8 Activities
A Nature-Lovers Guide through Limestone Hills, Museums and Historic Sites
Starts from
Bristol
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Activities
8
Duration
12 hours
Length
78 mi
Guide details
Starts from
Bristol
Transportation
By Car
Guidance
Self-Guided
Duration
12 hours
Length
78 mi
Angela Bird
Travel Expert
- Enjoy exploring incredible landscapes of the Mendip Hills.
- See King Arthur's final resting place.
- Have a picnic in one of the UK's best-kept estates.
- Visit a safari park.
“It’s not the destination, it's the journey.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
There aren't many experiences quite like taking a long road trip and setting out somewhere you’ve never been before! Being on the road is such a liberating feeling, especially when you are out in the countryside. There's something heartening about the scenery that makes you feel as though you can achieve anything. It’s one of the few forms of travel where it’s all about the journey: the people you are with, the stories that you make, it's those instances which are hard to describe to a person who wasn’t on the journey with you.
You can enjoy the views of dramatic slopes and limestone grasslands at UK's largest gorge. Visit the tomb of King Arthur and enjoy a picnic in one of the country's most well-kept estates. There is a lot to discover, and every turn has a story to tell. There will be scheduled and unscheduled stops, and plenty of opportunities to capture spectacular photos or record special moments.
You can enjoy the views of dramatic slopes and limestone grasslands at UK's largest gorge. Visit the tomb of King Arthur and enjoy a picnic in one of the country's most well-kept estates. There is a lot to discover, and every turn has a story to tell. There will be scheduled and unscheduled stops, and plenty of opportunities to capture spectacular photos or record special moments.
“It’s not the destination, it's the journey.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
There aren't many experiences quite like taking a long road trip and setting out somewhere you’ve never been before! Being on the road is such a liberating feeling, especially when you are out in the countryside. There's something heartening about the scenery that makes you feel as though you can achieve anything. It’s one of the few forms of travel where it’s all about the journey: the people you are with, the stories that you make, it's those instances which are hard to describe to a person who wasn’t on the journey with you.
You can enjoy the views of dramatic slopes and limestone grasslands at UK's largest gorge. Visit the tomb of King Arthur and enjoy a picnic in one of the country's most well-kept estates. There is a lot to discover, and every turn has a story to tell. There will be scheduled and unscheduled stops, and plenty of opportunities to capture spectacular photos or record special moments.
You can enjoy the views of dramatic slopes and limestone grasslands at UK's largest gorge. Visit the tomb of King Arthur and enjoy a picnic in one of the country's most well-kept estates. There is a lot to discover, and every turn has a story to tell. There will be scheduled and unscheduled stops, and plenty of opportunities to capture spectacular photos or record special moments.
Angela Bird
Travel Expert
- Enjoy exploring incredible landscapes of the Mendip Hills.
- See King Arthur's final resting place.
- Have a picnic in one of the UK's best-kept estates.
- Visit a safari park.
Day Itinerary
8 Activities
Day 1
78 mi0.2 mi
A Jam-Packed Day Trip to Four Amazing Nature Spots
If you're interested in seeing breathtaking views, and wildlife as well as learning about ancient relics then this is the road trip for you. With the summer closing in, this is a great time to get on the road and enjoy the greenery. The roads are picturesque, and you'll want to stop for a couple photo opportunities.
08:005 min
Car Park
Parking
Open Details
Your first stop will be near the famous Cheddar Gorge and Black Rock Nature Reserve.
There are many trails to explore the gorge. But the most beautiful trail is the one that leads to the top of the gorge, where you can enjoy stunning views.
There are many trails to explore the gorge. But the most beautiful trail is the one that leads to the top of the gorge, where you can enjoy stunning views.
0.2 mi
5 min
08:101 hr
Cheddar Gorge Trail
Hiking Trail
Open Details
The Mendip Hills are a range of breath-taking limestone hills. The Mendips, as the locals refer to them, are also home to Cheddar gorge, named after Britain's oldest complete human skeleton, Cheddar Man is estimated to be over 9000 years old. The area is home to several gorges and cave systems such as Burrington Combe and Gough's Cave.
1.1 mi
5 min
09:155 min
Cheddar Gorge
Scenic Lookout
Open Details
The road through the Cheddar Gorge on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills is one of the best roads in the world and certainly a pleasure to drive.
Enjoy the beautiful views that come with every turn!
Enjoy the beautiful views that come with every turn!
0.2 mi
5 min
09:301 hr
Rockface
Café
Open Details
Next to the gorge there is a nice outdoor café among the flowers. The café offers ice cream, coffee, sandwiches, pizza and desserts.
14.4 mi
40 min
11:101 hr 30 min
Glastonbury Abbey
Historic Site
Open Details
This town and civil parish are popular for many reasons. The most significant being the myth about the legendary King Arthur. Others, specifically music lovers, know Glastonbury because of its world-renown festival.
While walking around the Abbey, you can learn about the archaeological history of the different buildings, you may come across King Arthur & Guinevere's final resting place. There are also other famous religious sites to be discovered at this pristine Abbey.
This landmark is located in the center of town and is a total of 36 acres of well-kept gardens and ancient buildings.
While walking around the Abbey, you can learn about the archaeological history of the different buildings, you may come across King Arthur & Guinevere's final resting place. There are also other famous religious sites to be discovered at this pristine Abbey.
This landmark is located in the center of town and is a total of 36 acres of well-kept gardens and ancient buildings.
29.1 mi
50 min
13:301 hr 30 min
Stourhead
Garden
Open Details
England has so much to offer people who enjoy being in nature. There are no shortages of parks or green areas all across the country. Stourhead is a grand example of just how magnificent these green areas can be. This is a 2,650-acre estate that is one of England's most prominent landscape garden styles.
On the estate, there are several buildings, including the main house, which was built between 1721 and 1724. It has a large collection of art, a library, and, heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Other buildings found on the property include pantheons, some monuments as well as beautifully designed temples. There is also an artificial lake with some stunning views of the surrounding gardens and trees.
This is the perfect location for a lovely afternoon picnic. Be sure to bring a blanket and picnic basket to enjoy lunch in a picture-perfect scene. There is the local Stourhead Farm Shop just a couple hundred meters from Stourhead. You can pick up delicious farm bread, cheese, and ham from the deli as well as any other snacks you desire for your picnic.
On the estate, there are several buildings, including the main house, which was built between 1721 and 1724. It has a large collection of art, a library, and, heirlooms that have been passed down from generation to generation. Other buildings found on the property include pantheons, some monuments as well as beautifully designed temples. There is also an artificial lake with some stunning views of the surrounding gardens and trees.
This is the perfect location for a lovely afternoon picnic. Be sure to bring a blanket and picnic basket to enjoy lunch in a picture-perfect scene. There is the local Stourhead Farm Shop just a couple hundred meters from Stourhead. You can pick up delicious farm bread, cheese, and ham from the deli as well as any other snacks you desire for your picnic.
14.7 mi
40 min
15:402 hrs
Longleat Safari and Adventure Park
Zoo
Open Details
Longleat Safari Park, established in 1966, was the first of its kind outside of Africa to provide visitors with a drive-through experience. The park has proudly welcomed over 500 different species of animals since then, including the majestic Rothschild's giraffes, the striped Grant's zebras, the cheeky Rhesus monkeys, awe-inspiring rhinos and African lions, magnificent Amur tigers and elusive grey wolves.
More recent additions to the wildlife family include cheetahs, koalas and spotted hyenas – providing guests with even more opportunities to explore the beauty of nature. Visitors to Longleat Safari Park can enjoy a unique safari experience while learning more about these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
More recent additions to the wildlife family include cheetahs, koalas and spotted hyenas – providing guests with even more opportunities to explore the beauty of nature. Visitors to Longleat Safari Park can enjoy a unique safari experience while learning more about these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
19.1 mi
40 min
18:202 hrs
Sotto Sotto
Bar
Open Details
Finish your trip in a cosy little Italian restaurant. Here you will feel like in Italy: delicious food that is not inferior to restaurants in Italy, a good selection of wines and a classic – tiramisu!