Travel Information

Close to the harbour, on the high street, in Kircudbright you can find Broughton House. Its main claim to fame is that it was E A Hornels home. It was the aspiration of EA Hornel in 1901, to purchase this home which would reflect his new found wealth and position in life. He was an artist who was doing really well and he used the house as both a gallery and studio to work and display his paintings as well as a place to live. He also had an extensive library here that contains books on the locality and also that famous Scotsman, Robert Burns. The house remained Hornels home until his death thirty two years later. It was the most attractive and notable homes in the town with a splendid garden and still continues to be a landmark in the town. The garden overlooks the River Dee at the rear of the property. Hornell wanted his house to become a public art gallery and a special library long after his death. He willed it to the local community and local trusties ran it. Maintaining the house became a problem for the trusties sixty years later, so the National Trust for Scotland took over the care of this gem of a house, contents and gardens. April 2005 saw the house opened to the public again after a restoration programme. It is well worth a visit for its exceptional collections, lovely interiors and well laid out gardens. If you are in Scotland in your Scottish Motorhome Hire, call in and have a look around. It’s a very interesting house. For opening times, more information and admission prices click the link below.

Broughton House
High Street
Kirkcudbright
Dumfries and Galloway
DG6 4JX
Scotland

Tel 0844 493 2246.

Situated in North Nottingham, Felly Priory is something of a hidden gem. The garden, set in 2.5 acres is absolutely spectacular and carefully planted to carry interest throughout the year. The priory was founded in 1156 on the site of an old hermitage. The monks who lived here enjoyed a good life with a carp pond and a small mill. In the dissolution of the monasteries the priory survived to some extent and there are still some of the original features in the house today, the pillars at the entrance to the garden are part of the priory church. The central portion of the house was built in the 16th and 17th century and the stone parts added in about 1860. The house was bought by the Chaworth–Musters family in 1822 although they did not occupy the property until 1973 when they sold the family home Annesley Hall which is located nearby. It was at this point that the work began in earnest on the lovely gardens. As the house sits in an elevated position, the thick yew hedges were planted to give shelter to the planned herbaceous borders. These borders are now spectacular in the summer months. The walled garden is awash with old fashioned roses and some more tender shrubs and plants are protected underneath the old Elizabethan walls. In the spring, the orchard is a sea of yellow, white and orange daffodils some of which are extremely rare. There is also a stunning display of bluebells at this time of year. You will find many of the plants on display in the on site nursery and a tasty selection of local produce in the tea rooms. Felley priory is conveniently located close to the M1 and simple to find in your Nottinghamshire motorhome rental. For further information, please click the blue link below.

Felley Priory
Jacksdale
Nottinghamshire
NG16 5FJ

Telephone: 07763 189 771

If you are driving along the shores of the beautiful Loch Sween in Argyll Scotland, keep to the eatern shore and in Knapdale off the B8025 you will come across Castle Sween. This is an ancient castle built in the 12th century and as such is one of the oldest castles in Scotland. It originally would have been wooden and over the centuries it was further fortified with stone and towers built. The castle was built looking down the Loch to Ireland, across Jura Sound. It was built to withstand marauding forces arriving from the sea and land and parts of the stone work is ten feet thick.The castle had its own prison. Built around a quandrangle the castle is supported with buttresses which is quite an unusual architectural design for this part of the world.The castle also has its own well which was very useful if you were beseiged. The castle is thought to have been built by the grandson of  Hugh the Splendid O’Neill. Now under the Historic  Building and Monuments of Scotland,  who maintain it currently. This is a castle that has seen many furious battles. Its been beseiged by Robert the Bruce and nearly raised to the ground in 1647 by Sir Alexander Macdonald. What is left is a partial ruin but the location and what remains are still worthy of a visit if you enjoy and want to learn more about the history of this amazing place. Add the castle ruins to your list of places to visit on your Scotland Motorhome Hire Adventure. For more information click the blue text below.

Castle Sween
Achnamara
Lochgilphead
Argyll
Scotland
PA31 8PT

Set in the stunning backdrop of the Lake District, this historic and some say haunted Castle is home to 70 acres of stunning gardens and home to the World Owl Centre. A strategic site since Roman times, the castle and its surrounds are steeped in history and still remains a family home to this day. It is thought that the Pennington family has lived here since as far back as 1026 whilst recorded evidence exists from 1208 when the lands were granted to Alan de Penitone. Over the centuries the castle has been developed and updated to the magnificent building which stands today. In 1862 the renowned architect Anthony Salvin was instructed to modernize the house and is responsible for covering the courtyard and creating the present drawing room with it barrel vaulted ceiling. If you are a lover of the rhododendron you will be delighted to find that Muncaster is home to one of the largest collections in Europe. The Terrace is one of the golden features of the garden with its spectacular view over Eskdale and if you are lucky enough to visit in the Spring you will be dazzled by the carpet of bluebells which covers the high woodlands above the castle. A highlight of the visit is the Owl Centre which is home over 200 birds from all around the world. You can also be assured that you are doing your bit for the conservation of owls in the UK when you pay a visit here as the trust organizes a national nest-box scheme which is so important for the future of these truly magnificent creatures. When traveling in your Cumberland motorhome hire you will find Muncaster Castle off the A595. For further directions or information on this tourist attraction, please click the blue link below.

Muncaster Castle
Ravenglass
Cumbria
CA18 1RQ
Tel: 01229 717 614

Gawsworth Hall is a delightful Tudor manor house situated in the lovely Cheshire country side. The house is rightly regarded as one of the finest black and white Cheshire timber framed houses and has an interesting and romantic history to go with it. The house was built between 1480 and 1600 and today has a U shaped plan although it is originally thought to have been a quadrangle. Originally the home of the Fittons, their most famous family member was Mary Fitton, maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth I, her sparkling career at the court ended in disgrace and a stint in the tower of London following an affair and pregnancy by with the Duke of Pembroke. Scandal associated with the house did not end here, in 1712 there was a famous duel in Hyde Park between two claimants on the estate, The Duke of Hamilton and Lord Mohun, it left both the combatants dead and the house remained with the Gerard family of Lord Mohun until it was eventually bought by the Earl of Harrington. On a visit to the house you will gain a thorough insight into this fascinating history all within the embrace of a home loved and lived in today by the Richardson family. There are 30 acres of lovely grounds including a tilting (jousting) ground where knights of old would have practiced their battle skills and the gardens are delightful to stroll around. The orchard tea rooms are run by the family and in the summer refreshments can be taken outside in the orchard which is full of song birds. You will find the house in your Cheshire motorhome hire situated on the A536 south of Macclesfield. For further information on events taking place at the house or for opening times, please click the blue link below.

Gawsworth Hall
Church Lane
Gawsworth
Cheshire
SK11 9RN
Telephone: 01260 223456

Cholmondeley Castle was built between 1801 and 1804 and designed by local Cheshire architect William Turner under the instruction to create ‘an old gothic castle’. The 1st Marques wanted to make his status known and how better than to build a palatial modern castle for himself and his family. Subsequently the stunning gardens were created around the house and are said by many to be amongst the most romantic gardens ever seen. Amongst the most memorable features is the gorgeous temple water garden with its lake full of koi carp and its wonderful waterside planting. If you are traveling with your dog, then the woodland walk will certainly be enjoyed by your four legged friend, there is a magnificent variety of bulbs and from the top of the hill there is a spectacular view towards the Welsh hills. The children will definitely enjoy a visit to the farm centre where there is a host of friendly creatures including pygmy goats and ponies as well as more unusual animals such as longhorn cattle, alpacas and llamas. The tea rooms at Cholmondeley Castle are a very popular attraction and produce a host of delightful meals and snacks, so don’t miss out on a quick bite whilst you are there. Before paying the castle a visit in your Cheshire motorhome rental it is worth checking on line to see if there are any special events taking place at Cholmondeley. For further information, please click on the blue link below.

Cholmondeley Castle
Malpas
Cheshire
SY14 8AH

Tel: 01829 720383

Sir Richard and Lady Baker Wilbraham own this impressive house and it has been in their family since since 1669. English Heritage supported the family in 1980 when a serious outbreak of dry rot was detected. The family agreed to open to the public and restoration work took place over a period of seven years. Since then visitors have flocked to this beautiful hall to view the paintings, fine Gillow furniture and collections of fine porcelain and ceramics. The porcelain collection is of the highest standard with pieces collected by the family over a number of generations. Restoration of this prestgious house is still ongoing. The gardens are a particular delight as they are grade 11 listed and famed for the snowdrop walks that can be viewed from January till march. There is a great deal to see in these formal gardens the rest of the year too. No visit to a stately home is complete without a visit to a fine tea room. The Rode Tea Room is just that and has on offer cream teas and homemade cakes and of course excellent tea or coffee etc. They also hold farmers markets here at specific times of the month giving you the chance to buy fresh local ingredients and local homemade foods.If you are on your holiday driving your mototorhome or campervan hire north through cheshire and want to plan in a stop that will interest your family, then this hall is likely to fit the bill! For details of opening times, admission prices and what is on offer here, click the blue text below.

Rode Hall
Scholar Green
Cheshire ST7 3QP

Telephone: 01270 873237

Chatelherault is a Scottish venue with an intriguingly French name. It is derived from the French town of Chatellerault the dukedom of which was held by the very wealthy Duke of Hamilton. The centre of the park is the Duke’s former hunting lodge which was attached to Hamilton Palace; this has since been demolished in the main because of the effects of coal mining. The lodge was designed by William Adam and provided stables and kenneling for the visiting hunting parties. An avenue of line trees linked the lodge to the palace and must have made an impressive sight for the visiting nobles and dignitaries who were invited to the Dukes hunts, thus confirming his status as the premier peer in Scotland. Indeed the subsidence is prevalent in the lodge itself and gives it a distinctly lopsided feeling. There are plenty of exhibitions which take place within the lodge and there is a large gift shop to browse and a café in which you can enjoy a snack. Outside there are formal gardens and for the more energetic there is 10 miles of walks along the River Avon and through some of the oldest woodlands in Scotland. Keep your eyes open for wildlife as there is plenty to see including roe deer and badgers as well as otters and kingfishers. From the hilltop there are panoramic views of the city of Glasgow as well as the surrounding countryside. You will find the park in your Lanarkshire motorhome hire off the M74, it is very well sign posted. For further information on Chatelherault Country Park, please click the blue link below.

Chatelherault Country Park
Carlisle Road
Ferniegair
Hamilton
ML3 7UE

Telephone: 01698 426213

Since the time of King Cnut there has been a monastery at Buckfast.  The monastery was originally Benedictine, but has also been Cistercian in its time. Like all monasteries in England the nature of the Abbey has changed and evolved with history and in accordance with the decisions and policies of monarchs. After the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII the abbey fell into disrepair, lead was stripped from the roof and the stone used, whilst removables were auctioned. The abbey stood derelict until it was bought and a manor house built on the site. Following subsequent changes of ownership in 1872 James Gale was keen to sell the property but wanted to offer it to a religious community. Within weeks and after a gap of 343 year Monks were once again in residence at the abbey and so it remains to this day. Over the years the order has restored and rebuilt the monastery, much of it by hand themselves. Notably Brother Dom Charles Norris a former student of the Royal College of art made artistic development at the abbey his life’s work. These art works include stained glass windows, marble floors and ceiling paintings. He also created windows for churches throughout the country. In an effort to improve the lay communities understanding of the monastic lifestyle, the order have actively encouraged visitors by improving facilities such as car parks and restaurants for the many people who choose to spend a day at Buckfast Abbey. Indeed this is a splendid way to spend some time whilst traveling in your Devon motorhome hire. For further information on this interesting day out, please click the blue link below.

Buckfast Abbey
Buckfastleigh
Devon
TQ11 0EE

Telephone: 01364 645500

A day out at the magnificent gardens of Howick Hall would leave anyone delighted by the beautiful and natural style the garden evokes. This historic property is home to the Earls Grey, famous for both their political achievements, the 2nd Earl having served as Prime Minister and for their connections with the tea. Indeed the second Earl introduced the Great Reform Bill to parliament in 1832 which acted as the first step on the road to modern parliamentary democracy. However it was not all work and no play for this politician as he still had time to father 15 children with his devoted wife. He was also responsible for having his own special blend of tea developed in China to suit the lime water at Howick. This tea contained bergamot in particular and soon became a hit in London when his wife used it whilst entertaining her visitors. Unfortunately the Earl did not have the foresight to register the Earl Grey trade mark and has subsequently received no royalties. You can sample the tea in the lovely tea rooms situated in the former ball room whilst on your day out. Indeed you may be in need of refreshment after enjoying a walk round as there is plenty to see. Largely the work of the 5th Earl and later his daughter, the formal Victorian layout was swept away and the more natural planting style which had become the vogue, was introduced. The gardens are rightly famed for their collections of bulbs, so spring is definitely an excellent time to visit, in high summer the bog garden and the herbaceous borders are spectacular and the beautiful woodland walks are a year round favorite. So if you are traveling near Alnwick in your Northumberland motorhome rental, be sure to explore these lovely gardens. For further information, please click the blue link below.

Howick Hall Gardens
Alnwick
Northumberland
NE66 3LB
England
Telephone: 01665 577 285