Top Places to See When Driving From Bath, England to East Hampshire, England

Are you ready for an adventure? Driving from Bath to East Hampshire provides an excellent opportunity to explore the charming English countryside and its fascinating history. The journey takes you through some of the most beautiful and distinctive towns in southern England, where you'll discover picturesque landscapes, delightful villages and historic attractions. This blog post will be your guide, outlining the top places to visit on the route.

Before we dive in, let's highlight some of the notable places on the route. First, is Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Georgian architecture and Roman Baths. Second, Stonehenge, a mystical prehistoric monument included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Third, Salisbury, one of the oldest and most beautiful cathedral cities in England. Fourth, Winchester, a quintessential English town with medieval streets and an iconic cathedral.

Historic City and Charming Villages

1. Lacock Village: Lacock Village is a charming village near the city of Chippenham in the county of Wiltshire. This well-preserved village is a popular destination for film and TV productions, including Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice, and Downton Abbey. You can stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the quaint cottages, historic inns and local shops. A highlight of the village is the beautiful Lacock Abbey, a medieval nunnery with stunning cloisters and gardens.

2. Wilton House: Wilton House, located near Salisbury, is an exceptional stately home known for its impressive art collection, extensive gardens, and historic architecture. The house was built in the 17th century and has been the home of the Earls of Pembroke for over 400 years. Visitors can explore the grand state rooms, admire the world-renowned art collection and relax in the magnificent gardens.

3. Selborne Village: Selborne Village, located in the beautiful county of Hampshire, is a quintessential English village with stunning countryside and historic buildings. It's famous for the natural history work of Gilbert White, an 18th-century naturalist, who wrote the book "The Natural History of Selborne". You can visit the Gilbert White's House and Garden Museum to learn more about his life and work. The village has several great pubs serving delicious homemade food and local ales.

4. Chawton Village: Chawton Village, situated near Alton, is a delightful village with charming Georgian houses, picturesque gardens, and cosy tea rooms. It's famous for being the home of Jane Austen, one of England's greatest writers. You can explore her house, now a museum, and see where she lived and wrote many of her famous novels, including "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility".

5. Petersfield Town: Petersfield Town is a bustling market town located in the beautiful South Downs National Park. The town has many historic buildings, attractive gardens, and quaint shops. One of the highlight of Petersfield is the Physic Garden, an exquisite walled garden with medicinal plants and herbs. Another must-see attraction is the Flora Twort Gallery, a museum hosting a vast collection of English watercolour paintings.

Natural Beauty and Relaxation

1. Stourhead Garden: Stourhead Garden is a breathtakingly beautiful garden located near Mere in the county of Wiltshire. The garden is famous for its stunning temples, lakes, and grottos, as well as its impressive collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. It's an excellent place to wander and marvel at the beauty of nature.

2. Alice Holt Forest: Alice Holt Forest is a serene forest located near the town of Farnham. The forest has several walking trails, cycling routes, and picnic areas. You can also enjoy Go Ape, a high ropes course and other outdoor family activities. Alice Holt Forest is a fantastic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beautiful English woodland.

3. South Downs National Park: The South Downs National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty that stretches across Hampshire and Sussex. It's an excellent place to escape the city and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside. The park offers many walking and cycling trails, and breath-taking views of the rolling hills, chalk cliffs, and unique wildlife. You can also visit the many charming villages and historic attractions that are dotted throughout the park.

4. Lymington Harbour: Lymington Harbour located in the New Forest is a charming port town with fantastic beaches and an array of historic buildings. The town is well known for its sailing culture and is an excellent destination for water sports enthusiasts. Other notable attractions include the Lymington Sea Water Baths, a spectacular open-air swimming pool, and the Lymington Charter Market, a bustling market selling local crafts, fresh produce and much more.

5. Frensham Ponds: Frensham Ponds is a beautiful nature reserve located near Farnham. The reserve covers 1000 acres and is ideal for wildlife lovers, keen birdwatchers and families looking for outdoor activities. You can enjoy wild swimming, fishing, and boating on the stunning Frensham Ponds Lake or hike along the many meandering trails that snake throughout the reserve.

Conclusion

Driving from Bath to East Hampshire is an excellent opportunity to explore the diverse and fascinating English countryside. There are many charming villages, historic landmarks, and breathtaking natural beauty spots to explore along the way. From stunning gardens to serene woodland retreats, the highlights we've outlined in this post are just a few of the many attractions waiting to be discovered on this scenic route. So, pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to explore!