PLACES TO VISIT - A selection of sites of interest in Wiltshire
- Avebury
- Avebury is a compact village almost entirely within neolithic earthworks
dated between 2500 to 2000BC.
- The village includes the Stone Circles, a Museum, the manor, a church,
craft shop and the National Trust shop.
For more information see our Avebury Web Page
- Barrows
- There are numerous burial mounds, 'Barrows' around Wiltshire with
famous ones such as West Kennet Long Barrow featuring in many reference texts.
For more information see our Barrows Web Page
- Bowood House and Gardens
- A magnificent 18th century family home of the Earl and Countess of
Shelburne. The House contains a remarkable collection of family heirlooms,
Indiana and works of art. It stands in glorious 'Capability Brown' parkland with
beautiful lawns. For the Children there is an outstanding Adventure Playground
complete with lifesize pirate galleon.
Open: 11am - 6pm daily 1st April - 29 October.
Directions: Entrance off the A4 in Derry Hill Village midway between Calne and Chippenham.
- Corsham Court
- Once a Royal Manor in Saxon times it is now home to Lord Methuen. It has a
wonderful collection of paintings and statuary. The Picture Gallery and State
Rooms are completely open for visitors to wander around.
Open: 2-4.30 daily (except Mon, Fri) 1st January - 30th November
After Good Friday until 30th September open till 6pm including Fridays and Bank Holidays.
Directions: Signposted on the A4 between Bath and Chippenham
- Edington
- A Priory Church well preserved a fine example of perpendicular architecture
in Wiltshire is worth a visit for anyone interested. It was designed as a duel
purpose church and monastery. The Church has ten bells and on its roof a
medieval clock (without face).
Directions: Off the road from Westbury to Market Lavington.
- Littlecote House
- A tudor manor house built around 1500 by the Darrell family. The south
front was added in 1590 by Chief Justice Popham.
- The house is situated in the Kennet valley with an impressive oak panelled
great hall, collection of armour from the civil war, and a large collection of
other artifacts. The estate grounds cover 100 acres, in which a mosaic
pavement from a Roman Villa was found in 1976.
- Also at Littlecote is a classic motor-car collection.
Open: Easter to end of September.
Directions: Off the A4 between Marlborough and Hungerford.
- Longleat
- Longleat house home to the Marquess of Bath and now a safari park as well.
It is a fine example of early Elizabethan Houses.
Open:March to October 10am - 6pm.
Directions:On the A362 2 miles SW of Warminster.
- Roves Farm and Visitor Centre
- In the heart of the Great Western Community Forest. It offers a chance to
see all the farm animals and go on any of the conservation trails to the
wildlife habitats.
Open:Wednesday to Sunday from Mid March to September.
Directions: Turn right off the A361 Swindon/Highworth road. Follow signposts to Severnhampton from Supermarine roundabout. Roves Farm signposted in village.
- Stourhead House
and Gardens.
- The 18th century Palladian mansion and gardens at Stourhead are well worth
a visit for anyone who appreciates beautiful English country parks.
- Three small temples, a grotto and the statues of eight English kings are
situated within the grounds whose views from all locations are breathtaking.
Open: Gardens all year, House March to October, daily except Thurs, Fri, 12noon - 5pm.
Directions:3m NW of Mere (off A303), 9m S of Frome, off B3092.
- Underground Quarry
- An outstanding example of an underground Bath Stone quarry where
generations of quarrymen dug the fashionable stone used to create quality
buildings in Bath and elsewhere.
Open: May to September; Daily except Fri. October; Sun only. Guided tours 10.15, 11.45, 2.00 and 3.30.
Directions:Park Lane Corsham.
- Old Wardour Castle
- The unusual hexagonal ruins of Old Wardour Castle stand serenely in its
lakeside setting, protected by acres of wood. But this beguiling scene of rural
tranquillity masks a blood thirsty past - a terrible battle was fought here in
1643 when Parliamentary forces besieged the castle for several weeks. By the
time the occupants surrendered, the damage to the castle was extensive. Today
surrounded by landscaped grounds which include an elaborate rockwork grotto, Old
Wardour is a picturesque location for picnics and a relaxing day out.
Open: April to September; Daily 10.00am - 6.00pm. October Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm. November to March; Wed - Sun 10.00am - 4.00pm
Directions:Off the A30 between Shaftsbury and Swindon
Other sites within easy travel
- Berkley Castle
- England's Oldest inhabited Castle is a home and not a museum, 24
generations of Berkleys have since 1153 transformed a savage Norman Fortress
into a Stately home full of treasures. The splendidly preserved Castle is
surrounded by sweeping lawns and Elizabethan terraced gardens and there is also
a wonderful Butterfly farm.
Open: April: daily except Mon 2pm - 5pm,
May - September: Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm, Sunday 2pm - 5pm.
October: Sundays only 2pm - 4.30pm. Bank holiday Mondays 11am - 5pm.
Directions: Just off the A38 midway between Gloucester and Bristol, from M5 use junction 13 or 14.
- Chavenage
- A Historic Elizabethan house (1576). With tapestry rooms and relics from
Cromwellian times, when Chavenage was owned by Colonel Nathaniel Stephens, MP
for Gloustershire. There are personal tours by the owner and it is especially
suitable for groups.
Open: May - September, Thursdays, Sundays and Bank holidays, 2pm - 5pm
Directions: 2 miles north west of Tetbury (signposted). 1.5 miles from A46.
- Cotswold Farm Park
- The home of rare breed conservation. High on the Cotswolds, it is part of a
1,000 acre farm, home to a collection of nearly 50 rare breeds of British farm
animals.
Open: April - September / July - August 10.30am - 5pm.
Directions: Take Fosse way (A429) Cirencester/Bourton-on-the-water road then follow signs.
- Cotswold Wildlife Park
- In 180 acres of gardens and woodland surrounding an old English Manor House
you will find the Cotswold Wildlife Park. Animals from all over the world graze
in the spacious gardens. Visit the walled garden, Tropical house or even the
adventure playground with narrow gauge railway (April to October inclusive)
Open:10am - 6pm or (dusk)
Directions: 2.5 miles south of A40 at Burford, on the A36.
- Rode Bird Gardens
- Hundreds of exotic birds in 17 acres of lovely natural surroundings. Also
featuring a Steam railway, pets corner and ornamental lake.
Open:Every day 10am - 6pm (or dusk)
Directions:Turn off the A36 at the Red Lion, Woolverton (10 miles south of bath) or follow the Tourist signs.
- Westonbirt Arboretum
- One of the World's finest collections of trees and shrubs, with over 18,000
specimens, in over 600 acres of landscaped Cotswold scenery.
Open: all year 10am - 8pm (or dusk).
Directions: 3 miles south of Tetbury on A433.
