Things to do and see in Wiltshire

True wonders await when you visit Wiltshire. It has been an extraordinary place for a vast amount of time and holds a unique magnetism, drawing people from all corners of the world to see the treasures they lay here. Not only is Wiltshire an Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty, it is home to a World Heritage Site which stands testament to the ages. We've included some of the absolute must-sees when visiting in this blog along with fun, interactive activities and places to visit with the kids too!

 

1. Stonehenge

If you haven’t heard of Stonehenge…where have you been?! The prehistoric monument holds a unique importance - it is a World Heritage Site surrounded by the remains of ceremonial and domestic structures, some older than the monument itself. Huge mystery surrounds Stonehenge to this day but the orientation of the rising and setting sun has always been one of its remarkable features. Alongside the stone circle itself, a visit to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre is a lovely way to complete your day. You will find museum-quality exhibitions as well as ‘Standing in the Stones’ – an incredible audio-visual 360-degree view from inside the stones. You will find a delightful café where you must try the famous Stonehenge rock cakes or have a cold one from the Stonehenge brewery and don’t forget to pick up a souvenir from the shop to remember your visit by!

Prices:

Advance booking is recommended.

Adult £16.50, Child (5-15) £9.90, Concession £14.90, Family (2 adults, 3 children) £42.90

Opening Times:

Present – 29th March 2018

Monday – Sunday 9:30am – 5pm

Address:

Nr Amesbury

Wilts

SP4 7DE

Contact:

03703331181

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/#

 

 

 

2. Avebury World Heritage Site

This is the largest Stone Circle in the world and together with Stonehenge, Avebury forms part of the World Heritage Site. Thought to have been erected around 4,500 years ago, the village has grown at the heart of the monument. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to say you have been to the only place in the world where you will find a pub & chapel inside a Stone Circle! Ceremonial sites that formed the vast, sacred landscape include West Kennet Avenue, The Sanctuary, Windmill Hill and the mysterious Silbury Hill, most of which can be reached on foot from the village.

Address:
Avebury

Marlborough

Wiltshire

SN8 1RF

Contact:

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury/lists/avebury-world-heritage-site

 

 

 

3. Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta

Become immersed in the 800 years of history that await at Salisbury Cathedral and discover the original 1215 Magna Carta – one of only four in the world and explore its legacy with an interactive exhibition. You really are in for plenty of treats during your visit for getting to see the world’s oldest working mechanical clock and admiring some fabulous stained glass. Many say the Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour is the most memorable and spectacular part of the visit. Whilst you climb the 332 steps in easy stages by narrow winding spiral staircases, you can hear the Cathedral’s history right up till you reach the foot of the famous Spire – 225ft above ground level. Book your Tower Tour HERE.

Opening Times:

See HERE

Address:

33 The Close

Salisbury

Wiltshire

SP1 2EJ

Contact:

01722 555120

https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/about-us/contact-us

https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk/

 

 

 

4. Longleat House

This is one for the adults… the kids will love what else awaits at Longleat, but more on that later! Step back into more than 450 years of history at Longleat House, which today is regarded as one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. You’re sure in for the ‘wow’ factor when you visit – a majestic Great Hall, libraries filled with over 40,000 books and a 90 feet long Saloon adorned with Flemish tapestries are just some of the beautiful areas of the House you can explore. If the weather is fine, take a stroll through the Pleasure Gardens and enjoy the stunning surroundings and if you would like to make the most of your visit, do book onto the many tours available including the ‘Rooftop Tour’ and ‘Scandalous History Tour’.

Prices:

Various packages available HERE.

Opening Times:

See HERE.

Address:

Longleat

Warminster

Wiltshire

BA12 7NW

Contact:

01985 844400

https://www.longleat.co.uk/

 

 

 

5. Wiltshire Museum

A little Wiltshire treasure holding the best Bronze Age archaeology collection in Britain as well as highlighting the fascinating history of its people over the last 6,000 years. You will find brand new Prehistoric Wiltshire Galleries telling the story of the people who built and used the world-renowned monuments of Stonehenge and Avebury as well as a showcase of unique gold and amber objects which date back over 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. Special exhibitions are held throughout the year so do check the ‘What’s On’ prior to your visit so you don’t miss out!

Prices:

Adults £5.50, Concessions £4.50, Children (Under 16) Free

Opening Times:

Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Sunday Noon – 4pm

Check HERE for any Christmas 2017 closures.

Address:

41 Long Street

Devizes

SN10 1NS

Contact:

01380 727369

hello@wiltshiremuseum.org.uk

http://www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk/

 

 

 

Things to do with the kids in Wiltshire

 

1. Longleat

Remember, early we mentioned Longleat House? Well, now here’s the fun part just for the kids!... Longleat Safari Drive-Through is the perfect way to complete a family fun day out. Hop in, windows up and get in touch with your wild side! You’ll venture through Monkey Mayhem, join the pack in Wolf Wood, meet the Kings of Lion Country and try to keep up through Cheetah Kingdom. When it’s time to roam free, head to Main Square and meet the likes of Humboldt Penguins, cheeky Meerkats, playful Gorillas and so much more. There is so much to see and do you won't know where to begin, however, if you’re visiting from now until the 7th Jan 2018 you cannot miss out on the spectacular Festival of Light – The Magic of Storytelling where remarkable Chinese lanterns will offer you can experience you will never forget.

Prices:

See HERE.

Opening Times:

See HERE.

Address:

Longleat

Warminster

Wiltshire

BA12 7NW

Contact:

01985 844400

https://www.longleat.co.uk/

 

 

 

2. Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

If you’re a family that loves fast things that fly, this is definitely the place for you. Although it is a historic museum, it’s a really fun and interactive place for the kids to get involved in too. They’ll love climbing into the cockpits, hearing engine noise, seeing how the controls work on the jets and listening in to air traffic control talking to aircrafts. You’ll get to see fast jets up close in the hangar including Harriers, Jaguars, Hawks and a Tornado and there are numerous events and exhibits held throughout the year too so there’s certainly plenty to see.

Prices:

Adults £8.50, Children £6.00, Under 5’s Free, Concessions £7.00, Families (2 adults, 2 children) £23.00

Opening Times:
See times HERE.

Address:
Boscombe Down Aviation Collection

Hangar 1 South

Old Sarum Airfield

Old Sarum

Salisbury

SP4 6DZ

Contact:

01722 323636

http://www.boscombedownaviationcollection.co.uk/Index.htm

 

 

 

3. Farmtastic Animal Farm

Over 100 animals are waiting to meet you at Farmtastic Animal Farm! “Home to some of the country’s cutest, cuddliest and most entertaining animals” you will find the likes of pygmy goats, Llamas and Alpacas, Cows, Geese and more at the Farm. Get up close and personal with some of your favourite furry friends by feeding them! Special feed is available at the Farm to purchase so you and your little ones can have a whale of a time interactive with all the animals. Why not take part in Lamb or Alpaca walking or hop on the trailer for a ride around the farm spotting your favourite animals. See all the Animal Activities HERE.

Prices:
Adults £6.50, Children (2-16) £5.50, Toddler (18m-2 years) £2.50, Under 18m’s Free, Family (2 adults, 2 children) £22.00

Opening Times:

See HERE.

Address:
Lidats Meadow Farm

Grittenham Nr Royal Wootton

Bassett

SN15 4JW

Contact:

01666510477

contact@farmtasticanimalfarm.co.uk

http://www.farmtasticanimalfarm.co.uk/

 

 

 

4. Splash of Colour Ceramic and Craft Cafe

Based in Salisbury, this is a lovely place to visit with the entire family particularly if the weather isn't great or if you just feel like doing something a little different and creative! They have a wide range of pottery to choose from which you can decorate and if you're feeling super crafty, why not try your hand at creating your own mosaics or giving the potter's wheel a go. Even the littlest of your family can get involved too with 'Baby Prints', and their tiny tootsies or hands can be pressed into the pottery after a dap in a little paint. Do try and visit early in your visit as your pottery will also be glazed and fired so you will be able to collect in around a week. 

Prices:

Pay for what you paint. 

Opening Times:

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5:30pm

Sunday 11am - 3pm

Closed Wednesdays except during school holidays. 

Address:

Splash of Colour

72 Fisherton Street

Salisbury 

Wiltshire

SP2 7RB

Contact:
Call to book a table - 01722 322250

info@splashofcolourcafe.net

http://splashofcolourcafe.net/

 

 

 

5. Swindon & Cricklade Railway

This is Wiltshire's only standard-gauge heritage railway and the passenger line offers a round trip of just over 4 miles making it the perfect length to keep children of all ages occupied. If you have mini trainspotters in your midst, they will enjoy the selection of rolling stock and steam engines that are also housed on site. The catering and hospitality services are undergoing developments to ensure an even more enjoyable experience during your visit. 

Prices:

Current Standard Train Fares

Adults from £6, Senior from £5, Child from £4, Family (2 adults, 2 children) from £18

Opening Times:

Saturday - Sunday Standard 10.30am - 3.30pm

See HERE for full timetable. 

Address:
Blunsdon Station

Tadpole Lane

Blunsdon 

Swindon

Wiltshire

SN25 2DA

Contact:

01793 771615

http://www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org/index.php#top

 

 

 

 

 

 

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