Wiltshire, located in South West England, is known for its prehistoric sites, rural landscapes, and historic towns. Key attractions include Stonehenge and Avebury, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Salisbury with its Gothic cathedral. The county also features stately homes such as Longleat and Stourhead, picturesque villages like Castle Combe and Lacock, and scenic areas including the Marlborough Downs. Wiltshire offers a combination of archaeological, architectural, and natural points of interest.
Official tourism website: https://www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury Cathedral is a major example of Early English Gothic architecture, completed in 1258. It features the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom and houses one of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta. The cathedral’s interior includes a historic clock from 1386 and extensive medieval stonework. Located in a spacious close, the cathedral offers guided tours, exhibitions, and access to the tower for panoramic views of Wiltshire.
Official website: https://www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
Google map Salisbury Cathedral 4.7/5
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. Dating to around 3000–2000 BCE, the site features a ring of standing stones set within earthworks. Its original purpose remains subject to archaeological study and debate. Managed by English Heritage, the site includes a visitor centre with exhibitions and reconstructed Neolithic houses, offering context on its construction, cultural significance, and ongoing research.
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Google map 4.5/5
Avebury
Avebury is a Neolithic henge monument in Wiltshire, notable for its large stone circle, which is one of the largest in Europe. Dating from around 2500 BCE, the site forms part of the Stonehenge and Avebury UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village of Avebury lies within the henge, adding to its unique setting. Nearby attractions include Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow, offering further insight into prehistoric ritual landscapes.
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map Stone Circles 4.8/5
Lacock Abbey and Village
Lacock Abbey and Village in Wiltshire offer a well-preserved example of English monastic and rural history. The abbey, founded in the 13th century and later converted into a country house, features medieval cloisters and a museum dedicated to photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot. The adjoining village retains its historic layout and architecture, often used as a filming location. Managed by the National Trust, both sites provide cultural and architectural interest. FREE entry to village, ticketed entry to the abbey.
Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
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Google map Lacock Abbey 4.6/5
Stourhead
Stourhead is an 18th-century landscape garden and estate in Wiltshire, managed by the National Trust. It features a central lake surrounded by classical temples, grottos, and ornamental trees, designed in the English landscape style. The Palladian-style Stourhead House contains period furnishings and art collections. The estate offers walking trails, seasonal events, and panoramic views. It is considered a prime example of picturesque garden design from the Georgian period.
Official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/
Google map 4.8/5
Longleat House and Safari Park
Longleat House and Safari Park in Wiltshire combine Elizabethan architecture with one of the UK’s leading wildlife attractions. The house, built in the 16th century, features period interiors and formal gardens. The safari park, established in 1966, includes lions, giraffes, and other exotic species viewed from vehicles. Additional attractions include a maze, boat rides, and exhibitions. Longleat offers a mix of cultural heritage and family-oriented outdoor experiences.
Official website: https://www.longleat.co.uk/
Google map 4.7/5
Castle Combe
Castle Combe is a well-preserved medieval village in Wiltshire, often cited as one of the most picturesque in England. It features stone cottages, a 14th-century market cross, and St Andrew’s Church with a faceless medieval clock. The surrounding countryside includes walking trails and views of the Cotswold landscape. The village has been used as a filming location and offers limited but notable accommodation and dining options within its historic setting. FREE entry to village.
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Google map Water Lane 4.8/5
Westbury White Horse
The Westbury White Horse is a large hill figure cut into the chalk hillside of Salisbury Plain near the town of Westbury, Wiltshire. Believed to date from the 18th century, it is one of several chalk figures in southern England. The horse is situated near the Iron Age Bratton Camp and offers expansive views over the Vale of Pewsey. The site is accessible by footpaths and is popular for walking and photography. FREE entry.
Official website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/
Google map 4.6/5