With a history dating back to over 10,000 years ago, Wiltshire is a true treasure trove of fascinating prehistoric monuments and awe-inspiring country houses. Wiltshire is most famous for Stonehenge, with much of the county being a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We’ve compiled a list of our favourite historic places to visit in Wiltshire, so you can spend less time researching and more time delving into the past…
(Image Credit: English Heritage)
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is Wiltshire’s most iconic historic sight, consisting of standing and lying stones. Construction is thought to have taken place between 3000BC and 1600BC, and is one of the most impressive structures of its time. The purpose of the site remains a mystery, and archeologists are still unsure about how and why the stones were transported from as far away as South Wales. However, experts do know that the stones are aligned with the rising and setting of the sun, and the summer solstice in June attracts 20,000+ visitors to view the sunrise each year. If you only have time to visit one historic place during your upcoming visit to Wiltshire, make it Stonehenge!
(Image Credit: history.com)
Avebury
Avebury is home to the world’s largest stone circle, which is believed to have been constructed between 2850BC and 2200BC. Together with Stonehenge, they form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Avebury contains 180 stones creating an inner and outer ring, making it a whopping 14x larger than Stonehenge. Unfortunately, many stones were destroyed or buried during the Middle Ages, but you can still clearly see the formation of the site. Just like Stonehenge, Avebury also attracts huge visitors for both the winter and summer solstices. So, if you’re already planning to visit Stonehenge, we highly recommend taking the trip to see its counterpart, Avebury, too.
(Image Credit: National Trust)
Salisbury Cathedral
Salisbury is home to a 13th Century Anglican cathedral, widely regarded as one of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture. It boasts Britain’s tallest spire (123cm), largest cloister, largest cathedral close, oldest working mechanical clock, and best preserved original 1215 Magna Carta. And if that wasn’t enough to whet your appetite, the cathedral also houses a magnificent medieval stained glass window collection, including the remarkable Rose Window. If you’re interested in visiting Salisbury Cathedral, one of their guided tours or demonstrations is a great place to start.
(Image Credit: Salisbury Cathedral)
Lacock Abbey
Situated near the charming town of Chippenham, Lacock Abbey is a quirky country house that was founded in the early 13th Century. This Grade I listed abbey was established as a nunnery in the 1200s, before becoming the Fox Talbot family home. William Henry Fox Talbot captured the first photographic negative at the site, which is celebrated in the accompanying Fox Talbot Museum. Lacock is now a well-known filming location for a wide array of celebrated films and TV productions, including Harry Potter, Downton Abbey and Pride & Prejudice. Take your time exploring the magnificent medieval cloisters and gorgeous Gothic hall, before stepping outside into acres upon acres of wonderful woodland and picturesque parkland.
(Image Credit: National Trust)
Stourhead
Last but certainly not least is Stourhead. Nestled on the Wiltshire-Somerset border, Stourhead consists of a magnificent Palladian mansion and world-famous landscaped gardens. In fact, it’s one of the first Palladian-style villas of this scale to have been built in England, with an extensive regency library and amazing art collection to discover. The 18th Century garden features an enchanting lake, pristine lawns, classic temples and hidden grottos. Boasting over 2500 acres of English countryside, you’ll find plenty of marked walks through chalk downs, ancient woodland, historic farmland and Iron Age hillforts. A fantastic yet educational day out for all the family to enjoy!
(Image Credit: National Trust)
Discover Wiltshire’s Fascinating Past with Mill Farm Glamping
Situated in the very heart of Wiltshire, Mill Farm Glamping provides the perfect base to discover all our wonderful county has to offer – including its many historic sights. Boasting a wide range of luxury accommodation options, including canvas lodges, a two-storey safari tent, shire houses, a treehouse and even a traditional self-catering farmhouse, we guarantee you’ll find something to suit you and your party here at Mill Farm.
So, what are you waiting for? Click here to book your spectacular staycation in Wiltshire today!
