Longleat......

We stopped in Warminster first. Given the number of empty shops it has seen better days and then onto Longleat (I did this with trepidation I've been before but Dad hasn't).

We avoided the Safari Park: "they wouldn't let me out" - Dad, and went to the house.

Now let me say the house is magnificent it truly is BUT.....

the place is set up to make money. How many places to eat?? Ye gods every available space it seemed like. Now the UFO experience or Jungle Kingdom may be many peoples idea of fun but not mine. Surely in all that parkland they could move it away from the house? Anywhere that looked vaguely quiet had signs saying don't walk on the grass.

Let me stress it's not the Safari Park I object to which is well out of view, it's the massive commercialisation around the house that seems to me to have robbed the house of it's soul.

Great Chalfield Manor

We started by giving dad his market fix in Devizes before heading to Great Chalfield Manor. This is a small National Trust house and garden dating from the 15th century (the adjacent non Trust church is earlier). There are no internal photos as the property is tenanted and visits are by guided tour which was enjoyable. It's a lovely small property and coupled with the nearby Courts garden is a wonderful day out.

His nibs.

The tearoom is help yourself with an honesty box. Sir munching on a choc chip biscuit.

A lovely small property with so much character.