Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Cannock Chase to Portsmouth
Driving from Cannock Chase to Portsmouth may not sound like an exciting adventure, but there are hidden gems along the way that you won't want to miss. The drive takes approximately three hours, but it's worth taking your time to explore the sights. The route passes through Oxford, a perfect halfway point for a rest and some sightseeing. Without further ado, here are five unexpected places to stop on this drive.
1. Cotswolds, GLO
The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty that covers a large swath of southern England. It's a charming and picturesque area, with honey-colored limestone villages, rolling hills, and beautiful gardens. Visitors to the Cotswolds can explore the quaint villages, enjoy a hike, or take a scenic drive. The Cotswolds is also home to some of the best pubs in England, serving delicious local food.
Don't miss: The Slaughters is a picturesque village in the Cotswolds with a river running through it. Stop at The Slaughters Country Inn for a traditional Cotswold cream tea.
2. Bath, SOM
Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Roman Baths, Georgian architecture, and natural hot springs. Visitors to Bath can explore the well-preserved Roman Baths, relax in the Thermae Bath Spa, or wander the city's cobbled streets. Bath is also famous for its local produce, including Bath buns and Bath chaps (a cured pork dish).
Don't miss: Sally Lunn's Historic Eating House is a fantastic place to try a Bath Bun, which is a sweet, yeasted bread roll topped with sugar.
3. Stonehenge, WIL
Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world. Visitors to Stonehenge can marvel at the giant stones, which are over 5,000 years old and weigh up to 50 tonnes. It's a mysterious and awe-inspiring place, and nobody is quite sure how the ancient people who built it managed to move the stones.
Don't miss: The Stonehenge Inn is a traditional English pub that serves hearty pub food and local ales.
4. New Forest, HAM
The New Forest is a beautiful national park in southern England, famous for its ancient woodlands, picturesque villages, and free-roaming ponies. Visitors to the New Forest can enjoy a leisurely hike, bike ride, or horseback ride through the forest. The New Forest is also home to some excellent restaurants and pubs, serving local produce and real ale.
Don't miss: The Pig Hotel is a unique hotel and restaurant set in a beautiful New Forest country house. The restaurant serves locally sourced and foraged food, and the hotel has a kitchen garden, smokehouse, and beehives.
5. Chichester, SUS
Chichester is a historic cathedral city on the south coast of England. Visitors to Chichester can explore the city's rich history, including the spectacular 12th-century cathedral. Chichester is also a cultural center, with a thriving arts scene and regular theater productions. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the South Downs National Park.
Don't miss: The Crate & Apple is a cozy gastropub in Chichester's city center, serving delicious local food and drink.
In conclusion, a drive from Cannock Chase to Portsmouth may not seem like the most exciting road trip, but these five unexpected places along the way make it well worth the journey. It's a chance to explore some of England's most beautiful countryside, sample some delicious local food and drink, and soak up some of the country's rich history and culture. So why not hit the road and discover these hidden gems for yourself?