Where to stay near Longleat Forest (Wiltshire)

[NorthernSky]

Hi folks
can anyone recommend somewhere to stay for a couple of night within
an hrs drive south of Longleat in Wiltshire.
have a drive back north to Liverpool direction so didn't want to venture
too far from Longleat (unless it's something spectacular )
i say south as I presume it will be the most scenic? open to suggestions though
thanks

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Longleat Center Parcs?

All the lanes within ~15 miles south west ish are lovely to ride, moreso if you like hills. By far the steepest I know of is approaching the top of Kingsettle Hill from the south west, hitting ~20%.

Center Parcs do hire ebikes (Ridgeback and Specialized last time we went last year) and I had no problem being able to take them off campus to ride the lanes I used to do on my road bike, you can head back to the cycle centre for a replacement fully charged battery during opening hours if the battery is likely to drop below ~20%.

A quick google maps suggests Gare Hill is closed in both directions, but sometimes google maps gets it wrong and you can still get by on a bike.
If it is properly closed off, you can still get to the plateau from Longleat either via Maiden Bradley or Witham Friary (staggered right-left crossroads from Bunns Lane takes you through village and then up Dark Lane).

Alternatively, it's only ~22 miles to get to Wells (Old Bristol Rd) from Longleat and then get access to numerous longer hills around the Mendips including Cheddar Gorge and Draycott's brutal New Rd. But you're than looking at a ~70+ mile loop to make the visit to Mendips worth it.

 

[YMFB]

Beckford Arms nr Tisbury, great food.

Frome if you want evening entertainment, high pavement for dinner (must book)

Bishopstrow House in Warminster if you want a bit of luxury.

masses of cycling NCN 24/25