Himself has kicked a blinder of a goal today. Not only has he found a gorgeous manor house to explore but it comes with an extraordinary distinction – a private zoo complete with interactive animal experiences and a safari drive. People caged while creatures roam free. I love it! An. Animal. Safari. It seems hard to believe but set deep in the heart of Warminster countryside are lions and tigers and hippopotamus…..oh my!!
To take full advantage, we’re propping for two days. Lunch and a ramble today, followed by a full day at Longleat House tomorrow. I’m not missing a moment of creature time if I can help it. Luckily it’s only a short walk from our site and the happy echoing barks of sea lions provide a glimpse of what’s in store tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a rambling we will go. Do feel free to insert walk, hike, trek or other local euphemism for transporting oneself on foot.
Under Himself’s careful instruction, map in hand, we pick our way through Warminster’s cool woods and farmlands. Picture perfect.
We see zippy not quite yet grown spring squirrels, endless birdies and bumbles, an occasional cow and horses. There’s even a wee foal, so brand new that his tail is still a feather duster, full of the joys of everything being a new adventure.
Sustenance along the way is courtesy of wild blackberries, bursting with flavour, warm from the sun. Very refreshing on a hot day. Whilst Australia deems blackberry plants a noxious weed, here they grow free through hedgerows and country lanes. Locals are often seen with basket in hand out for a wild harvest. No doubt with jam or baking in mind.
It’s a hilly, rocky and at times challenging approach but we finally arrive at the Royal Oak just before opening. I love these ancient country pubs – covered in flowers and steeped in history they’re utterly charming. Doesn’t hurt that they often name their local beers for creatures either. 🐇🐾💕. Otter Ale anyone?
Himself can’t go past the ‘beef + 6x’ pie, 6 x being a local brew. It’s delicious with a rich gravy and melt in your mouth filling encased in buttery shortcrust. I have the smoked haddock fish cakes – also very nice. We’ve had very good luck with food this trip – restaurants featuring the best of local suppliers, proudly namned on their menus.
Suitably rested and refreshed we reverse track home. Much easier down hill but I suspect Himself is feeling the weight of that pie…a small serve it was not.
Once home, our neighbours are full of news on their day at Longleat. So armed we visit the ticket office to learn how to best secure bus tickets for the safari (sold out on line). We’re free to take the motorhome in of course, but there is a risk that a cheeky and very large group of Macau monkeys on safari might help themselves to our annenta, windscreen wipers or anything else they fancy. I have visions of our satellite being claimed as a fancy frisbee. Or perhaps a wok? Oh my! I. Cannot. Wait.
Miss Baci Travels 