'Classic Sights' in Wessex

'Classic Sights' is a group of the eleven of the top tourist attractions in Wessex (in southwest England). This group of sights includes magnificent stately homes, gardens, exotic animals, inspiring religious sites, art, architecture, caves, mysteries of the natural world, historic ships, and fashion through the centuries. All combined these sights can make a rich Great Britain itinerary, or one by one they can add fascination to a larger trip. At the very least you can use them as day trips if you are staying in Bath.

Salisbury Cathedral- Built in just 38 years (1220-1258AD), it is a magnificent example of early English Gothic architecture surrounded by 8 acres of lawn and Britain's largest medieval Close. Fascinating treasures include the best preserved copy of only four surviving Magna Carta (1215AD) which forms the basis of the American constitution. Salisbury Cathedral has Britain's tallest spire (404 feet) and Europe's oldest working clock (1386AD). Tower Tours climb 332 steps through the roof spaces to view the spire from within.

Wilton House- Wilton House has been the ancestral home of the Earl of Pembroke and his family for 450 years. Its chief architectural features are the 17th century State apartments and the beautiful 19th century cloisters.

The House contains a fine art collection with over 230 original paintings on display, including works by Van Dyck, Rubens, Joshua Reynolds and Brueghel. Also on display are Greek and Italian statuary, a lock of Queen Elizabeth I's hair and Florence Nightingale's sash.

The grounds, bordered by two rivers, are a mix of small formal gardens and open parkland that are an idyllic setting for the majestic Palladian Bridge.

Stourhead- An outstanding example of the English Landscape Movement, this splendid garden was designed by Henry Hoare II and laid out between 1741 and 1780. Classical temples, including the Pantheon and the Temple of Apollo, are situated around the central lake at the end of a series of vistas, which change as the visitor moves around the paths and through the magnificent mature woodland with its extensive collection of trees and shrubs. Although Stourhead has changed and developed over more than two centuries, it remains as Horace Walpole described it in the 18th century: "One of the most picturesque scenes in the world."

Longleat- Set within 500 hectares of 'Capability Brown' landscaped grounds, Longleat offers a wonderland of attractions for visitors of all ages! Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain while the Safari Park offers a rare and close up view of lions, tigers, and giraffe from the safety of your own vehicle. You can also explore the world's longest Hedge Maze or take a voyage on Safari Boats or the Longleat Railway.

Glastonbury Abbey- This was once the largest and wealthiest Abbey in England. Today it is a magnificent and awe-inspiring Abbey ruins set amid 36 acres of tranquil Somerset parkland beauty.

Traditionally the earliest Christian sanctuary in Britain and legendary burial place of King Arthur and his Queen Guinevere. History and legends have abounded here for 2,000 years.

Museum of Costume, Bath- Housed in Bath's magnificent Georgian Assembly Rooms, the Museum of Costume is one of the finest collections of fashion garments in the world.

There are over 150 dressed figures on view, together with items of underwear, jewelry and other fashion accessories. The collection is brought up to date with an annual 'Dress of the Year', an item selected each year straight from the latest catwalk shows.

Bristol Zoo Gardens- Awarded 'Zoo of the Year 2004' by the Good Britain Guide, Bristol Zoo Gardens has a continuous reputation of excellence, innovation, and dedication to conservation. It's the fifth oldest zoo in the world outside a capital city, and a long established major tourist attraction in Bristol. (In 2004 a unique temporary exhibition 'Monster Creepy Crawlies' was mounted from 1 April to 7 September.) Other favorites in the Zoo include the award winning Seal and Penguin Coasts, Gorilla Island and the spectacular floral gardens.

Bristol City Museum- Outstanding collections of art and archaeology, geology and natural history are housed in a magnificent early 20th century building. The collections range widely and cover Chinese ceramics, paintings by the Bristol School, artifacts from ancient Egypt, and wildlife of south west England. Changing exhibitions add deeper dimensions and a shop and cafe will complete your visit.

SS Great Britain- The SS Great Britain, Brunel's masterpiece of ship design and engineering, is housed in the original 'Great Western Dock' where she was built in 1843.

The ship was the world's first great ocean liner. Before she was built, long distance sea voyages were made on wooden sailing ships and were dangerous and unpredictable. Sea travel took a great leap forward when famous Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel applied his remarkable skills to solving the problem.

She was the largest ship of her day and the first screw propelled iron passenger liner. In fact the design embodied so many innovative engineering ideas that she is really the forerunner of all modern ships.

At-Bristol- At-Bristol is a unique destination where the thrill and fascination of nature, science and art are blended together to create an exciting new leisure complex. At-Bristol is home to three major attractions. Choose from Wildwalk-At-Bristol, which brings you up close with the extraordinary diversity of the natural world; Explore-At-Bristol, enticing you to delve into science and technology; and the giant screen IMAX Theatre-At-Bristol. At-Bristol offers a very special day out, especially for children and anyone who is young at heart!

Cheddar Caves & Gorge- Cheddar Caves & Gorge greets visitors from all over the world. You can enjoy the Explorer Audio guide tours of Gough's Cave, with 70 stories for adults and children told by famous figures from Cheddar's past. The new "Cheddar Man & the Cannibals" museum celebrates Britain's world-famous oldest skeleton and the area's heritage as Britain's first authenticated cannibal site. And after a long absence the world's only cave-matured Cheddar cheese is again available.