stately home near the M4?

[redhatnoknickers]

I'm in Slough on Sunday and traveling to Bristol on Monday. Windsor Castle will be shut that day (boo). What stately home or similar could I visit on the way back that is not too far from the M4?

Basildon Park? I think it's a National Trust property and has been used in lots of films and TV stuff.

Bowood House near Calne?

I used to live in one of their buildings.

They have a kids adventure park, lovely gardens, bit of a museum and a tea room.

Ooo thank you, haven't heard of either of those!

Dyrham Park on the way to Bath.

Dyrham Park is gorgeous! Will you be entertaining kids?

No, no children going.

oh that's a good reminder for the Bath area - Longleat?

Westonbirt Arboretum is also a nice day out?

Basildon probably the most interesting house then if no kids to worry about!

According to the website parts of Basildon House will be limited access, but it does look lovely. I'd like somewhere with lots of history, especially as it's so rare to be without children and have a chance to concentrate and look at things properly! Thank you for suggestions :)

Laycock Abbey and village is lovely, close to the M4 near Chippenham.

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock/