What to do in Wiltshire
Photo by Jeremy Flint
Nestled in the South West, Wiltshire is a county with rich history, picturesque landscapes and plenty for all ages to enjoy throughout the seasons. Popular for its ancient sites, postcard-worthy villages and natural beauty, Wiltshire provides a perfect destination for those looking to holiday in the UK.
Are you staying with us on The Farm at Avebury or searching for your next staycation? Below, we explore what makes Wiltshire, our home, such a rewarding destination for couples, families and adventurers alike!
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is one of the most famous ancient sites in England. Built over 5000 years ago, many visit Wiltshire to marvel at these curious standing stones. There’s no denying that Stonehenge is fascinating and a must-see for Wiltshire visitors but do bear in mind that it gets very busy around the site so plan your trip wisely!
The Ancient Sites of Avebury
Considered the largest stone circle in Europe, Avebury Stone Circle dates back to the Neolithic period and consists of three stone circles with the quaint village (and pub) right in the centre! There are plenty of walking routes around Avebury, starting from our farm, that take you right among the stones and across to neighbouring ancient sites Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow. Check out our Walking Guide to see for yourself!
On your way into Avebury by car, it’s hard to miss Silbury Hill. Right next door to us here at The Farm, this enormous man-made hill is estimated to date back to around 2400 BC. It’s not known why the hill was built but it provides a beautiful backdrop for our local walking routes and looks impressive all year round - especially dusted in snow!
Photo by Jeremy Flint
Picture-Perfect Villages
Step back in time in the Cotswold villages of Castle Combe & Malmesbury which are located in the North West of Wiltshire. Famous for beautiful buildings, perfect cottage gardens and expansive landscapes, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is definitely one for the list!
Another village on our Wiltshire Bucket List is Lacock, which is nestled just outside The Cotswolds. Owned by the National Trust, this village oozes old world charm with thatched cottages, independent shops and an Abbey which you may have seen in one of the Harry Potter films.
Photo by Olivia Bossert
Photo by Olivia Bossert
Longleat Safari Park
If you’re travelling with children then a visit to Longleat is a must. It offers a truly interactive experience, allowing you to drive through a number of enclosures in the Safari park where animals such as lions and rhinos roam free. (Beware of the monkey enclosure if you want your car to remain in one piece). There are plenty of other attractions and events at Longleat including a maze, beautiful gardens and boat rides, making it a memorable day out for families.
Psst - We also highly recommend Cotswold Wildlife Park but it’s not actually in Wiltshire, still very close though and a must-see!
Bowood House & Estate
Just a short drive from The Farm is Bowood House, a stately home set within 100 acres of parkland including gardens, lakes and woodland. The house itself is a stunning example of Georgian architecture with intricate interiors and rich history. As well as the house, you can explore the equally impressive gardens.
If you’re visiting Bowood, make sure you keep an eye on their impressive calendar of events which we often feature on our events page.
Wiltshire Wildlife
Nature lovers are spoilt for choice with 37 nature reserves dotted throughout Wiltshire. From ancient woodlands to wetlands and meadows, Wiltshire is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Cotswold Water Park
Cotswold Water Park spans over 40 square miles of lakes, woodland and countryside. Perfect for the adventurous, there are copious amounts of activities to take part in including wild swimming, sailing and windsurfing. For those who like to take it easy, the park offers an ideal spot to escape the bustle of city life.
Wiltshire may not have been number 1 on your radar as a staycation destination, but as you can see, there is so much to explore and enjoy! With UK coastal destinations like Cornwall and Devon becoming increasingly busy, Wiltshire offers a peaceful inland alternative with plenty to do for all ages. We hope to welcome you to Wiltshire soon!