Merkins Farm Cottages
Local attractions and things to do..

3 Cottages sleep 2, 2 and 6
Open Countryside
Fantastic views
Bath 8 miles
Non-Smoking
Visit Britain 4 Stars

VisitBritain four stars

Local tourist attractions & things to do..

Bath Spa- Newly opened in 2006, a fantastic natural hot spa complex featuring rooftop pool with panoramic city views and a range of health treatments and massage.

Longleat Wildlife Safari Park and Elizabethan Mansion of the Marquis of Bath. A great day out for the family, plenty to do. www.longleat.co.uk

Wiltshire Web - upcoming events in the County www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk

Stonehenge; Ancient Druid Stone Circle and site of pagan worship. 40 mins drive over Salisbury plain. www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge

Avebury Ancient village within Medieval stone circle. Local pub, tearooms etc. Silbury Hill always worth a visit.

Westbury White Horse and Hill Fort Carved in chalk downs-Stunning views & excellent for walking & cycling. The wind ensures this is always a great place to fly a kite, and at weekends the sky is often full of hang gliders and paragliders.

Bradford-on-Avon Historic Saxon Town on the Kennet & Avon canal. Spend a day wandering the narrow hillside streets and sample the delights of some wonderful old English pubs ! Also some fine restaurants.

Salisbury A lovely city with a magnificent medieval cathedral from the 13th century. One of the finest Cities in South West England

Stourhead Beautiful 18th Century gardens and Palladian House. Open-air classical concerts held in the grounds in summer. www.stourhead

Lacock 13th century village and Abbey, protected by the National Trust. One of Britains most beautiful villages, home of Fox-Talbot museum of photography.

Castle Combe voted Britain's prettiest village.www.castlecombe.com Also nearby racetrack with various events, Karting and race driving school. Day courses available. www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk/

Iford manor Peto Gardens
Beautiful Italian style gardens in idyllic riverside hamlet.www.ifordmanor.co.uk

Paultons Park Mini Alton Towers, suit all ages but with special rides for smaller children. Animals, birds, adventure playground. Near Salisbury www.paultonspark.co.uk/

Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Stunning gorge with near vertical cliffs. Famous labyrinth of underground caves and tunnels. Museums, shops, pubs and restaurants. www.cheddarcaves.co.uk/

Brokerswood Woodland Park and Heritage Centre. Still operated as a working woodland. There are nature trails, a lake with wildfowl and fishing, picnic, BBQ, play areas and forest train ride.

Owl and Hawk Conservancy Meet Owls and Eagles face to face. Great Falconry displays www.hawk-conservancy.org/

Champagne balloon flightsRegional ballooning network, fly from Bath or Bristol www.balnet.co.uk

Cycling This is a great area for cycling- there is a super cycleway along the Kennet and Avon Canal which forms part of the larger "Wiltshire Cycleway" Rent bikes from www.thelockinn.co.uk/ for a ride along the canal and have lunch in the cafe.

Walking The whole area is littered with paths, bridleways and tracks, or you can walk beside the river or the canal. www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk/wiltshire/tourism/walks/

Bad Weather fun!
We do our best to arrange lovely weather for your visit, but when it just has to rain, it just has to rain! Here are some fun things to do indoors..

Haynes International Motor Museum Sparkford, Yeovil Somerset. Over 400 cars and bikes for all you petrolheads! www.haynesmotormuseum.co.uk

Attwell Motor Museum Calne Smaller and closer version of above. www.atwellwilson.org.uk 01249 813119

Jungle Jack's Soft play centre, Westbury trading estate, 1 mile away. Super setup with tables all round for parents. Restaurant and snacks available. Ages 0-10 Tel:01373 824824

Ten-pin-bowling Christie Miller sports centre Melksham website

Fleet Air Arm Museum Yeovilton www.fleetairarm.com Tel: 01935 840565

Bath; Too much to list here, try www.bath.co.uk (follow what to see and do link)

Paintball; Nearest is Swindon (about 40 mins drive) 0870 330 6656

Swimming pools & sports centres
Bradford on Avon Swimming Pool, Bradford on Avon, 25 m pool plus learner pool, Tel: 01225 862970 website
Castle Place Leisure Centre, Trowbridge; Gym, bar, creche. Tel: 01225 762711 website
Christie Miller Sports Centre, Melksham; Fitness gym, squash, badminton, ten-pin bowling, indorr bowls, 9-hole golf,bar, restaurant, creche Tel: 01225 702826 website
Leighton Recreation Centre, Westbury; Badminton, squash, gym, crech etc Tel: 01373 824448 website
Melksham Blue Pool, Melksham; 33m pool, gym, jacuzzi website
Trowbridge Sports Centre, Trowbridge; 25m pool, diving pit, water canons , trampoline, gym, Tel: 01225 764342 website
Warminster Sports Centre, Warminster; 25m pool , gym, badminton, squash Tel: 01985 212946 website
Westbury Swimming Pool, Westbury; Lovely old 20m victorian pool, suitable gentle swimmers and kids Tel: 01373 822891 website

Shopping;
Bath, plenty of shops here, and great food and drinks! Quickest by train, and escape the parking headache.

Clarks Shopping Village Retail therapy on a grand scale! More than 40 different stores. Street, near Glastonbury. Climb the Torr and then go shopping!www.clarksvillage.co.uk/

McArthur Glen retail outlet Swindon, just off the motorway.www.mcarthurglen.com/

Salisbury Great shops in the city, plus Wilton Shoppiong Village on the outskirts. Do the cultural bit then shop 'til you drop!www.wiltonshoppingvillage.co.uk

Cribbs Causeway Huge area just off the M5 with shops, cinemas, fast food etc. Better then the website suggests!
www.cribbs-causeway.co.uk/
Also large bowling arena www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk