We have compiled a list of Historic Heritage Sites in Wiltshire to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the history sites in Wiltshire helps you with your holiday planning.
1. Stonehenge - near Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4 7DE
This is one of the most famous ancient sites in the UK and a World Heritage Site. The circle of stones was thought to have been constructed around 3100 BC in an incredible feat of human engineering given the size and weight and distance they were moved. The reason it was built varies from beliefs in the stars and solar system to human sacrifices. Today the site is run by English Heritage and a small fee is charged to visit the stones although visitors are unable to walk amongst the stones except on special occasions.
2. Avebury Stone Circle - Avebury, Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF
Avebury is another ancient site in Wiltshire that dates back to 2400 BC it is an impressive pre-historic earthworks that is unrivalled in the UK. Although it is unsure why it was built the reasons appear to be more to do with the human life cycle of birth, life and death in the way the stones are laid out than worship of the sun or moon as is believed with Stonehenge. You are able to walk amongst the stones anytime and the information centre can be found in the Avebury Chapel Centre.
This magnificent 800 year old cathedral is located in Wiltshire's only city. Salisbury cathedral boasts the tallest spire in the country at 123 meters, the oldest working clock in Europe and the best preserved of four original Magna Carta on display in the Chapter House. The cathedral is an incredible feat of architecture, has played an important part in the historical events of the Christian church and today it still receives thousands of worshippers and is foremost a place of prayer. Salisbury Cathedral Official Website
4. Bowood House and Gardens - Bowood, Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 0LZ
This stunning 18th century manor house has been in the Lansdowne family since 1754. It has some interesting rooms, beautiful internal decor and magnificent artwork. The extensive gardens and grounds that cover over 100 acres are ideal for picnics, walking and also contains a pleasure ground which includes high rope walks, giant slides and the popular Space Dive.
5. Wilton House - Wilton, Wiltshire, SP2 0BJ
Wilton House is home to the Earl of Pembroke and has been in the same family for over 450 years it was built on the site of a 9th century Nunnery which in turn was replaced by a 12th century Benedictine Abbey. The house is magnificent and has fine art collections to see and internal furnishings and decor, the beautiful grounds are wonderful for strolling around and letting the children play in the adventure playground.
6. Old Sarum - nr Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3SD
Old Sarum was the site of the original Salisbury with a history going back 5000 years. It was originally a hill fort about two miles from present day Salisbury and the Romans, Normans and Anglo-Saxons have left there mark here. There are magnificent views over Wiltshire countryside from here and the site is run by English Heritage who offer guided tours.
7. Old Wardour Castle - near Tisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6RR
Old Wardour Castle was built as a rather luxurious fortified family home in the 14th century. Within a romantic setting next to a lake and overlooking beautiful Wiltshire countryside today you can see the damage inflicted during the civil war and there are audio tours available from English Heritage who manage the site today.
8. Wiltshire White Horses
The Wiltshire countryside is well known for its White Horses that are cut into the sides of chalk hillsides. There are eight visible today although there were thirteen at one stage in history. The first White Horse was carved at Westbury in 878AD although that has since been replaced by a newer one on top of the hill which dates from 1778. The most recent carving was of the Devizes Millennium Horse in 2000. Carvings can also be found at Rockley, Pewsey, Broad Town, Inkpen, Hackpen, Alton Barnes and Marlborough.
9. Lacock Abbey - nr Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2LG
Lacock Abbey was founded in the 13th century by Ela, Countess of Salisbury and dissolved by Henry VIII in the 16th century when it passed to the Talbot family who have been connected to the Abbey ever since. The abbey houses a museum dedicated to the pioneering work of William Henry Fox Talbot in photography and has been the setting for several films and drama productions. The abbey and surrounding village is owned by the National Trust.
10. Great Chalfield Manor - nr Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 8NH
Great Chalford Manor is a wonderful 15th century house with moat, gatehouse, parish church and magnificent gardens. The house was restored in the early 1900's by the Fuller family who now manage the property on behalf of The National Trust.
Stourhead is a large National Trust Estate which includes a Palladian mansion, world renowned landscaped gardens and the village of Stourton. The mansion was originally home to the Hoare family and houses magnificent artwork and period furniture. The gardens were designed by Henry Hoare II set around a large lake and in the wider estate are two hill forts and follies. There are regular events throughout the year, with guided garden tours and walking trails.
12. Lydiard House & Park - Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 3PA
Lydiard House is a Palladian house and ancestral home of the Viscounts of Bolingbroke, there is also a parish church next door and a beautiful walled garden. The park has wonderfull wooded areas for picnics and a childrens adventure playground.
