Ask anyone to list their top three favourite holiday counties, and I would take a healthy guess that Wiltshire would not be on that list. Yet this is a county that has much to offer holidaymakers, with particular emphasis on offering a great time for families.
Top attractions like Longleat, Boscombe Down Aviation Centre and Salisbury Plain form the backbone of any self respecting holiday “hit list”, and it is worth taking a look at what the Wiltshire Tourism Office recommends on their website:-
1. Stonehenge
2. Avebury
Wiltshire’s other stone circle, Avebury forms part of the World Heritage Site with Stonehenge. Walk amongst the stone circle, see the largest man-made mound in Europe – Silbury Hill and explore the West Kennett Long Barrow all within the wider Avebury landscape.
3. Crop circles
Wiltshire is renowned for its crop circles which generally appear from April to September across the county. There is still a lot of mystery as to how they are formed and the reasons behind their exact locations.
4. White Horses and chalk carvings
There are currently eight white horses across the county which remain on view, the oldest dating back to 1778 and the most recent in 1999. Other chalk carvings include: the Fovant Badges, the Bulford Kiwi and the ANZAC carving at Codford.
5. The Kennet & Avon canal
Stretching for 87 miles and across the whole county, the Kennet and Avon Canal was built to develop trade links with Bristol and London. Today, the canal is no longer used for industry but is perfect for a relaxing boat ride, a walk along the tow path or a refreshing pint in one of the beer gardens alongside the water. Be sure to check out the Caen Hill Locks too with its 29 consecutive locks helping canal boats rise 237 feet near Devizes
6. Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
The spectacular Early English Gothic Cathedral has Britain’s tallest spire standing at 123 metres (404ft) and one of the finest original copies of the Magna Carta. Whilst here see Europe’s oldest working clock and those with a head for heights should definitely do the ‘Tower Tour’ where you climb 332 steps to the base of the spire.
7. Lacock and Castle Combe
Step back in time in the beautiful village of Lacock with its medieval Abbey and quintessentially English houses and streets. Much of the village has been used in filming with the likes of Cranford, Pride and Prejudice and even Harry Potter being filmed here. Castle Combe has been made famous by recent film productions of War Horse, The Wolf Man and Stardust and is set in the Wiltshire Cotswolds.
8. Walking Paths
For keen ramblers or those looking for a gentle stroll – Wiltshire has an abundance of paths (over 8,200 in fact!) suitable for all abilities.
9. Charming market towns
Wiltshire’s market towns date back to their historic roots yet are still thriving to this day. Most markets are weekly and offer an array of local produce, clothing, furniture and household goods as well as grocery supplies. There is a Wiltshire Farmer's Market network which visits various towns throughout the months offering goods direct from the supplier.
10. Year round entertainment
Have a flutter on the horses at Salisbury Racecourse , take part in the spectacular festivals in both Devizes and Salisbury, visit one of our theatres or arts venues or one of the many special exhibitions staged in our local museums. Wiltshire is rich in the arts and events take place year round.
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