Top Lovely Towns and Villages in Wiltshire

Centrally located along the Great West Way, Wiltshire is home to a range of lovely towns and picture-perfect villages. If you are planning a rural getaway this season, be sure to check out our Top 10 destination in this beautiful county…

Box

The village of Box is uniquely situated near the Cotswolds National Landscape, and along the historic Great Western Railway line. A place to stay, visit, enjoy, and relax in stunning rural surroundings, allowing opportunity to step back in time through its cultural heritage.

Bradford on Avon

Enjoy an easy-going short break in and around the historic market town of Bradford on Avon is a must when travelling along the Great West Way! With its medieval cottages, converted cloth mills, independent shops, country pubs, and miles of walking and cycling trails, there is plenty to do in this picturesque town.

One of the most compelling characteristics of Bradford on Avon is its unique location on the edge of the Cotswolds facing the River Avon. Historic features remain a staple part of the market town, with its ancient bridge a natural focus, breath-taking views of old weavers' cottages, and former cloth mills peppering the riverbank.

Calne

No visit to Wiltshire is quite complete without spending time in Calne. With its history dating all the way back to 978 AD, the town covers Medieval England and the Industrial Revolution, right through to the present day!

Today, Calne is a great place from which you can discover the timeless wonders of Wiltshire. On the borders of North Wessex Downs National Landscape and nearby historical landmarks such as Silbury Hill and Bowood House, Calne creates the perfect day out this Summer.

Chippenham

Nestled on the banks of the River Avon and with direct transport links across the Great West Way, Chippenham offers an ideal centre for relaxation and exploration of rural Wiltshire, Bath, and the Cotswolds.

The town enjoys a reputation as a flourishing and lively market town, with a compact centre and thriving commercial life. With a wealth of beautifully maintained parks, play areas and open spaces, visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk-through colourful trees and winding paths of flower beds, or a slow stroll beside the banks of the River Avon.

Corsham

On the edge of the Cotswolds National Landscape, not far from Bath is the pretty town of Corsham.

With its golden stone cottages, 17th-century Almshouses and parading peacocks, it has frequently appeared on screen, with recent credits including Harry Potter and Poldark!

Devizes

Sitting pretty by the Kennet and Avon Canal, Devizes is a great place to embark on a relaxing boat trip. But there’s plenty to explore on land too. You could start with a gentle nature walk along the towpath, or an architectural stroll through the town centre - Devizes boasts more than 500 listed buildings!

Make sure you check out Wiltshire Museum, especially if you plan on visiting Stonehenge or Avebury. Its award-winning Prehistoric Wiltshire gallery holds gold and other treasures dating back to when the mysterious monuments were constructed!

Malmesbury

A wander off the Great West Way you’ll find Malmesbury: England’s oldest Borough.

Boasting a rich history with its stunning 12th Century Abbey and original Market Cross, as well as a charming market and thriving independent shops, Malmesbury welcomes you to visit this season!

You can learn more about the town’s colourful history at the Athelstan Museum, a labour of love for its local custodians. And when you’re not out enjoying the gentle beauty of the Cotswolds, there are plenty of cultural pursuits to keep you busy, from pottery workshops to acoustic gigs and artisan craft fairs.

Marlborough

Set in rural Wiltshire amongst North Wessex Downs National Landscape is the historic market town of Marlborough. This town is studded in history with stunning buildings including The Merchant's House and St Peter's Church. Its wide High Street boasts quality stores, a variety of independent shops alongside its own chic café culture.

Among Marlborough’s many claims to fame is the mysterious Merlin’s Mound which can be found within the grounds of Marlborough College and is the reputed burial place of the wizard Merlin. Be sure to visit The Parade Cinema and other nearby attractions including Savernake Forest and Avebury Stone Circle.

Vale of Pewsey

Pewsey is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring the ancient landscape of the Great West Way. The characterful village even has its own chalky White Horse, just a mile or so south of the village. It’s also a lovely launchpad for some great walks, such as the Pewsey Vale Circular Way, as well as bike rides along the Kennet & Avon Canal.

But don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all sleepy and rural here - the Pewsey Vale is known for its annual carnival in September and top pubs too!

Embark on a picturesque journey in Wiltshire this season…