Out of the few main routes down to the West Country, I more often than not choose the A303 for its scenic drive through rolling green hills, amble oportunities to pull over when needed, and its centrepiece, the stunning view of Stonehenge it gives you. I've seen the stones in various seasons and weathers be it wrapped in cold mist or lit up in bright summer sun, and still they spark my imagination. I think of people in a long past time travelling this same unchanged landscape. At over 4,500 years old, I wonder who else has paused to take in the same view from a different era.

The A303/A30 route has another advantage over the alternatives: it gives somewhere better to break the journey than the usual dreary motorway service stations. Solstice Park nearby is a solid shout if you want more choice than a café, or the Stonehenge Visitor Centre itself is worth considering as it is well designed, and free to visit. Inside, the café serves hot food, cakes, and drinks, with outdoor picnic areas where you can eat with views of the surrounding landscape. It's a relaxed stop whether you're there for the stones or just need to stretch your legs.

Great for families: The visitor centre includes engaging exhibitions with replica Neolithic objects children can handle, and a land train runs to the stones themselves — making it accessible and enjoyable for all ages without a long walk.

Glastonbury town centre is one of England's most eclectic high streets that takes me back to happy memories of some of the spirit of Glastonbury festival. It is lined with independent shops selling crystals, tarot, handmade crafts, and curiosities that reflect the town's deep connection to mysticism, folklore, and alternative culture. Whether you're browsing or just soaking up the unique atmosphere, it's unlike anywhere else on the route.

Rising above the town, Glastonbury Tor is a prominent hill topped by a ruined medieval tower, offering sweeping panoramic views across the Somerset Levels. Steeped in Arthurian legend and ancient mythology, it remains one of the most iconic and spiritually significant landmarks in England.

Lewis Clarke  - CC BY-SA 2.0

I would recommend visiting Englands smallest city. It offers all the conveniences of a town but elevated with medieval charm in the beautiful stone architecture the area is famous for. The town and its nearby caves work in any weather, be it to escape the midday sun in summer or keep dry in a cold winter. The best and only preserved medieval (14th century) residential street in Europe is a must see as are the infamous scissor arches of the cathedral, which being honest isnt normally 'my thing' but it does stop me in my tracks wondering 'how on earth did a medieval builder do it?'

Wookey Hole Caves are a short drive away and I have fond family memories there so good for visitors of all ages, with spectacular limestone caves running deep underground. In those same underground chambers, the cool, humid conditions in the rock are used to age award-winning Cheddar cheese.

Family Fun: The surrounding site includes a vintage penny arcade, a dinosaur grove, and a historic paper mill.

Chris Talbot  - CC BY-SA 2.0

Chris Talbot  - CC BY-SA 2.0

A great National Trust Elizabethan and Jacobean country house with beautiful gardens. It has a great second hand bookshop in the stables I like to browse and a nice National Trust cafe. Its been a key setting in the BBCs adaptation of the book Wolf Hall and where they filmed Sense and Sensibility (1995), which I appreciate as its architecture is stunning and to me a definition of the Elizabethan age.

Sherborne is one of Dorset's most handsome market towns, its honey-coloured stone buildings and medieval streetscape making it feel genuinely unchanged by time. The compact town centre rewards an hour's wander — independent shops, a Saturday market, and excellent cafes sit alongside centuries-old architecture at every turn.

The jewel is Sherborne Abbey, a magnificent former Benedictine monastery church whose fan vaulting rivals any in England. The Abbey dates to the 8th century and its soaring interior, rich stained glass, and tranquil close make it a compelling stop. Sherborne also has not one but two castles — the atmospheric ruins of the Old Castle and the later Sherborne Castle built by Sir Walter Raleigh, both set in beautiful parkland on the edge of town.

Jaggery  - CC BY-SA 2.0

You'll likely recognise the scenery as it's been used as a backdrop in some well known films, including Pride & Prejudice with Keira Knightley. I recognise it every time I visit, and that feeling of recognition is particularly strong in the rain if you catch it that way.

It's a picturesque landscape garden centred on a serene lake, with a classical temple, a grotto, and the Pantheon dotted around its edges — a genuine National Trust treasure.

A gallery and arts centre housed in a former dairy, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and events in a rural setting.

Oudolf Field is the real draw for many, a large perennial meadow that Piet Oudolf planted with a striking mix of colour, form and texture, and one of the designer's most celebrated UK projects.

The on-site Farm Shop sits on the edge of a working farm with its own vineyard, orchard and walled garden, showcasing seasonal local produce, while Da Costa restaurant and the Roth Bar — a site-specific installation by artist Oddur Roth made from salvaged materials — serve food and drink. There's also a bookshop stocking titles from the gallery's history alongside prints and activity sets for children.

A former Cistercian monastery with a beautiful house and gardens, offering a glimpse into centuries of history and architectural styles.

Ninesprings is a beautiful country park on the southern edge of Yeovil, winding through a wooded valley with lakes, streams, and mature trees — a genuinely lovely escape right on the doorstep of the town. The well-maintained paths make it ideal for an easy stroll or a longer walk, with plenty of space for children to run and explore along the way.

Dogs are very welcome throughout the park including the park's dog friendly café, making it a great place to stop for a coffee and a bite to eat after your walk.

Family friendly: Open grassy areas, play spaces, and a relaxed café with indoor and outdoor seating make Ninesprings an easy and enjoyable stop for families travelling with children or dogs.

If you travel with children, or just like cars, this is a bit of a hidden gem and well worth the stop. And I say hidden because it's been pleasantly quiet and peaceful every time I've visited. I remember the Haynes car manuals fondly, and it's their success that let John Haynes build this vast personal collection of classic cars, motorcycles, and motoring memorabilia over the years, now housed here celebrating automotive history.

The surprising part is how well they cater for children as there is a play barn and outdoor karting for younger kids. The cafe is quite expansive, offers plenty of seating and I have found clean each time i have visited. Next door is a proper (motorised) karting track too, which I can personally recommend if anyone in the group wants something a bit faster-paced.