debstaj

Hello everyone it's me again... When we pick up our car from Heathrow we are travelling to Salisbury on the first leg of our trip ( we will have been in London for 6 days by this stage and from other questions on picking up a car decided to go back to Heathrow and pick it up). Now on the way is there anything (which I am sure there is) on the way to stop and see?
And I have seen a few quetions about mobile phones. We have one that we do not use and not that old so I thought if we can check that it is unlocked maybe pick up a sim card at Heathrow. Maily using it to keep in touch with our family (Australia)every now and then and for emergencies. Would this be practical?

Thanks again for any help

AR

The obvious answer is Stonehenge, if you haven't been already. Mind you, that'll hardly take up much time as a detour, and it's very close.

How long are you in Salisbury itself? As that is a nice place to visit without wanting to detour away if time there is limited.

janisj

Will you have seen Windsor already? If not - Windsor is only 7 miles from LHR and good for a few hours.

If you get an early start you could visit Windsor Castle, then on to Avebury, south to Stonehenge, and then get into Salisbury by late afternoon/early evening.

debstaj

We are staying in Salisbury for 3 days and Stonehenge, Old Sarum & Avebury are one of our day trips.
Windsor we were going to do at the end of our trip. We are dropping the car of at Heathrow in the morning & going back to Windsor for the day and night and fly out the next day at 12.00.
It seems that by your reply that Salisbury is not far at all from Heathrow although I knew it wasn't a big drive. Is it worth going to Winchester?

Thanks again

travelbunny

I think Winchester is charming. The cathedral is beautiful..a nice pub not far from the cathedral close called the Wickham Arms would be a nice place for lunch. I had a chance to see Winchester but I was with an old boy. I think however you can arrange a tour. There is a lovely walk along a stream from the center of Winchester to an old medevil "hospital" which would be a great way to stretch your legs. If you didn't stop in Winchester, Romsey Abbey is worth a visit as is the Mountbatten estate.

janisj

Winchester would be fine - the Cathedral is great.

Or another option - if you are at all into gardens -- take the M25 to RHS Wisley, near Woking. It is AMAZING (and huge). After 4 or 5 hours there (including a nice lunch in the terraced cafe) you can jump on the M3 to Winchester and visit the Cathedral, before driving on to Salisbury.

historytraveler

Also in Winchester is Wolvesey Palace (very early 12th c.) home of the cathedral's bishops before the Conquest. The Great Hall is worth visit too.

The medieval hospital travelbunny mentioned is the Hospital of St. Cross a 15th c. almshouse.

Nonconformist

When are you going? Broadlands (the Mountbatten estate mentioned by travelbunny is only open July-August weekdays.

Winchester's a good idea.

debstaj

Great stuff. Thanks. We are flying out of Oz 1st September overnighter in Singapore into London for 6 nights. Then travelling around for 15 days. We were suppose to go in June but due to my husband's new job and my cousin (who we were going to stay with in Alnwick) she is is coming to Oz this month and will be here for most of the year we have had to change it. My grandfather actually comes from Winchester but I never knew him and he is a bit of an enigma, there is no one alive now who knew him so I cannot get too much info except he lived on Warfe St?? But I ramble on. Thanks again and I probably will hassle you again and believe me alot of this trip is built on help from you guys. Hope you all had a Happy New Year! Deb