The Route to Hinton St George: A Guide to the A303
Driving from London to Somerset can be a tedious exercise in motorway gridlock, or it can be a deliberate journey through English history. The A303 offers the latter. Known historically as the gateway to the West Country, this route cuts directly through rolling hills, ancient landmarks, and essential culinary stops.
If you are traveling to The Witan in Hinton St George, avoid the M4. Take the A303 instead, and use this logical sequence of stops to structure your journey.
1. The Ancient Horizon: Stonehenge
As you leave the capital and cross the Hampshire border into Wiltshire, the landscape flattens into the expansive Salisbury Plain. Here, the A303 runs directly alongside Stonehenge.
The Stop: You do not need to pull into the crowded visitor center to appreciate the view. The stones loom clearly on the right hand side of the road.
The Detail: During summer, local vendors occupy the roadside laybys. Stop briefly to buy fresh, locally grown English strawberries or cherries for the remainder of the drive.
2. The Classical Landscape: Stourhead House & Gardens
Further west, near the borders of Wiltshire and Somerset, lies Stourhead. This 18th century National Trust estate is celebrated for its magnificent landscape gardens, classical temples, and central lake.
The Stop: Turn off at the Mere junction. It takes less than ten minutes to reach the estate.
The Purpose: This is the ideal location to break the journey. Walk the lakeside path to stretch your legs, and visit the National Trust courtyard café for premium coffee and traditional regional pastries.
3. The Grand Estate: Longleat Safari Park
For those traveling with family or those who wish to transform the drive into a full day excursion, Longleat sits just north of the main highway.
The Stop: Exit the A303 at the Deptford junction onto the A36, or follow signs from Wincanton.
The Purpose: Longleat features the UK's original drive through safari, a historic Elizabethan stately home, and an intricate hedge maze.
Reminder: A thorough visit requires several hours. You must pre book your day tickets online before leaving London. After your visit, you can bypass the main highway entirely by taking the rural backroads through Frome and Bruton straight to the cottage.
4. The Essential Pitstop: Teals Farm Shop
Positioned directly on the North/South Cadbury junction, Teals is a masterclass in modern roadside convenience. It rejects the standard, sterile highway services in favor of regional sustainability.
The Stop: Pull off directly at the Cadbury intersection; there is zero detour required.
The Purpose: This is where you should stock your larder for your stay at the cottage. Teals contains a dedicated local butchery, a deli, a cheesemonger, and an exceptional restaurant. Stop here for a seasonal lunch, or collect local Somerset cheeses, cider, and fresh bread to enjoy upon your arrival.
5. The Final Viewpoint: Ham Hill Country Park
You are now mere minutes from your destination. Ham Hill is a wild, expansive country park situated on a historic Iron Age hillfort. It offers panoramic views across the Somerset Levels.
The Stop: Exit the A303 near Yeovil at the Cartgate roundabout.
The Purpose: Walk the stone ramparts to see the landscape from above. The golden hued stone under your feet is Hamstone—the exact material used to build the historic thatched cottages of Hinton St George. Visit the Prince of Wales pub on the plateau for a quick drink before descending into the village.
Arrival at The Witan
Leaving the A303 behind, the roads narrow into quiet, tree lined lanes. You will coast directly into the preserved, picture postcard village of Hinton St George.
Park your car, unlock the doors to The Witan, and pour a drink. Your holiday has begun.
