Non-drivers planning to "home base" in Salisbury, we are wondering how we can get to Avebury and Wells--these seem close enough to see, but don't seem accessible by rail. We are more accustomed to visiting places that we can get to via train, so I am seeking suggestions--what about bus/coach service in England? Has anyone hired a taxi for a day? How would one estimate a reasonable fee for this? (Thought we might hire someone in Salisbury????)Would we be better off going to Bath and working something out from there? <BR> <BR>Any feedback on the transportation--or on the sites/sights themselves--would be great!

There is regular bus service to Wells from both Bath and Bristol - First Badgerline is the operator - I am pretty sure they have a website with schedules. I have no idea about acces from Salisbury. I think Wells and nearby Glastonbury are well worth a visit - its hard to imagine a more perfect cathedral and close than Wells.

I live about 12 miles or so from Salisbury, and not knowing the answer to your question I popped into the Tourist Office while shopping in the city this morning. The Wilts and Dorset bus company run buses to Avebury, it takes about one and a half hours and there are 3 or 4 a day depending on time of year. Wells is more of a problem, no dirct service here either by Wilts and Dorset or National Express best bet is a train or bus to Bath then get a connecting bus to Wells. A bus takes about 2 hours from Salisbury to Bath I don't know the train time but it would be a lot less than that. Salisbury is a lovely city and there are lots of other places you could explore from there plus while visiting the Cathederal find time to visit Mompesson House in the Cathederal Close, its owned by the National Trust and is one of my favourite smaller properties of theirs. Oh and do seek out the Haunch of Venison a lovely old pub that started life many many years ago as a butchers shop. I picked up a couple of time tables from the Tourist Office if you would like me to send them to you or if I can give you anymore info. email me.

I second the suggestion about Mompesson House. I was in Salisbury for a day two years ago and the small garden in the back is wonderful. Scenes from Sense and Sensibility were filmed in the house itself.

Yes, yes, yes, do go to Avebury, especially if you have any interest in prehistoria. And don't miss the nearby iron age stone barrow burial site, a moderate hike up a hill on a public right-of-way path. And from there you can see the unique Silbury hill, made by "primitive" people and full of legend. Before going, read "View over Atlantis" by John Mitchell, about the sites you mentioned and the Ley Lines of Britain. <BR>We found a bed and breakfast in Avebury, within the Stonehenge-like ring of stones by writing to the pub! Also close if you have a car is the charming village of Castle Combe.