Places to visit in Wiltshire

Start your journey in historic Salisbury, and explore the beautiful medieval city in the countryside. Top of your to-do list should be the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral – one of the best things to do in Wiltshire – to discover its 900 years of history. The cathedral is also home to the Magna Carta. Pre-book a Cathedral and 1215 Magna Carta Tour to ensure entry.

Next, head just outside of Salisbury, to its original predecessor – Old Sarum. This English Heritage site is one of the top things to do in Wiltshire, as it combines a medieval castle with an Iron Age fort and a Roman settlement. Come for the views and beautiful photo opportunities, but stay for the tangible, spine-tingling history.

After all that history, motor over to Longleat where you can take a self-drive or walking safari to see its famous lions, visit the stately home and get lost in its giant hedge maze. Longleat is one of the most popular things to do in Wiltshire, with good reason.

Wave goodbye to the lions – it’s time to head north. On the way, you’ll pass the Bratton Camp Iron Age Hill Fort and the Westbury White Horse, the most famous of Wiltshire’s white horses. If you want to get up close, there’s a car park at the hill fort, a great place to visit for photos.

Finally, rest and refuel in comfort at the luxurious Bowood Hotel and Spa – in the grounds of the grand Bowood House. You can dine in one of its gourmet restaurants, book a spa treatment, or even squeeze in a round of golf. And don’t forget to toast your adventure with a Bowood Botanicals gin!

Begin the day in medieval Lacock, a National Trust village that’s famous as the setting for Harry Potter and Downton Abbey – and is one of the most popular things to do in Wiltshire. You can find Harry’s parents’ house and other key sites with a little help from the National Trust’s map, or follow the Lacock Lovers Walk for a romantic stroll.

While you’re in Lacock, don’t miss another treat for Harry Potter and history fans – Lacock Abbey. This National Trust house was built on the site of a nunnery, and also doubled as Hogwarts in the wizarding movies. It has beautiful grounds and a tea room, and is one of the top things to do in Wiltshire.

Next, head to romantic Bradford-on-Avon, on the edge of the Cotswolds. This picturesque town and its 13th Century bridge is a popular place to visit, full of pubs, cafés and restaurants. You can take to the river and hire a paddle board or canoe, or enjoy a picturesque walk along the banks.

Castle Combe is so picture-perfect, that it regularly appears on screen – in movies such as War Horse and Stardust. Take a stroll around its honey-coloured buildings and winding streets: one of the best walks in Wiltshire, especially when it’s followed by a pint at gastro-pub The Castle Inn.

For a special end to your day, book a table at Bybrook and stay overnight in The Manor House – a 14th Century hotel with Italianate gardens. It’s one of three Michelin-starred places to eat in Wiltshire, alongside The Dining Room in Whatley Manor and Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park.

Kick off your morning in the historic market town of Malmesbury, England’s oldest borough. Home to many interesting things to do in Wiltshire, you can wander its high street and 12th Century Abbey, explore Iron Age history at the Athelstan Museum, and stroll among the sweet-scented roses at Abbey House Manor.

Your next stop is Chippenham, a pretty town on the banks of the River Avon. Explore its streets and take a ramble alongside the river, then stock up on small-batch coffee at Coffee Gems artisan roasters. If you have time, join a tasting experience or barista masterclass – a treat for all coffee lovers.

Now it’s time to meet some of Wiltshire’s most famous residents – its stones. First visit Avebury, the stone circle which wraps around the village, and marvel at this free site which is often overlooked for its more famous sibling of Stonehenge. This is also a superb spot to stretch your legs on some of the best walks in Wiltshire.

Finally, we’ve come full circle – pun intended – to end the trip at world-famous Stonehenge. It’s one of the most popular places to visit in the UK, so booking is essential: you can walk the prehistoric stone circles, come face-to-face with a 5,500-year-old man, and step into a Neolithic village on Stonehenge tours.