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is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a short break.
Wiltshire has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Whether it’s a weekend break to see the breathtaking World Heritage Site of Stonehenge, days out with the children or a taste sensation at a Michelin-starred restaurant, this county really has has got it all. Whatever your interests – history, culture, the great outdoors – there is plenty to choose from for a fun day out in Wiltshire.
Shopping in Wiltshire is a real treat, as high-street brands tempt you in to the town centres. Better yet, independent boutiques and markets fill the baskets of those looking for local produce and one-off treasures to take home for souvenirs or gifts.
You can get a taste for fine dining at the end of a hard day’s shopping. There are country house hotels offering high-end menus in sublime surroundings, as well as fabulous fine
dining restaurants to be found on the county’s high streets. The rise of the gastropub has made a huge impact on the rural dining scene in recent years, and many pubs have Michelin stars, AA Rosettes or other awards.
If you’re a culture vulture, you’ll find yourself in luck in Wiltshire. You’ll encounter plentiful live music, a thriving theatre scene and a whole host of arty events, from literature festivals to artists’ open house weekends. Whatever you’re into you’ll find something to suit your taste.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you can always be assured of finding something exciting to do, tasty to eat or interesting to explore. So whatever you do during your visit to the region, please enjoy –and come back soon! ■
Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain
Wiltshire offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
The biggest difficulty you’ll face when planning a day out in Wiltshire is deciding what to do first. Whatever your interests –history, culture, the great outdoors – there is plenty to choose from. You’ll even see lions and tigers!
You can’t miss out on the stone circles at Stonehenge and Avebury – Wiltshire’s most famous attractions. But history and culture buffs can also have a blast exploring castles, stately homes and a plethora of fascinating museums and galleries.
One of the most iconic sites in the world, the stone circle at Stonehenge will take your breath away. Building began here some 5,000 years ago, with the standing stone circle added
Stonehenge & Avebury are a UNESCO World Heritage Site
around 2500BC, constructed from sarsens and bluestones.
Scholars are still debating to this day why – and how – it was built. There’s an excellent visitor centre with ancient objects and Neolithic houses to explore, plus a forensic reconstruction of a 5,500-year-old man whose bones were found at the site.
Stonehenge is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Avebury, the largest stone circle in the world. Avebury was originally made up of 98 stones and today there are 30 still standing. It was created between 2850BC and 2200BC and many finds from the site can be visited at the Alexander Keiller Museum in Avebury village.
Avebury was originally made up of 98 stones and today there are 30 still standing
Discover 500,000 years of history in a glorious medieval building. Join us as we unveil the new Salisbury History, Ceramics and Natural History Galleries this summer.
Made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players.
Open every day 10am – 5pm
the
Salisbury Museum is set in the medieval King’s House in Cathedral Close
Museum, set in the medieval King’s House in Cathedral Close, features one of the largest collections of artefacts from Stonehenge. The café has great coffee, daily lunch specials, wine, cakes and cream teas, while the gift shop offers a carefully curated selection of exclusive and locally sourced gifts, cards and fabulous books for all ages. More Stonehenge artefacts can be found in the nearby Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, which has interactive displays and a children’s trail.
Just 10 miles outside Salisbury why not visit Bluestone Vineyards and learn about English sparkling wine? Enjoy a guided tour and tutored wine-tasting experience together with the popular local cheese and charcuterie lunch platter showcasing the finest produce Wiltshire has to offer. It’s a fun way to spend a few hours on your visit to Wiltshire.
Transport fans should get down to STEAM in Swindon, housed in the former Railway Works. This museum brings to life the story of the Great Western Railway and those who worked there. With glittering locomotives, interactive displays and quite often former railway workers on hand to chat, it’s a great day out for all the family. You can even have a go at driving the steam train simulator or changing the signals.
A picturesque market town that’s well
Salisbury
Museum
features one of the largest collections of artefacts from Stonehenge
worth visiting is Ludgershall, which is noted in the Domesday Book of 1086. Visit the medieval castle ruins and The Queens Head, a 16th-century coaching inn that’s now an inviting pub offering the best of local produce. Within the 12th-century St James’ Church is the Brydges Monument, the tomb of Sir Robert Brydges, who was knighted in 1553.
The timbered-framed houses and honeyed brickwork of Lacock date back to the 13th century and have made the village a popular location for historic film and TV dramas such as Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. While here you can visit Lacock Abbey and its tranquil grounds and head to the Fox Talbot Museum, which explores the history of photography.
Cameras at the ready for picture-perfect Wiltshire village, Castle Combe! It’s a wonderful spot for a walk in the nearby l
The Westbury White Horse was probably cut in the late 1600s, perhaps to commemorate the Battle of Ethandun in AD 878
countryside rounded off by a bite to eat at one of the welcoming inns, which serve up some of the best food in the county.
Try to get to Imber if you can. This village with a difference was evacuated in 1943 to allow American soldiers to be trained for the D-Day landing. The residents never returned, leaving it a ghost town. Regular visits take place throughout the year so go along and learn more about its fascinating history.
Wiltshire is a walker’s paradise, whether you’re looking for a gentle stroll or a more challenging route. Much of the county is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and there are more than 8,000 paths to explore. Self-guided maps and route plans can be downloaded for free from the tourist information website, or you can contact a local walking company for a guided group walk.
Among the top spots must be the 87-mile Ridgeway, believed to be the oldest road in Britain. You can easily access it at various points across the county and enjoy stunning views of the Wiltshire landscape. Along the Ridgeway is Barbury Castle, which is worth a visit. This Iron Age fort stands high on a hillside and is a popular spot for a picnic.
Rather walk along the water? Try the trail along the Kennet & Avon Canal. It stretches all the way from Bristol to the River Thames,
but you don’t have to tackle it all at once! Pick a shorter section and look out for native wildlife as you wander — there’s lots to see. There are plenty of refreshment stops in pretty villages along the way.
White Horses abound in this part of the world and Westbury White Horse is a fine example, with records suggesting it was cut in the late 1600s, possibly to commemorate the Battle of Ethandun in AD 878. With a fascinating history, it makes for a wonderful walk with commanding views. Watch out for the wildlife too, with rare species including the Adonis Blue butterfly and Forester moth recorded in the area.
For garden enthusiasts, a trip to Stourhead is a must. One of the finest gardens in the land, its centrepiece is the magnificent lake, around which are stunning trees and shrubs, classical temples and a fairy grotto. When it was first opened in the 1740s, it was described as ‘a living work of art’. These days it’s cared for by the National Trust, and with 2,500 acres to explore, a Palladian mansion and even a pub within the grounds, it’s easy to spend a whole day here. Pack a picnic for an afternoon out at a quintessential English country garden. The Courts Garden boasts water and herbaceous gardens, and a stunning arboretum. l
For birdwatching, head to the Langford Lakes Nature Reserve in the Wylye Valley between Salisbury and Warminster. Run by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the four lakes are home to no fewer than 150 species, including osprey and kingfishers. Stroll down wellmaintained paths and take part in familyfriendly activities. You can even indulge in a spot of catch-and-release fishing if you fancy.
Salisbury Plain is a haven for wildlife, thanks to its relative lack of development. Look out for owls at dawn and dusk and keep your eyes peeled for buzzards, stonechats and Great Bustards, the world’s biggest flying bird.
If wildflowers are your jam, make a beeline for Morningside Meadows, which sits alongside a canal near Royal Wootton Bassett. During the summer months, the fields are scattered with colourful blooms, attracting a wealth of butterflies and birds. Look out for kingfishers, house martins and swallows.
Going to Devizes? Look out for the Wadworth shires. Wadworth Brewery has been using dray horses to make its beer deliveries for 125 years, bar a brief hiatus. Originally, some 40 horses would have been used, but these days it’s down to just three, making deliveries on weekdays to pubs within a two-mile radius of the brewery. The
shires do have a fortnight off, usually at the start of August, in order to enjoy a wellearned rest.
Surrounded by stunning countryside and waterways, Bradford on Avon has many experiences to get the heart pumping while enjoying beautiful, wildlife and nature at the same time! Hire a canoe, paddleboard or bike or follow the Walking Wheel map and explore by foot – it caters to all abilities from short local rambles to more adventurous hikes.
If you fancy a walk on the wild side, you can’t go wrong at Longleat Safari Park, which packs in a whole host of animal attractions. On the Safari Drive Through you can get up close and personal with lions, tigers and wolves, while on foot you can explore the Hedge Maze, see giant otters and gorillas and enjoy the Little Explorer’s Garden play area, which is inspired by native wildlife.
Longleat House itself transports you back to Elizabethan times through its fine 16thcentury architecture. Immaculately kept grounds include formal gardens, parkland and pleasure gardens.
There’s no chance of running out of things to do in Wiltshire. Channel the ancients at Stonehenge and Avebury, explore elegant country houses and wander a sublime slice of England’s green and pleasant land. ■
Longleat Safari Park packs in a whole host of animal attractions
5
See the White horses
There were at least 24 white horses that we know of carved into chalky hillsides in Britain, 13 of which were in Wiltshire. Eight are still visible today, making the county the go-to place for white horses. The oldest –and finest – is at Westbury Hill, Bratton Down, and dates back to 1778.
6
Get really wild
Longleat Safari Park packs in a whole host of wild attractions. On the Safari Drive Through you can brave the Monkey Mayhem and hunt for the resident wolf pack. You can also drive through Lion Country, Tiger Territory, the Deer Park, the Big Game Park, and Cheetah Kingdom. Hop out of your vehicle for a Walking Safari where you can get up close to some of the residents of the African Village. Longleat
Stourhead has a magnificent lake & classical temples
House itself transports you back to Elizabethan times through its fine 16th-century architecture.
7
Film
locations
You may find parts of Wiltshire look rather familiar. Lacock has featured in numerous productions, including War Horse, the Harry Potter films and Downton Abbey. Wolf Hall and Robin of Sherwood were filmed in Bradford on Avon, while Corsham High Street is disguised as Truro in the BBC’s Poldark.
8
Discover Stonehenge Rising eerily from the
broad expanse of the iconic Salisbury Plain, no visit to this county is complete without a trip to the world-famous Stonehenge. Built between 3000BC and 2000BC, its purpose – and even how the 13ft, 25-tonne stones were moved into position – remain a fascinating mystery.
9
Dinng out in style
Whether it’s fine dining or a cosy country pub, Wiltshire has something to tickle everyone’s tastebuds. Among the best-known choices
are Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant in Marlborough and The Red Lion Freehouse at East Chisenbury.
10
A visit to Stourhead I This National Trust property is quite simply breathtaking to behold, with its magnificent lake, fairy grotto classical temples and, of course, a folly. As well as the 18th-century gardens, you can visit the Palladian-style mansion, and there is an art gallery, a farm shop and even a pub. ■
If it’s a new paperback you’re after, head over to The White Horse Bookshop, which has been here for 75 years and stocks around 18,000 titles with a wonderful children’s section. You can also browse a range of high quality artists’ materials and join workshops in watercolours, pastels and mixed media.
The former wool town of Bradford on Avon is perfect for a day’s browsing, thanks to the stunning river flowing through the centre and its pretty little back streets dotted with boutiques and cafés. To pick up a present visit By the Way at the town’s wharf. As well as quirky cards, fine soaps, mugs and fragrances this friendly boutique offers clothing and accessories ranging from handbags to scarves.
In need of some new togs for your trip? Piha stocks men’s and womenswear in beautiful bold prints, as well as bamboo socks, locallymade soaps and gifts. While Little Rituals, on Silver Street, sells a glorious range of interesting houseplants, sustainably sourced flowers and ethically sourced coffee. For pre-loved clothes and children’s wear, head to Secondhand Rose’s store Heather’s on Market Street. The same owners run Alfred’s on Silver Street, offering stylish pre-loved menswear.
For something to make your mouth water, check out The Cheese Shop, also on Market Street. The range of cheeses is impressive but there’s also a great deli counter bursting with charcuterie, pâtés, olives and more. For a quirky celebratory treat, pick up a cake made entirely of cheese.
Just a short stroll along the river in Pound Lane is the Tithebarn Workshops, a collective of artists, craftspeople and specialists in antiques. Watch them at work and pick up a unique handmade gift before putting your feet up for a well-earned coffee at the delightful café next door.
Channel your inner Jane Austen in Lacock, one of Wiltshire’s most famous and atmospheric towns. Many period adaptations have been filmed here but it’s also home to a clutch of fabulous independent retailers. They include artisan soap maker Quintessentially English, a glorious second-hand bookshop in Lacock Abbey’s courtyard and bespoke jeweller John Watling, who, as well as creating new and bespoke pieces, specialises in modernising family heirlooms in a sensitive and creative manner.
The historic town of Devizes is also a lovely place to visit for an afternoon of shopping. Over 250 shops can be found among the 500 listed buildings in this handsome town. Just off Market Place you’ll find The Ginnel. This quaint, narrow alleyway is bursting with independent shops and is home to a superb
tea room in the form of Tea Inc, housed in a 300-year-old building and kitted out in warm woods and stylish furnishings.
A charming selection of independent retailers can also be found in Old Swan Yard. Head here to browse out-of-the-ordinary gifts, art and fashion. When you need a rest, there’s a clutch of lovely eateries serving a range of food in which to relax.
For higgledy-piggledy Bath stone buildings that seem untouched by the passage of time, make the trip to historic Corsham. This picturesque town has been the star of numerous films and TV shows, including Tess of the D’Urbervilles and the BBC’s production of Poldark.
And it’s also a special place to shop, with a diverse selection of bookshops, art galleries, delis, jewellers and tasteful gift shops. Previous Homewares, on the High Street, is a design-led mini department store filled with fascinating and gorgeous things. While stationery buffs could easily spend half a day in Corsham Stationery, which sells everything from fancy pens to kids’ craft kits.
If you need a break from Wiltshire’s oldfashioned charm, head for the Oink Gallery on Victoria Road in Swindon’s Old Town. Owned by interior designer Mark Pepperall it is brimming with unusual pieces, from cat lamps to china cups in the shape of hooves. Also on Victoria Road, colourful Daisy & Daisy sells gifts and candles as well as clothes, purses and items made by local and international artists.
For a range of cards, gifts and books celebrating the city’s heritage visit the Salisbury Cathedral Gift Shop. You can also pick up the latest recordings by the Cathedral choir and organist. For ceramics, glassware, jewellery and art created by local artists you can’t beat Fisherton Mill Gallery Shop. l
j Kim Vine, Marlborough
L John Watling, Lacock
Find ceramics, glassware, jewellery and art at Fisherton Mill, Salisbury
Housed in a tastefully converted Victorian Grain, Fisherton Mill is also home to an award-winning café where you can indulge in a mouth-watering lunch.
If you’re in Salisbury in July, you should make the most of Salisbury Indies Week, when shops offer discounts, competitions and more to celebrate the city’s niche brands and excellent customer experience.
For a treasure trove of decorative antiques and vintage items, check out Digger & Mojo in Woodborough, Pewsey, which specialises in mixing the old with the new and has a unique selection of gifts and homewares.
As well as fashion, textiles and gifts, Wiltshire has a fantastically rich larder –check out lardy cakes, famous Wiltshire-cured ham, the Wiltshire Loaf (which is a cheese, and not a loaf at all) and numerous locallycrafted beers, ciders and gins. To enjoy a taste, foodies should make a beeline for one of the county’s farm shops.
One of the best is the award-winning Allington Farm Shop near Chippenham. This third-generation farm specialises in locally grown fruit and vegetables and has an inhouse butchery, a deli and speciality groceries. Can’t wait until you get home to taste the goods? Pull up a chair at the fully licensed café, where you’ll find everything from a
substantial farmhouse breakfast to an elegant afternoon tea. You should also watch out for one of the farm shop’s tasting days when you can meet local producers and try their wares.
Three Trees Farm Shop and Café, just outside Chiseldon, is well worth a visit, as is Purton House Organics near Swindon. Both offer an array of meats, cheeses, breads, vegetables, chutneys, jams and more. Fans of all things goat should make the trip to The Gourmet Goat Farmer, just outside Avebury, to stock up on goat meat, goat milk, goat cheese and even goat milk skincare.
Plank’s Farm Shop is based at the Old Potato Yard, Lydeway, four miles from Devizes. Gourmet treats include quiches, soups, salads and cakes, all handcrafted by their team of chefs. They also have an inhouse butchery. Also at the Old Potato Yard, you’ll find a range of quirky, independent shops where you can pick up handmade homewares and textiles or original artworks by local creatives.
If you’d rather do all your shopping in one spot, you’ll find plenty of options in Wiltshire. Head for one of the county’s shopping malls to browse all your high-street favourites. Or check out a craft fair or market to pick up foodie treats and one-off gifts and souvenirs.
Want to fill your bags with high-street
©ALLINGTON
FARM SHOP; FISHERTON MILL
brands? There are several large shopping centres that’ll sort you out. In Wiltshire’s county town of Trowbridge, the Shires Shopping Centre offers everything from books to beauty products, while in Chippenham you can pop along to Borough Parade or Emery Gate for all your mainstream shopping needs.
In Salisbury, Cross Keys Shopping Centre, off Guildhall Square, is an extremely popular destination. The only covered shopping centre in the city, it combines a modern shopping experience with some original features, including a Jacobean staircase. As well as leading high-street names such as Ryman and TK Maxx, there’s a scattering of independent businesses, including an art gallery and a vinyl record store, which attracts customers from far and wide.
Old George Mall, on the High Street, boasts dozens of big-name brands, from H&M to Fat Face, but you’ll also find several independents too. There are also plenty of cafés where you can grab a cuppa or a bite to eat should the shopping tire you out.
Shopping in Swindon? The Brunel Centre offers popular choices such as Boots and Pandora, along with independent shops, offering everything from perfume to candles to handmade gifts.
But to bag the best bargains around, head
to Designer Outlet Swindon in Kemble Drive. Housed in part of the old Railway Works, it’s home to more than 100 famous brands, with many top designers among them. You can find everything here, from kids’ toys to highend designer handbags to the latest clothing by fashion favourites including Polo Ralph Lauren and BOSS. Once you’ve worked out your feet and your wallet, settle down in the fancy food court and choose from Italian, Mexican, American and more. There’s even a playground for the little ones to blow off steam.
If you fancy a more rural setting for your retail therapy, head to The Guild Wiltshire, not far from Salisbury. This is a shopping destination with a difference, set next to a conservation area which is home to ducks, salmon, trout, water voles and more. The perfect spot for relaxing after hitting the tills! Small independent retailers and an antique centre sit alongside major brand names and a selection of tempting restaurants. The shopping village also plays host to special events, ranging from a gin festival and a vintage fair, so there’s guaranteed entertainment as well as shopping.
For unusual and handmade gifts, catch one of the regular craft fairs held at the Marlborough Town Hall. These popular fairs attract artisans from around the county and l
Allington Farm Shop, near Chippenham
further afield and are renowned for their excellent produce.
Regular craft fairs are also held at Chippenham Town Hall and Salisbury Guildhall, and you’ll find summer and autumn fêtes in many towns and villages across Wiltshire, where local crafters sell their handmade items.
Back in Marlborough, watch out for the weekly markets on Saturdays and Wednesdays. They’re just the place to pick up that garden sculpture or wheel of cheese! Beware though – they get very busy, so it’s best to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
As well as farm shops, there’s a healthy farmers’ market scene in Wiltshire too. One of the best is Malmesbury Artisan and Farmers’ Market, held on Fridays at the Market Cross. As well as fabulous local produce you’ll find quirky gifts and souvenirs to take home.
A lively market takes place in the magnificent Market Place in Devizes every Thursday. One of the largest in the country, it’s been running since the town received its royal charter from Empress Matilda in 1141. Come here to stock up on delicious goodies including cakes, sausage rolls and cheeses and to sample street food ranging from falafels to gourmet burgers. If you’re after a gift or souvenir, there are stalls selling everything
As well as farm shops, there’s a healthy farmers’ market scene in Wiltshire selling local produce
from handmade cards to fresh flowers to jewellery. A separate farmers’ market takes place on the first Saturday of the month.
Salisbury’s historic Charter Market has been running since 1227 and is open every Tuesday and Saturday, selling food, gifts and clothing. There’s also a hot food area where you can indulge in a hog roast, a Thai or Indian curry or some artisan coffee. Check out the Wiltshire tourist information centre’s website for a full list of markets and dates around the county.
If you’re in the mood for retail therapy, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Wiltshire. Stroll picturesque streets in search of independent boutiques and gift shops, pick up some foodie treats at a local farmers’ market or simply hit the mall for some brandname browsing. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here. ■
The artisan market at Old George Mall, Salisbury
EATING OUT
Wiltshire is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs –so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
At the Three Tuns in Great Bedwyn the menu changes daily, but there’s always something delicious on offer
You’ll find plenty of traditional pub meals, burgers and fish and chips in Wiltshire, but you won’t be short of sophisticated dining either. There are country house hotels offering high-end menus in sublime surroundings, as well as fabulous fine dining restaurants to be found on the county’s high streets. The rise of the gastropub has made a huge impact on the rural dining scene, and many pubs have Michelin stars,
AA Rosettes or other awards.
You don’t need to put on your glad rags to sample fantastic cuisine. Head to a good old British pub and you’ll find fabulous produce to rival any upscale restaurant, with a relaxed atmosphere to boot. Would you rather get something to take away? Wiltshire’s markets, farm shops and delis will oblige with a wide selection of delicious local produce.
On the edge of Cranborne Chase, The Bell and Crown at Zeals prides itself on serving the best seasonal produce and on creating strong relationships with small and familyrun local suppliers. Take a seat in the characterful 200-year-old dining room and you’ll reap the benefit of the owners’ passion for food –generous portions of traditional pub classics such as fish and chips, steak and calves’ liver are so tasty you’ll be
clamouring for more!
On Salisbury Plain at East Chisenbury you’ll find the Michelinstarred, three AA Rosette Red Lion Freehouse. This charming, thatched country inn is full of exposed beams and flagstone flooring – and the menu is second to none. The classic European seasonal food is beautifully presented, packed with flavour and makes use of local ingredients such as Salisbury Plain venison and Wiltshire beef fillet. Eat in the cosy dining room or take in the countryside views from the idyllic garden.
Or if you really want to take it easy, stay overnight in their boutique guestrooms at Troutbeck Guest House just across the road. It’s in a beautiful location backing onto the picturesque River Avon.
A 30-minute drive north east you’ll find the charming village of Great Bedwyn, where the awardwinning Three Tuns serves great food with imaginative flair in sublime surroundings. The menu changes daily but there’s always something delicious on offer. Think fish tacos with house slaw, bavette steak with salsa verde or buttermilk fried chicken burger… it’s hard to know what to choose!
Surrounded by the glorious countryside of the North Wessex Downs, The Crown and Anchor in Ham recently received an AA Rosette for its thoughtful, seasonal and locally sourced food, including dishes such as crab and langoustine linguine and pan-fried cod with peanut satay, chilli and ginger. Flagstone flooring and wood panelling set a cosy scene, or you can eat al fresco on the garden terrace.
Dan’s at The Crown in nearby Marlborough is hugely popular with the locals. Headed by Australian chef Dan Bond, it offers an excellent wine list to go with interesting dishes such as pigeon breast with bacon popcorn and pan-fried stone bass with crab mash.
The food at the 300-year-old Bell at Ramsbury is so good that the AA named it the best pub in England in 2017 and it continues to hold two AA Rosettes. The Bell pulls in locals with a thoroughly relaxed
Three
Tuns
serves great food with imaginative flair in sublime surroundings
atmosphere and some truly highend dishes, sourced largely from the 19,000-acre Ramsbury Estate, which has a smokehouse, brewery, beehives and a rapeseed oil press. You’ll be bowled over by dishes such as Thai noodle salad with peanuts and whole grilled Dover sole with garlic butter.
Fans of real ale must check out The Red Lion in Cricklade. The owners are true beer connoisseurs, and the menu contains a diverse and exciting range of beers including some made in Swindon’s finest microbrewery, The Hop Kettle Brewery. This place also has an excellent reputation for dining and its seasonal menu features topquality ingredients in dishes such as beef brisket cottage pie and sweet potato and mixed bean chilli.
For more top-quality beer, make for The Three Daggers in Edington, which even has its own microbrewery. It’s not just about the booze though. It also holds two AA Rosettes for its incredible locally sourced and seasonal food. If that’s not enough for you, The Wood Shed in their beer garden serves incredible sourdough pizza in summer, and there’s a farm shop, a spa and three elegant rooms. Handy if you’ve eaten so much that you can’t move!
In picturesque Corsham you’ll find The Methuen Arms, an awardwinning Georgian inn on the edge of the beautiful parkland of Corsham Court. Chef Kevin Chandler champions Wiltshire’s larder and produces an irresistible menu including snacks, lighter meals and multi-course dinners. Eat here and you’ll be wowed by dishes such as Cornbury Estate venison carpaccio and West End Farm pork ribeye. The building itself is worth a visit and you can stay overnight in one of the tastefully styled rooms.
If you care about your food miles, Three Trees Farm Shop & Café just outside Chiseldon is a great place to stop for a meal or stock up on goodies for a picnic. Dine in or take away and choose from a locally sourced menu covering everything from hearty breakfasts to superfood salads to afternoon tea. l
Eat at The Methuen Arms and be wowed by dishes such as the West End Farm pork ribeye
Just four miles south east of Devizes, Plank Farm Shop is the place to come for fresh and fantastic local produce as well as a selection of home-made cakes, quiches pies and ready meals. There’s also a zerowaste section where you can stock up on flour, sugar, baking powder, dried fruits, nuts, seeds and lentils.
No trip to Wiltshire would be complete without sampling the county’s famous lardy cake, made from bread dough, dried fruit, sugar and lard. It was traditionally a harvest speciality and helped to keep the farm workers stoked up on sugar and fat, which came from the area’s pig farms. Marshalls Bakery, which has shops in Pewsey and Royal Wootton Bassett and is run by the fourth generation of the Marshall family, has won many awards for its lardy cakes. It receives requests to post them all over the UK!
As well as pubs, restaurants, cafés and tea rooms, there’s a lively farmers’ market scene in the county, with regular markets taking place in Devizes, Salisbury, Malmesbury and Bradford on Avon, among other towns. Check with the tourist board for full details.
The spring and summer months bring forth a plethora of foodie events in the county. Check out the Chippenham Beer and Cider Festival in April, Bradford on Avon Food & Drink Festival in June and July’s Swindon’s Cheese and Chilli Festival and Chippenham Food and Drink Festival. September brings The Old Town Street Food Festival
L The Methuen Arms, Corsham I Xxxxxxxxx
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in Swindon (formerly known as The Sausage and Ale Trail) and the Devizes Food and Drink Festival. One of the best things about dining in Wiltshire is the variety on offer. You’ll find plenty of traditional British and regional fare, but you can also get your fix of international flavours, from Mexican to French to curry.
If you’re after refined dining, you’ll find plenty of award-winning candidates in Wiltshire. Restaurant Hywel Jones at Lucknam Park Hotel, at Colerne, has held a Michelin star since 2006 and has received a host of other accolades too, including three AA Rosettes. Start your evening with a cocktail in the drawing room or charming library, then tuck into some of the best food the county has to offer. Dishes such as Hampshire venison with ceps and sherry vinegar are prepared with careful attention to detail and a true love for the ingredients.
Stunning grounds
Bybrook Restaurant at The Manor House Hotel & Golf Club in beautiful Castle Combe takes its name from the river that runs through its stunning grounds. Executive Chef Robert Potter crafts seasonal dishes from local ingredients and the hotel’s kitchen garden which are matched with fine wines from around the world. It is this attention to detail which won the Bybrook its Michelin star, along with its flair for unusual flavours. Dishes on offer this year include lamb with cauliflower and sheep yoghurt and Perigord duck liver with preserved plum and brioche. As well as having a Michelin star, The Dining Room, at Whatley Manor, Malmesbury is also amongst the first UK restaurants to be awarded Michelin’s new distinction – a Green Star for sustainable gastronomy. Executive Chef Ricki Weston and his team try to keep the restaurant’s impact as low as possible. The Manor has four beehives and an orchard, uses local, ethical suppliers and turns its food waste into methane gas. As for the menus? Choose from The Dining l
L Restaurant Hywel Jones, Lucknam Park I Bybrook Restaurant at The Manor
Place by the UK Tea Guild. The cakes are all home-made, there’s a wide selection of loose-leaf teas and it’s all served up to you on fine bone china by staff in Victorian costume to the sound of classical music. As well as the regular cream tea, you can upgrade with Champagne, and they even offer children’s and savoury versions.
Buzzing atmosphere
Los Gatos in Swindon’s Old Town serves some of the best tapas in the county and is run with passion and plenty of gusto by Phil Saunter and Shareen Campbell. They don’t take bookings on a Friday or Saturday night, but don’t worry – you can simply grab a drink at the buzzing bar and enjoy the atmosphere until a table is free. Dishes here change regularly and are always fresh and delicious. Favourites include salted Cantabrian anchovies and fried aubergine chips with honey. If you’re looking for a weekend lunch with a difference, head along for a
paella, served on the first Sunday of every month to the sounds of a live acoustic guitarist.
Sticking with Swindon, try the relaxed and vibrant Moshan Island Grill on Devizes Road for all your favourite Caribbean classics, from jerk chicken to Jamaican patties to curried goat.
For French, Italian and Spanish cuisine served in rustic-chic surroundings make for La Flambé in Chippenham. Fill your belly with classics such as paella, French onion soup and fillet steak. There are excellent-value set menus, and a classic roast is served on Sundays.
To load up on Indian street food made from locally sourced ingredients head to Café Diwali in Salisbury. The menu changes every few months but includes sizeable dosas, biryanis and large sharing platters of grilled kebabs.
In a light and airy space overlooking Guildhall Square is the Pickled Frog. Come here for a hearty brunch or settle in for a
few glasses of wine soaked up with one of their cheese or charcuterie boards, which come laden with plenty of local goodies.
Also in Salisbury town centre, Tinga takes you on a trip to the taquerias and family-run restaurants of Mexico City. Settle down in the colourful dining room adorned with Mexican murals and fill your face with tasty small plates of authentic fare – there’s everything from crispy croquetas to blue corn quesadillas. There’s also a fantastic selection of tequilas, cocktails and authentic Mexican beers to wash it all down with.
Whether you want to dress up and dine on award-winning cuisine in style, or keep it casual at a laid-back country pub, you’ll find plenty of choice in Wiltshire. If you’d rather pick up some food for a picnic or a foodie gift, you won’t be disappointed either. The county is full of fabulous farm shops and markets and puts on regular food festivals too. ■
Los Gatos in Swindon serves some of the best tapas in the country
Only here for the weekend? Fear not! Here are some ideas for a memorable short break
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
Start your visit with a stroll along Marlborough’s High Street – the second widest in Britain – with its historic buildings and independent shops is a great way to start the day. If it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, visit the bustling market.
Make your way to St Peter’s Church’s coffee shop, which serves excellent breakfasts. This 15thcentury church is also home to a craft shop where you can pick up unique, locally made gifts. Then drive out of town to the glorious expanse of Savernake Forest where you can explore the shady delights of an ancient royal hunting ground. Having worked up an appetite, head to 300-year-old The Bell at Ramsbury, a former AA Pub of the Year for England. From Ramsbury, take a half-hour drive via the B4192 and B4006 to Barbury Castle, perched atop the ancient Ridgeway. This hilltop Iron Age fort within the Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has magnificent views right across the Cotswolds.
Return to Marlborough for afternoon tea at The Polly Tearooms on High Street. Once ranked 15th in The Sunday Telegraph’s top 30 places in the UK for afternoon tea, it was a favourite with Catherine, Princess of Wales during her time at Marlborough College. Then, head to the Merchant’s House, built after the Great Fire of Marlborough in 1653. With its impressive paintings and a recreation of a 17th-century garden, it offers a glimpse into the life of silk merchant Thomas Bayly. Round off your day by dining at Rick Stein’s seafood restaurant on High Street for a combination of classic dishes, excellent wines and coastal charm.
DAY TWO
On your second day, spend some time exploring Salisbury’s historic streets with their half-timbered buildings and don’t miss out on the chance to pick up some unique gifts at one of the city’s array of independent shops. Enjoy a spot of breakfast at one of Salisbury’s many cafés before your next adventure.
Fortified, head for Salisbury Cathedral in its water meadow setting. Don’t miss viewing the Magna Carta in the Chapter House, the best preserved of the four remaining copies.
From Salisbury, jump in the car and head eight miles out to Salisbury Plain to see the worldfamous Stonehenge. Then take a 40-minute drive to Avebury, via the A345, stopping en route at the award-winning Red Lion Freehouse at East Chisenbury for
At Salisbury Plain you’ll see the worldfamous Stonehenge
lunch in idyllic surroundings.
Once you arrive at Avebury, you’ll be able to spend time exploring the largest stone circle in Britain. Try to catch the stones as the sun goes down for a truly magical experience.
For supper, make a trip to the Waggon & Horses at Beckhampton, just a mile up the road. This oldeworlde pub, with its pretty garden, inspired a scene in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers and even has two ghosts. ■
is located eight miles from
Stonehenge
Salisbury
Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
If you want to squeeze some art and culture into your holiday it’s easy to do so in Wiltshire. You’ll find plentiful live music, a thriving theatre scene and a whole host of arty events, from literature festivals to artists’ open house weekends. Whatever you’re into you’ll find something to suit your taste.
Wiltshire has music in its blood. It’s been home to the likes of XTC, Gilbert O’Sullivan, Justin Hayward and Jamie Cullum and it has a lively year-long calendar of musical events. Are plays more your thing? You’ll find excellent theatres and
arts centres as well as many popular outdoor productions taking place in the summer months.
Want to take in a concert while you’re here? The Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon hosts performances in all genres, including classical, folk and jazz, and is well known for its excellent acoustics. Past performers have included legends such as classical guitarist John Williams and jazz star Courtney Pine.
If you’ve got kids in tow, there’s plenty of entertainment to please them, including music and dance
workshops and productions of kidfriendly classics such as Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.
The annual Bradford Roots Music Festival takes place here, too. As well as showcasing local musicians it puts on jazz workshops, choral singing sessions and music activities for pre-schoolers.
Plenty of local pubs and bars put on gigs featuring everything from jazz pianists to rock bands, quite often at no charge. Particularly well-known for their gigs are The Victoria, The Beehive and The Rolleston Arms in Swindon. Both
WOMAD, which takes place at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury, is an annual celebration of world music attracting stars from around the globe
attract a mix of local bands, as well as those from further afield.
The Swindon Shuffle takes place every July. It’s a long weekend showcasing the best of the local live music scene at pubs around the town. Not only is it a great way to get a taste of the local talent – it also raises money for charity.
The major music festival around these parts is WOMAD, which takes place at Charlton Park, near Malmesbury. Held over the last weekend in July, with the next event planned for 2026, this annual celebration of world music attracts stars from around the globe, and a loyal, family-friendly audience.
If you like your music festivals intimate and family-friendly, End of the Road at Larmer Tree Gardens, near Blandford Forum in Dorset, will be right up your alley. An eclectic bunch of performers play everything from synth-pop tando afrobeat to honky-tonk blues to a diverse and friendly crowd. And if you want to give the music a rest, there’s comedy, literature, healing sessions and a children’s activity
WOMAD is held over the last weekend in July, and attracts a loyal familyfriendly audience
centuries, as well as a selection of new works. Held in the atmospheric 14th-century Priory Church of St Katherine and All Saints, it’s one of the longest-running church music festivals in the world, having begun in 1956.
If opera’s your bag, make sure to visit Wiltshire during the summer months. You can watch full-blown operas and family-friendly outdoor performances in the intimate surrounds of Iford Manor’s Italian gardens, which were designed by Harold Peto. If opera, meanwhile, puts on a glorious summer season in the grounds of Belcombe Court in Bradford on Avon. Their aim is to entice new audiences by making opera more accessible.
garden. The action takes place over four days in late August through to early September.
Things get even smaller in the village of Edington, where there’s a week-long celebration of choral music in August. This sees up to 100 of the UK’s top choral singers and organists come together to perform sacred music from across the
Outdoor theatre explodes onto the scene during the summer months, at venues such as Bowood House and Gardens, Manor Farm in Corsley and Lacock Abbey, near Swindon. Pack a picnic and head along for a magical experience in beautiful surroundings. From Shakespeare to children’s plays, there’s something for everyone. l
Salisbury Playhouse is one of the leading producing theatres in the UK, and now part of Wiltshire Creative along with Salisbury Arts Centre
as jewellery making, fused glass, needle felting, bookbinding, willow crafting or visible mending, to name a few.
Deep in the countryside near Salisbury, the New Art Centre is a sculpture park and gallery with an educational centre that’s open to the public. Three stylish contemporary buildings put on a changing programme of exhibitions featuring artists from 1950 to the present day. The Centre represents the estate of Barbara Hepworth and regularly features her works, a real treat for any sculpture fan.
Marlborough’s Katharine House Gallery is housed in a Grade 2-listed, 17th-century building, but the focus is firmly on modern British art. It showcases a mixture of paintings, prints, sculptures and ceramics, especially from the post-war period. One of their exhibitions even featured artworks by the actor Peter O’Toole.
For a slice of barmy English tradition, pop over to Devizes for the annual Confetti Battle. Dating back
to 1913, the battle sees townsfolk take the streets in their thousands to fill the air with confetti – it’s quite the spectacle. You can even buy tokens to exchange for confetti and join the battle yourself.
It’s also worth keeping an eye on Salisbury Cathedral which, as well as being home to Magna Carta, hosts fantastic events including the Festival of Flowers as well as art exhibitions featuring works by such well-known names as Henry Moore and Grayson Perry.
Bookworms should visit the Marlborough Literature Festival in September, which attracts big names such as Ben Okri and Cressida Cowell. It takes place over four days and includes a plethora of events, from poetry readings to book-binding workshops to storytelling for the under-fives. Author David Mitchell described it as “small but perfectly formed”.
In Swindon, the Festival of Literature combines art, literature, workshops, drama and more in a lively programme which draws
people from across the UK. Fascinated by the past? Try the Chalke History Festival where you can be entertained by readings and panel discussions with historians, writers and academics. As an added bonus there are living history exhibitions as well as the chance to take part in sword school, jousting and even spy training!
The Richard Jefferies Museum, on the edge of Coate Water Country Park, is a must-see for book lovers. Nature writer Richard Jefferies (1848-1887) was born and grew up here. He went on to write children’s fiction, early science fiction and books about the countryside that he loved so much. The museum is a testament to his life and legacy.
If your idea of a good holiday is to be surrounded by art, music and literature, Wiltshire certainly won’t disappoint. With music festivals, indoor and outdoor theatre performances and a plethora of art galleries featuring exhibitions both historic and modern, you’ll find plenty to keep you going. ■
The night-time economy in Wiltshire is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues
After dark
While there’s no mega metropolis or 24/7 entertainment, night owls won’t be bored in Wiltshire. Swindon has a population of 180,000 and plenty of nightlife to keep you going, while Salisbury and Chippenham are proud recipients of the Purple Flag award – meaning they offer visitors a safe night out with a good mix of venues.
If you love a great British pub, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this lively county. Whether you’re after a cosy fireside in winter or an idyllic country beer garden in summer, you won’t have to go far to find it.
If you’ve brought the sunshine with you, soak it up in the spacious beer garden at The Fox and Hounds in Wroughton. The stylish interior is the perfect blend of historic and modern, while the menu offers classic pub grub such as steaks, burgers and stone-baked pizzas. If you’re in the mood for entertainment, you might be in luck as the pub regularly features live music and other events.
An idyllic outdoor spot for a long summer evening is The Three Tuns at Great Bedwyn, on the edge of the Savernake Forest. The
pretty, enclosed garden is a safe spot for kids and dogs, so you can happily while away an afternoon sampling ales and ciders from nearby breweries as well as local small-batch spirits. Tuckered out after a day of sightseeing? Grab a burger, fish and chips or even a cask ale to take away. Awarded the ‘most authentic pub’ by Sawday’s in 2018/19, it’s just as beautiful in winter, with roaring fires, rich oak interiors and the hustle and bustle of friendly locals (and their dogs). Over in Salisbury at the entrance to the Cathedral Close, you’ll find
The Hop Inn in Swindon rarely repeats beers so once the barrel is gone, it’s gone. Opposite page: Tap and Brew in Swindon’s Old Town
regular poker tournament and has plenty of games behind the bar, so you won’t be short of something to do! For something more energetic check the listings at MECA – you could find yourself enjoying a roller disco, live comedy or some Queen impersonators.
Want a low-key evening of musical appreciation? The Wiltshire Music Centre in Bradford on Avon has an international reputation for excellence and puts on everything from jazz to classical to folk.
For a truly unique experience, why not have your supper at the circus? Hailing from just over the border in Gloucestershire, Giffords Circus pitches up in Wiltshire at regular intervals, often at Marlborough Downs. After watching a circus performance, have an offbeat dinner at Circus Sauce restaurant. Get comfy amidst old tapestries and candlelit tables and indulge in the finest produce from local suppliers. Expect a little light entertainment on the side!
For fine craft beer and a friendly vibe, make for the Hop Inn, in Devizes Road, Swindon
If you want to keep things more traditional, there are theatres and arts centres in all of Wiltshire’s main towns, including Bradford on Avon, Corsham, Swindon and Salisbury. In particular, the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon provides an extensive programme, including West End touring shows. If you’re looking for more experimental productions head over to Artsite Complex on Swindon’s Theatre Square.
There are speakeasy vibes a plenty at The Vault. ‘Hidden’ away in the vault of the old Bank Building on Victoria Road, it’s plush, inviting and the perfect place to sink a fine whiskey or two. Longs Bar, on Victoria Road, Swindon, boasts an astonishingly inventive (and long) cocktail list and has a reputation for live DJ nights. Come along on a Saturday for a boozy bottomless brunch (prebooking advised).
Cocktail bars of all stripes are big news in Salisbury. You can get sophisticated at Bar Botanic, one of the city’s newest nightspots, which
For something energetic check the listings at MECA in Swindon
comes decked out with foliage walls, apple blossom and neon signs. The drinks are just as pretty and there’s a dance floor too if you’re in the mood. More cocktails can be had a Kludo Bar, which has a dance floor at the back as well as regular DJ nights.
Recently reopened after extensive renovation, The Chapel is Salisbury’s best late-night venue. An exuberant young crowd turns up on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to party in three bars and two new clubrooms to the sounds of resident and guest DJs.
Depending on what time of year you visit, you might stumble across one of the county’s vibrant festivals. Swindon’s Festival of Literature combines art, literature, drama and more in a lively programme which draws people from across the UK. Similarly, Marlborough LitFest brings a vast array of well-known names to this picturesque market town in September and October.
Other popular annual events include Chippenham Folk Festival,
International Arts Festival and the small but perfectly formed celebration of choral music which is Edington Music Festival.
A holiday in Wiltshire isn’t just about ancient heritage and countryside exploration. Once you’ve finished a day of sightseeing
there’s plenty to keep you occupied after the sun goes down. Dine out in top-notch restaurants, catch a play at a local theatre or dance the night away in a lively club. Whatever form of entertainment you’re looking for, Wiltshire won’t let you down. ■
Salisbury
Above: Longs Bar, Swindon. Below: The Three Tuns, Great Bedwyn
PHOTO-FINISH
Castle Combe
