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Things to do in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a county located in the South West of England, famous for the historic sites of ancient Stonehenge and medieval Salisbury Cathedral – absolute must-sees when you visit.

Lose yourself in the idyllic English countryside when you visit the beautiful county of Wiltshire, packed full of history, heritage, and culture that will absolutely take your breath away. Home to not one but two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this little corner of England is sure to impress visitors from all over. You’re sure to have heard of the famous Stonehenge, and Wiltshire is covered with similar fascinating prehistoric sites. Walking around the gorgeous green landscape is like taking a step back in time.

The county is also famous for the city of Salisbury and its impressive medieval Cathedral, as well as other impressive feats of architecture such as Longleat House. Located in the middle of a safari park, you’re sure to find hundreds of things to do here when you visit to suit all ages. If you’re interested in exploring nature then you’ll love discovering all the historic sites such as the famous White Horses. There’s so much to do in Wiltshire you just won’t know where to start your adventure!

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Medieval Salisbury
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Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circles
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Longleat House and Safari
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Outdoor Adventures

Things to do in Wiltshire

Medieval Salisbury Salisbury is a beautiful, medieval city, famous for its impressive cathedral, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Salisbury Cathedral is one of the UK’s most iconic medieval buildings and is home to only one of four original Magna Cartas, dating back to 1215, which you can discover more about in an interactive exhibition. The cathedral also features the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, as well as beautiful examples of stained glass, so there’s plenty to see here when you visit.

Salisbury is known for its winding, cobbled streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll around to soak up some of the history and heritage of the lovely old buildings. If you’re looking for a bit of art and culture you should head to the Salisbury Arts Centre, located in a beautiful converted church and offering a wide range of exhibitions, performances, and films. You could also take a turn through the idyllic Queen Elizabeth Gardens which sit alongside the River Avon to enjoy brilliant cathedral views as well as a peaceful picnic spot.

Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circles

Stonehenge is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, regarded as one of the most famous British cultural icons and the best-known prehistoric monument in the whole of Europe. As modern scientific methods have improved, experts have discovered more of the mysterious monument’s secrets, but many still remain unknown – for example, no one knows how ancient humans transported the massive 25 tonne stones all the way from Wales. The stone circle, located 2 miles (3km) from Amesbury, also features a world-class exhibition and visitor centre filled with ancient objects to immerse its visitors in the heritage of the site, and you can also explore some reconstructed Neolithic houses on your visit.

A simple 45 minute drive from Stonehenge, the Avebury Stones feature the largest stone circle in Britain, and forms part of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. There is a dedicated carpark for the site but you can also walk there easily from the nearby town of Marlborough, where you can begin your visit at the Alexander Keiller Museum to discover the fascinating history and significance of the stones before you set off. This spot is also perfect for a countryside walk with the whole family to explore the beautiful surrounding landscape.

Longleat House and Safari

Longleat House is one of the best examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain, and you can take a guided tour to explore its countless rooms and hundreds of artworks to transport yourself 450 years back in time. The House’s formal gardens are also an impressive sight, featuring canals, statues, fountains, and an Orangery where you can sit and enjoy a nice hot drink and a snack. There’s also a Sun Maze and Lunar Labyrinth for you to wander around – although be careful not to get lost!

The House is located on the grounds of Longleat Safari and Adventure Park, the first drive-through safari park to open outside of Africa. As you drive through the park (remembering to roll your windows up!) you can marvel at wild animals such as elephants, monkeys, lions, giraffes, and many more. There are also options to get up close and personal with the animals, with VIP experiences on offer such as Tiger Feeding, for those who dare. There is also a main square which features family-friendly areas such as the Adventure Castle for your kids to run around in and burn off some energy, as well as a miniature railway to explore the scenic woodland and lake surrounding the Park.

Outdoor Adventures

If Stonehenge and Avebury didn’t satisfy your taste for the great outdoors, then you’ll be spoilt for choice when you read about all the other fascinating sites waiting to be discovered in Wiltshire. Old Sarum is the original settlement of the city of Salisbury and features an Iron Age hill fort which, in the past, was inhabited by Romans, Normans, and Saxons. Packed full of 5,000 years of history, this fascinating site is perfect for a day out with the family – visit the gift shop to indulge in some delicious ice cream or buy a replica bow and arrows for the kids to play with!

Another iconic landmark of Wiltshire is the White Horses. These chalk hillside carvings date back 250 years, and out of 24 original carvings there are eight that are still easily visible today. The oldest and best White Horse is located at Westbury, where you can park off the B3098 road for an excellent viewing point. Stretching a massive 180 feet (55m) tall and 170 feet (52m) wide, this is one sight not to be missed on your next trip to England.