time. The Romans, Normans and Saxons have all left their mark.
On the ‘must see’ list alongside the medieval city of Salisbury are Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site, Longleat and the National Trust’s gardens at Stourhead. There a numerous attractions to suit everyone’s taste.
You can explore our industrial heritage at Wadworth Brewery, Crofton Beam Engines and Wilton Windmill, STEAM Museum or Swindon & Cricklade Railway; discover butterflies and farmyard favourites; or uncover Wiltshire’s unparalleled archaeology in our fascinating museums. Wiltshire is bursting at the seams with arts and culture and has numerous award- winning theatres, art galleries and exhibition venues.
There are eight White Horse chalk figures on display on our hillsides, old settlements like Old Sarum, a National Trust village at Lacock and some stunning historic houses and gardens including Bowood and Wilton House.
If you’re looking to let your hair down on a night out then you won’t be dissapointed with Witshire’s entertainment & nightlife options!
Enjoy things to do in the Wiltshire countryside
The Wiltshire countryside alters with the seasons and that’s what makes you feel so connected to just nature but to time itself and there are so many activities to choose from.
Make the most of our breath-taking countryside; try a day’s trout fishing, a canal boat trip or a round of golf; a hot air balloon ride, a treasure trail or a tandem skydive; an off road driving experience or a real-life adventure escape game. Visit one of our parks and recreations and take in the views, plus plenty of family fun to be had at the play parks and rivers.
Enjoy stunning views of the landscape from horseback; hire a bike and re-discover the thrill of cycling around uncrowded country lanes; or explore our ample walking trails on your own Wiltshire adventure. See Wiltshire through a local’s point of view on one of our many tours and sightseeing opportunities.
You will also find many stately homes and gardens located in the Wiltshire countryside. You can step back in time and be guided through what it would have been like in it’s heydey as many of our Stately Homes have excellent informative guides.
Shopping in Wiltshire
From small towns with independent shops through to the Designer Outlet at Swindon, there are plenty of opportunities to shop in Wiltshire. Find out more on our shopping pages.
Why not make a short break of it?
As you can see there are so many timeless pleasures to enjoy on a visit to Wiltshire. Take time to escape, press pause and let time stand still. Feel calm, soothed and refreshed by booking a short break here with one of our many accommodationproviders.
We have all types of accommodation across the county to fit every need and ready to welcome you for a holiday & short break away from the everyday. Taste the flavours of Wiltshire at one of our food and drink establishments. Easily accessible from all across the country you can explore and discover Wiltshire for yourself, take a look at our ideas and inspiration and plan your visit to Wiltshire with us. Be sure to keep up to date with our special offers and read our blogs to find out more about our wonderful county!
Explore
Wiltshire can be found in the south of England, approximately 90 minutes from London. Our county is bordered by Hampshire, Somerset, Dorset, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire and we are within easy reach of the south coast and many of the south’s airports.
Predominantly a rural county, the largest town in the county in terms of population is Swindon and the largest (and only) city is Salisbury. Wiltshire’s county town is Trowbridge, in the west of the county.
There are plenty of things to do in Wiltshire, outdoor activities, foodie events, art installations & exhibitions, creative workshops, find out what’s on here. We have all types of accommodation across the county to fit every need and ready to welcome you for a holiday & short break away from the everyday. Taste the flavours of Wiltshire at one of our food and drink establishments. Easily accessible from all across the country you can explore and discover Wiltshire for yourself, take a look at our ideas and inspiration and plan your visit to Wiltshire with us. Be sure to keep up to date with our special offers and read our blogs to find out more about our wonderful county!
Timeless nature
Our county is blessed with three designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty:
• The Cotswolds – taking in Castle Combe, Sherston and Slaughterford.
• The North Wessex Downs – including Avebury.
• Cranborne Chase and the West Wiltshire Downs – featuring Tisbury, Mere and villages within the Nadder and Ebble valleys.
There is also a small area of the New Forest National Park which encompasses Wiltshire including the villages of Nomansland and Landford.
Iconic landmarks and timeless history
One of the most iconic sites of the British Isles, Stonehenge can be found in Wiltshire, approximately 10 miles north of Salisbury. Stonehenge, its surrounding monuments and archaeological features and Avebury with the avenue, Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow can all be found in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another of the area’s iconic landmarks is Salisbury Cathedral. With its spire standing at 123 metres, it dominates the city’s skyline.
Look out for the White Horses and other chalk carvings across the county. These landmarks were often carved as a sign of prosperity or, in the case of the Fovant Badges, as a mark to the area’s strong military connections. Plus the Bulford Kiwi on Beacon Hill near Salisbury Plain which remains a mystery but is supposedly from New Zealand troops in World War One.
Wiltshire towns and villages
Friendly, relaxed and welcoming, each of our historic towns and villages has something unique to offer. Browse the stylish boutiques of Marlborough, shop in the colourful markets of Devizes or eat out in one of Bradford on Avon’s tempting pubs and restaurants.
Although there is plenty to see and do in Wiltshire the Cotswolds, Hampshire Borders& Bath and Somerset are a fantastic place to explore close by.
Plan your Visit
Ideas
ACCOMMODATION IN WILTSHIRE
STONEHENGE HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION
South West England Text
South West England is a beautiful coastal region that has some unique attractions, stunning places to visit and family days out. Immerse yourself in the mystery of Stonehenge, explore two National Parks and have a culinary experience with exceptional seafood, cream teas and ciders. The attraction of South West England for many is the beaches of Cornwall, Dorset and Devon. VisitEngland have collected some of the best experiences in South West England below. With so many events happening all year round, suitable for everyone in the family, the South West has more to offer than just coastline.
Walking in Wiltshire
With around 8,200 paths and almost half the county designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, walks in Wiltshire has never been better.
Whether you choose a gentle stroll or want a more challenging route, there is a network of footpaths for everyone.
Wiltshire walks offer peaceful, glorious countryside and will show you rural England at its very best. There are a great variety Wiltshire walks: something for everyone, from the long distance treks to afternoon strolls. Take time out to explore our timeless nature.
Local walking tour companies
If you are looking to do a walking tour that uses local paths and trails then check out tours with Guided Walks in Wiltshire, Footpath Holidays.
Foot Trails offer self guided walking with accommodation in the Wiltshire area.
Self-guided walks
Browse below for a variety of great self-guided walks in Wiltshire which can be downloaded. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of these walks but please check details with the local Tourist Information Centre before visiting.
You can also find more inspiration for self-guided walks on the Wiltshire Walks app. Wiltshire Walks have put together some walks for a number of Wiltshire towns and areas to get you inspired:
Salisbury
Marlborough
Castle Combe
Swindon
Malmesbury
Stonehenge
Devizes
Chippenham
Cranborne Chase
Walk 1 – Barbury Castle and the Ridgeway
8 km/ 5 miles 1 hr 30 mins – 2 hrs Easy
A delightful downland walk for a clear day. Part of the route is along the Ridgeway, said to be Europe’s oldest road. The Iron Age hill fort of Barbury Castle is believed to be the site at which Cynric defeated the Britons in 556AD.
Walk 2 – Lacock
4 km/ 2.5 miles 1 hour Easy
This beautiful National Trust village is one of Wiltshire’s real gems. With houses dating from the 13th century, a majestic abbey and winding streets to explore, you will certainly want to set aside some extra time to explore. The abbey became the home of William Fox Talbot, pioneer of photography, and a museum commemorating his work is situated outside the abbey gates.
Walk 3 – Bishops Cannings
8 km/ 5 miles 1 hr – 1 hr 30 mins Easy
This walk includes sections along the Kennet and Avon Canal and The Wansdyke, a great bank and ditch earthwork, thought to have been constructed in the Dark Ages following Roman occupation.
Some parts of the walk may be muddy and strong shoes or boots are recommended.
Walk 4 – Great Bedwyn and Wilton Windmill
9 km/ 5.5 miles 1 hr 30 mins Easy
This route takes in part of the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath, as well as Wilton Windmill, the only working windmill in Wiltshire, and the world’s oldest working beam engine at Crofton Pumping Station.
Plus it’s easy walking!
Walk 5 – Bratton and Westbury White Horse
6 km/ 3.75 miles 1 – 2 hours Moderate
An enjoyable and undulating walk presenting fabulous views from the northern aspect of the Imber Range Perimeter Path.
Beginning in the village of Bratton, the route takes in Westbury White Horse.
From the superb vantage point at the Horse, on a clear day Cherhill and Alton Barnes Horses can also be seen in the distance.
For history lovers, the walk passes through ‘Bratton Camp’, an Iron Age hill fort.
Walk 6 – West Lavington and Salisbury Plain
9.6 km/ 6 miles 2 hours Moderate
West Lavington is situated in the heart of Salisbury Plain, and the village itself is so long that it has joined with the adjacent hamlet of Littleton Pannell.
The first part of this walk is on the Wessex Ridgeway, which then meets the Imber Range Perimeter Path for a short while, before dropping back into the valley and returning to the village.
Magnificent views across the hills, woods and villages can be savoured, along with unusual flora and fauna.
Walk 7 – Norton Bavant and Scratchbury Hill
5.3 km/ 3.25 miles 1 hour Moderate
This walk takes in several Iron Age hill forts that are a common feature of the chalk uplands of Wiltshire, including Scratchbury Hill – one of the finest hill forts in the area.
Views from the Imber Range Perimeter Path are far ranging, particularly eastwards towards the military training grounds of Salisbury Plain.
Walk 8 – Edington
8 km/ 5 miles 2 hours Moderate
A varied walk that combines a wide range of countryside habitats with fabulous views.
There are interesting churches to visit en-route and several nearby pubs for sustenance after the walk!
The route takes you up Edington Hill and onto the Imber Range Perimeter Path (IRPP).
Edington has its place in history as the site where King Alfred, in 878, gained a decisive victory over Danish invaders – ensuring the continuing existence of Wessex as an independent kingdom.
Walk 9 – Upper Woodford Valley
10.5 km/ 6.5 miles 3 hours Easy
Explore some of Wiltshire’s finest villages and inns, delight in the natural beauty and crystal clear waters of the River Avon.
Go the added mile and enjoy stunning views of Stonehenge from the tumuli at Normanton Down.
Walk 10 – Lower Woodford Valley
6.5 km/ 4 miles 2 hours Easy
This is a short walk with two river crossings, capturing some of the best river and architectural views of the Woodford Valley.
Walk 11 – Woodford Valley
12 km/ 7.5 miles 3hrs 30 mins Easy
Explore the Lower Avon valley taking in Old Sarum and Great Durnford on the way back to Middle Woodford.
Walk 12 – Wilton and Wylye Valley
13 km/ 8 miles 2hrs 30 mins – 3 hrs Moderate
Visit Wilton and the tranquil tree-lined avenues of Grovely Wood. Descend into the beautiful Wylye River Valley and explore Great Wishford before returning to Wilton along the valley.
This walk is particularly special in spring when carpets of bluebells light up the forest floor.
Other walking routes to enjoy:
- The Pewsey Vale Circular Way
- Salisbury Plain walk
- West Kennet Long Barrow
- Durrington Walls
- The Ridgeway
- The Imber Range Perimeter Path
- The Clarendon Way
- The Wansdyke Path
- The Wansdyke Path – Marlborough to Lockeridge Road
- The Wansdyke Path – Lockeridge Road to A361
- The Wansdyke Path – A361 to Smallgrain Plantation
- Kennet and Avon Canal
- The Thames Path
- The Wessex Ridgeway
- Salisbury Country Way
- The Pewsey Avon Trail
- The Mid Wilts Way
- Salisbury Walking Map
- White Horse Trail
- Burcombe Punch Bowl
- Dinton, Baverstock and Compton Chamberlayne
- Dinton Park
- Around Swallowcliffe
- Tisbury
- Tisbury, Chicksgrove
- Chicksgrove, Teffont Evias
- Semley
- Semley and the Donheads
- Walking in the Knoyles
- Churches Conservation Trust Walk – Along the Thames in the southern Cotswolds
- Churches Conservation Trust Walk – Sutton Veny
- Larkhill Loop
- Meandering in Durrington
- Nile Clumps
- Ogbury Loop
- Perimeter Path
- Shrewton Stroll
- Spring Stroll
- War Walk
Other walking routes and maps are available to download from the Connecting Wiltshire website.
Walking friendly accommodation
Many of our accommodation establishments have the ‘Walkers Welcome’ symbol and provide extra facilities such as drying rooms for wet clothing they are also often able to advise on their favourite local routes. Search for your ideal walking break in Wiltshire.
Planning your next walking trip
Whether you are a casual walking enthusiast looking for a change of scenery or serious walker looking to challenge yourself on some new routes, Wiltshire will not let you down!
To make the most of our walking routes in Wiltshire, why not make a break of it?
To help get you started we have enclosed some links below to the more popular pages on our site.
There you can get the latest information on accommodation, attractions as well as different places to visit on your walking travels.
PLACES TO EAT & DRINK IN WILTSHIRE
Treat yourself to some of Wiltshire’s finest food and drink
With a wide selection of choices available, eating out at restaurants is a pleasure. Don’t worry if you’re travelling with a pet as there are plenty of pet friendly food stops to choose from. As well as some fantastic food and drink establishments, Wiltshire has a fine selection of local tipples which you can taste at one of our Vineyards and Breweries.
There are plenty of things to do and have all types of accommodation across the county to fit every need and ready to welcome you for a holiday & short break away from the everyday. Easily accesseble from all across the country you can explore and discover Wiltshire for yourself, take a look at our ideas and inspiration and plan your visit to Wiltshire with us. Be sure to keep up to date with our special offers and read our blogs to find out more about our wonderful county!
Enjoy gourmet dining in our restaurants
Let us tempt you with gourmet dining at one of our restaurants, look out for places with award-winning dining from the prestigious Michelin Star through to local awards.
Sample our local and seasonal produce and relax over lunch or dinner with friends or family.
Try our local fare in one of our Wiltshire pubs
From real ales through to fresh produce, try one of our many Wiltshire pubs. A great way to meet the friendly locals, you’ll find city centre pubs, countryside pubs and family friendly pubs in the county.
Cafes or tea rooms
Take time out of your busy day and enjoy a latte in one of our cafes or enjoy a traditional cream tea in one of our tea rooms.
If you’re out shopping you’ll need to refuel, you’ll find plenty of great places to stop and eat whether you’re in the middle of a town or within a shopping centre. McArthurGlen Desginer Outlet Swindon has a variety of tempting cafes and restaurants to choose from.
Sample the local Wiltshire food and drink
Head to one of our regular Wiltshire farmers’ markets for fresh produce directly from the suppliers. Here in Wiltshire we are also lucky to have some fine vineyards and breweries including the well-known Wadworth Brewery in Devizes famed for its 6X beer. In addition to this there are also micro-breweries dotted around the county.
Improve your culinary skills at one of our cookery schools and use fresh ingredients to create your own memories of Wiltshire!
Alfresco Dining in Wiltshire
Fancy a meal outside in the sunshine? From hillside picnics to beautiful beer gardens, there are lots of superb options for open-air alfresco dining across Wiltshire. Many of our restaurants, pubs, cafes, inns and teashops offer the option to enjoy your meal alfresco in the great outdoors. For inspiration of where to head, take a look at our top spots to enjoy alfresco dining in Wiltshire. Or you can pack a picnic and find a secluded spot to enjoy your meal.
Villages in Wiltshire
Castle Combe in the Wiltshire Cotswolds is often referred to as “the prettiest village in England”. With its charming stone cottages tucked up in their romantic gardens, it isn’t hard to see why. But the village’s equally-scenic neighbours can sometimes get overlooked. And there are many other chocolate box Wiltshire villages to enjoy nearby.
The Wiltshire Cotswolds is one of the most accessible parts of the Cotswolds – close to both Bath and Bristol, and within easy reach of London – and boasts many picturesque places. There are green fields, secluded woodlands, cosy cottages and tranquil canals to explore, with unspoilt stone villages dotted in between. If you’re looking for quaint villages similar to Castle Combe to visit in the Wiltshire Cotswolds, there are many options to choose from. Here are some of our favourites…
Biddestone
With its attractive stone cottages, welcoming village pub and open green spaces, Biddestone near Corsham has everything you could wish for in an English village. Within the village are a Grade II* listed Manor House, the historic St Nicolas’ church, and homes dating back to the 17th century – although the history of the settlement reaches all the way back to Saxon times. It isn’t hard to see why Biddestone has sometimes been used as a filming location!
Grittleton
A stone’s throw from Castle Combe and around 6 miles from Chippenham is the Cotswolds village of Grittleton. The majority of the village fits on just one street (aptly named ‘The Street’) where you will find delightful houses, the village pub, and the church of St Mary the Virgin. The church itself dates back to the 13th century, with a tower dating to the 15th century.
Slaughterford
The chocolate box Cotswold village of Slaughterford is around 3 miles from Castle Combe, and very close to Biddestone. Despite its slightly bloodthirsty name, it is as peaceful and pleasant place as you could imagine! Slaughterford is surrounded by green fields, quiet woodland and pleasant Wiltshire countryside, making for some lovely walking options. Here you will find impossibly quaint cottages built from Cotswold stone, as well as the 15th century church of St Nicholas. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the area, luxury hotel Lucknam Park is just down the road from Slaughterford; this magnificent listed Palladian mansion is set within 500 acres of tranquil parkland.
Alderton
Located around 6 miles from Malmesbury, Alderton is a village of pretty detached cottages surrounded by open green fields. The village has a duckpond, a church, and a village hall. From Alderton, you can enjoy a short walk to nearby Luckington (home to Luckington Court, a private home famous as the Bennet family’s house ‘Longbourne’ in the 1990s BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice).
Box
Box is a slightly larger village than some of the others listed here, but it still has historic houses and pretty cottages to see. Located near to Corsham, Box’s hillside location also means it offers lovely countryside views over the surrounding Wiltshire landscapes. Nearby is Box Tunnel, built by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to take the railway line through Box Hill on its way between Chippenham and Bath. When the tunnel was completed in the early 19th century, it was the world’s longest railway tunnel and considered a very impressive feat of engineering.
North Wraxall
North Wraxall can be found just down the road from Biddestone, Slaughterford and Castle Combe (although somewhat surprisingly, nearly ten miles from the village of South Wraxall!) This pleasant, hillside village is comprised of less than 50 stone cottages. There is also a historic church – the parish church of St James – with some elements of the building dating back to the 13th century.
Sherston
Right on the edge of the border between Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, about 5 miles from the charming town of Malmesbury, is the village of Sherston, home to many attractive stone cottages and picturesque historic buildings. There are many walks to be enjoyed from the village, through pretty woodlands, wildflower meadows, cultivated farmlands and quiet country lanes. A short drive away into Gloucestershire is Westonbirt, the National Arboretum, a tree garden home to around 15,000 trees and another stunning location for a walk.
Sopworth
Home to many delightful cottages and beautiful flower-filled gardens, Sopworth is just down the road from Sherston, near to the border between Wiltshire and Gloucestershire. The village is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and is home to a church dating back to the 13th century.
Avoncliff
Nestled in a Wiltshire valley just a mile outside of Bradford on Avon at the very south of the Wiltshire Cotswolds, Avoncliff is home to a few dozen houses surrounded by wooded hillsides and green fields. There are many lovely walks to enjoy through the surrounding countryside, converging at Avoncliff Aqueduct – an impressive 18th century structure which lifts the Kennet and Avon Canal over the Bristol Avon. Why not stroll along the canal into Bradford on Avon, or tackle a hillside ramble to reach beautiful Iford Manor Gardens where rewards await in the form of a stunning, Italianate garden and delicious tea and cakes at the café.
ATTRACTIONS IN WILTSHIRE
Tourist Attractions
great days out for museums & attractions Direct Links
http://www.corsham.gov.uk/visit/