Maiden Bradley is an ideal centre for seeing the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in which it is situated, as well as the many historic and interesting places nearby. The difficulty comes when trying to fit everything into one week and longstanding Parish Holiday visitors will notice that much of our programme this year is a change from the usual in an effort to include more of our local delights! We very much enjoy showing our visitors places that the independent traveller might not discover such as a former grist mill, that is still working but now generating electricity, and the very unusual Italianate church in Wilton. The better known destinations are our magnificent Cathedral at Salisbury and stately homes such as Longleat House, home of Lord Bath. Nearby Stourhead with its beautiful gardens is among properties in the area owned by the National Trust. And of course we make sure that we see Stonehenge if our visitors have not already been there and also Old Sarum which English Heritage has developed into a very accessible and interesting place to visit.

The origin of Maiden Bradley’s unusual name and its history, as well as its four hundred year connection with the Dukes of Somerset, are things that become clear during the week, particularly on the very special tour of their historic seat, Bradley House. A chance to see the betrothal bed of Henry VIII and the Duke’s ancestor Jane Seymour is probably most people’s highlight!

We always try to find out our guests’ main interests before they arrive so that the itinerary may be planned to suit them if at all possible. They may want to visit more gardens or if they have an interest in aviation we can organise a trip to the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton. Bath is not on our planned itinerary this year but can be chosen in place of somewhere else if particularly wanted. However, because it is important to us that our guests are not overtired by their holiday, we arrange no drives that take longer than an hour and we are also pleased to include time out for rest and reflection! The evenings are times when they ‘meet the locals’, those who haven’t been their hosts or drivers, either in the pub or village homes. The warmth of welcome from our community is always mentioned by our visitors as a memorable part of their stay and it is a great joy for us all that we have made so many lasting friendships over the 17 years since our first Parish Holiday.

Wednesday - Travel to Maiden Bradley.

Thursday - Meet other guests then orientation tour of the parish including woodland walk and farm visits. After lunch a tour of Bradley House, for many years home to the Dukes of Somerset. Welcome supper at The Somerset Arms

Friday - Drive to Salisbury via Stonehenge and Old Sarum. Tour the Cathedral with our former Vicar, an experienced guide. Supper with a village family.

Saturday - Visit the town of Shaftesbury, one of the oldest and highest in
England, and its ruined Abbey. Picnic at Old Wardour Castle and
then walk in Stourhead Gardens. Evening concert.

Sunday - Parish Communion at All Saints’ Church, Maiden Bradley. Afternoon visit to Gants Mill, Bruton with tour of this restored grist mill and tea in its beautiful gardens. Evening barbecue.

Monday - Drive to the historic market town of Sherborne (photo above) and visit its castle and ancient abbey. Supper with a village family.

Tuesday - Visit Wilton House, home of the Earl of Pembroke, and the Italianate church in Wilton. Picnic lunch by the river. Supper and boules (skittles if wet!) at The Somerset Arms.

Wednesday - A chance to go to the local cattle market in nearby Frome on Market Day and after lunch a tour of Longleat House. Farewell supper

Thursday - Depart.