further 8,000 acres (3,200 hectares) of woodland, lakes and farmland surround the estate!  In the late 13th Century, a priory belonging to the Black Canons of the Order of St Augustine occupied the site where Longleat House now stands.

As you enter the property during spring, the road is bordered by a most beautiful garden of rhododendrons blooming in every colour.  There are many different activities to partake in, including the House tour, Longleat Hedge Maze, the Safari Animal park, Safari Boat ride, Longleat Railway, Grounds & Garden Walks.  The Library is also quite expansive, where books range from early medieval manuscripts to 19th and 20th-century children’s tales- much like air Longleat itself!

(above photo giraffe © Steve Williams)

Lacock,
Wiltshire  England

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About two hours from London by car (the nearest railway station is at Chippenham 5k away) you find the most picturesque village i

n the West Country.  The village dates back to the 13th century, although the stone cottages where built in 18th century, and it looks like it!

During the Middle Ages Lacock became a centre of  wool trade and is now almost entirely owned by the National Trust. Wandering around Lacock gives a wonderful idea of what mid-millennial life looked like.  A small town surrounded by farms, fields & abbey.  Well worth the trip, there are wonderful little shops and eateries.  It is quite nice that while they cater to the tourist, they do not capitulate; staying true to their historic roots and ideals.  This is a functioning town that has life outside of your visit- and that makes it all the more special.

Lacock was also home to William Henry Fox Talbot- the father of modern photography- who invented the positive-negative film process.  He was also one of the last owners of the lovely Lacock Abbey, and it was his granddaughter Matilda Talbot, who presented the Abbey and village to the National Trust in 1944

The town itself is favorite as a location for period films including Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford, The Other Boleyn Girl, Emma… for a complete list of films check the wiki.

So while wandering around the West Country, put Lacock on the short list of places to visit.

Lacock Abbey  & The Fox Talbot Museum
(44) (0) 124 973 0227
(44) (0) 124 973 0459
High St, Lacock, Chippenham, SN15 2LG
Wiltshire,England

Lacockabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk

MAP

Open Hours:
Email or call  for information

In 1232 Ela the Countess of Salisbury built the Abbey at Lacock as a tribute to her husband William Longspee- an illegitimate son of Henry II. Thus becoming its first Abbess, as well as the first female sheriff of Wiltshire!

In 1540 when Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries, Lacock Abbey was sold to William Sharington and he subsequently turned it into a country house, its church destroyed and some of the stone sold as building material.

Sir Henry Sharington inherited the Abbey. In the 1750s his youngest daughter married Sir John Talbot of Worcestershire, linking the Talbot family the building

Lacock Abbey is a wonderfully building to wander through.  Simple and managable in size, one can really get the feel of life here throughout all it’s different incarnations; from nunnery to WWII garrison.  The grounds offer unspoiled views and images of English countryside that resound in the mind.

At the Abbey’s entry you find the Fox Talbot Museum, dedicated to William Henry Fox Talbot- the father of modern photography, who invented the positive-negative film process and one of the last owners of the Abbey.  His granddaughter Matilda Talbot presented the Abbey and Lacock village to the National Trust in 1944 during WWII when it served as a home for refuges.

Pass through the Gothic archway into the Victorian woodland garden with its lovley spring flowers, regional trees and lots of wild garlic!

Tip: If you plan on visiting 3 or more monuments, historic houses, gardens and National Parks in England consider becoming a member of the National Trust. The cost is about the same as three admissions and you become a member of a wonderful organization!

On a fun note, Lacock Abbey was used as a set for the Harry Pottter movies, as well as  The Other Boleyn Girl.