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It’s time for
WILTSHIRE Travel Trade Guide
visitwiltshire.co.uk
VISITWILTSHIRE
Discover
TIMELESS WILTSHIRE
Ready to start same sense of wonder for yourself
by following the Great West Way®.
Travel trade visitors can expect a
particularly warm reception from
planning your Around a quarter of this touring accommodation providers across
next group visit? route between London and Bristol
runs through the breathtaking
Wiltshire. Indeed, Salisbury has
been welcoming visitors since
There’s so much space to enjoy. landscape of Wiltshire. Along 1227. As you discover attractions
After an unprecedented year of ancient paths once used by druids, such as Salisbury Cathedral and
lockdown, social distancing and new pilgrims and drovers. Through lush Magna Carta and Old Sarum you’ll
rules to get our heads around, we river valleys. Over rolling chalk uncover layer upon layer of history.
are all searching for space to relax hills. Amid ancient woodland. Past Take time, too, to explore charming
and are probably keen to avoid the picturesque towns and villages. market towns such as Bradford
crowds. In Wiltshire, you’ll find rolling on Avon and Corsham. Stroll
Things will look a little different
open countryside and expansive through the picturesque villages
to normal when businesses open
views. With over 8,000 footpaths
again after the 2021 lockdown.
around the county there’s always
“We’re Good To Go” is the official
somewhere to stretch your legs off
UK mark to signal that a business
the beaten track! Get the most out
has implemented Government
of our spacious landscapes by going
and industry COVID-19 guidelines
for a walk, exploring by bike or trying
and has a process in place to
out horse riding. You can even hire
maintain cleanliness and aid social
a classic car to enjoy a scenic drive
distancing. Many tourist attractions,
in style.
shops, places to stay, activities and
Nowhere else in England has such places to eat and drink in Wiltshire
a concentration of iconic sites as have been awarded
Wiltshire. For thousands of years, the mark. Look out
travellers have been in awe of their for the Good to Go
grandeur and magic. Now you can logo when planning
explore them and experience that your visit.
> Salisbury Cathedral
2 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
Contents
of Lacock and Castle Combe. Browse Highlights 4-7
our independent shops. Treat yourself in Special Interest Tours 8-11
our cafés, pubs and restaurants. Discover
Great West Way® 12-13
our breathtaking countryside, perfect for
outdoor pursuits. Wiltshire on the Great West Way ®
14-15
Whether you are a tour operator or a Inspirational Itineraries 16-19
group travel organiser, an FIT professional Local Guides, Tour Operators and Transport 20
or a specialist in small or large groups,
Wiltshire is the perfect destination for A Starring Role 21
your next day trip, short break or longer Outstanding Attractions 22-29
excursion. Just 90 minutes from London,
10 Top Reasons to Visit Wiltshire 30
an hour from the south coast, and two
hours from the Midlands or Wales, it’s Celebrate the Seasons in Wiltshire 31
easily accessible too.
Events and Festivals 32
Wiltshire is timeless wonders, timeless Timeless Towns and Villages 34-38
places, timeless pleasures and timeless
nature. Morning mist swirling round Refreshment Stops 40-41
prehistoric stone circles. Historic houses Fun-packed Activities 42
nestling in ‘Capability’ Brown parkland.
Museums bursting with exhibits of national Places to Stay 43-47
importance. Delicious local produce. Helping You Sell Wiltshire 48-49
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Attraction Map References 50
Make this the year you discover them General Information 50
all for yourself.
Map of Wiltshire 51
There’s always time for Wiltshire.
Get Social Wiltshire at
Share your Wiltshire stories your fingertips
using #timeforwiltshire
For further information on the enormous range of
group-friendly things to see and do around the county
@VisitWiltshire
go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
For our inspirational series of Wiltshire films see
VisitWiltshireLtd visitwiltshire.co.uk/videos
To receive all the latest information on special offers,
@visitwiltshire competitions and more, sign up for our newsletter
today at visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
Front cover photo: Stonehenge Visitor Centre
VisitWiltshire (©Great West Way)
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 3
VISITWILTSHIRE
Highlights
WILTSHIRE TOP PICKS AND IDEAS
MAKE TIME FOR WILTSHIRE
Wiltshire is a magical place with a strong connection with the past making it the
perfect place to enjoy the present. Explore world famous heritage sites, charming
rural market towns, independent shops, fabulous food and drink, historic hotels,
stately homes and glorious gardens. Wiltshire is timeless wonders, timeless
pleasure, timeless nature and timeless places. Welcome to Wiltshire.
If you’re looking for new tours, talks and walks plus overnight packages,
Wiltshire provides a great base for your group to explore.
IFORD MANOR GARDENS
For garden enthusiasts, Iford Manor Gardens is a must
visit attraction this year, with the introduction of their new
audio tours for visitors. Having recently featured in the
new Secret Garden production with Colin Firth and Julie
Walters, visitors can follow in their footsteps by taking a
stroll through the 2.5acre Grade 1 listed garden created
by Edwardian architect Harold Peto. Be sure to leave time
to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea in the new café
(opening spring 2021). Pre booking is essential for groups.
4 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
THOMAS HARDY
EXHIBITION
Wessex Museums
28 May - 30 October 2022.
Find out more at
www.wessexmuseums.org.uk/
thomas-hardy-exhibition
Devizes, Dorchester, Poole, Salisbury
MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE SUMMER SCHOOL
With over 500 fabulous courses to choose from, Marlborough College Summer School provides a unique
multi-generational learning experience suitable for FIT, U3A, WI and special interest groups. From 11 July –
7 August 2021 and 10 July - 6 August 2022, the eclectic range of subjects encompass the creative arts,
history and culture, landscape and architecture, body and mind, science and computing, life skills, country
pursuits and sport. New courses for 2021 include, Abstract Painting; Mosaic Magic; The Motor Car:
A Closer Look at its History through Five Manufacturers; Basic Bike Maintenance; Inside the Mind of a
Murderer; Discovering Marlborough’s History and De-Stress with Yoga, Mindfulness and Meditation.
Request a brochure online at summerschool.co.uk
WHATLEY MANOR & SPA
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa are offering new
garden tours with the head gardener plus afternoon tea.
In addition, visitors can book new Michelin chef culinary
demonstrations where chefs prepare small plates of
expertly crafted food in front of you. Or how about
booking a new Wellness Retreat Package which includes
a morning of yoga and well-being followed by lunch
and an afternoon of meditative garden walks?
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 5
Highlights
WILTSHIRE TOP PICKS AND IDEAS
TINGA
Tinga is a new independently owned Mexican bar
and restaurant in Salisbury city centre. This is an
immersive dining experience which transports you
to the heart of Mexico City with décor including
beautiful wall art, luscious hand crafted foliage and
palm tree pillars. High quality, authentic, traditional
and locally sourced food and drink are all freshly
made and crafted taking you on a journey to
Central America. Group menus and a variety of
seating arrangements can be accommodated.
Contact info@tingasalisbury.com
STONEHENGE
Marvel at this 4,500 year old extraordinary prehistoric monument rising from its ancient landscape.
Explore the world class exhibition centre, plus café and shop. The shuttle bus transport is available from the
coach park and visitor centre. For a truly memorable experience, arrange a pre-booked out-of-hours stone
circle visit for your group or clients. Enormously popular, they are only available with an advance booking –
email Stonecircle.Access@english-heritage.org.uk for details.
6 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
THE HALL
Escape the hustle and bustle by stepping into the hidden gardens
at The Hall, Bradford on Avon. Sit amongst the towering Redwood
trees for a moment of tranquility, take a casual stroll, or bring
a blanket and picnic to enjoy on the manicured lawns overlooked
by the historic Jacobean Hall. Discover more about The Hall
and the Moulton family. Gardens only open on selected
dates – find out more at: https://moultontrust.org
MALMESBURY
Discover the history of Malmesbury with the new interactive Explore Malmesbury website which allows
visitors to follow trails and self-guided tours around the town centre to discover the rich and fabulous history
of Malmesbury at the places where it happened.
STEAM - Museum of the
Great Western Railway
A one-hour highlights tour of the Museum is available to
pre-booked groups. This will focus on the highlights of the STEAM
collection. Learn about the history of Swindon Works and discover
more about the men and women who built, operated and travelled
on the Great Western Railway, ‘drive’ the train simulator and
operate the signals in the interactive GWR signal box!
Tours are available for a minimum of 15 and maximum of
25 people, although for larger groups multiple tours can be
arranged. Contact: adminsteam@swindon.gov.uk
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 7
VISITWILTSHIRE
Special Interest
TOURS
1. BOWOOD
Private Walled Garden Tours - Book an exclusive tour of Lord and Lady Lansdowne’s Private Walled Gardens.
A truly special experience as our guides tailor each tour to suit the season and the flowers in bloom, from the
trailing wisteria to a wall of climbing roses.
Includes admission to the House & Gardens, tea/coffee on arrival and a 90-minute tour of the Walled Gardens.
Capability Brown Parkland Tour - Bowood Park is unique, the evolution of its creation is a story in itself.
The garden guides will transport you back 250 years to explain Brown’s extraordinary achievement. The park is
considered to be one of ‘Capability’ Brown’s finest creations. With a mix of wooded plantations and sweeping
lawns leading down to a mile long winding lake, the Bowood landscape has an exceptionally interesting history.
Includes admissions to the House & Gardens following your tour, tea/coffee on arrival and a 90-minute tour.
Woodland Gardens - The Woodland Gardens are an oasis of bluebells, azaleas, magnolias and
rhododendrons. They open from mid April to
early June and are located 2 miles from Bowood
House, between Derry Hill and Sandy Lane.
This separate attraction is highly recommended in
combination with a visit to the House & Gardens.
Images © Anna Stowe
8 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
2. CHOLDERTON
RARE BREEDS FARM
Wine Tour Packages -
Situated on the rolling chalk plains
of Wiltshire, sharing the same
bedrock as nearby Stonehenge,
Bluestone Vineyards offer individual
and group visitors guided vineyard
walks and wine tastings.
Enjoy a 45-minute expert led guided
tour of the vineyard. Learn how great
grapes are grown and wonderful wine
is made. This is followed by wine
tasting in the vineyard setting, where
visitors can try for themselves the
Bluestone Classic Cuvee alongside a
selection of locally produced nibbles.
For wine connoisseurs an extended
wine tasting session can take
place incorporating a wider range
of selected quality English and Alpaca Walking Tours -
local wines. Why not finish with For something a bit quirky, there is always an option to add an
an indulgent afternoon tea or local Alpaca walking tour to your vineyard experience.
food platter? Tours can be tailored to suit the needs of your group.
3. IFORD MANOR
Guided Iford Manor Gardens Tour –
Available in several languages, uncover the
fascinating details of Iford in a tour led by
one of the owners, William or Marianne
Cartwright-Hignett, or Head Gardener Troy
Scott Smith, tailored specifically for your
groups’ interests. Duration: 60 minutes.
Tours are available for a maximum of 25
people per tour guide. Available during
private visits only.
Exclusive Walled Garden Tour -
Discover the family’s own 1.5-acre private
gardens which are not usually open to the
public. Characterised by topiary and sculpture
created by owner Elizabeth Cartwright-
Hignett, including her celebrated shell-house.
The garden is whimsical and entertaining,
offering a contrast to the formality of the
main gardens. Duration: 45 minutes.
Available during private visits only.
Complete your private afternoon visit of
the garden with a glass of champagne
served in the garden on the Conservatory
Terrace where your group can enjoy
magnificent views.
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 9
VISITWILTSHIRE
4. REME MUSEUM
Guided Highlights Tour - A
one and half hour guided tour
of the Museum, focusing on
the stories behind the REME
Collections. Learn about how
REME saved Volkswagen at
the end of WWII, and why the
Museum has the brass boots
from Mussolini’s statue. Tours
are available for a minimum of
10 and maximum of 20 people,
although for larger groups
multiple tours can be arranged.
Pre-booking essential.
Behind the Scenes Tour -
Discover more of the Museum’s
unique collections which are
not usually open to the public.
A fascinating show and tell from Or visit the Reserve Historic Vehicle collections (5 minute drive from
the archives team displaying main Museum) to view 80+ British and foreign military vehicles.
and talking about the Museum’s Duration 1hr. Pre-booking essential.
hidden archived treasures. Consider stopping for lunch at the Crown’s Café where a variety of
Duration: 50 minutes. Pre- hot and cold drinks and light lunches are available. Pre-booking for
booking essential. groups is advised.
5. THE MERCHANT’S
HOUSE
Guided Tour – A 45 min to 1 hour
expert led tour of the House and Garden.
Take time to explore the rooms and
exhibitions on display while learning
about the history of the house and life
in the 17th Century. Educational groups
will enjoy the Mervyn the Mouse hunt
and quiz throughout the house -
suitable for all ages.
Bookings for larger groups with multiple
tours can be arranged.
Pre-booking essential.
10 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
6. SALISBURY CATHEDRAL
Tower Tour Climb – Take the challenge to climb 332 steps in easy stages to the base of the spire on a tour full
of fascinating facts and topped off by unsurpassed views. Approximately 120 minutes, maximum of 12 spaces.
Restrictions apply.
Library Tour with Cream Tea - Visit our historic 15th century library with an expert guide and view books
selected to illustrate the importance and variety of this unique collection. 45 minutes plus cream tea, maximum
of 12 spaces. Access restricted.
Medieval Graffiti Tour - Learn about how we are recording and interpreting ancient graffiti, then enjoy an
optional photo opportunity from the West window balcony. 90 minutes, maximum of 10 spaces. Option to
remain on ground level available.
Informal Concerts - Sing a 30-minute a cappella performance at the Spire Crossing in the heart of the
Cathedral or in the Trinity Chapel before or after your guided tour.
Stonemasonry Works Yard Tour - See the heritage skills used to conserve this building, the drawing office
where conservation is planned and the hand-carving skills practiced here since the 13th century. Maximum of
12 spaces - access restricted.
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 11VISITWILTSHIRE
Great
West Way ®
We invite you to explore the Stay in one place for a while, or Visitors can enjoy Newbury’s
Great West Way. An exciting new move on every day – if you add in canalside pubs and restaurants.
touring route combining the all the tempting trails and off-the- Discover Reading’s Museum and
world-renowned with the yet-to-be- beaten-track detours there are Abbey Quarter. Trawl Hungerford’s
discovered. At one end is London 500 miles or more to explore. antique shops and fairs then sample
with its royal sights and rich cultural seasonal produce at Cobbs Farm
heritage; at the other, elegant Bath Along the Great West Way are Shop & Kitchen. Take a pleasure
and vibrant Bristol. Between lie three Areas of Outstanding cruise along the Royal River Thames.
lush green landscapes, characterful Natural Beauty: the Chilterns, the Admire sumptuous Georgian gowns at
villages, and relaxing riverside towns. Cotswolds and the North Wessex the Fashion Museum.
Downs, and the UNESCO World Or unearth amazing archaeology at
There are many ways for your visitors
Heritage Sites of Stonehenge the Roman Baths. Stand on the
to experience the Great West Way.
site of the sealing of Magna Carta
They can travel by road, rail or water. and Avebury, Kew Gardens,
at Runnymede. Step aboard the last
On two feet or two wheels. Blenheim Palace and Bath.
Concorde ever made at Aerospace
Bristol. Enjoy a wine tour and tasting
at Alder Ridge Vineyard. Or soak
in the UK’s only natural hot springs
at Thermae Bath Spa. Watch the
Changing of the Guard at Windsor
Castle. Sample award-winning real
ale at West Berkshire Brewery. Stroll
through 15,000 extraordinary trees at
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum.
Lose themselves in the hedge maze
at Hampton Court Palace. Or tour a
delightful National Trust property.
> Bath Tour The Great West Way offers an
12 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
Great West Way
Discoverer pass
For an easy, hassle-free journey The Domestic pass is available as
> Thames Rivercruise
along the Great West Way, 1-day and 7-day options; the
book a Great West Way International pass as 3-day and
extraordinary variety of English
Discoverer pass – with a choice 7-day options. Prices start from
experiences. As visitors follow its
of East, West and Global options, just £24.50 per person.
twists and turns, they’ll encounter
there’s one that’s right for you.
the very essence of England. To You can buy online at GWR.com,
make the most of all that the Great What’s included: from VisitBritainShop.com or from
West Way has to offer, visitors will your local station. If you are travelling
want to stay for a while and immerse Unlimited Off-Peak train travel
from overseas, international passes
themselves in local life. The Abbey from London Paddington along the
(similar to a BritRail pass) can be
Hotel is a boutique hotel in the heart route to Bristol Temple Meads via
purchased online at ACPRail.com
of Bath and we also have quirky Reading, with options to branch
or via your travel agent.
glamping sites, pretty country B&Bs, off towards Oxford, and Salisbury
cool city hotels… even stately homes via Westbury (or London Waterloo So book a Great West Way Discoverer
and castles. to Salisbury with South Western pass today and make the most of your
Railway). It also includes unlimited Great West Way adventure. For further
For international and domestic bus travel on selected services details see GreatWestWay.co.uk
visitors alike, the Great West Way along the route. or go to GWR.com
is easy to join and easy to follow.
It passes by both Heathrow and
Bristol airports. It’s accessible for they’ve always dreamed of seeing, For suggested itineraries
visitors travelling from the Channel and secret spots that even some and bookable product go to
ports and those already based in locals have yet to discover. GreatWestWay.co.uk/traveltrade
London. It will take them to places
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 13VISITWILTSHIRE
WILTSHIRE
on the
Great West Way ®
> Bowood House
Around a quarter of the Great Malmesbury, England’s oldest
West Way runs through Wiltshire. borough. Or stroll through the
Past white horse carvings that have handsome former staging post of
watched over the Vale of Pewsey for Marlborough. Swindon is renowned
generations. Across rolling hillsides for its entertainment and leisure
in the North Wessex Downs. opportunities; Trowbridge for its
Along routes that brought druids to unique industrial architecture.
Stonehenge, drovers to market,
Much of the Great West Way’s
pilgrims to Salisbury Cathedral.
appeal lies in its extraordinary
Many of Wiltshire’s timeless towns variety. The Stonehenge and
and villages are within easy reach Avebury World Heritage Site may > Avebury
of the Great West Way. As well as well feature on your itinerary. But
being fascinating places to visit in allow time to discover Wiltshire’s at Lydiard Park; see a show at
their own right, they make excellent lesser known attractions too: relax Wyvern Theatre & Arts Centre.
stopping off points for lunch along aboard a narrowboat on the Within easy reach of the Great West
your journey. Marvel at Bradford Kennet & Avon Canal; ‘drive’ a Way is the medieval city of Salisbury
on Avon’s 14th century tithe train simulator at STEAM - Museum which has so much to offer. Take a
barn. Visit the ‘discovery’ town of the Great Western Railway; tower tour at Salisbury Cathedral
of Calne. Seek out the wealth of shop till you drop at McArthurGlen and wander around the beautiful
historic buildings in Chippenham. Designer Outlet Swindon; stroll Cathedral Close.
Follow in the footsteps of Poldark in around ‘Capability’ Brown parkland
Corsham. Discover the rich heritage at Bowood House and Gardens; Afternoon tea is an English
of Georgian houses in Devizes. take up a new hobby on a course institution, and where better to
Wander around the National Trust at Marlborough College Summer sample a sumptuous spread than
village of Lacock. Explore hilltop School; tour the Palladian House The Red Lion and Legacy Rose
14 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
> Canal side dining
> Corsham
& Crown hotels in Salisbury, Rail connections are excellent,
The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, linking Wiltshire with London’s
or The Bridge Tea Rooms in Paddington and Waterloo stations
Bradford on Avon. An authentic at one end, Bristol and Bath at the
English pub experience is equally other. Within 90 minutes, or less,
hard to beat. So allow time for your of leaving the capital your visitors
visitors to settle down at one of can be here, enjoying authentic
Wiltshire’s many traditional inns. English experiences and creating
lasting memories.
If their Great West Way adventure
includes an overnight stay, they’ll Discover an essential strand
find B&B, self-catering, farm stay, of England’s story at > Cherhill Downs
glamping and hotel options aplenty. GreatWestWay.co.uk
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 15VISITWILTSHIRE
INSPIRATIONAL
Itineraries
4
• Hampton Court Palace
• Windsor • Malmesbury
A ROYAL JOURNEY • Berkeley Castle
ALONG THE • Bristol
Great West Way ® > St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle
Following a road commissioned Or Castle Hotel Windsor MGallery Day 3: Malmesbury and
by King Charles I, nowhere is by Sofitel – having begun life Berkeley Castle
as quintessentially English or in 1528 as The Mermaid, in the
Explore Malmesbury, England’s
thoroughly royal as the Great 1700s it was awarded the first of oldest borough, including the
West Way. Here’s how to enjoy its eight Royal Warrants. 12th century Abbey where you
a royal journey along the route:
Day 2: Windsor will find the tomb of Athelstan,
Day 1: Hampton Court Palace first king of all England. Then
Start the day with a Tours2Order move on to Berkeley Castle –
Home to King Henry VIII and all walking tour, before visiting given to the family in 1153 by
six of his wives, Hampton Court Windsor Castle, the oldest and Henry II, it has received royal
Palace was a royal residence largest inhabited castle in the world. guests ever since and is open
until 1737. Visit the sumptuous Queen Victoria spent most of her to visitors from April to October.
Baroque apartments, then stroll time there and it is Queen Elizabeth
through 60 acres of beautiful Overnight: There are plenty
II’s favourite weekend home.
riverside gardens. From here, of hotels to choose from in
St George’s Chapel within the
head to Runnymede to visit Bristol – see visitbristol.co.uk/
grounds of the Castle was the
the Magna Carta Memorial and accommodation/hotels
setting for the wedding of the
Kennedy Memorial. Then take Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Day 4: Bristol
a 2½ hour French Brothers Tour the State Apartments and
Visit Brunel’s SS Great Britain,
boat trip along the Royal River Chapel, then drive to Malmesbury
launched by Prince Albert in
Thames, admiring Windsor for an overnight stay.
1843 and visited by Queen
Castle from on board. Overnight: Stay in Malmesbury at Victoria when it was docked in
Overnight: Stay in Windsor at either The Old Bell Hotel – family- London in 1845. Then enjoy a
either Sir Christopher Wren owned, it is reputed to be England’s drink at Prince Street Social,
Hotel – located right on the River oldest. Or Whatley Manor Hotel a welcoming modern-style
Thames, within walking distance & Spa – a beautiful English manor restaurant and bar, before
of all Windsor’s attractions. house in a picture perfect setting. heading home.
> French Brothers Cruise
> The Long Walk, Windsor > Hampton Court Palace
16 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
• STEAM Museum 2
EXPECT THE • McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
• Swindon & Cricklade Railway
UNEXPECTED • Lydiard Park
Swindon •
•
Studley Grange Garden & Leisure Park
REME Museum • Wyvern Theatre
> Studley Grange
Day 1
Overnight: Stay in Swindon area goats, meerkats and more in
AM: Spend the morning at such as Cricklade House Hotel. the outdoor Animal Paddock.
STEAM – Museum of the Great Then pick up a souvenir at the
Western Railway, housed in Day 2 craft village. Time permitting,
the Grade II listed buildings of AM: First stop today is historic take a detour to REME Museum
Brunel’s former railway works. Lydiard Park. Stroll around the in Lyneham to discover the
Lunch: Various options at 18th century walled garden and history of the Royal Electrical
McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. formal parkland, then tour elegant and Mechanical Engineers.
staterooms in the magnificent Evening: With a varied
PM: Avid shoppers can hunt
Palladian house. programme including concerts,
for bargains at McArthurGlen
Designer Outlet, on the same site Lunch: Swindon area. comedy, drama and dance,
as STEAM, where over 100 stores a performance at Swindon’s
PM: Be transported to the tropics
sell a range of designer and high Wyvern Theatre & Arts Centre
as you take a magical walk
street labels at discounts of up to makes a great way to round off
through hundreds of the world’s
60%. While train buffs can continue your visit.
most beautiful butterflies at
the steam theme at Swindon & Studley Grange Garden Overnight: Swindon area.
Cricklade Railway, nearby. and Leisure Park. Meet otters,
1+
Salisbury
• Salisbury Cathedral
• The Salisbury Museum
• The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum
AGELESS BEAUTY, • St Thomas’s Church
CAPTIVATING • Old Sarum • Fisherton Mill
HISTORY Find out more www.visitsalisbury.co.uk > Market Place
Day 1
AM: Begin your day with a visit Lunch: Salisbury Area Evening: Choose from a wide
to Salisbury Cathedral. range of entertainment options at
PM: Discover another of the Close
Highlights include Britain’s tallest Salisbury Arts Centre, Salisbury
attractions, visit St Thomas’s Church Playhouse and City Hall Salisbury.
spire and the finest original 1215 to see the UK’s largest surviving
Magna Carta. Doom Painting, or explore the Iron Overnight: If you have time,
Pre-book a tower tour for wide- extend your visit with an overnight
Age hillfort of Old Sarum. Within
ranging views across the city. stay (eg The Stones Hotel or
the city centre you will also find a 1920’s inspired Caboose B&B)
After elevenses at one of several range of unique, independent shops, to take in Boscombe Down
cafés in the Close, visit any of the including Fisherton Mill with its Aviation Collection, River Bourne
other attractions there to uncover gallery, café and artist studios. On Community Farm, Salisbury
layer upon layer of history: Tuesdays and Saturdays (except the Racecourse or Cholderton
The Salisbury Museum, with its third Tuesday in October) you can Rare Breeds Farm and
world-class archaeology collections. experience the hustle and bustle of Bluestone Vineyards.
The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire the popular Charter Market, and if you Guided tours are available from
Museum, part military museum, visit towards the end of the year, several companies, including
part historic house and part Salisbury’s enchanting Christmas Salisbury, Stonehenge and
riverside garden. Fayre will be in full swing. Sarum Tours.
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 17VISITWILTSHIRE
WILTSHIRE’S 2
Timeless • Stonehenge • The Salisbury Museum
Wonders • White Horses • Avebury • Silbury Hill
• West Kennet Long Barrow • Wiltshire Museum
> Silbury Hill
Day 1 collections of finds from Stonehenge, village. While you are here, be
AM: Along with Avebury and as well as the Monkton Deverill sure to visit the Alexander Keiller
Gold Torc and the grave of the Museum and Avebury Manor &
other associated monuments,
Amesbury Archer – to discover more Garden. Other unique sites in the
iconic Stonehenge forms part of
of the World Heritage Site’s story. area include mysterious Silbury
Wiltshire’s World Heritage Site and
is a great place to begin your day. Overnight: Salisbury or Hill, the largest man-made mound
Be sure to take in Stonehenge Amesbury areas (eg Holiday Inn in Europe, and West Kennet Long
visitor centre for outstanding Salisbury-Stonehenge). Barrow, one of Britain’s largest
exhibitions setting the monument Stone Age burial sites.
Day 2
in its historic context. Or pre-book Lunch: Calne or Devizes areas.
a tour with one of our local guides AM: Keep an eye out for Wiltshire’s
famous White Horses, carved PM: Spend the afternoon at
(see page 20).
into the rolling chalk hillsides, as Wiltshire Museum in Devizes,
Lunch: Amesbury or Salisbury you travel north. At the heart of a where you’ll find outstanding
areas (eg The Stonehenge prehistoric complex in the North galleries spanning Neolithic,
Inn & Carvery). Wessex Downs, today’s first stop is Bronze Age, Iron Age, Roman,
PM: Head to The Salisbury at Avebury. Explore the stone circle Saxon and Medieval times,
Museum – home to one itself, the largest in the world, then including Gold from the Time
of Europe’s most extensive take a stroll around the charming of Stonehenge.
BREATHTAKING 3+
Homes & • Abbey House Gardens
Gardens • Bowood • Iford Manor Gardens • Stourhead
• Longleat • Larmer Tree • Wilton House
> Stourhead
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
AM: Your day begins in medieval AM: On to delightful Iford Manor AM: Cross Cranborne Chase to visit
Malmesbury, at the 5-acre Gardens, where romantic grounds the extraordinary Victorian gardens
Abbey House Gardens. evoke an Edwardian version of Tuscany. at Larmer Tree, recognised as a
Lunch: Malmesbury area. Lunch/Afternoon Tea: Garden of National Importance.
Bradford on Avon area Lunch/Afternoon Tea: Wilton
PM: On to the magnificent
(eg The Bridge Tea Rooms). or Salisbury areas (eg Legacy
pastoral landscape at Bowood
PM: Choose between the famous Rose & Crown Hotel).
House and Gardens, created
by master landscaper 18th century gardens at Stourhead, PM: Explore the 22 acres of
‘Capability’ Brown. with their lake and classical temples. parkland and gardens at Wilton
Or Longleat, where the impressive House, also believed to be
Overnight: Calne or Melksham
Elizabethan house is surrounded by influenced by ‘Capability’ Brown.
areas (eg Bowood Hotel 900 acres of stunning ‘Capability’
& Spa). For those with more time, Chavenage
Brown landscape. House and Westonbirt, the National
Overnight: Warminster or Salisbury Arboretum are just across the
areas (eg Stonehenge Campsite and county border in the Cotswolds.
Glamping Pods or Red Lion Hotel).
18 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
WILTSHIRE •
•
Mompesson House
Wilton House • Fonthill Lake
3+
Picture •
•
Old Wardour Castle • Stourhead
Lacock • Corsham
Perfect
• Castle Combe
• Chavenage House
> Pride & Prejudice, Wilton House
Day 1 breathtaking gardens at Stourhead, stunning National Trust village
which film buffs will recognise as of Lacock, where scenes from
AM: Your day starts with a visit
another setting from Pride & Prejudice. The White Princess, Downton Abbey,
to two locations from Sense &
Sensibility: Mompesson House Lunch: Enjoy lunch here, then travel Cranford and some of the Harry
in Salisbury, and magnificent Wilton north, passing the Westbury White Potter films were shot.
House which also featured in The Horse on your way. Lunch: Lacock or Corsham.
Crown, The Young Victoria and Pride PM: Spend some time either PM: While away the afternoon in
& Prejudice. exploring Bradford on Avon while Corsham, where the High Street
Lunch: Wilton or Tisbury areas. there make some time to visit in represented 18th century Truro in the
PM: Travel on to Old Wardour The Hall (open afternoons April - first series of Poldark. Then, if you
Castle, as seen in Robin Hood September) or if you prefer take a are able to stay an extra night, travel
Prince of Thieves, pausing briefly relaxing wander by the Kennet & via the quintessentially English village
to view Fonthill Lake where scenes Avon Canal. of Castle Combe – as seen in
from Chocolat were filmed. Overnight: Chippenham area Dr Thorne, War Horse, The Wolf
(eg Best Western Plus Angel Hotel). Man, Stardust and Dr Dolittle – to
Overnight: Warminster Area.
end your tour just across the county
Day 2 Day 3 border at Chavenage House, which
AM: Begin with a visit to the AM: This morning’s destination is the starred as Trenwith in Poldark.
MAGNIFICENT • Trowbridge • Trowbridge Museum 3
• Bradford on Avon • Corsham
Industrial •
•
Malmesbury • STEAM Museum
Kennet & Avon Canal
Heritage •
•
Crofton Beam Engines
Wilton Windmill • The Merchant’s House
> Wilton Windmill
Day 1 weavers’ cottages cling to the Day 3
hillside above.
AM: Your tour begins in AM: Take to the Kennet & Avon
Wiltshire’s county town of Overnight: Bradford on Avon or Canal for a relaxing narrowboat
Trowbridge, where 1,000 years Melksham areas. trip, or stroll along the towpath
of the woollen cloth industry Day 2 beside the impressive flight of
left a rich architectural legacy. locks at Caen Hill.
Trowbridge Museum has a AM: Owing its former prosperity to the
wool trade, honey-coloured Corsham Lunch: Devizes or Marlborough
nationally important collection areas.
makes a great stopping off point on
relating to West Country wool.
your journey to Malmesbury, where PM: Head to Crofton Beam
Lunch: Trowbridge or you can uncover the history of fine Engines near Marlborough to
Bradford on Avon areas. lace making at the Athelstan Museum. discover magnificent 200-year-
Lunch: Malmesbury or Swindon. old working steam engines.
PM: In its textile production On Sundays and Bank Holiday
heyday, Bradford on Avon PM: On arrival in Swindon, step Mondays you can also visit Wilton
was home to more than back in time at STEAM – Museum Windmill nearby. Time permitting,
30 cloth factories. Today the of the Great Western Railway. a visit to The Merchant’s House
impressive walls of Abbey Mill Overnight: Swindon or in Marlborough makes a fascinating
still flank the river, while former Devizes areas. addition to your itinerary.
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 19VISITWILTSHIRE
Local Guides
TOUR OPERATORS AND TRANSPORT
GUIDES ONLY ROMAN BATH PRIVATE HIRE SALISBURY, STONEHENGE
01225 484346 & SARUM TOURS
AMESBURY HERITAGE info@romanbathprivatehire.co.uk 01722 421777
TOURS & HISTORY TALKS www.romanbathprivatehire.co.uk info@salisburystonehengetours.co.uk
07793 366429 www.salisburystonehengetours.co.uk
info@amesburymuseum.co.uk SALISBURY’S CHEQUERED
HISTORY GUIDES
SALISBURY CITY GUIDES 01722 320928 TRANSPORT ONLY
07873 212941 salcheqbb@gmail.com
info@salisburycityguides.co.uk
FOR GROUPS
www.salisburyhistorytours.co.uk (eg car, taxi, minibus, coach, train)
www.salisburycityguides.co.uk
STONEHENGE & AVEBURY EXECUTIVE CONNECTION
TOURS 2 ORDER WITH OLDBURY TOURS 01722 333333
07827 715353 07947 488665 tim@salisbury-valuecars.co.uk
graham@tours2order.com info@oldburytours.co.uk www.executiveconnection.co.uk
www.tours2order.com www.oldburytours.co.uk
VALUE CARS GROUP
STONEHENGE & SALISBURY 01722 505050
DRIVER GUIDE WITH GUIDED TOURS enquiry@salisbury-valuecars.co.uk
CAR TRANSPORT 0845 519 8248 www.salisbury-valuecars.co.uk
tours@stonehengetravel.co.uk
GUIDED WALKS IN WILTSHIRE www.StonehengeTravel.co.uk SALISBURY REDS
07502 294715 01202 338420
info@guidedwalksinwiltshire.co.uk THE STONEHENGE TOUR talk2us@salisburyreds.co.uk
www.guidedwalksinwiltshire.co.uk 01202 338420 www.salisburyreds.co.uk
enquiries@thestonehengetour.info
LIBERTY CAR TOURS www.thestonehengetour.info SOUTH WEST MINIBUSES
07989 387660 0117 965 0000
mike@libertycartours.co.uk info@southwestminibuses.com
www.libertycartours.co.uk CAR HIRE www.southwestminibuses.com
PRACTICAL CAR & GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY
DRIVER GUIDE WITH MOTORHOME RENTAL 0345 700 0125
GROUP TRANSPORT 01249 750500 Please use online contact form
(large car, minibus, coach) chippenham@practical.co.uk on our website: www.gwr.com
www.practical.co.uk
BRITAIN’S BEST SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY
HERITAGE TOURS VINTAGE CLASSICS 0345 6000 650
01985 840049 01225 703377 Please use online contact
hello@bbhtours.co.uk info@vintage-classics.co.uk form on our website:
www.bbhtours.co.uk www.vintage-classics.co.uk www.southwesternrailway.com
LION TOURS
07769 668668 GROUND HANDLERS WALKING HOLIDAYS
paul@liontours.co.uk
www.liontours.co.uk NORMAN ALLEN GROUP FOOTPATH HOLIDAYS
TRAVEL LTD 01985 840049
MAD MAX MINIBUS TOURS 01432 277666 enquiries@footpath-holidays.co.uk
07990 505970 normanallen@group-travel.com www.footpath-holidays.com
maddy@madmaxtours.co.uk www.group-travel.com
www.madmaxtours.co.uk
20 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
> Poldark, Corsham > War Horse, Castle Combe
A Starring
Corsham High Street doubles up as Truro in the first
series of the BBC’s most recent production of Poldark
starring Aidan Turner. The Ross’s family for Poldark was
ROLE
also filmed at Chavenage House, over the border in
Gloucestershire.
Iford Manor Gardens - Iford’s romantic, award-winning
gardens featured in the latest film adaptation of The
Secret Garden (2020) starring Colin Firth and Julie
Want to know where your favourite shows, movies
Walters. It has also featured in The Razor’s Edge, the
and period dramas where filmed? Bridgerton, Wolf
BBC’s Robin of Sherwood and ITV’s Element of Doubt.
Hall, Doctor Who, Downton Abbey, Poldark, Pride
and Prejudice, The Crown, Harry Potter, War Horse, The village of Lacock, with its cottages and inns dating
Stardust, Lark Rise to Candelford, Chocolat, The Secret back to the 15th century has featured as the backdrop
Garden, The Other Boleyn Girl, Dr Dolittle, Sense and to many a period drama, including the last series
Sensibility, Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves, Tess of the and film version of Downton Abbey and to the BBC
D’Urbervilles, The Young Victoria, and more were all production of Cranford. The village is much admired
filmed here in Wiltshire! A few are listed here – to find by film makers; the National Trust village and Abbey
out more go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/film has played host to a variety of classic films and costume
dramas including Pride and Prejudice, Harry Potter,
Bradford on Avon’s Tithe Barn and surrounding
The Other Boleyn Girl and BBC’s Wolf Hall - the
areas were used in the filming of BBC’s Wolf Hall and
Abbey exteriors representing Wolf Hall, the Seymour
for Robin Hood of Sherwood. The town was also used
family seat.
in the filming of 2009 film Creation and more recently
for the filming of The White Princess and the film Most recently Wilton House has featured in the first
version of Downton Abbey in 2019, as well as Netflix series of Bridgerton (2020), Tomb Raider (2018) and
series Cursed. The Crown (2017).
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 21VISITWILTSHIRE
> Bowood House & Gardens
Outstanding
Attractions
Whether you’re here for a day, Park and Bluestone Vineyards.
a weekend or longer, no visit Take a walk on the wild side at
to Wiltshire would be complete Studley Grange Garden and
without experiencing our timeless Leisure Park. Hunt for bargains at
wonders. Visit Salisbury Cathedral, McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
home to the tallest spire in Britain Swindon. Learn about army history
it also houses the finest of four at REME Museum. Discover
original 1215 Magna Carta Wiltshire’s industrial heritage at
manuscripts. Shrouded in mystery STEAM – Museum of the Great
with a magnetism that has drawn Western Railway. See outstanding
people to them for thousands of archaeology at The Salisbury
years, Stonehenge and Avebury Museum and Wiltshire Museum.
are equally breathtaking – two > REME Museum Or watch conservation in action
monolithic stone circles within one at The Merchant’s House
outstanding World Heritage Site. in Marlborough.
Old Sarum, which evolved from
Other unmissable attractions include a Neolithic community into the You’ll also find a range of fascinating
stately homes and gardens such original site of Salisbury. Impressive museums specialising in everything
as Bowood, Wilton House, Iford Old Wardour Castle. from textiles, aircraft and motor
Manor Gardens, Lydiard Park vehicles to the history of brushware.
and Stourhead. Longleat, with You can combine super-friendly
its Elizabethan house, safari park animals with wine appreciation at For further ideas and inspiration go
and more. Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm to: visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
> STEAM Museum > Stonehenge > Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm Park
22 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 23
VISITWILTSHIRE
Prepare to be Amazed...
Welcome to the home of Britain’s tallest spire
and best preserved original Magna Carta.
Call to plan your visit today.
01722512190
groups@salcath.co.uk
www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
24 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
‘By Skill and By Fighting’
The motto of the
Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
The award winning museum has 8 modern, interactive galleries.
Displays include armoured vehicles, medals, uniforms and weapons.
There is a large free car park and the excellent crowns café for
refreshments.
Located just outside MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire
Opening times: Tues-Sun 10am-4:30pm
With events throughout the year please visit the website for further details
www.rememuseum.org.uk enquiries@rememuseum.org.uk 01249894869
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 25VISITWILTSHIRE
Caboose
Caboose is an independently and the Stonehenge bus tour starting as this, they have an exceptional
owned premium Bed & Breakfast location, Caboose is perfectly placed range of high-quality alcoholic
and 1920s inspired bar, located for a getaway trip to explore Wiltshire. and non-alcoholic drinks available
just a 2 minute walk from The Parlour bar is attractively including their very charmingly staged
Salisbury Train Station. designed with photographs of Signature Cocktails. There is a walled
Salisbury in years gone by adorning courtyard off of the Parlour, perfect
Caboose boasts 8 en-suite boutique for midsummer evening drinks.
the walls, vintage props and
bedrooms which are beautifully
gold leaf embellishment as far Caboose can be hired for group trips
finished to a high standard including; as the eye can see. The Parlour and events.
bespoke Hypnos beds dressed with serves decadent and delectable
elite quality linen, rainfall showers For more information or to book,
Afternoon Tea at the weekend with
and locally produced luxury toiletries. visit www.caboosesalisbury.com
a Champagne option available
Situated a short stroll from Salisbury for those wanting to celebrate or Visit @caboosesalisbury
Cathedral, Salisbury Market Square simply treat themselves. As well on social media.
Groups
at
A modern Group Friendly Hotel
with 103 bedrooms, the perfect choice
Longleat
for an extraordinary tour. Welcoming you back
this summer
The nearest hotel to Stonehenge beside the A303, easy
access from London, the West Country and to the picturesque
county of Wiltshire. Free parking and Wi-Fi throughout.
Our Solstice Bar and Grill can provide a quick
refreshment stop, breakfast, lunch or dinner. Contact the team
Call 0345 241 3535 01985 844328
reservations@hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk groups@longleat.co.uk
hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk
26 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
The Bridge Tea Rooms
24a Bridge Street, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1BY
Double Winners of The Tea Guild’s Top UK Tea Place
and the Home of West Country Afternoon Teas:
Judged as ‘near perfect’ and awarded The UK’s Top
Tea Place by the prestigious UK Tea Guild The Bridge Tea
Rooms offers the very best in traditionally British Afternoon
Teas, lunches and light meals throughout the day.
The afternoon ritual of serving tea has been developed to a fine art here. A Hansel & Gretel-style
exterior leads onto the cosiest of dining rooms, filled with homely trinkets, hefty wooden beams,
the soft chink of fine bone china, the finest leaf teas, and friendly staff in Victorian costumes
serving home-made cakes, pastries and sandwiches. Housed in a former blacksmith’s cottage
dating from 1502, the Bridge Tea Rooms positively oozes atmosphere, and the classical music
playing gently in the background sets a tranquil tone.
Afternoon teas are served from 12pm till 5pm every day of the week and the tea rooms can
accommodate a maximum of 40 guests.
Make a reservation email at info@thebridgetearrooms.co.uk
or calling 01225 865537
www.thebridgetearooms.co.uk
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 27VISITWILTSHIRE
Hardy’s Wessex
The largest collection of Thomas Hardy memorabilia ever displayed at one time.
Four museums, four different exhibitions.
28 May – 30 October 2022
Take a fresh look at the life and literature of the
Victorian novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy, in the stunning
Wessex landscapes that shaped his view of the world. Hardy’s first watercolour landscape
His story will be retold in exciting new ways by our
museum collections, from period costumes to
personal letters, art to archaeology.
• Once-in-a-lifetime chance to see precious
objects that are rarely on display
• A major exhibition across four venues –
Photo credits ©Dorset Museum/Jonathan Gooding
Dorset Museum (Dorchester), Poole Hardy’s tombstone design for his dog
Museum, The Salisbury Museum and
Photo credits ©Dorset Museum
Wiltshire Museum (Devizes).
• Each exhibition explores a different
Hardy theme
• Discounts for groups visiting more than
one museum
• Self-guided tours or tailored Hardy’s handwritten ‘Book of Facts’
Red dress worn by guided tours available
Hardy’s sister Kate
• Discounted catering packages
For further information, suggested itineraries and bookings visit:
https://www.wessexmuseums.org.uk/thomas-hardy-exhibition
28 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
Studley Grange
Situated just outside Swindon, close to the M4,
Studley Grange is ideal for ‘comfort breaks’, as an
STEAM
Museum of the Great Western Railway
enjoyable addition to your journey, or even part
of your holiday. Find beautiful gifts, plants and
horticultural items in our Garden Centre. Discover A First Class Day Out
the natural beauty of tropical butterflies, whilst STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
walking amongst them, see a range of exotic
Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY
animals and reptiles in the zoo and learn where your
Tel: 01793 466646
food comes from out on the farm. Visit the craft
village for an individual shopping experience and our www.steam-museum.org.uk
Garden Restaurant and Butterfly Café for delicious www.facebook.com/steammuseum
freshly prepared food. Studley Grange is the perfect @steam_museum
day out for all the family; for more information visit
www.studleygrange.co.uk SN4 9QT
OLD SARUM STONEHENGE
EXPLORE A LOST CITY A place of ancient mystery
Stand in the footprint of the Search ‘Stonehenge’ to book your visit
original Salisbury Cathedral
Search ‘Old Sarum’ to book your visit
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 29VISITWILTSHIRE
10 top reasons
> Salisbury Cathedral Tower Tour
TO VISIT WILTSHIRE
With so much to see and do • Wiltshire has characterful market
around the county, whether towns aplenty. Bradford on Avon,
you’re planning your first visit a honey-coloured gem. Calne, where
to Wiltshire or your twenty first, the English technique of producing
you’re sure to find new stories ham and bacon was invented.
around every corner. Here are > Stonehenge Visitor Centre Corsham, whose historic high street
some suggestions for making the starred as Truro in BBC’s Poldark.
most of your time here: • Steeped in history and Stylish, cosmopolitan Marlborough,
mystery, no visit to Wiltshire a handsome former staging post.
• With award-winning attractions, would be complete without Swindon with its excellent range
great food and drink, excellent taking in Stonehenge and of leisure opportunities.
shopping and top-notch arts venues, Avebury: two inimitable stone
Salisbury is the perfect fusion of circles; one outstanding • Creativity is at the heart of the
ancient and modern. Salisbury World Heritage Site. Wiltshire experience. Here you’ll find
Cathedral boasts Britain’s tallest inspirational festivals, events and
spire and best preserved original entertainment, all year round.
1215 Magna Carta. Take a Tower • With miles of ancient drove roads
and uncrowded country lanes, almost • The Kennet & Avon Canal
Tour for fabulous views.
half of Wiltshire’s breathtaking stretches across the centre of the
landscape falls within an Area of county, offering a range of ways
Outstanding Natural Beauty – to appreciate Wiltshire’s timeless
rural England at its very best. scenery. Walk or cycle along the
towpath, take to the water in a
canoe, or relax on a soothing
narrowboat cruise.
• Wiltshire offers a great all-
round shopping experience, with
designer brands and high street
names, independent outlets and
> Lacock Abbey
shopping malls, farm shops and
> Westbury White Horse markets.
• Among Wiltshire’s many
• Among Wiltshire’s most iconic timeless villages, the stars of • To make the most of all that
views are the White Horses the show are the film-makers Wiltshire has to offer, it’s well worth
carved into its chalk hillsides. favourites of Lacock and Castle staying a night or two – you’ll find
Keep an eye out for them as Combe; the perfect places to a great range of group-friendly
you travel around. journey back in time. accommodation to choose from.
30 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsTRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
Celebrate the Seasons
IN WILTSHIRE
> Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm > Marlborough College Summer School > McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
Each season brings its own joys in the Safari Park and many of the colours include Stourhead’s vistas
in Wiltshire, from the budding smaller animals in Animal Adventure. highlighted with burnished leaves;
promise of spring through the Savernake Forest, North Wessex
Summer is the time for that
languid days of summer, the Downs, where visitors can look out
great British tradition, a picnic.
crisp colour of autumn to the for the Big Belly Oak; the parkland at
From a rainbow of tulips to clouds
sparkle of winter. Let’s take a Bowood House & Gardens, and the
of fragrant roses, or the spectacular
look at how visitors can enjoy internationally important Westonbirt,
abundance of high summer borders,
every time of the year. The National Arboretum.
your group can enjoy a relaxing and
The first signs of spring are often inspirational exclusive visit to Iford Christmas in Wiltshire is a very
snowdrops, shortly followed by Manor Gardens. special time, as our historic towns
daffodils. The grounds of Lacock and villages receive an extra
Take a visit to the nearby Bridge sprinkling of festive magic.
Abbey usually come to life with
Tea Rooms for delicious teas
clusters of snowdrops during Longleat’s winter wouldn’t be
with homemade cake served
February. Top places to see daffodils complete without the renowned
by waitresses in Victorian dress –
include, Stourhead, Westonbirt, and Festival of Light, which takes place
perfect for a quintessential
all round the beautiful countryside mid November to beginning of
English day out.
including Marlborough Downs, January.
Wylye Valley in between Salisbury Get hands-on at some of our
At McArthurGlen Designer Outlet
and Bath and Cranborne Chase museums and join in with some
Swindon you can pick up a bargain
and West Wiltshire Downs Area of of our fabulous festivals and
and tuck into delicious street food
Outstanding Natural Beauty. events taking place during the
as you do your Christmas shopping.
summer months including Devizes Plus enjoy the beautiful decorations
Bluebells are one of the later signs
International Street Festival and and magical Christmas activities too.
of spring to arrive and these can
Carnival and Malmesbury Carnival
be seen in West Woods near Witness Salisbury Cathedral’s
and Festival.
Marlborough, Lower Moor Farm, spectacular Darkness to Light Advent
Bluebell Wood near Old Wardour Marlborough College Summer Procession, as 1,300 candles light up
Castle, Grovely Wood near Wilton. School (mid-July to mid-August) the Cathedral (end of Nov). Join one
Also look out for snakeshead provides over 500 courses offering of Salisbury Cathedral’s atmospheric
frittalaries at North Meadow an eclectic programme of creative services or book a behind the scenes
near Cricklade. arts, history, science, body and tour and view their giant Christmas
mind, life skills, sport and country tree from above! Private tours
If its baby animals you’re after,
pursuits. There is also an extensive available to pre-booked groups only.
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm and
entertainment programme featuring
Studley Grange all welcome visitors National Trust properties join in the
lectures, film nights, evening
to see their new born animals which festive celebrations too. Christmas
often include chicks, bunnies, lambs excursions, recitals and outstanding
warmth and cheer with beautiful
and piglets. For something more Gala Performances. decorations and celebrations take
exotic take a trip on the wild side Visit an Historic House & Garden in place at Avebury, Lacock and
to Longleat to see baby monkeys autumn. Top destinations for autumn Stourhead.
groups@visitwiltshire.co.uk 31VISITWILTSHIRE
> Sky Safari, Longleat
Events AND FESTIVALS
In the lead-up to the summer, live To give you a taste of what’s to this year’s Marlborough College
events and festivals across Wiltshire come we’ve a small selection of Summer School runs from
are planning to reopen in line with events that are currently being 11 July-7 August, combining a
the government’s roadmap. planned for this year, any changes mix of art, cultural and sporting
to these will be updated on the courses for adults with inspirational
As more events and festivals are
website. All events will abide by the activities for children. This Summer
announced they will be added
Covid-19 guidelines at the time. you can get a flavour of what life was
to the website. Keep up to date
like in Victorian Chippenham as part
with full details of events and Bowood House & Gardens –
of Chippenham Museum’s Kilvert’s
festivals in Wiltshire on our website: Garden Tours and Workshops
World Exhibition. For any Stargazers
visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on. Bowood are offering a range of
amongst us, there is Marlborough’s
different garden tours and workshops
Please be sure to double check Dark Skies Festival in late October
throughout the summer months.
dates and times in advance, as and there will be a return of Sarum
details can sometimes change. Chippenham Folk Festival is Lights at Salisbury Cathedral
combining with Chester Folk Festival in November.
and moving online for 2021 from
There are a number of music
28-31 May, which means geography
and Arts festivals and events which
is no longer an issue and the festival
tale place annually in Wiltshire and
can achieve a global reach, bringing
are hoping to return for 2021.
communities together wherever they
MFor Festival at Lydiard Park
are in the world.
31 July, WOMAD Festival
As the UK’s largest festival 22-25 July and End of the Road
> Bowood House & Gardens dedicated entirely to history, the Festival at Larmer Tree
Daily Mail Chalke Valley History 2-5 September.
Festival is hoping to go ahead from
Focusing on creative writing across
21-27 June offers a star-studded
all genres and with a strong local
line-up of speakers embracing
content, Marlborough Literary
all things historical in an idyllic
Festival will be taking place from
downland setting.
30 Sept-3 October, whilst Salisbury
The largest multi-generational Literary Festival is one of
learning experience of its kind, October’s highlights.
> Marlborough Summer School
32 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groupsYou can also read
