Need suggestions for stopover for 2 nights Heathrow to Portmellon
Dec 29th, 2013, 06:30 AM
#1
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Need suggestions for stopover for 2 nights Heathrow to Portmellon
We've added 2 nights to stay somewhere between our arrival at Heathrow and our apartment in Portmellon. 
Traveling late March. The route I've chosen is A303 Andover/Mere to A30, Google says it should be about 4.5 hrs to Portmellon from Heathrow. We've been the northern route so not as interested in that, and the last time we were in England in late March we did a loop down through Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
I though maybe that staying somewhere around Mere would be nice as we wouldn't mind seeing Stourhead in spring, have only been there in the fall. We haven't been to Longleat at all, don't know if it is worth it? Are there other Gardens, Historic properties nearby that area?
Or should we consider driving a little further? Maybe around Yeovil? See Montacute House? Lytes Cary Manor? Or ?????
We would like a really nice place to stay for the 2 nights with a good onsite restaurant, or within a quick walk to one. We love old properties, a spa etc is not necessary.
Looking forward to all thoughts and suggestions!
Traveling late March. The route I've chosen is A303 Andover/Mere to A30, Google says it should be about 4.5 hrs to Portmellon from Heathrow. We've been the northern route so not as interested in that, and the last time we were in England in late March we did a loop down through Surrey, Sussex and Kent.
I though maybe that staying somewhere around Mere would be nice as we wouldn't mind seeing Stourhead in spring, have only been there in the fall. We haven't been to Longleat at all, don't know if it is worth it? Are there other Gardens, Historic properties nearby that area?
Or should we consider driving a little further? Maybe around Yeovil? See Montacute House? Lytes Cary Manor? Or ?????
We would like a really nice place to stay for the 2 nights with a good onsite restaurant, or within a quick walk to one. We love old properties, a spa etc is not necessary.
Looking forward to all thoughts and suggestions!
Dec 29th, 2013, 08:37 AM
#2
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OK, I already made a booking near Sherborne. So let me know the best spring gardens and historical places nearby, and any restaurant suggestions.
Day 1 ~ We will be driving from Heathrow. We will stay overnight at a Heathrow Hotel so we will definitely have the time and energy to do something that day.
Day 2 ~ All day in the area
Day 3 ~ We will be leaving for Portmellon, Google says about a 3 hr drive. We would like something to do not too far away, so we can leave the area by 1:30 PM
Day 1 ~ We will be driving from Heathrow. We will stay overnight at a Heathrow Hotel so we will definitely have the time and energy to do something that day.
Day 2 ~ All day in the area
Day 3 ~ We will be leaving for Portmellon, Google says about a 3 hr drive. We would like something to do not too far away, so we can leave the area by 1:30 PM
Dec 29th, 2013, 09:43 AM
#3
Hi Wrenwood,
as well as Montacute and Lytes Cary, there are Stourhead, Glastonbury, Wells [my favourite, you really must not miss the Cathedral and the Bishop's palace with its moat and swans] and, over the other side of the M5, the lovely little town of Dunster with its castle and Knighthayes Court at Tiverton.
if I think of any more, I'll let you know!
as well as Montacute and Lytes Cary, there are Stourhead, Glastonbury, Wells [my favourite, you really must not miss the Cathedral and the Bishop's palace with its moat and swans] and, over the other side of the M5, the lovely little town of Dunster with its castle and Knighthayes Court at Tiverton.
if I think of any more, I'll let you know!
Dec 29th, 2013, 11:26 AM
#6
Chartley - do you really like Castle Drogo?
I find the building terribly sterile and the garden is nothing to write home about either.
Wrenwood - a great place to stop on Dartmoor is at Belstone, just south of the A30, about 30 minutes past Exeter. There is a lovely village and pub, the Tors, http://www.thetors.co.uk/ and a very nice walk down to the river at the bottom of the valley and up the other side for the views. the pub isn't actually much to look at outside, [or inside come to that] but it serves a number of draught beers and proper cider, and its bar food is excellent.
it keeps normal pub hours [ie not open in the afternoon] but the spot is worth a visit even if you are too late for lunch or a drink.
I find the building terribly sterile and the garden is nothing to write home about either.
Wrenwood - a great place to stop on Dartmoor is at Belstone, just south of the A30, about 30 minutes past Exeter. There is a lovely village and pub, the Tors, http://www.thetors.co.uk/ and a very nice walk down to the river at the bottom of the valley and up the other side for the views. the pub isn't actually much to look at outside, [or inside come to that] but it serves a number of draught beers and proper cider, and its bar food is excellent.
it keeps normal pub hours [ie not open in the afternoon] but the spot is worth a visit even if you are too late for lunch or a drink.
Dec 29th, 2013, 11:43 AM
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I've thought of visting Knightshayes again, we were there one autumn, but never in the spring. Loved it. We have been to Wells and Dunster.
Killerton or Knightshayes look great for the day we leave on the way to Portmellon. And Killerton has an "Ancient Trees Walk"!
Killerton or Knightshayes look great for the day we leave on the way to Portmellon. And Killerton has an "Ancient Trees Walk"!
Dec 29th, 2013, 11:59 AM
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Castle Drogo is certainly not pretty, but I find it interesting because it is a comparatively modern building, which attempts to combine medieval style with modern convenience. It's not just another stately home.
