Historic Interest
S.S. Great
Britain
In 1970 millions of people in this country and all over the
world were fascinated and thrilled by the salvage from the Falkland
Islands of the hull of Brunel's Steam Ship Great Britain. The ship
represented a vital stage in the transition from sail to steam.
Launched in 1843 she was the first ever ocean-going
propeller-driven steamship. Since July 1970 preservation and
restoration work has been steadily going forward in the dock in
which she was originally built.
Sheldon Manor
Wiltshire's oldest Manor House,
survivor of a deserted medieval village, lived in since 1282, with
a warm welcome. 13th Century porch, 15th Century
chapel.
DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL: 5.1 miles/10 minutes drive
approximately
Tel: +44 (0) 1249 653120
Lacock Abbey:
A National Trust Property
Founded in 1232 and the home of Talbot family since the
dissolution of the monasteries in 1539. The village dating from
medieval times, remains unspoilt and has good inns and a National
Trust shop.
DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL: 11 miles/20 minutes drive
approximately
Dyrham - A National Trust
Property
Mansion built for William Blathwayt, Secretary of War and
Secretary of State to William III between 1661 and 1702. The rooms
at Dyrham have been little changed since they were furnished by
Blathwayt and their contents recorded in his housekeeper's
inventory. A herd of deer has roamed the park since Saxon times.
The house now belongs to the National Trust.
DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL: 9.3miles/20 minutes drive
approximately
Tel: +44 (0) 1179 372501
Corsham
At Corsham Court, an Elizabethan mansion, the park was laid out
by Capability Brown. State rooms are filled with Old Masters and
superb period furniture.
DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL: 14.7 miles/25 minutes drive
approximately
Cabot Tower
On Brandon Hill is a permanent reminder of the part Bristol
played in the exploration of the New World. The foundation stone
was laid in 1897 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the
departure from Bristol of John Cabot (who discovered Newfoundland
and the mainland of America). The top of the 105 foot tower offers
one of the city's best viewpoints.
Bradford On Avon
Famous for cloth-making since the 13th Century, Bradford has one
of the most perfect Saxon churches anywhere. Also of interest are
the 18th century tithe barn. Lovely walks along the Kennet and Avon
Canal, a navigable waterway completed in 1810, crossing southern
England from Bristol to Reading.
DISTANCE FROM THE HOTEL: 18.9 miles/40 minutes drive
approximately