Holiday Activities

Holiday Activities

Sightseeing, shopping, sports and other cultural/holiday activities…

The White House and the village of Little Bedwyn are about halfway between London in the east, and Bath/Bristol in the west, and between Birmingham (The Midlands) in the north and Southampton on the South Coast.

This particularly delightful area in the South of England offers a wealth of things to do and see – the natural phenomena of the beautiful scenery, ancient buildings (from grand stately homes and magnificent manor houses) to the man-made, Stone Age mysteries of Avebury, Stonehenge, Silbury Hill and the Cheddar Caves.

Contrast this with the beauty of the Kennet and Avon Canal with the gentle bustle of the holiday boats and working ‘narrow boats’ (= special canal boats) navigating their way through some of the most stunning parts of the British countryside …and with the historical and cultural surprises of cities like Bath, Bristol, Oxford, Salisbury and London each less than 11/2hours by car/train – an easy ‘day excursion’ …and with the gastronomic delights of the Michelin-starred restaurant, The Harrow, (just 200 metres from The White House) …or with the acclaimed Watermill Theatre just 20 minutes away by car – and you have a recipe for one of the most memorable holidays you can imagine.

Photo: Two students from Italy, Maria Irene (left) and Alessandra (2nd right), enjoy an ‘English’ (whatever the weather!) picnic before an evening at the Opera with their ‘homestay’ hosts, Annie (right) & Christopher.

Planning your itinerary…

Whatever your interests, age or attitude, there is always something for our guests to do.

You may prefer to plan your own itinerary but, if you would like some help in planning what to do, Annie and Christopher would be delighted to help organize your itinerary, car hire or chauffeured/guided tours. All you have to do is ask!

The weather…

Always worth checking – and a constant source of conversation in the UK !!

For the latest Hungerford/Marlborough area forecast, click here.

For the general UK weather forecast, region by region, click here.

Bicycles…

We have two mountain bikes and safety helmets available for our guests. The White House garden is on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal which links Bristol in the West of England with the town of Reading and, via the River Thames, to London. Cycling along the towpath is permitted (but please take great care near other cyclists, walkers and people fishing) and provides some of the most picturesque views of the locality.

Summary of local attractions and activities…

Places of particular historical/architectural interest – such as Stonehenge, the Stone Age Cheddar Caves, the beautiful World Heritage City of Bath, Wilton’s working Windmill, the 39 Oxford University Colleges and the amazing architecture of the City itself, Salisbury Cathedral…

Beauty & Skincare Clinics - for that extra-special pampering during your stay.

Creative arts and craftsWatercolour painting weekends and days with expert tuition by Frankie Cummins for beginners and more experienced painters.

FishingFishing Breaks – the best chalkstream fly fishing in Southern England.

Gardens that are open to the public – Avebury Manor, Stourhead, Longleat, Westonbirt Aboretum, The American Museum gardens…

Health Clubs, Spas, Gyms and Sports centres – Hungerford Leisure Centre, Bath Spa, Littlecote…

Market & Antique towns – Hungerford, Marlborough, Bath…

Museums – American Museum, Swindon Railway Musem, The Building of Bath Museum…

Nature Walks/Rides & Nature reserves – Kennet & Avon Canal towpath, The Wiltshire Downs, Slimbridge Bird Sanctuary, Savernake Forest and many more…

Restaurants and good ‘pub grub’ – such as the renowned Michelin-starred “The Harrow” (www.theharrowatlittlebedwyn.co.uk), and other local pubs and restaurants offering excellent ‘home-cooked’ menus…

Sports and adventure activities – spectator or participant: in addition to walking; cycling; horse-riding; local fishing; there’s Hot air ballooning; Narrow boat cruising; Paragliding/paramotoring; Tennis; Golf; Newbury, Bath and Chepstow Racecourses; Silverstone, Thruxton and Castle Combe Racing Circuits; …and many other sporting activities…

Stately homes and Manors – Avebury Manor, Blenheim Palace, Bowood House, Longleat, Highclere Castle…

Safari Parks, Amusement/Leisure Parks and Zoos – Bristol, Longleat, Whipsnade, Alton Towers, Thorpe Park…

Taxis - serving the Little Bedwyn area…

Theatres & Cinemas – from the acclaimed Watermill Theatre and the Newbury Corn Exchange to the Swindon cinema complex…

…some of which are ‘on our doorstep’, others which make a delightful half-day or day’s excursion.