So looking forward to enjoying my 65th birthday gift next May with stays in Semley (4 nights) and Amberley (2 nights). Suggestions on how to enjoy this experience are most welcome. We are planning to rent a car to enhance mobility options through out the area. Arrive at Heathrow on May 4 and will head to London on May 11th. Appreciate your help!
Posted by
UK
501 posts
I’d never heard of Semley, despite being born and bred in the South of England. I found a tiny village near Shaftesbury of that name - is that where you’re staying?
If so, it’s a lovely part of the world. Shaftesbury is a very nice historic small town, full of old buildings and an incredibly steep and photogenic hill of old cottages.
You’ll be near Stonehenge and the other associated prehistoric mounds and burrows, with plenty of time to explore.
Amberley - presumably the one in West Sussex? The South Downs on your doorstep. Nearby Arundel has a very nice castle. North of you, Petworth is a great centre for antiquing.
I’m not sure what else we can help with - do you have specific questions?
You will definitely need a car to get the best of this.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5764 posts
There is also the Amberley Open Air Heritage Museum.
If you are into slow travel then there are also boat trips on the Wey and Arun Canal- https://weyarun.org.uk/backdrop/boat-trips
This former canal is slowly being restored, but formerly provided a link from the River Thames to Litttlehampton on the English Channel via the Wey Navigation (still very much open) then this Canal, and then the River Arun (the Arun Navigation). The Canal section was abandoned as long ago as 1871 due to railway competition. You can also walk quite a lot of the length.
There is also the magnificent Arundel Roman Catholic Cathedral to visit.
Posted by
OP
FL USA
1528 posts
Appreciate your input. Looking forward to slowly unwrapping this journey.