Wiltshire Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Wiltshire with this comprehensive travel guide covering the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a county located in the West Country of England, United Kingdom. It is known for its beautiful countryside, rich history, and cultural heritage. Wiltshire is perfect for travelers who want to experience a mix of modern amenities and ancient wonders.

There are many things to do and see in Wiltshire, from exploring prehistoric sites and museums, to enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing. In this travel guide, we will cover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat, where to stay, and much more. So, let’s get started!

List of Places to Visit in Wiltshire

Wiltshire boasts a wealth of attractions for travelers of all interests. Below are some top places to visit in Wiltshire:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Stonehenge
  • Salisbury Cathedral
  • Avebury Stone Circle
  • Roman Baths
  • Museum of Army Flying
  • Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre

Natural Attractions of Wiltshire: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Salisbury Plain
  • West Woods
  • Kennet and Avon Canal
  • Longleat Safari Park
  • Bowood House and Gardens

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wiltshire

Wiltshire is a paradise for hikers and bikers, with many trails winding through spectacular scenery. Some of the best hiking and biking trails in Wiltshire include:

  • The White Horse Trail
  • The Wessex Ridgeway
  • The Ridgeway National Trail
  • The Thames Path
  • The Kennet and Avon Canal Towpath

Best Things to Do in Wiltshire: Activities and Tours

Here are some exciting activities and tours that you can’t miss in Wiltshire:

  • Hot air balloon ride over the county
  • Stonehenge inner circle tour
  • Helicopter tour over Stonehenge and Avebury
  • Wadworth Brewery Tour
  • Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

Week-Long Itinerary for Wiltshire

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for Wiltshire:

Day 1: Arrival in Salisbury, visit Salisbury Cathedral and Old Sarum

Day 2: Visit Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circle

Day 3: Explore the Roman Baths and Bath city

Day 4: Hike the White Horse Trail or Salisbury Plain

Day 5: Visit Longleat Safari and Adventure Park

Day 6: Go canoeing, boating or fishing on Kennet and Avon Canal

Day 7: Visit Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre and Bowood House and Gardens

Food and Drink Scene of Wiltshire

Wiltshire offers a range of delicious local specialties and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wiltshire ham
  • Wiltshire lardy cake
  • Wiltshire cured bacon
  • Wiltshire pudding

Local Beverages

  • Wadworth 6X beer
  • Poulshot cider
  • Ramsbury gin

Where to Stay in Wiltshire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wiltshire offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Some top choices are:

  • The Red Lion Hotel, Salisbury
  • The Swan at Streatley, Marlborough
  • The Castle Inn, Castle Combe
  • The Pear Tree Inn, Whitley
  • The Crown Inn, Broad Hinton

What to Buy in Wiltshire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some local products and souvenirs to take home from Wiltshire:

  • Stonehenge replicas
  • Wessex brewing ale
  • Wiltshire ham and bacon
  • Ramsbury gin
  • Marlborough socks

Local Culture and Customs of Wiltshire

Wiltshire has a proud and ancient cultural heritage that is reflected in its festivals, customs, and traditions. Here are some of the most important cultural events in Wiltshire:

  • Salisbury International Arts Festival
  • Devizes International Street Festival and Carnival
  • Longleat Festival of Light
  • Marlborough Jazz Festival
  • Stourhead Autumn Colours

Best Time to Visit Wiltshire

The best time to visit Wiltshire is in the summer months from June to August, when the weather is warm and dry. However, the off-season from September to May offers some bargains and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wiltshire

Do:

  • Enjoy the stunning countryside
  • Visit Stonehenge during the summer solstice
  • Try local delicacies and beverages

Don’t:

  • Disrespect ancient sites
  • Drive carelessly in the countryside
  • Litter or vandalize public areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is generally a safe destination with low levels of crime. However, visitors should take normal precautions like staying aware of their surroundings and belongings.

Health in Wiltshire

Wiltshire has a good healthcare system, and travelers from countries with reciprocal healthcare agreements with the UK can access free or reduced-cost emergency medical care.

Getting to Wiltshire: Transportation Options and Logistics

Wiltshire is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports Near Wiltshire

  • Bristol Airport (BRS)
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR)
  • Southampton Airport (SOU)

Bus Stations Near Wiltshire

  • Salisbury Bus Station
  • Swindon Bus Station
  • Chippenham Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train from London to Salisbury or Swindon
  • Car rental from major UK cities

How to Get Around in Wiltshire

The best way to get around Wiltshire is by car or bike, but public transportation is also available. Here are some options:

  • Car rental
  • Bike rental
  • Bus and train services

Where to Go Next from Wiltshire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations that you may want to explore after your trip to Wiltshire:

  • Bath, Somerset
  • Oxford, Oxfordshire
  • Exeter, Devon
  • Bristol, Bristol

Conclusion

Wiltshire is a treasure trove of historical and cultural attractions, beautiful countryside, outdoor adventures, and delicious food and drink. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip to Wiltshire, making the most of every moment in this picturesque county.

Map of Wiltshire Map of Wiltshire Stourhead Grotto Cave Stourhead Grotto Cave


    Amesbury
    Bradford on Avon
    Castle Combe
    Chippenham
    Devizes
    Malmesbury
    Pewsey
    Royal Wootton Bassett
    Salisbury
    Stonehenge
    Swindon
    Trowbridge