Wiltshire
Idyllic countryside, ancient archaeological sites and bustling market towns make a trip to Wiltshire a fascinating journey into the past.
The iconic stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury are truly unforgettable and one of England's absolute must sees. The city of Salisbury is teeming with historic treasures including a magnificent cathedral boasting the tallest spire in the country!
There are impressive stately homes and gardens to explore such as Stourhead - a Palladain mansion with breathtaking grounds, or Longleat - a fantastic Elizabethan country house set in 900 acres of gardens and safari park! Walk or cycle through the Wiltshire countryside and you're likely to spot giant white horses carved into the chalk hillsides while stumbling across delightful little villages too.
Take a look at the ideas on this page for more things to see and do in Wiltshire, for detailed information and booking online, go to the official Visit Wiltshire website.
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Must Sees
Stonehenge
The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was it a temple for sun worship, a healing centre, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure?
Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.
Salisbury
Magnificent Salisbury Cathedral's spire never fails to impress: soaring 123 metres into the sky, it dominates the landscape for miles around.
Known as 'The city in the countryside', medieval Salisbury really does have it all: historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional English eating houses and characterful shopping streets, not to mention a superb range of attractions.
Longleat
Longleat House is widely regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public.
In 1966, Longleat caused a revolution in the world of zoological collections by becoming the first location outside Africa to open a drive-through Safari Park.
Avebury
At the centre of a pre-historic complex stands the largest stone circle in Europe, originally erected 4,500 years ago.
Stourhead House and Gardens
A breathtaking 18th century landscape garden with lakeside walks, grottoes and classical temples is only the beginning.
Between March and October you can visit Stourhead House, a Palladian mansion with a fantastic regency library and beautiful art collection. And why not climb the 205 steps to the top of King Alfred's Tower? An amazing red-brick folly with incredible vistas.
The Kennet and Avon Canal runs right across Wiltshire and offers wonderful opportunities for exploring the beautiful countryside by boat for a day trip or longer.
Situated in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside, Devizes is an historic market town with a colourful medieval past. The town enjoys a rich heritage of fine Georgian houses and a 19th century castle built on the site of a Norman stronghold. Also home to the famous Wadworth brewery.
Hidden Gems
Corsham Court
Corsham Court is a magnificent Elizabethan house dating from 1582.
Step inside and you'll find spectacularly ornate rooms hanging an internationally renowned display of Italian and Flemish Old Master paintings.
The court is surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland that include a 13-acre lake, Gothic Bath House and an enormous Oriental Plane.
Silbury Hill
This extraordinary artificial prehistoric mound is the largest Neolithic construction of its type in Europe, standing 130 feet high (40 meters), the base of the mound covers over 5 acres and the flattened top is around 100 feet across.
Radio-Carbon dating suggests that Silbury Hill was built around 2400 BC.
STEAM Museum, Swindon
Climb aboard locomotives, explore hands on displays and discover the history of trains in a beautifully restored railway building.
Caen Hill Locks
This flight of 16 canal locks climbing a steep hill may be the most impressive anywhere on the UK's waterways.
Boaters and walkers alike can recover from the exertions of climbing the flight at the Caen Hill Cafe, delightfully situated at the top of the locks.
Lacock Village
Cottages dating back to the 15th century form a breathtaking backdrop - Lacock has starred in many films from Pride and Prejudice to Harry Potter.
