Boasting luscious green hills, beautiful market towns, jaw-dropping heritage sites, and awe-inspiring attractions, there’s no lack of incredible outdoor activities to take part in around Wiltshire. Come face to face with exotic animals, visit one of the UK’s most famous landmarks, and embark on explorations you’ll never forget. Keep reading to discover our top recommendations of outdoor activities you don’t want to miss out on!
Take a Walk on the Wild Side at Longleat
Longleat is home to the UK’s original safari park, where visitors will discover an exciting range of wildlife set amongst stunning grounds, offering a fun-filled day out for all ages. Travel across continents on the drive-through safari and encounter the infamous Rhesus monkeys clambering over cars, packs of lions roaming freely in their enclosures, and endearing koalas and red pandas taking it easy.
There’s plenty of fun to have at Longleat outside of the safari park, too. Enjoy marvelling at Longleat House’s jaw-dropping architecture, which is one of the finest examples of Elizabethan architecture in Britain, and enter a floral paradise as you wander around the grounds and formal gardens.
Energetic children can explore the medieval fortress in the Adventure Castle, race to find the centre of the Hedge Maze, and then take a break and board the miniature Longleat Railway for a relaxing journey around the park’s scenic woodland. What more could you ask for?
Step Back in Time at Stonehenge
Well-known as one of the most incredible landmarks in the UK (if not the world), Stonehenge is a must-see monument during your trip to Wiltshire. The monument is a powerful testament to human ingenuity, imagination, and creativity, where visitors will uncover remarkable stories of times gone by.
Experience the unforgettable atmosphere of the Stone Circle for yourself and follow in the footsteps of our prehistoric ancestors who lived there 4,000 years ago. You’ll then be able to dig deeper via English Heritage’s world-class exhibition, where you can soak up the glory of this magnificent ancient monument and uncover the mysteries of the wider Stonehenge landscape.
There’s plenty for the whole family to discover at this fascinating historic site, making it a truly unmissable place to visit.
Uncover Hidden Treasure on the Devizes Treasure Hunt Trail
One of the most exciting ways to explore our hometown of Devizes is with the fantastic Treasure Hunt Trail. Suitable for all ages from six to 106, all you have to do is purchase the treasure map from the Treasure Trails website for just £9.99, and you’ll be ready and raring to go.
The treasure hunt themed walking trail around Devizes is the ideal way to discover more about this wonderful town, as you take the 1.8-mile circular loop at your own pace – you can even stop for food and drink to refuel along the way.
The trail booklet works best when four to five people are taking part, and there’s even a chance to win some real treasure at the end. All correct answers are entered into a monthly £100 prize draw!
Wander the Glorious Gardens at Bowood House
If vibrant gardens and historic houses are more your cup of tea, then one of the best places to visit in Wiltshire is Bowood House and Gardens. Surrounding the incredible 18th Century house are 100 acres of jaw-dropping gardens and terraces, designed in 1760 by Capability Brown. The grounds contain an outstanding collection of trees and shrubs, all of which are labelled and can be identified via the helpful tree guide!
There’s also an Adventure Playground, where little ones can take a ride on a life-size pirate ship, balance on aerial rope walks, and fly down giant slides. The parkland is the perfect place for family games and picnics, ideal for taking a break and refuelling or letting little ones burn off their endless energy.
Fun fact: The Woodland Gardens, which are open from late April to mid-June, are home to almost 30 original hardy hybrid rhododendrons, which were thought to be extinct. This makes the collection one of the earliest rhododendron gardens in the country!
Explore the Wonders of the Wiltshire Countryside on Two Wheels
One of the most exhilarating ways to get around Wiltshire and soak up the spectacular sights is by bike. As well as getting the adrenaline pumping and the heart beating, it’s the perfect way to admire the beauty of the region and breathe in the fresh countryside air.
Our favourite cycling route is down by the Kennet and Avon Canal, accessible from Devizes. The route stretches out across 82 miles of gorgeous countryside and tranquil canals, so you can cycle along to your heart’s content, and turn around to come home whenever you want to! Along the way you’ll see limestone aqueducts, the 200-year-old Claverton Pumping Station and the dramatic Caen Hill Locks.
If you don’t want the hassle of bringing your bike with you on your trip to Wiltshire, you can always hire a bike from Towpath Trail in Bradford-upon-Avon.
Experience Wiltshire’s Great Outdoors with a Stay at Mill Farm Glamping
Nestled away in the gorgeous town of Devizes in the heart of Wiltshire, Mill Farm Glamping is the ideal location to stay during your family adventure holiday. Our luxury glamping site boasts an incredible treehouse, a stunning farmhouse, four glorious canvas lodges, the first two-floor canvas lodge in the UK, and three wonderful hobbit houses in The Shire. Plus, with plenty of on-site outdoor activities like archery lessons and alpaca walks to take part in, there’s something for everyone here on the farm! Book your Wiltshire adventure staycation at Mill Farm Glamping today!
