Famed for its prehistoric stone circles, Wiltshire is a landlocked county west of London, with Trowbridge serving as its county town. Historic country houses and National Trust properties dot its wide valleys while the monumental Salisbury Cathedral is topped by the United Kingdom’s tallest church spire.
Things to do in Wiltshire
Whether you want to uncover the mystery of Stonehenge or spot African animals in the English countryside, Wiltshire is sure to please.
Admire the Salisbury Cathedral. Considered one of the most impressive examples of English Gothic architecture, the Salisbury Cathedral was largely constructed in the 13th century, with its 123-metre-high spire added in 1320. Join the “Tower Tour” to see its ancient wooden scaffolding and explore the largest cloister in Britain before viewing one of the few original copies of the Magna Carta.
Tour Stonehenge. Wiltshire is home to one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments, Stonehenge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is shrouded in mystery. Begin your visit at the exhibition space to learn how it was constructed before wandering between the builders’ Neolithic houses and deciding for yourself whether Stonehenge was intended as a holy or scientific site.
Visit Lacock Abbey. Founded as an Augustinian nunnery in the 13th century, Lacock Abbey was later converted into a residence by Sir William Sharington. Explore its medieval rooms and tranquil cloister court before learning about its links to the inventor of the photographic negative, William Talbot.
Embark on a safari in Longleat. When the Longleat Safari and Adventure Park was opened in 1966, it was the first drive-through safari park outside Africa. It centres around the ancestral home of the Marquess of Bath and is traversed by a miniature railway, with Rothschild giraffes, ring-tailed lemurs and red pandas among its residents.
Getting around Wiltshire
Wiltshire is around two hours’ drive from the centre of London and 1.5 hours from Heathrow Airport. The smaller Bristol Airport is an hour away. Railways connect towns and cities across the county, with major hubs in Salisbury and Westbury. Public buses serve Wiltshire’s smaller villages.