Tuesday 17th: We begin our holiday this morning, travelling south towards Swindon. After a break for lunch, we continue on to our hotel.
Wednesday 18th: Our excursion today takes us to delightful Devizes and the famous Caen Hill Locks, a staircase of 16 locks on the Kennet and Avon canal. From here we head into Devizes town centre with opportunity for a leisurely exploration of the shops and also to obtain lunch. We then move on to Marlborough, with arcades, alleyways, coaching inns, half-timbered cottages and a church at each end of the high street — Marlborough still retains much of its original rustic charm.
Thursday 19th: We enjoy a leisurely morning in Chippenham, a historic market town with a population of over 40,000. The combination of old and new, the historic architectural gems and modern shopping centres make this an ideal place to explore. This afternoon we have a short drive to beautiful Bradford-on-Avon for a short break before moving on to the time-warp village of Lacock, famous for its picturesque streets and as a location for TV and film.
Friday 20th: This morning we head for Longleat House and Safari Park. We have time to wander around the house, a masterpiece of Elizabethan architecture and the Capability Brown designed gardens. We then have a close-up encounter whilst driving through the Safari Park. As we slowly make our way through the animal paddocks, we witness Red and Pere David deer, a pack of grey wolves, the mischievous, inquisitive monkeys never fail to entertain. We then move on to the big cats of Tiger Territory, the majestic Lion Country and the cheetahs with their beautiful spotted coats. In the Big Game Park, we find Southern White rhinos, Bactrian camels and if we’re lucky, the elusive Sri Lankan Elephant, Anne. Thought to be in her 60’s, Anne was rescued and retired to Longleat in 2011 after spending her life until then in a circus. She is now loved and well looked after by her team of keepers and has a herd of Nubian goats to keep her company. There’s also time for a walking safari to see the many other animals that reside in Longleat.
Saturday 21st: After breakfast we leave our hotel and travel via the beautiful Cotswolds, after taking a break in one of the pretty villages, we continue our journey home.