Bob, Liz and Eliza Matthews warmly welcome you to Lorne House.
Thank you for choosing to stay with us
We are a family run business and having lived in this area for over 20 years we are always happy to answer questions and share information with guests keen to explore both Bath and Wiltshire.
We live in the Annexe behind Lorne House and outside of breakfast and check in hours are usually on site or not too far away. If you need something, have any questions or in the event of an emergency, please telephone us on:
MAIN TELEPHONE: 01225 742 597 MOBILE TELEPHONE: 07779 650 729
Lorne House, London Road, Box, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8NA t. 01225 742 597 [email protected] www.lornehousebox.co.uk COVID-19 – SPECIAL INFORMATION
MASKS: As we emerge from lockdown, we anticipate that it will continue to be mandatory for masks or face coverings to be worn in all public areas of hotels and B&Bs but will be monitoring the advice as it progresses. Please ensure that you bring a mask and be prepared to wear it when entering Lorne House, leaving your room or using the sitting room. Masks may be removed for eating.
HAND SANITISERS: You will see that we have placed hand sanitisers in the entrance porch, in the rear entry hallway and in the kitchen and reception area of Lorne House. All guests are asked to please use these upon entering the house and when leaving their rooms.
BREAKFAST – PRE-ORDERS AND TIMINGS To assist us with compliance of social distancing restrictions we are asking guests to pre-order their breakfast the night before – you will be given an order form upon arrival or you will find one in your room. Please complete this and leave it on the table by the Buddha next to the office the night before. Please note that we have had to reduce the number of breakfast tables to ensure safe distancing so we may have to juggle breakfast timings for some guests according to demand. Please check with us when you come down for breakfast for seating. At busy times we may set up a table in the sitting room and in good weather guests may be able to take breakfast on the balcony.
CLEANING: Our bedlinen and towels are washed at high temperatures by an external laundry company. All rooms are thoroughly cleaned and anti-bacterial products are used on door handles, hard surfaces, tv remote controls etc, in all rooms ahead of guest arrivals. Our housekeepers wear masks for serving breakfast and gloves for all cleaning duties.
BOOKS and DVDS: We regret that whilst restrictions remain in place, the books and DVDs in the B&B that we are usually happy for guests to borrow are currently unavailable. Lorne House – General Information for Guests
Wifi Name: Lorne House Wifi Password: lornehousebox
Check In and Check Out
Check in is from 4.00pm – 7.00pm Check out on day of departure is 10.30am If you wish to arrive earlier or leave later, please ask as we may be able to offer some flexibility. To ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff please ensure that you use the Hand Sanitiser provided each time you enter Lorne House or exit your room.
Room Information
We hope that you find your room comfortable. All rooms are equipped with tea & coffee making facilities, iron, ironing board, fan and a hairdryer. A non-slip bathmat is available in each bathroom and soap, shampoo, conditioner and shower gel are supplied. Cots can be provided free of charge upon request. (NB. If cot bedding is required then a charge of £10 is applicable). Your room key also has a front door key attached (plus a backdoor key if you are one of our lower rooms). Please ensure you always lock the exit doors behind you and return your key upon departure. There is a replacement charge of £25 for any key not returned.
Important Notice: Please do NOT put anything other than toilet paper down the toilet e.g. No Wet Wipes, Nappies, Nappy Liners, Sanitary towels or tampons, Make up Wipes or Dental Floss, etc.
We have a pump on the system to pump up to the mains drain that gets easily blocked with such items so please use the bin provided for these. Thank you for your cooperation
Parking
Cars may be parked on our driveway at any time but please park considerately. Guests may park in the Drs’ Surgery car park next door to Lorne House at the stated times: Weekdays: Strictly between 5.00 pm and 8.30 am Weekends: At any time Cars may also be parked without restriction on the road in Bargates (the small road opposite the Doctor’s Surgery).
Lorne House, London Road, Box, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8NA t. 01225 742 597 [email protected] www.lornehousebox.co.uk
Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the dining room (left of the front entrance door). Highchairs can be provided, if required. Breakfast service is between the following times:
Monday to Friday 7.30 am - 9.00 am Saturday & Sunday 7.45 am – 9.30 am
Due to distancing restrictions following the COVID-19 health pandemic we will ask you to choose a specific breakfast time, so we can follow distancing guidelines and if possible, place your breakfast order the night before.
We use locally sourced ingredients where possible. All eggs are free range from the village; our Wiltshire Dry Cure bacon and sausages are sourced from Sandridge Farms in Calne. If you have any specific dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we will try to accommodate these.
Housekeeping
During your stay, your bin will be emptied, teas and coffees etc replenished and used mugs replaced on a daily basis. In accordance with hospitality guidance for the COVID-19 restrictions, our housekeepers will not be making beds or cleaning bathrooms during your stay. Naturally, guests who are with us for longer stays will have their bedding changed and bathroom cleaned during their stay and we will discuss the frequency of this at check in.
Ironing and Laundry
Ironing & laundry facilities are available on request. We charge £10 per load (washing and drying only). All rooms are equipped with an iron and ironing board.
Children
We love well behaved children Waterproof mattress covers are available for beds so please ask if you think your child may need one. Wet mattresses will incur replacement charges.
Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted anywhere in Lorne House If you are a smoker, you may smoke outside at the rear of the house but please dispose of your butt-ends responsibly. We have jam jars with lids for use as ashtrays, so please ask if you need one.
Books and DVDs
Whilst we are subject to COVID-19 guidelines we regret that all books and DVDs in the house are not available to guests.
Lorne House, London Road, Box, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8NA t. 01225 742 597 [email protected] www.lornehousebox.co.uk
Pets
We regret that we are unable to accommodate pets, except for assistance dogs.
Credit cards
We accept most major credit cards For stays longer than one week we require payment on a weekly basis.
Fire Regulations:
If you Discover a Fire
1. Operate the nearest fire alarm point (there is one on each of the first three floors):
• Lower Ground Floor – by back door • Ground Floor – by kitchen door • First Floor – in the hall outside Room 2
2. Leave the premises by the nearest available exit. 3. Report to the assembly point at the Front Gate
If you Hear the Fire Alarm (n.b. The Fire Alarm is a very loud and continuous sound)
1. Leave the premises by the nearest available exit – these are The Front Door, The Rear Door on the Ground Floor by the kitchen and the Rear Door on the Lower Ground Floor 2. Report to the assembly point at the Front Gate.
Close all doors behind you. Do not stop to collect personal belongings and do not re- enter the building until advised that it is safe to do so.
Bottled Water
We can supply cold bottles of water for guests if required. The water is Perfectly Drinkable Tap Water supplied in reusable glass bottles that are washed in the dishwasher after each use.
Damages
We aim to service our rooms to a very high standard. However, if there is anything missing, not clean or broken in your room please tell us so that we can attend to it. If anything is broken or accidental damage occurs during your stay, please tell us as soon as possible so that we can replace or clean as necessary.
Lorne House, London Road, Box, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8NA t. 01225 742 597 [email protected] www.lornehousebox.co.uk
Outside Space
Guests are welcome to use the large balcony outside the kitchen which benefits from the afternoon and evening sunshine. A parasol, table and chairs are provided for your comfort. As we are a semi-detached property and out of respect for our neighbours, we would ask that noise is kept to a minimum and that the balcony is not used after 10.30pm.
Recycling
We recycle as much as we can, and separate bottles, paper and cans for kerbside recycling. If you need to dispose of any such items, please let us know so that we can ensure they are recycled appropriately.
Any other questions?
We hope that the above covers most things that you may need to know during your stay but if there is anything that we’ve missed please don’t hesitate to ask us.
Finally…
Do check out our social media accounts – and tag us on any posts during your stay
@Lorne House
lornehousebox
lornehouseboxwiltshire
And don’t forget to check out the blogs on our website for local information and suggestions.
Lorne House, London Road, Box, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8NA t. 01225 742 597 [email protected] www.lornehousebox.co.uk
Breakfast Menu
We regret that due to restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic we are unable to provide our usual buffet service. Please make your requests from the menu below and your food will be served at your table.
Starter Options:
• Fruit Juice (Orange or Apple) • Fresh Fruit (e.g. pineapple, melon, berries) • Greek Yoghurt • Cereal - Cornflakes, Special K, Coco Pops, Fruit and Fibre, Muesli • Hot Porridge • Toast (white or brown seeded wholemeal) • Croissant
Cooked Breakfast Options
• Full English Breakfast: (bacon, eggs, sausages, tomato, mushrooms, beans) • Baked Beans on white or brown toast • Scrambled Eggs on white or brown toast • Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon • Omelette (Plain, or choose from Cheese, Onion, Ham, Mushroom) • Eggs Benedict – poached eggs on a muffin with hollandaise sauce • Eggs Benedict with bacon • Eggs Benedict Royale – with smoked salmon
Hot Drink Options:
• Coffee – Caffeinated or Decaffeinated • Leaf Tea - English Breakfast or Earl Grey • Fruit, Herbal or Decaffeinated tea • Hot Chocolate
For any special dietary requests, please notify us in advance
Vegetarian sausages available
All breakfasts are cooked to order using locally sourced ingredients where possible. All eggs are free range Pubs & Restaurants
There are many wonderful restaurants in Bath, please ask for recommendations or look on the various tourist web sites. If you wish to eat locally the following are our closest recommendations. Please DO BOOK IN ADVANCE, especially at weekends, to avoid disappointment.
The Northey (20 minute walk or 5 minute drive) Bath Rd, Box 01225 742333 Very good restaurant with good food and wines, booking necessary on Fridays and Saturdays On A4 1 mile west of village towards Bath, next to Nissan garage.
The Bengal Bear (7 minute walk or 3 minute drive) High St, Box 01225 743 126 Indian cuisine , BYO wine, beer etc (Co-op open until 10pm) Very good Indian Food, can be busy Friday and Saturday as also a takeaway.
Queens Head (5 minute walk) High St, Box 01225742340 Traditional pub with food. No food on Sunday evenings. No children except in garden On high street, west end of village (heading right from Lorne House).
Quarryman’s Arms (30 minute walk up steep hill or 5 minute drive) Box Hill, Corsham, SN13 8HN 01225 743569 Traditional country pub with good food and wonderful views. Turn left out of drive, immediately turn right into Bargates, turn left at end, up the hill, turn left at top (grass triangle – yellow grit box) 200yds on left.
The Longs Arms (10 minute drive) (Our favourite!) South Wraxall, Bradford on Avon, BA15 2SB 01225 864450 Superb village pub with really superb food – holder of a Michelin Bib Gourmand Right out of drive, left just before traffic lights to Melksham A365, up hill, to traffic lights, right to B0A B3109, then 2nd right (3 miles) Booking essential. NB: Closed Sunday evening, all day Monday and all day Tuesday
The Methuen Arms (10 minute drive) 2 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB 01249 717060 Excellent Pub and restaurant for lunch or dinner. Turn left out of drive and carry on up the hill for 2miles. Turn right at the Hare & Hounds pub, over 2 mini roundabouts, the Methuen is 200yds on left.
Timbrells Yard (12 minute drive) 49 St Margaret's St, Bradford-on-Avon BA15 1DE 01225 869492 Lovely restaurant in the heart of Bradford on Avon Right out of drive, left just before traffic lights to Melksham A365, up hill, to traffic lights, right to Bradford on Avon. Just over the bridge turn left into public carpark. Restaurant is on far left of carpark. Booking advised.
The Bathampton Mill (10 minute drive) Mill Lane, Bathampton, BA2 6TS 01225 469 758 Lovely riverside restaurant with outside seating Right out of drive towards Bath. At the 1st roundabout turn right into Batheaston village. Go through the village and turn left (signposted Bathampton and Toll Bridge). Pay a cash toll (80p), cross the bridge and the Mill is the first right.
The Pear Tree Inn (10 minute drive) Whitley SN12 8QX 01225 704 966 Beautiful English village pub with fine dining Turn right out of drive and then left at Chapel Lane and left at the top onto the A365 Devizes Road After 5 miles you arrive in Atworth village. turn left after the mini roundabout (signposted Purlpit). The pub is half a mile along this road on the left. Booking essential.
Mother and Wild (10 minute drive) 8 High Street, Corsham SN13 0HB 01249 716 777 Café, Restaurant and Bar – speciality Pizzas. Turn Left out of drive, up hill 2miles, turn right at Hare & Hounds pub, over 1st and 2nd mini roundabout. Turn next left and park in village carpark. Mother and Wild is on the pedestrianised main street.
The Crown at Bathford (7 minute drive) 2 Bathford Hill, Bathford, BA1 7SL 01225 852426 Pub with food 12-3pm 6-9.30pm 7 days a week Turn right out of drive, through traffic lights towards Bath. After 1 ½ miles turn 1st left at the roundabout, under railway arch, then immediately left. Pub on your right.
The Tollgate Inn (15 minute drive) Ham Green, Holt, Nr Bradford on Avon, BA14 6PX 01225 782 326 Excellent pub with great food Turn right out of drive, left just before traffic lights to Melksham A365, uphill, to traffic lights, right to B3109, then village towards Bradford on Avon, light turn left and left again toward Holt. Local Transport Services
Bus Service: X31 Chippenham – Corsham – Box – Bath
This service goes to between Bath and Chippenham Railway Stations.
For buses to Bath, turn right out of Lorne House and walk 100 metres. Cross the road at the Zebra Crossing and you will see the bus stop. Return X31 buses leave from Bath Bus Station or opposite The Guildhall (near to the back of Bath Abbey). The bus stop for Lorne House is just past us, 100 metres up the road opposite Box Tunnel.
For buses to Corsham or Chippenham, turn left out of Lorne House and walk 100 metres. The bus stop is just past the first road on the left, The Wharf. The return bus stop is 100 metres past Lorne House, by the Zebra Crossing in the village centre.
The current bus timetable for this service is included in this information pack.
Local Taxi Services:
Adrian’s Taxi 07967 333490 Corsham Taxis 01249 701111 V Cars Chippenham 01249 656565 Kate’s Taxi 01249 810404 Beeline Taxi Co 01225 433946 0794 1435206
Bath based Taxi Services:
Abbey Taxi 01225 444444 V Cars Bath 01225 464646 Widcombe Cars 01225 319959
Lorne House, London Road, Box, Corsham, Wiltshire SN13 8NA t. 01225 742 597 [email protected] www.lornehousebox.co.uk
Service X31 - Chippenham - Corsham - Bath Effective from 1st February 2021
Monday to Saturday NS NS wcs wcs Bath, Bus Station - Bay 6 - - 07:00 07:30 07:55 08:25 08:55 09:25 09:55 10:25 10:55 11:25 11:55 12:25 12:55 13:25 13:55 14:25 14:55 15:25 15:55 16:25 16:55 17:25 17:55 18:25 18:55 19:25 21:00 23:05 Batheaston, Stambridge - - 07:12 07:42 08:08 08:40 09:10 09:40 10:12 10:42 11:12 11:42 12:12 12:42 13:12 13:42 14:12 14:42 15:12 15:42 16:12 16:42 17:12 17:42 18:12 18:42 19:12 - - - Box, Northey Arms 06:20 06:50 07:17 07:47 08:13 08:45 09:15 09:45 10:17 10:47 11:17 11:47 12:17 12:47 13:17 13:47 14:17 14:47 15:17 15:47 16:17 16:47 17:17 17:47 18:17 18:47 19:17 19:42 21:17 23:22 Box, Post Office 06:23 06:53 07:20 07:50 08:16 08:48 09:18 09:48 10:20 10:50 11:20 11:50 12:20 12:50 13:20 13:50 14:20 14:50 15:20 15:50 16:20 16:50 17:20 17:50 18:20 18:50 19:20 19:45 21:20 23:25 Rudloe, Bus Shelter 06:28 06:58 07:25 07:55 08:22 08:54 09:24 09:54 10:26 10:56 11:26 11:56 12:26 12:56 13:26 13:56 14:26 14:56 15:26 15:56 16:26 16:56 17:26 17:56 18:26 18:56 19:26 19:51 21:25 23:30 Corsham, Furzehill 06:33 07:03 07:30 08:00 08:28 09:00 09:30 10:00 10:32 11:02 11:32 12:02 12:32 13:02 13:32 14:02 14:32 15:02 15:32 16:02 16:32 17:02 17:32 18:02 18:32 19:02 19:32 19:57 21:30 23:35 Corsham, Newlands Rd Arr 06:36 07:06 07:33 08:03 08:31 09:04 09:34 10:04 10:36 11:06 11:36 12:06 12:36 13:06 13:36 14:06 14:36 15:06 15:36 16:06 16:36 17:06 17:35 18:05 18:35 19:05 19:35 20:00 21:33 23:38 Corsham, Newlands Rd 06:37 07:07 07:34 08:06 08:33 09:07 09:37 10:07 10:39 11:09 11:39 12:09 12:39 13:09 13:39 14:09 14:39 15:09 15:39 16:09 16:39 17:09 17:37 18:07 18:37 19:06 19:36 20:01 21:35 23:40 Corsham, Coulston Avenue 06:39 07:09 07:36 08:08 08:35 09:09 09:39 10:09 10:41 11:11 11:41 12:11 12:41 13:11 13:41 14:11 14:41 15:11 15:41 16:11 16:41 17:11 17:39 18:09 18:39 19:08 19:38 20:03 21:37 23:42 Sainsbury's, A4 06:44 07:14 07:41 08:13 08:41 09:15 09:45 10:15 10:47 11:17 11:47 12:17 12:47 13:17 13:47 14:17 14:47 15:17 15:47 16:17 16:47 17:17 17:44 18:14 18:44 19:14 19:44 20:07 21:41 23:46 Brook Street, Redland School 06:49 07:19 07:46 08:19 08:48 09:22 09:52 10:22 10:54 11:24 11:54 12:24 12:54 13:24 13:54 14:24 14:54 15:24 15:54 16:24 16:54 17:24 17:50 18:20 18:50 19:20 19:50 20:13 21:47 23:52 Chippenham, Railway Station RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR Chippenham Bus Stn - Bay 8 06:58 07:28 07:55 08:29 08:58 09:32 10:02 10:32 11:04 11:34 12:04 12:34 13:04 13:34 14:04 14:34 15:04 15:34 16:04 16:34 17:04 17:34 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 20:23 21:55 00:00 NS wcs wcs Chippenham Bus Stn - Bay 8 - 06:30 07:05 07:35 08:05 08:35 09:05 09:35 10:05 10:35 11:05 11:35 12:05 12:35 13:05 13:35 14:05 14:35 15:05 15:35 16:05 16:35 17:15 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 Key Chippenham Railway Station - 06:34 07:10 07:40 08:10 08:40 09:11 09:41 10:11 10:41 11:11 11:41 12:11 12:41 13:11 13:41 14:11 14:41 15:11 15:41 16:11 16:41 17:21 18:05 19:05 20:05 22:05 No service on public holidays Brook Street, Redland School - 06:39 07:15 07:45 08:15 08:46 09:17 09:47 10:17 10:47 11:17 11:47 12:17 12:47 13:17 13:47 14:17 14:47 15:17 15:47 16:17 16:47 17:27 18:12 19:10 20:10 22:10 R = Request set down only Sainsbury's, A4 - 06:44 07:21 07:51 08:21 08:53 09:25 09:55 10:25 10:55 11:25 11:55 12:25 12:55 13:25 13:55 14:25 14:55 15:25 15:55 16:25 16:55 17:35 18:19 19:16 20:16 22:16 wcs = supported by Wiltshire Council Corsham, Kings Avenue 06:18 06:49 07:26 07:56 08:26 08:58 09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:00 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 17:40 18:24 19:20 20:20 22:20 NS =Does not operate on Saturday Corsham, Newlands Rd Arr 06:20 06:51 07:28 07:58 08:28 09:00 09:33 10:03 10:33 11:03 11:33 12:03 12:33 13:03 13:33 14:03 14:33 15:03 15:33 16:03 16:33 17:03 17:43 18:26 19:22 20:22 22:22 Corsham, Newlands Rd - dep 06:21 06:51 07:30 08:00 08:30 09:03 09:36 10:06 10:36 11:06 11:36 12:06 12:36 13:06 13:36 14:06 14:36 15:06 15:36 16:06 16:36 17:06 17:46 18:28 19:24 20:24 22:24 Corsham, Furzehill 06:24 06:54 07:33 08:03 08:33 09:06 09:39 10:09 10:39 11:09 11:39 12:09 12:39 13:09 13:39 14:09 14:39 15:09 15:39 16:09 16:39 17:09 17:49 18:31 19:27 20:27 22:27 Rudloe, Bus Shelter 06:29 07:00 07:39 08:09 08:39 09:12 09:45 10:15 10:45 11:15 11:45 12:15 12:45 13:15 13:45 14:15 14:45 15:15 15:45 16:15 16:45 17:15 17:55 18:36 19:32 20:32 22:32 Box, Post Office 06:35 07:06 07:45 08:15 08:45 09:18 09:51 10:21 10:51 11:21 11:51 12:21 12:51 13:21 13:51 14:21 14:51 15:21 15:51 16:21 16:51 17:21 18:01 18:41 19:37 20:37 22:37 Box, Northey Arms 06:37 07:08 07:47 08:17 08:47 09:20 09:53 10:23 10:53 11:23 11:53 12:23 12:53 13:23 13:53 14:23 14:53 15:23 15:53 16:23 16:53 17:23 18:03 18:43 19:39 20:39 22:39 Batheaston, Stambridge 06:43 07:14 07:53 08:23 08:53 09:26 09:59 10:29 10:59 11:29 11:59 12:29 12:59 13:29 13:59 14:29 14:59 15:29 15:59 16:29 16:59 17:29 18:09 18:48 - - - Bath, Bus Station - Bay 6 06:57 07:29 08:08 08:40 09:10 09:44 10:17 10:47 11:17 11:47 12:17 12:47 13:17 13:47 14:17 14:47 15:17 15:47 16:17 16:47 17:17 17:47 18:25 19:02 19:55 20:55 22:55
Sunday & Public Holidays Chippenham Bus Stn - Bay 8 08:30 10:00 11:30 13:00 14:30 16:00 17:20 18:40 Chippenham Railway Station 08:35 10:05 11:35 13:05 14:35 16:05 17:25 18:45 Brook Street, Redland School 08:41 10:11 11:41 13:11 14:41 16:11 17:31 18:51 Sainsbury's, A4 08:48 10:18 11:48 13:18 14:48 16:18 17:37 18:57 Corsham, Kings Avenue 08:53 10:23 11:53 13:23 14:53 16:23 17:42 19:02 Corsham, Newlands Rd Arr 08:55 10:25 11:55 13:25 14:55 16:25 17:44 19:04 Corsham, Newlands Rd 08:57 10:27 11:57 13:27 14:57 16:27 17:45 19:05 Corsham, Furzehill 09:00 10:30 12:00 13:30 15:00 16:30 17:48 19:08 Rudloe, Bus Shelter 09:06 10:36 12:06 13:36 15:06 16:36 17:53 19:13 Box, Post Office 09:12 10:42 12:12 13:42 15:12 16:42 17:58 19:18 Box, Northey Arms 09:14 10:44 12:14 13:44 15:14 16:44 18:00 19:20 Batheaston, Stambridge ------Bath, Bus Station - Bay 6 09:34 11:04 12:34 14:04 15:34 17:04 18:16 19:36 Due to a reduction in passengers travelling during lockdown, the
Bath, Bus Station - Bay 6 09:55 11:25 12:55 14:25 15:55 17:25 18:30 19:40 weekday X31 timetable is changing from Monday 1st February. Batheaston, Stambridge ------Box, Northey Arms 10:12 11:42 13:12 14:42 16:12 17:42 18:45 19:55 The new times will reflect the Saturday timetable with some additional Box, Post Office 10:14 11:44 13:14 14:44 16:14 17:44 18:47 19:57 Rudloe, Bus Shelter 10:20 11:50 13:20 14:50 16:20 17:50 18:52 20:02 trips in the morning peak period - indicated by the 'NS' at the top of Corsham, Furzehill 10:26 11:56 13:26 14:56 16:26 17:56 18:57 20:07 Corsham, Newlands Rd Arr 10:29 11:59 13:29 14:59 16:29 17:59 19:00 20:10 relevant columns. Corsham, Newlands Rd 10:32 12:02 13:32 15:02 16:32 18:02 19:01 20:11 Corsham, Coulston Avenue 10:34 12:04 13:34 15:04 16:34 18:04 19:03 20:13 If you require any assistance with the new times please contact us on Sainsbury's, A4 10:39 12:09 13:39 15:09 16:39 18:09 19:08 20:18 Brook Street, Redland School 10:46 12:16 13:46 15:16 16:46 18:16 19:13 20:23 01249 444444 or email [email protected] Chippenham, Railway Station RRRRRRRR Chippenham Bus Stn - Bay 8 10:58 12:28 13:58 15:28 16:58 18:28 19:23 20:33
Thomas the Tank Engine and Lorne House
The Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry, author of the Thomas the Tank Engine stories, spent his childhood here at Lorne House between the years of 1920 – 1928.
Lorne Villa was it was then known, was renamed “Journey’s End” by Wilbert’s father, (with foresight, as it turned out, as he died here 8 years later).
For young Wilbert, the position of Journey’s End was to have a profound influence. It lay 200 yards from the road bridge of the A4 which crossed the Great Western Railways’s London to Bristol Route passing through Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s great Box Tunnel.
In those days, a banking engine was retained at Box to bank all the heavy freight trains through the tunnel and Wilbert and his brother George (left) took great interest in all the railway activities so close to their home.
These trains usually ran at night and the young Awdry could hear them from his bed, listening to the coded whistle signals between the train engine and the banker as well as the sharp bark from the locomotive exhausts as they fought their way up the incline. Awdry related: "There was no doubt in my mind that steam engines all had definite personalities. I would hear them snorting up the grade and little imagination was needed to hear in the puffings and pantings of the two engines the conversation they were having with one another: 'I can't do it! I can't do it! I can't do it!' 'Yes, you can! Yes, you can! Yes, you can!'" Here was the inspiration for the story of Edward helping Gordon's train up the hill, a story that Wilbert first told his son Christopher some 25 years later, as he recovered from a bout of measles and which appeared in the first of the Railway Series books.
In June 2009, Thomas the Tank Engine was present at the annual Box Revels and stopped outside the house to pay tribute to his creator.
On Saturday August 11th, 2012 a blue plaque commemorating the life of Reverend W.V.Awdry and his association with Lorne House. The unveiling ceremony was performed by his children, Christopher, Hilary and Veronica. We Recommend…
We are often asked for our suggestions and recommendations for the best places to visit and things to do locally. The following are some of our personal recommendations
1. Avebury is better than Stonehenge Controversial, we know, but in our opinion the village of Avebury with its henge and stone circle offers a much more interesting visit than the more famous Neolithic site of Stonehenge. Avebury (40 minutes’ drive away) is closer to here than Stonehenge (50 minutes’ drive) and unlike Stonehenge, visitors can walk around and between the stones and touch them. There is a fascinating museum, the Alexander Keiller Museum which holds important prehistoric archeological exhibits and tells the story behind the excavations at Avebury. Plus, very close to Avebury there is the West Kennett celtic Longbarrow – one of the largest and most impressive Neolithic chambered tombs in Britain. Visitors can walk inside as it is fully accessible. There is also the mysterious Silbury Hill – the largest man-made mound in Europe and to this day no one know why it was created.
2. The best views of Bath As it is surrounded by hills, there are some stunning views of Bath. Most of these require a climb although many are accessible by car. Alexandra Park offers one of the most beautiful views of Bath; a steep walk (or short drive) from the city the views from the park are well worth the climb. Alexandra Park also has one of the most attractive allotment sites you could wish to see. The National Trust owned Prior Park Landscape Gardens also offer a famous view of the city. Stand in front of Prior Park Mansion and look down over the Capability Brown designed landscape and the Palladian Bridge to the city below. The Bath Skyline walk is a 6 mile walk around the skyline hills above Bath and its beautiful surrounding countryside.
3. Country Houses and Gardens In addition to the many well-known National Trust and English Heritage properties in this area there are a few less well-known but equally fabulous houses and gardens close to us which are well worth a visit. Great Chalfield Manor is a wonderful 15th century mediaeval Manor House with an Arts and Crafts Garden that is just minutes from us. Equally Corsham Court is a delightful country house dating back to 1582. Part of it was designed to house an impressive art collection and its parkland was designed by Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton. Finally, Iford Manor’s extraordinary Italianate Peto Garden is one of this area’s best kept secrets. Set in quiet countryside it is a perfect gem and definitely won’t disappoint.
4. Sport Activities Should your interests extend to going to a Bath rugby match, watching village cricket, playing golf, clay pigeon shooting, horseriding or cycling along the Kennet and Avon canal, do ask us and we’d be pleased to point you in the right direction.
LORNE HOUSE – SUGGESTED WALK
Quarry Woods, Hazelbury Manor and Box Tunnel
Distance: 3.75 kilometres (2.3 miles) Difficulty: Leisurely – hill climb to begin (may be muddy in parts following wet weather) Time: 1 hour
1. Turn right out of Lorne House and walk towards the village centre. Cross the road at the zebra crossing.
2. Take the first turning on your left into Bulls Lane On your right – look out for England’s and walk up the hill. After 50 metres the road only Tennis Ball factory, Prices of Bath becomes Quarry Hill. Continue ahead 10 metres. 3. Take the turning right into Barn Piece. Walk up this road to the top. 4. Immediately past the last house on the left, take the You will see quarried stone & the footpath on its left which takes you up and into Quarry quarry entrances all through Quarry Woods. Woods. Stone from here was 5. Follow this path, through the wood quarried by hand for the building of keeping right, and take its first right fork up Box Tunnel the hill. As you see the wall at the top, follow the path to the right and on to the corner of the wood where you will see the path continue ahead into the open. 6. Go straight ahead, following the path across the field for 500m. Listen! SKYLARKS! 7. You will come to barriers parallel to the dry stone wall. Here turn right, following the path as it crosses the neighbouring field on the right. 8. At the end of this field is a road. Turn right and follow this small road to the end Hazelbury Manor is Grade 1 listed; th 9. Turn right and you will see Hazelbury Manor parts of it date back to the 15 immediately in front of you. Follow the road to the Century. It has 8 acres of landscaped left of the Manor past the outbuildings on the left garden some of which can be seen (where there may be goats!) adjacent to the path. 10. The path splits here but keep right and cross the stile, following the path through the fields which are fenced off either side of the path. 11. At the end of the path cross the stile and turn right, following the path to the end. VIEW ALERT! 12. Turn left and you will find yourself back in Quarry Woods. 13. Follow the path down the slope and where it meets the next path turn right and follow this through the woods until you come out onto Quarry Hill Road. 14. Turn left and walk down Quarry Hill Road for just a short distance. VIEW ALERT! 15. On your right you will see a stile and footpath sign – cross the stile and descend the hill all the way down to where it sits on top of Box Tunnel entrance. 16. Turn right through the gate and carry on down through the field. Box Tunnel is 1.83 miles long and 17. Just before the gate to the road you will see a stile to was built between 1838-41 under your left – cross this stile and take the path through the direction of Isambard Kingdom Lacy Woods. The gate at the end will take you out onto Brunel. 100 people died during its the A4 London Road. Cross the road and head left. construction and 1 tonne of candles Lorne House is a short walk along on the right. per week were used to light the building works
LORNE HOUSE – SUGGESTED WALK
Box Church, Two Tunnels & Railway Bridges.
Distance: 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles) Difficulty: Leisurely – small hill climb (may be muddy in parts following wet weather) Time: 1 hour
1. Turn right out of Lorne House and walk through the village On your right – you will pass Box’s 2. Just after the Queens Head pub take the second turning Blind House where drunken right into Church Lane and follow this road to the end. villagers were locked up! Hence the 3. Take a moment to visit Thomas á Becket Church – there saying “blind drunk.” has been a church here for 800 years. In the top left of the churchyard look for the Pyramid Gravestone – designed so that the incumbent’s wife couldn’t dance on his grave! Opposite the churchyard is The Wilderness – the former Rectory where Rev Awdry’s family lived before they bought Lorne House. 4. Take the track on the right to the bottom into the field 5. Walk left through the middle of the field, through the gate and continue straight on through the middle of the next field. 6. At the end of the field go through the gate and continue under the Railway Bridge and on past the field of hens, ducks and geese – look out for the rhea! Carry on past the house, to the road. 7. Turn right and walk up the road until you reach Ardgay House on your right. 8. Take the footpath on the right, immediately after and alongside the grounds of Ardgay House. 9. Go through the gate and, staying at the top of the field, walk straight across it to the corner and through the next gate into the next field. VIEW ALERT! 10. Walk into this field and on the bottom right you will see the west entrance of MiddleHill tunnel. 11. Walk straight across this field to the other end to see the east entrance to the tunnel and the railway line heading straight towards Box Tunnel. 12. Retrace the path a few steps back, beyond the bushes, and head down to the gate and into the next field; then, head left through this field to the gate at the end. 13. Beyond the gate, follow the path along the Bybrook and onto Mill Lane. 14. Turn left on Mill Lane and walk under the Railway Bridge. 15. Take the path on the right immediately after the Railway Bridge and follow this path. On the other side of the wall to the left left is Peter Gabriel’s Real World Recording Studios. 16. At the end of this path, turn right and walk up The Wharf to the A4, London Road. 17. Cross the A4 into Lacy Woods. Box Tunnel is on your Box Tunnel is 1.83 miles long and right. was built between 1838-41 under 18. Return to the A4, cross the road and head left. Lorne the direction of Isambard Kingdom House is a short walk along on the right. Brunel. 100 people died during its construction and 1 tonne of candles per week were used to light the building works