Summary
Located in England’s West Country, Wiltshire is a region characterized by its chalk downs and proximity to the Cotswold Hills, touching the borders of Somerset and Gloucestershire. This area is one of the most fertile in England, featuring extensive farmland interspersed with well-maintained towns and charming villages renowned for their picturesque thatched cottages. The hilltops of Wiltshire are adorned with remnants of ancient civilization, including Bronze Age forts and burial mounds, as well as Neolithic monuments such as the iconic Stonehenge and the stone circles at Avebury, both integral parts of a distinguished World Heritage Site. It is evident that this region has a rich and lengthy history dating back thousands of years.
Today, much of the tranquility in Wiltshire can be attributed to Salisbury Plain, a vast area of military land situated in the heart of the county, which contains several army bases and airfields.
1. Salisbury
Historic Salisbury is a beautifully preserved city rich in medieval heritage and serves as one of the key destinations for travelers in Wiltshire. This is particularly evident upon witnessing the grandeur of the cathedral and discovering the captivating history encapsulated within its walls.
This remarkable 13th-century structure boasts the oldest operational clock in the world, built in 1386, and houses the best-preserved copy of the Magna Carta among its four existing versions. While the cathedral is a must-see, there is an array of other attractions to explore.
Salisbury serves as an ideal base for visiting nearby notable sites such as Stonehenge and the Bronze Age monuments of Wiltshire, while a historical hilltop known as Old Sarum, located north of Salisbury, marks the original site of the city and its cathedral, which existed from the Bronze Age until the 13th century when the cathedral was relocated.
2. Bradford on Avon
Situated on the lower slopes of the Cotswold Hills, Bradford on Avon combines the gentle allure of its limestone terrain with a rich historical legacy, making it an essential visit. The town prospered during the 1600s due to the woolen textile trade, which facilitated the construction of much of its existing architecture. Its winding streets reward those who opt to explore on foot.
The town’s medieval bridge, which features a chapel converted from a lockup for miscreants, is a particularly enchanting sight. In addition, notable sites include the 10th-century Saxon Church of St Laurence, the 14th-century Tithe Barn, and the meticulously crafted Arts and Crafts gardens at Iford Manor, all of which should be included in any itinerary.
3. Amesbury
Amesbury boasts evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years, making it the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the country. The foremost attraction in Amesbury is undoubtedly Stonehenge, a prehistoric monument that dates back to 3000 BC, captivating visitors with its impressive stone circle sourced from as far as Pembrokeshire in Wales.
Take some time to explore the town, where you can visit the Church of St Mary and St Melor, which has historical significance as the former Amesbury Abbey, founded in the 10th century. This church also serves as the final resting place of Eleanor of Provence, the wife of Henry III, who passed away in Amesbury in 1291.
4. Avebury
Despite being a small village amidst the rolling downs, Avebury offers a wealth of historical significance. Prominently featured are the Neolithic stone circles, which are part of the same World Heritage Site as Stonehenge. This henge, completed over 5,000 years ago, is a testament to the ancient communities that gathered here.
The stones hold profound meaning for modern pagan communities, and witnessing individuals dressed as druids in the area is not unusual. For others, these stones symbolize a historical intrigue from a time when agricultural societies first emerged in Britain. Nearby, Avebury Manor, a charming residence from the mid-1500s, features wood-paneled rooms and beautifully landscaped formal gardens.
5. Devizes
In a county rich in attractive market towns, Devizes stands out as a memorable experience. The town center is remarkably well-preserved, with over 500 listed buildings offering a glimpse into its historical narrative. Among its noteworthy attractions is the Wadworth Brewery, known for delivering ale by shire horse for nearly 150 years and providing informative tours of the brewery.
Another highlight is the impressive Georgian engineering of Caen Hill Locks, featuring a series of 16 locks that manage canal traffic. Moreover, the Wiltshire Museum presents fascinating insights into the Bronze Age treasures interred with chieftains in their burial mounds.
6. Marlborough
This ancient market town features an inviting layout and is distinguished by its exceptionally wide high street, arguably the second widest in all of England. This generous space accommodates the weekly markets that take place every Wednesday and Saturday.
Exploring Marlborough’s well-preserved streets reveals an abundance of pubs, tea rooms, and antique shops, emphasizing the town’s historical wealth, particularly from the silk trade. Visitors may tour the Merchant’s House along the high street to gain insights into the life of a prosperous 17th-century merchant.
7. Cricklade
Positioned near the northwestern edge of Wiltshire along the River Thames, Cricklade may be modest in size, yet it possesses a rich history that can be explored through a local heritage trail. This trail reveals notable sites including two medieval churches, a 13th-century priory, and the Jenner Hall from the 1600s, as well as a peculiar clock honoring Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in the late 1800s.
The surrounding countryside is as picturesque as any in Wiltshire, particularly in early spring when the North Meadow National Nature Reserve bursts into bloom with rare wild snakeshead fritillaries.
8. Swindon
Swindon represents Wiltshire’s closest approximation to an urban center, functioning as a modern business and educational hub with an industrial heritage. The renowned Museum of the Great Western Railway is located on the site of the historical Swindon Works, which formerly produced three steam locomotives weekly, ensuring the sustainability of this iconic railway.
The museum chronicles the era of steam travel, featuring a collection of locomotives, including the GWR Star Class North Star, designed by Robert Stephenson in 1838. With contemporary technology firms surrounding Swindon, it is fitting that the Museum of Computing also sits nearby. For a more traditional experience, Lydiard Park, set within the grounds of a grand Palladian manor house, is easily accessible.
9. Lacock
It is rare to encounter a more picturesque village than Lacock, located within the Cotswolds of Wiltshire. Visitors will feel transported into a fairytale as they navigate through streets lined with enchanting timber-framed and weathered limestone buildings. Under the stewardship of the National Trust, this village has served as the backdrop for numerous television shows and films, including two installments of the Harry Potter franchise.
Lacock Abbey, originally a nunnery, was transformed into a stately home following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1500s. This exquisite building, also managed by the National Trust, showcases an engaging combination of architectural styles and has retained many of its original features, including a bakery and brewery housed within its Tudor courtyards.
10. Tisbury
Situated in the West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Tisbury is a charming village along the Nadder River, a clear chalk stream renowned for its brown trout. The village thrived during the Middle Ages when its quarries supplied stone for Salisbury Cathedral.
Notable landmarks include the Grade I-listed parish church, which features a 4,000-year-old yew tree, one of the oldest trees in Britain, in its churchyard. Additionally, the 13th-century Tithe Barn is a remarkable site, boasting the largest thatched roof in England. A key attraction in the area is the 14th-century Wardour Castle, which suffered damage during a Civil War siege and now stands as a romantic ruin frequently depicted in films and television programs.
11. Warminster
Warminster, situated in the southwest of England, offers a range of attractions, significantly influenced by the corn trade and the philanthropic efforts of George Wansey, a wealthy cloth merchant who contributed greatly to the town’s enhancement in the early 1800s. Today, Warminster features more vibrancy and nightlife than its neighboring villages.
However, what truly enhances Warminster’s appeal is its proximity to two esteemed rural destinations. Stourhead, renowned for its splendid country house and gardens, and the Elizabethan Longleat Manor, which combines historical significance with the excitement of Longleat Safari Park, a popular wildlife attraction.
12. Malmesbury
Encircled by two branches of the River Avon, Malmesbury is another historic gem found in northwestern Wiltshire. This town was one of Alfred the Great’s primary strongholds against Viking invasions in the late 9th century. Moreover, Malmesbury Abbey has existed since the 600s and was active until its dissolution under Henry VIII. It serves as the burial place of Athelstan, the King of the Anglo-Saxons until 939. Adjacent to the abbey is the Old Bell Inn, recognized as the oldest hotel in England, having welcomed guests since 1220.
13. Wilton
Wilton, located just west of Salisbury, exudes elegance through its 17th and 18th-century architecture and features a church that appears almost extravagant in such a compact setting. Historically, Wilton served as Wiltshire’s county town until the 1000s. The town’s impressive Georgian buildings are a reflection of its prosperous weaving industry, which flourished for centuries.
Today, Wilton Carpets are still produced in the town, albeit on a smaller scale. For those interested in local history, Wilton House showcases lavish State Rooms adorned with portraits of the Herbert family, painted by Anthony van Dyck in the 17th century.
14. Pewsey
For centuries, the rolling hills of England’s West Country have served as canvases for monumental artworks, notably revealing the white chalk beneath the surface. In Wiltshire, these chalk figures manifest as white horses, with eight distinct examples scattered throughout the county. Among the more recent is the Pewsey White Horse, which proudly overlooks the cornfields of the picturesque Pewsey Vale.
The charming town of Pewsey invites visitors to relax in its thatched cottages, traverse local public rights of way, and enjoy a variety of welcoming pubs. Following the Kennet & Avon Canal to the Crofton Pumping Station provides an interesting excursion, as this historical landmark employs a functioning beam engine to pump water from a stream to maintain the canal.
15. Castle Combe
Concluding this list is Castle Combe, often celebrated as one of the most picturesque villages in England and a quintessential Cotswolds destination. The stunning views along the By Brook are sure to captivate visitors.
Castle Combe enchants with its quaint cottages constructed from rustic Cotswold stone, many of which were built during the wool trade era in the 1600s. The parish church, which holds a Grade I listing, features the effigy of Sir Walter de Dunstanville, dating back to 1270, who is identified as a Crusader through his crossed legs.
