Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Burnley to Dacorum

Are you in search of an adventure that culminates in a satisfying destination? The journey from Burnley to Dacorum offers a unique opportunity to explore England’s lesser-known locations. The journey takes about four and a half hours, but the drive is worth it. With so many sights to explore, it is hard to narrow down places to visit. Here are five unexpected places for road trippers that are sure to leave a lasting memory.

Halfway Point: Birmingham, XWM

The halfway point of this journey is Birmingham, also known as XWM. Birmingham is a city with so much to offer, from shops to parks, galleries to theatres. Visitors should mark their way to Cadbury World to discover the history of chocolate making. You will have more fun than a kid in a candy store while learning about the company's past and sampling their current treats. Visitors can even come face to face with the famous drumming gorilla. Make sure that you grab a few bags of the local Cadbury chocolates for your onward journey.

1. Stratford-upon-Avon

Many people are familiar with the birthplace of William Shakespeare, but Stratford-upon-Avon has something for everyone. The city is full of history and all the top sites like William Shakespeare’s birthplace, Anne Hathaway's Cottage, and Holy Trinity Church, where Shakespeare is buried. If you prefer hands-on experiences, the MAD Museum is where you can try out the kinetic contraptions and unusual designs. For a bite to eat, you must try the delicious fish and chips at the Gower Memorial Statue's iconic chippy.

2. Oxford, The City of Dreaming Spires

Oxford is famous for its university, and it is undoubtedly a stunning city to visit. The city's architecture is impressive, from the Ashmolean Museum with its diverse artifacts to the Oxford Botanic Garden full of horticultural wonders. If you're feeling curious, the Bodleian Library is open to visitors and is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. No doubt, you will need fuel to explore all these sites, and the famous Oxford cheese and onion pie from Pieminister will fill the gap between your curiosity and hunger.

3. Avebury, The Ancient Village

Avebury is famous for its neolithic henge monument ringed by a massive stone circle containing three stone circles within it. This monument is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is the largest stone circle globally, predating its more famous cousin, Stonehenge, by around 500 years. You can explore the ancient village and learn more about the history of this site. After a day of history and exploration, relish a delicious pint and a ploughman's lunch at the Red Lion pub, which boasts the largest thatched roof in Wiltshire.

4. St Albans, The Roman Legacy

If you are fond of ancient Roman heritage, then just off the M25, St. Albans waits for you. Known for its Roman legacy, St. Albans offers visitors the chance to explore the Roman Theater, the Hypocaust, and the Verulamium Museum. The city is also home to the stunning St. Albans Cathedral, the oldest site of Christian worship in England. For a snack, try the famous Srisiam Thai fish cakes at L'Italiana with a glass of wine.

5. Osterley Park, The Hidden Gem

Osterley Park has an excellent park, and it's perfect for a stopover if you are looking for a bit of peace and tranquility. The 15-acre formal gardens have lakes, walks, and a summerhouse to relax in. The park has an impressive house from the 16th century, which has undergone restoration, and now visitors can explore the opulent rooms. After a walk, why not head to the local Osterley Tap Room for some pub food and a drink or two.

Conclusion

The journey from Burnley to Dacorum might not seem like much, but it has hundreds of unique locations, experiences, and breathtaking landscapes that you might miss if you didn't stop and admire them. From the Roman legacy in St. Albans, the excitement of chocolate at Cadbury World to the stunning architecture of Oxford's dreaming spires, there is something for every traveler. So pack your bags and try not to forget your snack list. The five unexpected places mentioned above are merely a starting point for a journey full of surprises and wonder.