Five Must-Visit Places In Historic Wiltshire, England

Wiltshire is a historic heaven packed with incredible places to visit and attractions to admire that reflect the beauty of the rich English countryside and the country’s fascinating past. Amongst the lush scenes and rolling hills, stunning medieval villages and Druid sites emerge to showcase their magnificence as they have stood the test of time against hundreds if not thousands of years of ever-changing landscape.

You may know of the iconic Cotswolds village of Castle Combe and, of course, world-renowned Stonehenge. Well, these enthralling places and more can be found short drives away from each other within Wiltshire County. So set your sights upon this underrated English region and prepare to be mesmerised by a myriad of storybook-worthy marvels.

Besides, what’s not to love about old bricks and giant rocks, right?

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Travel and Accommodation In Margaret River

The best way to explore Wiltshire as a whole is by car, so you have the freedom to explore without worrying about public transport schedules. However if you don’t drive, that does not mean you can’t enjoy all the beauty the region offers. Salisbury and many other towns and villages in the area, including Castle Combe, are easily accessible by train or bus.

When it comes to accommodation in Wiltshire, you can’t go wrong with the ease of staying in Salisbury, however if you do have access to a car, why not drive further into the countryside and book a gorgeous cottage or historic manor that shares the true essence of rural England?

Incredible options include:

The Manor House in Castle Combe
The Three Daggers in Edington
Whatley Manor in Malmesbury

Places To Visit In Wiltshire

Castle Combe

Yes, Stonehenge is iconic, but without a doubt, my favourite place to visit in Wiltshire is this quaint village, which looks like it fell right off the pages of a fairy tale. With its gorgeous, honey-coloured houses and picturesque roads, Castle Combe is naturally known as the ‘prettiest village in England’ and is a sanctuary for anyone looking for a blissful getaway. I must say, there was something special about spending time here because it felt so unreal yet incredibly immersive. I was hooked by its charmed and swept away in the magic.

You may be wondering, where is the castle of Castle Combe? Well, it once stood in the area overlooking the valley but was unfortunately demolished centuries ago.

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Marlborough

Marlborough is a dynamic market town in Wiltshire that presents as the perfect place for a mid-morning break or afternoon stroll. Traverse the quaint streets, appreciate the grand architecture and grab a pint at a local pub to get a real feel of rural England but also the wealth acquired here over time.

Of course, you must also visit the biweekly, traditional markets that are set on one of England’s widest high streets and wander around The Merchant’s House, one of the finest 17th-century middle-class homes open to visitors.

Salisbury

Salisbury is one of the most popular places to visit in Wiltshire because it is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the county. However, the city is more than a stop on the route to more glamorous destinations. In fact, it is a phenomenon of its own for its home to a remarkable old city centre and the towering Salisbury Cathedral.

Completed in 1258 in a typical English style, the cathedral is a creation of beautiful stained-glass windows, brightly coloured limestone, and glimmering marble, but the most notable features include a triforium where you can still hear the chimes of a faceless 14^th-century clock and elaborate tombstones dating back to the 13^th century. Most importantly, if you’re a history fanatic, you can see one of the four remaining prints of the Magna Carta here too!

With its location in the English countryside, Salisbury is also a lovely place for exploring the outdoors, and there’s no better place to do this than at the Old Sarum. This Iron Age fortified hill displays ruins of William the Conqueror’s castle and other old settlements from the Roman, Normans and Saxons, alongside panoramic views over the plains, and is an amazing picnic spot.

Stonehenge

When most people think of what they believe to be a beguiling and fascinating tourist attraction, a bunch of old rocks without a definite history, probably doesn’t come to mind. Here is where Stonehenge may change such an idea. Rather than bore us, Stonehenge has startled and intrigued humanity for centuries.

The prehistoric monument located on Salisbury Plain, is at least 5000 years old and is no stranger to conspiracy theories and mysteries. Whatever the case may be – an exciting supernatural legend claiming that the stones have healing powers from a distant land or a more believable possibility that it’s the place of an ancient burial ground – we cannot deny that Stonehenge has gained much attraction and is therefore, an important place to visit in Wiltshire.

Spend a few hours walking the peaceful route from nearby Woodhenge to Stonehenge for a free view of the landmark, or buy tickets to get up close. I would personally go with the former because, besides the opportunity to visit a famous English attraction, my favourite thing about Wiltshire is its endless greenery.

PS. One of the best times to visit Stonehenge is during the summer solstice. Stonehenge was built to align with the sun on the solstices, so on the summer solstice, the sun rises behind the Heel Stone, and its first rays shine into the heart of Stonehenge to create a spectacular setting.

Stonehenge Wiltshire — Stonehenge and Woodhenge

Woodhenge Wiltshire — Stonehenge and Woodhenge

Stourhead

When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, it was described as a ‘living work of art’, and nearly 300 years later, the estate retains this reality. Its architectural elegance and landscape gardens are crowned by a splendid lake reflecting classical temples, bridges, grottos, and rare trees – forming a landmark of resounding significance amongst the many of its kind.

Spend the day lost on the scenic and serene walking trails that offer a gentle reminder of the importance of taking breaks from buzzing city life, and then head inside the Palladian-style villa to explore a labyrinth of rooms, all lavishly decorated to display centuries of family history.

Don’t miss these surprising attractions on the Stourhead estate: the Temple of Apollo, Pantheon, Gothic Cottage, and Grotto.