Discovering Wiltshire: Lacock, Avebury and Blounts Court Farm

 

a beautiful sunny day in the English countryside – Wiltshire

There’s no doubt in my mind; the English countryside is one of the most inspiring and enchanting  I’ve seen so far.  Driving around the little winding country roads gave a sense of peace and excitement. I couldn’t wait to start exploring this part of the country.  Wiltshire, one of the historic counties of England, has roots in the medieval times.

Wiltshire is located nestled in the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire. The area is known for its pre-Roman archaeological sites.

a leisurely driving around little English country roads

 

Views over the English countryside -Wiltshire
Lacock

 

as seen while wandering around – Wiltshire

How to get to Wiltshire?

I highly recommend visiting Wiltshire by car. I can stress enough how beautiful the little villages are. It’s worth getting lost and discover your own Wiltshire.  From London, it takes just over 1.5 hours (Marlborough) It’s  just over 2 hours from London to Westbury (White Horse)  and about 1hour and 45minutes  to Stonehenge.

The small villages and towns are close to each other, and the signage is clear. Roads are in very good condition. You will encounter cows, deers and horses ‘traffic’ on the ‘B’ roads – it’s all part of the adventure.

Other options are trains and buses to the main towns in the area and then local buses. Bear in mind that most of the county is rural, public transport can be somehow challenging in between the villages, hence my suggestion of going by car.

Wiltshire:  Westbury White Horse, Lacock and Avebury Stone Circle

Westbury White Horse

Westbury White Horse can be seen from miles away. I drove from London to Westbury in just over 2 hours; arriving at the Westbury White Horse, where you have great views over the county. Green valleys, hills and plantations as far as the eye can see. The White Horse is the oldest and best known equine decoration, it’s dated back to 1774.  There are a few great walking routes in the area to the White Horse and beyond!   Next,  I drove to Lacock just outside Chippenham.

 Lacock

 Lacock Village, Wiltshire

Lacock is National Trust village used as a filming location, and you can see why.  Once you arrive, the main road takes you to the village. It’s a fairytale place. If you ignore the cars, you feel you are in a period film. The main area of filming is a wide street full of historic houses. One house prettier than the other with bags of character and historic details. This village has been used for film productions of Wolfman, Pride and Prejudice, Cranford Chronicles, Emma and Harry Potter films.

The village focal point is the opulent Lacock Abbey, and it’s luscious grounds. Located in the middle of the Village, the building dates back to 13th century. First an Abbey till 1539,  it later became a  country house within its woodland grounds.

It was a home for the Talbot family, including William Henry Fox Talbot int the 19th century. His amazing achievements and his invention of the photographic negative are celebrated at the Fox Talbot Museum in the grounds.

Lacock Abbey

 

Lacock – Gardens – wild garlic (ramsons) paradise

 

Lacock nursery

 The Cloisters at Lacock

 

The Medieval cloisters are very atmospheric,  and historic details of 16th century stable courtyard is breathtaking.

 

Harry Porter prop at The Cloisters

 Lacock Abbey

 the kitchen

 

 

 

Lacock Great Hall

I
really enjoyed exploring the period furnished rooms and discovering the
18th century Gothic hall.  Look the period features and the grandiosity
of the place!

local families coat of arms – detail of the Great Hall Ceiling at Lacock Abbey

Lacock 
High Street
Lacock
Chippenham
Wiltshire
SN15 2LG
Tel: 01249 730459

Avebury Stone Circle

The Avebury stone circle is a Neolithic and Bronze Age monument, containing three stonecircles, around the village of Avebury in Wiltshire. A very spiritual and calming place.The less-known cousin of Stonehenge, a ‘sacred landscape’ – the use of this site is not known.  Avebury  Henge and Stone Circles, with Stonehenge, achieved international recognition as UK’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Best to visit during daytime and it’s free.
Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF

 Overnight at Blounts Court Farm at Potterne

Next stop Devizes, but first an overnight at a cute and quirky farmhouse just outside Devizes, in the tiny village of Potterne. Caroline, the owner, welcomed me with open arms. Caroline and her husband, Colin have been running the farm for over 30 years, but the 5 star bed and breakfast started about 17 years ago. They met at a ball in Lacock (above) – I love stories like this one, makes me believe in fairytales.

Blounts Court Farm entrance
Blounts Court Farm drive away

The Farm, a 200 acres of arable farmland, back onto woodland with the village cricket field to the rear of the house. A perfect location to rest and get in touch with nature.

My well appointed double bedroom is tastefully decorated – very impressive.  The shower room was spacious and toiletries from The White Company.  A truly home to home experience with lots of perks. The hospitality tray was comprehensive including homemade biscuits – yes! They were very tasty and crunchy.

Four Poster Bed at Blounts Court Farm, beautiful white and crisp linen and fluffy towels – Perfect!

Tea and contemplating nature
Potterne Pancake: onions and bacon cooked in the batter and drizzled generously with maple syrup and all delicious homemade jams and preserves, juices and a tasty smoothie – perfect way to start another to continuing exploring Wiltshire

Breakfast is a serious and a generous affair at the farm. It’s freshly cooked at an AGA. Jams and preserves are homemade, with the ingredients from the farm. The produce is local and fair trade as much as possible. They cater for special diets too. Look at this table! Thanks Caroline for the peaceful and restful time at your farm.
Highly recommended.

Blounts Court Farm
Coxhill Lane, Potterne,
Devizes, Wiltshire,  UK
SN10  5PH
Telephone: +44 (0) 1380 727180
e:caroline@blountscourtfarm.co.uk
Rooms from £52/single/night and £82/double/night (May 2015)
Next adventure : Discovering Wiltshire : Devizes and Marlborough
Disclosure: I was a guest at Blounts Court Farm. Thanks for Visit Wiltshire for organising the itinerary and accommodation.
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