Top Places to Visit in Wiltshire

Between London and Bristol and venturing up into the Cotswolds is the historic county of Wiltshire. Patchwork fields, picturesque villages and iconic landmarks, Wiltshire offers a range of attractions, activities and events all year round.

Atwell-Motor Wilson Museum

Motoring enthusiasts will have a field trip when visiting Wiltshire! Be sure to stop by Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum, located near the historic town of Calne. Home to a fascinating collection of vintage and classic cars, as well as a collection of motorcycles, mopeds and push bikes. The Museum offers an interesting day out during your time in Wiltshire.

Blakehill Farm Nature Reserve

With over 8,000 walking paths and half the county designated as a National Landscape, Wiltshire is home to some of the most breath-taking countryside views. Located in Cricklade is Blakehill Farm, a former military airfield turned into a wildlife-rich hay meadow by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. Here you can spot galloping roe deer and leaping hares, as well as skylarks, lapwings and kestrels.

Bowood House and Gardens

Open between April and November every year is Bowood House and Gardens, the magnificent family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne. Inside, explore Robert Adams’ Library, the Chapel and even the Laboratory where Dr Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774! Each rooms displays a remarkable collection of family heirlooms and works of art built up over 250 years.

Surrounding the house is Capability Brown’s Grade 1 park. The pleasure grounds that form part of the 1760 design contain an outstanding collection of trees and shrubs, full of colour all year round!

Iford Manor Gardens

Tucked away at the bottom of a tranquil valley, just 15 minutes from Bath is Iford Manor Gardens, an award-winning Grade I listed landscape. With blends of Italian, Byzantine, Ancient Roman and Oriental inspirations, together with architecture and classical sculpture, Iford Manor transports you into another world!

Kennet and Avon Canal – Canal and River Trust

Looked after by the Canal and River Trust, the Kennet and Avon Canal passes through beautiful countryside and some of England’s most historic cities, towns and landmarks. Between Reading and Bristol, here you can embark on boat trip up stream, or cycle with the family along the water’s edge. There is plenty to explore across this ribbon of beauty.

Merchant’s House

Wiltshire is home to a range of historic houses including the Merchant’s House, a 17^th Century home, lived in by a middle-class merchant family. Located in Marlborough, this piece in history belonged to Thomas Bayly and was built following the Great Fire of Marlborough in 1653, and features wood panelling, brilliant paintings and oak staircase.

Old Sarum

Just outside the Medieval City is Old Sarum, the original Salisbury. Discover over 2,000 years of history as you conquer the royal castle ruins and stand in the footprint of Salisbury’s first cathedral. All whilst enjoying 360 views of the Wiltshire countryside.

Sally Narrowboats

Based on the other side of Wiltshire, in the picturesque town of Bradford on Avon, Sally Narrowboats offer week and day hire on their canal boats. With the city of Bath just a short trip along the canal, and flexibility to travel east towards Reading, Sally Narrowboats allows you to discover all parts of the Kennet and Avon Canal!

Stonehenge

Managed by English Heritage, Stonehenge dates back approximately 5,000 years and is famously known to align with the rising and setting of the sun at Summer and Winter solstices. Visited by thousands throughout the year, for more intimate experience, embark on their inner circle tour which takes you amongst the stones before and after the site is open to the general public!

Towns to Visit in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is home to a range of towns, villages and cities, showcasing both modern facilities and historic landmarks dating back thousands of years!

Bradford on Avon

Enjoy an easy-going short break in and around the historic market town of Bradford on Avon – with its medieval cottages, converted cloth mills, independent shops, country pubs, and miles of walking and cycling trails.

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.

Salisbury

Traditionally English with an independent spirit, and within easy reach of the Great West Way, Salisbury offers different experiences with plenty of things to do throughout the city. From historic landmarks and museums to independent shops and galleries, as well as an exciting event calendar!

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.

Places to Stay in Wiltshire

If you are looking for somewhere wonderful to stay in Wiltshire, there are a range of iconic properties across the county. From traditional English country houses to luxury hotels!

Best Western Angel Hotel

Superbly located 5 miles from the M4 between Bath and Swindon is the Best Western Angel Hotel. This 400-year-old coaching offers the perfect stay with indoor pool, courtyard garden, stylish new brasserie, bar and lounge.

Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa

Renowned as a romantic retreat, Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa is a picturesque Grade II listed Georgian mansion surrounded by rolling Wiltshire countryside, meadows and woodland. Family-friendly as well as elegant, it's the perfect combination of homeliness, wellbeing and opulence.

There are lots of leisure activities to enjoy, from a stroll in the gardens to tennis or time spent in the spa. There's a variety of rooms and suites to choose from, and the restaurant combines a modern style with sustainability...

Church Farm Country Cottages

Award-winning Church Farm Country Cottages comprises of 7 single storey cottages, ideally located a short drive from Bradford on Avon and the World Heritage City of Bath. Enjoy the rural life as you relax amongst the countryside on a working sheep farm! Situated within a National Landscape, there are also plenty of walking and cycling tracks to explore.

Woolley Grange Hotel

Woolley Grange is a luxury hotel located just outside Bradford on Avon and offers the perfect place to stay for families! This Jacobean manor house comes with a relaxing spa that all can enjoy, as well as an outdoor pool where you can bask in the Wiltshire countryside. As well as quirky bedrooms to enjoy your home away from home, Woolley Grange also offers great dining experiences with local and home-grown dishes.

Embark on your Great West Way journey when visiting Wiltshire this season…