Wiltshire
Wiltshire is synonymous with history and pristine countryside. The county is covered in sites dating back from 3000 BC through to the 18th Century that attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year from around the world. Stonehenge and other prehistoric monuments will leave you spellbound by their mystery and mythology, while stately homes that have reinvented themselves to cater to any number of activities you might want to try. Historic cities and towns such as Salisbury and Wilton, meanwhile, will inspire you with their culture and history at every turn along their cobbled streets.
Places to go in Wiltshire
The prehistoric circular stone monuments of Stonehenge and Avebury distinguish themselves as places to visit on a trip to Wiltshire. They are part of the highest concentration of prehistoric sites in Europe, with other lesser-known earthworks, burial mounds and monuments located nearby. The giant mound of Silbury Hill, more than 130 feet high, is another prehistoric site not to be missed, as is The Sanctuary, the West Kennet Long Barrow burial tombs, and Wiltshire’s white horse chalk hill figures. It’s not just prehistoric man that left his mark on Wiltshire’s landscape; the countryside is home to numerous exquisite stately homes dating back hundreds of years. Many of these are open to the public and house museums, expansive landscaped gardens and much more. Bowood House and Gardens boasts a life-size pirate ship, Breamore House and Museum features the 'Great British Maze', Wilton House houses a large adventure playground and Longleat is home to a wildlife safari park.
Our Top Picks
We want you to enjoy the best that Wiltshire has to offer and so here's a small selection of our favourite things to see and do;
Longleat
It’s not often you see elephants, lions, giraffes and other animals of the African savanna roaming around the English countryside, but that’s exactly what you’ll see on a visit to this vast Elizabethan stately home nestled in the heart of Wiltshire. Longleat, the first drive-through safari park outside Africa when it opened in 1966, is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world within 900 acres of landscaped grounds – truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Stonehenge
There is a little-known Wiltshire bylaw that makes it illegal to visit the county without seeing Stonehenge. OK, that’s not true, but it maybe it should be. The prehistoric monument is one of the most famous historical sites in the world, with its famous circular setting of large standing stones it is unmistakable. Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is thought to have been erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC by no less than three different cultures.
Salisbury Cathedral
No building typifies Salisbury’s character and history more than Salisbury Cathedral. Considered one of the leading examples of Early English architecture, the cathedral has the tallest church spire in the UK at 123 metres. You can explore the spire by climbing 332 steps, from here you can also enjoy splendid views across the city. The cathedral houses the finest preserved Magna Carta, dating back to the 13th Century, and Europe’s oldest clock, dating back to the 14th Century.
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This Week's Featured Properties
The Old Dairy
Wiltshire
Sleeps 5, Newly converted, former milking parlour. Close to the medieval City of Salisbury More details