Holidays in Wiltshire

More around Wiltshire

Getting your bearings in Wiltshire

Wiltshire suits a slower kind of holiday. Days here tend to be built around big skies, old stones, grand houses and a good pub at the end of it. The county is best explored by car, and many of its heritage sites are spread out. Plan around one or two main stops a day rather than trying to tick everything off. With 153 places to stay listed on BritStays in the region, you can base yourself wherever suits the sights you most want to see.

Heritage: the reason most people come

For many visitors, Stonehenge is the headline, and it's worth building a day around rather than squeezing in. Go early or late if you can, and allow time to walk and take it in properly.

Beyond that, Wiltshire has a generous spread of historic places:

Alexander Keiller Museum and Mompesson House, both cared for by the National Trust.
Wilton House, a stately home that makes a fine half-day on its own.
Devizes Castle, for those who like a bit of castle history.
Fonthill House, Tedworth House and Tottenham House, which are also listed as stately homes in the county.

Not every grand house opens its doors year-round, and some may not open to visitors at all. Check access and opening arrangements before you set out, especially for the stately homes.

Outdoors: National Trust land to stretch your legs

Two of the county's National Trust places, The Coombes and Piggledene, are ideal for a quieter outdoor spell. They suit a morning walk before a heritage visit, or a breath of fresh air after a long drive. Wear proper footwear, as Wiltshire ground can be muddy after rain. Take water and a snack, because you shouldn't count on facilities being on site.

Rainy days: indoor options

Wiltshire weather can turn, so it helps to have a back-up plan. These indoor options keep a wet day on track:

The Rifles Museum, good for anyone with an interest in military history.
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre, a thoughtful choice if you're curious about the county's past or researching family roots.
Grand interiors such as Wilton House and Mompesson House, where much of the visit is spent indoors.

Family days out

Within Wiltshire, children often get the most from wide-open sites like Stonehenge, where there's room to roam. A walk at The Coombes or Piggledene also works well.

Some of the biggest family attractions on our list sit just beyond the county, and many families make a special trip for them:

Peppa Pig World and Marwell Zoo are both in Hampshire.
Aquaventure water park is in the Cotswolds.

Check travel times from your base before committing, as these are full-day outings in their own right.

Putting together a sensible day

A simple formula works well in Wiltshire: one headline sight, one lighter stop, and a relaxed meal. For example:

Heritage day: Stonehenge in the morning, then a National Trust property such as the Alexander Keiller Museum or Mompesson House in the afternoon.
Grand house day: a long, unhurried visit to Wilton House, followed by an early pub supper.
Walk and museum day: a morning at The Coombes or Piggledene, then The Rifles Museum if the weather closes in.

Before you pair places, look at them on a map. Rural roads can make short-looking hops take longer than you'd expect.

Where to eat

All of these places hold a 5-star food hygiene rating:

Wild Herb at The Field Kitchen (tea rooms), handy for a lighter lunch or afternoon break.
The Black Horse, a pub and inn.
The Northey Arms, a pub and inn.
Neston Country Inn, a pub and inn.
The Canal Tavern, a pub and inn.

A hygiene rating tells you about cleanliness and food handling, not the menu. Look up current menus and book ahead at busy times, particularly for evening meals at weekends.

Turning it into a short break

Two or three nights gives you time to see Wiltshire without rushing:

Night one: give a full day to Stonehenge and one other heritage site.
Day two: spend it on a stately home or a National Trust walk.
Day three (if you have it): keep it free for the weather. Use museums if it's wet, open countryside if it's fine.

If you have children with you, consider adding a day trip over the border to Peppa Pig World or Marwell Zoo.

To finish, a few practical pointers. Book Stonehenge and any popular stately homes ahead in school holidays. Check opening days for every house and museum before you travel, as many keep seasonal hours. Pack waterproofs whatever the forecast. Choose a base that keeps your main must-sees within easy reach, so you spend more time exploring and less time driving.

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-see heritage sites in Wiltshire?

Stonehenge is the best known. The county also has Wilton House, Devizes Castle, and National Trust places including the Alexander Keiller Museum and Mompesson House.

What can we do in Wiltshire on a rainy day?

The Rifles Museum and the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre are good indoor choices. Stately homes such as Wilton House and Mompesson House are largely enjoyed indoors too. Check opening times before you go.

Are there good places for a walk in Wiltshire?

The Coombes and Piggledene are both National Trust places suited to an outdoor spell. Wear sturdy footwear, as the ground can be muddy after rain.

Where can families go for a big day out near Wiltshire?

Stonehenge and the National Trust outdoor spaces work well within the county. For theme park or zoo days, Peppa Pig World and Marwell Zoo are in Hampshire, and Aquaventure is in the Cotswolds. Check travel times from your base first.

Where can we eat in Wiltshire?

Wild Herb at The Field Kitchen is a tea room. The Black Horse, The Northey Arms, Neston Country Inn and The Canal Tavern are pubs and inns. All of them hold 5-star food hygiene ratings.

How many places to stay are there in Wiltshire?

There are 153 places to stay listed on BritStays in Wiltshire. Choose a base close to the sights you most want to see.

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