Spring is around the corner, and with the promise of longer days ahead, we wanted to share 5 of our favourite locations for a Sunday drive. Whether it’s a romantic day out with a loved one or a family-friendly trip, you are sure to find a stunning destination in and around Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. Our selection includes helpful timings from our local Mazda dealerships, as well as local website links, so you can begin to plan your day!
STONEHENGE, Wiltshire
From Magna Mazda Salisbury – Around 35 minutes via A338 and A345 – via Salisbury City
The iconic Stone Circle is world-renowned, so we’re sure that if even if you’re not a local, you’ve heard of it. But we couldn’t do a list of 5 best local Sunday drive destinations without including this must-see monument. Surrounded by the Salisbury Plains in the heart of Wiltshire, you can visit the Heritage site itself, or simply enjoy stop off at local villages and take advantage of walks across the vast countryside with Stonehenge in the distance. You could even add in a trip to see Britain’s tallest spire, Salisbury Cathedral and the original 1215 Magna Carta, adding in an extra historical element to your day. If you’re heading out in your MX-30 R-EV, take advantage of the many EV charging points in and around Salisbury whilst you stop for a spot of lunch!
--------
National Trust’s CERNE GIANT, Dorset
Magna Mazda Dorchester – Around 18 minutes via A352
Another ancient spectacle located right on our doorstep in Dorset, is the Cerne Giant. A figure sculpted into the chalk hillside just above the charming village of Cerne Abbas. Although the origins of the Giant are shrouded in a combination of theory and speculation, one thing for sure is that the surrounding Dorset countryside is a joy to drive through, especially on a sunny, leisurely Sunday afternoon. For a more active afternoon, park up in the Giant’s View car park itself, put on your walking boots and enjoy a stroll up the hillside with views over the rolling green hills of Dorset. After a refreshing walk, there are an abundance of local pubs to quench your thirst or enjoy a hearty Sunday lunch. Simply type in, ‘local pubs’ to Mazda’s easy navigation system to find your closest!
--------
STUDLAND BAY, Dorset
From Magna Mazda Dorchester – Around 40 minutes via B3390 and A351
From Magna Mazda Poole – Around 30 minutes via Sandbanks ferry
Another National Trust must visit, Studland Bay holds miles of sandy beaches and coastal walks, perfect for a day out on a family adventure. Driving a Mazda CX-60? Pack your spacious boot full of picnics and beach gear to make the most out of your visit! You have a number of options to get there too. If you’re not in a hurry and want to take your car for a longer spin, you can enjoy a longer, scenic drive via the Saxon, riverside town of Wareham and Corfe (passing Corfe Castle’s 1,000 year old ruins). Or for a more direct route, you can take the Sandbanks Ferry* straight over to Shell Bay Terminal and onto the Isle of Purbeck. Of course, you cannot spend a day in Studland without tasting the award-winning Purbeck Ice Cream, produced just a stone’s throw away from Studland Bay itself.
*At the time of writing, the ferry is under a refit, and due to be returning to service in Spring 2023 Always check website for current running times.
--------
HURST CASTLE, Hampshire
From Magna Mazda Christchurch – Around 22 minutes via A337 and B3058
From Magna Mazda Southampton – Around 58 minutes via A35 and A337
If you thought the historical landmarks stopped in Dorset, think again. Hampshire has its very own artillery fortress built by none other than Henry VIII himself. Head through the New Forest towards Milford-on-Sea, park up and take the 2-mile walk along Hurst Spit to Hurst Castle itself. Or if the walk isn’t for you, you can also enjoy a ferry ride from Keyhaven car park for a small fee. With breath-taking views across to the Isle of Wight, this destination mustn’t be missed. Make the most out of your Sunday by stopping off along the way, as you pass through the beautiful villages of Brockenhurst or Lyndhurst. Pause for a bite to eat in a cosy tea room or potter around the variety of independent shops.
--------
LULWORTH COVE, Dorset
From Magna Mazda Poole – Around 45 minutes via A351 and B3070
From Magna Mazda Dorchester – Around 26 minutes via A352
Last but not least on our top 5 Sunday drive destinations, Lulworth Cove. The Jurassic Coast is abundant with incredible views, coves and bays that are truly jaw-dropping, and Lulworth is no exception. Make this a more active day trip with watersports, rock-pooling, or even an energetic stroll along the coast towards popular Durdle Door. During the height of the Summer, the drive down to Lulworth can be busy along the narrow village lanes, so our easy navigating in our small and agile Mazda2 would be perfect for this picturesque drive.