Attractions
Bradford on Avon (1.5 miles)
The historic town of Bradford on Avon is known for its Saxon Church, Tithe Barn, 13th century bridge over the river Avon, weavers cottages, canals and locks. There are antique, art and craft, gift, clothing and delicatessen shops to peruse. The town has excellent pubs, wine bars, Thai, Indian and Italian restaurants as well as charming tea rooms.
Days Out
Herb Cottage is an ideal location from which to explore the West Country: The fine Georgian City of Bath famous for its ancient Roman Baths and the new natural hot spa complex featuring rooftop pool with panoramic views of the city; the picturesque medieval village of Lacock with its tumbling abbey and Fox Talbot Museum; the prehistoric stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury; the numerous National Trust properties in close proximity including the Courts Gardens at Holt, Great Chalfield Manor, Stourhead House and Gardens, Longleat Safari Park and the charming old Iford Manor which hosts an opera festival in July and August.
Activities
Here for you to enjoy is an abundance of things for every age group. Bradford on Avon offers angling and boat trips on the Kennet and Avon canal and the particularly attractive mile and a half stretch along the tow path to Avoncliff is a popular walk. Wiltshire’s oldest white horse at Westbury (20 minutes drive) is carved into the chalk hillside beside the Bratton Camp hill fort and is a great place for ramblers and kite flyers to enjoy panoramic views. Fun for families are the remains of 14th century Farleigh Hungerford Castle (10 minutes drive) which stand in a picturesque valley; the best collection in Britain of human shaped coffins made of lead are on display in the chapel crypt if you are brave enough to venture down. Herb Cottage is on one of the Wiltshire Cycle Ways and the surrounding countryside is superb for country walking or runs.
Eating and Drinking
Whether you want to walk to the local pub 5 minutes down the lane or drive to others nearby, there is a wealth of old west-country pubs and restaurants to explore. Here are some suggestions:
Within easy walking distance is the local pub which does great food and beer:
The Plough Inn Tel: 01225 862037
Bradford Leigh
Bradford on Avon
BA15 2RW
One mile down the road this traditional pub specializes in local ales from small breweries and is run by the award winning chef and owner:
The Toll Gate Inn Tel: 01225 782326
Ham Green
Holt
BA14 6PX
After a stroll down the Kennet and Avon canal from the Tithe Barn in Bradford on Avon you will find the Cross Guns Pub where the canal runs over the river in a high viaduct. Enjoy their very good pub meals:
The Cross Guns Tel: 01225 722287
Avoncliff
BA15 2HB
A little more difficult to find but well worth the effort for an outstanding culinary experience:
The Linnet Tel: 0871 426 582
Great Hinton
Trowbridge
BA14 6BU
In the centre of Bradford on Avon this busy meeting place serves anything from morning coffee to relaxed dining in the evening using good locally sourced meats and vegetables:
The Fat Fowl Restaurant Tel: 01225 863111
Silver Street
Bradford on Avon
BA15 1JX
For an experience of a 17th century coffee room and delicious home made cakes this is a good choice:
Mr Salvats Tel: 01225 867474
The Town House
44 St Margaret’s Street
Bradford on Avon
BA15 1DE
Double winner of UKs top tea places. Judged near perfect, they serve traditional afternoon teas on three tier stands:
The Bridge Tea Rooms Tel: 01225 865537
24a Bridge Street
Bradford on Avon
BA15 1BY