Tour Ref: FC4/1
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Why Feeling Chipper? Well, we are confident that this new holiday based in Chippenham (there’s the chipper!) will leave you feeling so. A lovely, rural and rustic experience that combines some super south-western scenery with a smattering of nostalgic attractions – some of which are not so easy to get to independently – read on:
Here we go! We meet at Frome Station, which is a convenient start point for our first visit of the holiday. Close by is Longleat Safari Park, which has much of interest. We first take a safari drive and then you might like to get lost in the maze, or visit the manor house, but we cannot leave here without a ride on the Longleat Railway. Now, that’s how you start off a holiday!
A big circular day starts at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway, one of the UK’s unsung gems, very much in the middle of nowhere. A railway museum, war museum, and a line now extended beyond last year’s 4 1⁄2 mile round trip...we expect! Then, it’s Swindon to Gloucester by rail on the truly scenic line through Stroud. The Gloucester and Warwick Railway awaits nearby. Running through lovely rolling scenery between Cheltenham Racecourse and the Cotswold’s gem of Broadway this line is a delight. We intend to enhance your after- noon with a cream tea to complement the ride.
Today we head West and South for a day of nostalgic steam. The Avon Valley Railway chugs out of Bitton, serenely alongside the river. Later we pop into Midsomer Norton for an emerging heritage railway with surprisingly far-reaching views. These guys are super friendly and keen to indulge us with the history of the legendary Somerset & Dorset. Our day just gets better and better as we descend upon the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore. A fitting finale before heading back to Chippenham, feeling exceptionally chipper!
A nice easy morning to finish with takes us back to Swindon for one of the finest railway museums in the country...STEAM – it’s everything that is GWR. Homeward bound journeys will start from Swindon Station early afternoon.
This super establishment is located in the centre of Chippenham. Itself, a lovely quiet town, with an impressive railway viaduct crossing it, and a relaxed feel. The hotel’s accommodation is split between the original coaching house, housing the restaurant, lounge and bar, and more modern addition at the rear complete with swimming pool. Both are connected via a delightful courtyard which will be so pleasant to relax in on a balmy summer’s evening.
