| |
The Cotswolds
|
|
|
The southernmost fringes of The Cotswolds can be found towards the north of Wiltshire, and the region is renowned for its outstanding natural beauty. Characteristic rolling hills, picturesque little villages hewn from honey-gold limestone and a quintessential English charm that runs through the area make The Cotswolds a magnet for tourists. Please click here (insert text link to Cotswolds page) for more information.
|
|
| |
Stonehenge
Near Salisbury,
Wiltshire
|
|
|
Stonehenge is one of the world’s most spectacular Megalithic icons, and is situated at the southern edge of Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. It was built over a period of 1000 years, beginning in approximately 3000BC, although the origins and purpose of Stonehenge remain a mystery. The site is protected and maintained by English Heritage and the National Trust owns the surrounding area. This part of Wiltshire is rich in prehistoric archaeology, and Stonehenge is the most famous example of this - visited by an estimated 1 million people every year, most notably during the Summer Solstice, when thousands gather to watch the sun rise.
|
|
| |
Longleat
Warminster
Wiltshire
BA12 7NW
Tel: 01985 844400
|
|
|
Just outside of Warminster in Wiltshire is Longleat – a superb family day out. Visit Longleat House – seat of the Thynne family since 1540 – and wonder at the magnificent interior and collections of artworks and furniture. The extensive estate also contains Longleat Safari Park – the UK’s number one wildlife experience – as well as gardens, mazes and a host of activities organised throughout the year.
|
|
| |
Castle Combe Circuit
Castle Combe,
Near Chippenham,
Wiltshire,
SN14 7EY
Tel: 01249 782417
|
|
|
Castle Combe Circuit – close to the picturesque Wiltshire village of Castle Combe itself – is one of the UK’s fastest racing circuits, and has established itself over the past 50 years as the home of thrilling racing and events of all descriptions. There is formula racing, motorbikes, classic events, track days, karting, and driving experiences most weekends of the year.
|
|
| |
Old Wardour Castle
Near Tisbury,
Wiltshire,
SP3 6RR
Tel: 01747 870487
|
|
|
Old Wardour Castle is a romantic castle set in a picturesque lakeside location in Wiltshire. It dates from the 14 th Century, and is unusual in that it is six-sided in shape. Although it is now ruined, having been extensively damaged during the English Civil War, Old Wardour Castle was for centuries an opulent residence that showcased the wealth of Lord Lovel. Guided tours bring the history of Old Wardour to life, and a programme of special events runs throughout the summer months.
|
|
| |
Avebury Stone Circle
Avebury,
Wiltshire
|
|
|
Wiltshire is of course home to Stonehenge, but the county boasts a wealth of other significant Megalithic relics, including the mysterious Avebury Stone Circle. Built 24 miles to the north of Stonehenge, the exact reasons for the building of this World Heritage site are unknown. The giant circular earthwork is surrounded by concentric rings made up of enormous stones, and was assembled over a period of 500 years from around 2800 BC.
|
|
| |
White Horses
Wiltshire
|
|
|
As counties go, there are few to match Wiltshire when it comes to white horses; there are nine of these magnificent chalk carvings on hillsides dotted around the county – five of which lie within a five mile radius of Avebury Stone Circle. The exact history and meanings of the white horses have become somewhat blurred over the centuries, but this just adds to their unique charm. White Horses at Pewsey, Ham Hill, Westbury, Oldbury, Marlborough Alton Barnes, Broad Hinton, Devizes and Broad Town are joined by a host of other hillside carvings around Wiltshire, including the magnificent Regimental Badges at Fovant near Salisbury.
|
|
| |
Stourhead House and Garden
Stourton,
Near Warminster,
Wiltshire,
BA12 6QD
Tel: 01747 841152
|
|
|
Stourhead House is a grand Palladian mansion surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens, close to Warminster in Wiltshire. The estate has a lake, with beautiful gardens and woodland, as well as an intriguing collection of follies and monuments. The house is rich in history, and includes a wonderful collection of Georgian furniture and artwork.
|
|
| |
