W

iltshire is an ancient and mysterious land: prehistoric monuments, converging ley lines, burial grounds, crop circles, and Iron Age settlements abound. And there’s no better way to experience this unique landscape than by packing your tent, donning those walking boots, and setting out onto Salisbury Plain.

You’d have to be from another planet not to recognise Stonehenge. Erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, the Neolithic monument’s huge stone structures dominate Salisbury Plain. Despite warranting attention from Druid high priests to boffins, it remains shrouded in mystery - why was it built? And just how did those four tonne rocks make their way nearly 240 miles (386 km) from the Preseli mountains in South Wales to Wiltshire?

After you’ve soaked up the atmosphere at Stonehenge, there are the remains of over 400 other monuments in the UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore including Woodhenge. Despite being a similar size to Stonehenge, this Neolithic monument located between Larkhill and Amesbury was only discovered in 1925. It might not be as impressive as its big brother but it certainly packs a punch when it comes to atmosphere.

And after a day’s exploring these spiritual places, why not connect with the landscape further by hammering in some tent pegs and camping at the Stonehenge Touring Park in Orcheston. Not only is this friendly family-run business located in a village that featured in the Domesday Book, it’s also the closest campsite to Stonehenge.