Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Chippenham to Gosport

There's no better way to explore the scenic beauty of England than by taking a long drive. The journey from Chippenham to Gosport is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in the country. It takes around 2.5 hours to cover the distance of approximately 85 miles. The route passes through idyllic countryside, charming villages, and bustling towns. Along the way, several attractions beckon travelers to stop and explore. In this article, we'll describe five unexpected places to stop on a drive from Chippenham, England to Gosport, England.

Halfway Point: Newbury, HAM

Newbury is a charming market town in Hampshire located roughly halfway between Chippenham and Gosport. The town is steeped in history, having a rich past that dates back to the Iron Age. The town centre is a mix of the old and the new, with beautifully preserved historic buildings juxtaposed against modern shops and restaurants.

1. Highclere Castle, Hampshire

Highclere Castle is located approximately 10 miles from Newbury. It is an impressive country house that has gained worldwide fame as the setting for the hit TV series "Downton Abbey." The castle dates back to the 17th century and is set in extensive grounds that include a park, gardens, and woodlands. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle's opulent interiors, including the State Rooms, Bedrooms, and Salon. The castle also has a gift shop and a café serving a range of refreshments.

Food to try: Highclere Castle offers a range of refreshments, including traditional English cream teas in the castle's tea rooms.

2. Whitchurch Silk Mill, Hampshire

Whitchurch Silk Mill is a historic silk mill located approximately 15 miles from Highclere Castle. The mill has been in uninterrupted production since 1815 and is one of the oldest silk mills in the country. Visitors can take a guided tour of the premises, which includes the weaving floor, winders' room, and pattern design room. The mill also has a shop selling a range of silk products, including scarves, ties, and cloth.

Food to try: The White Hart, a 17th-century coaching inn located in nearby Overton. They serve exceptional pub fare, including award-winning pies, fish and chips, and beef burgers.

3. Buckler's Hard, Hampshire

Buckler's Hard is an 18th-century shipbuilding village, located approximately 20 miles from Whitchurch Silk Mill. The village is located on the banks of the River Beaulieu and has been preserved as a living museum. Visitors can explore the village's original buildings, which include a shipwright's cottage, a forge, and a shipbuilding museum. There are also several walking trails around the village that take visitors through the picturesque countryside.

Food to try: The Master Builder's House Hotel has a restaurant that serves freshly caught seafood, including local oysters and mussels.

4. The City of Portsmouth, Hampshire

Portsmouth is a bustling city located approximately 15 miles from Buckler's Hard. It is a maritime city with a rich history dating back to Roman times. Visitors can explore the city's historic dockyard, which includes the HMS Victory, the famous warship commanded by Admiral Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. The city also has several museums, including the Charles Dickens Birthplace Museum and the D-Day Museum.

Food to try: The Spice Island Inn, a nautical-themed pub located in the heart of Portsmouth that serves classic pub fare, including fish and chips, pie, and mash.

5. Southampton, Hampshire

Southampton is a vibrant port city located approximately 20 miles from Portsmouth. The city has a rich maritime history dating back to the Viking Age and has played an important role in shaping Britain's destiny over the centuries. Visitors can explore the city's museums, including the SeaCity Museum and the Tudor House and Garden. There are also several art galleries showcasing contemporary art.

Food to try: Ennio's, an Italian restaurant serving delicious handmade pasta, flavorful pizzas, and fresh seafood.

Conclusion

A road trip from Chippenham to Gosport is an amazing way to explore some of the most beautiful parts of England. With so much to see and do, we've only scratched the surface of what's on offer. There are beautiful villages, historic landmarks, and bustling cities to explore, each with its own unique charm and character. We hope that our article has given you some ideas for unexpected places to stop on your journey. So why not pack up the car and hit the road? You never know what adventures await!