Campsites in Wiltshire

Iconic ancient monuments, fascinating museums and magnificent Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty- Wiltshire has something for everyone. Visitors will find it easy to immerse themselves in the rich historical and natural splendours that the region has to offer. Come and discover the magnetism of a land that inspired the ancients. 

Don’t Miss

• Stonehenge
• Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta
• Salisbury Museum
• Stourhead

Magnetic monuments

It's not just the ancients sands of time that have left their mark on Wiltshire, the area also hosts a grand gathering of stately homes, each with acres of breathtaking gardens. Stourhead is a grand 18^th century Palladian building that with an opulent art collection and a world-renowned landscaped garden- home to Britain’s tallest oak tree.

Splendid Wilton House is also well worth a visit and eagle-eyed explorers may recognise the building from lavish adaptations of Austen's books, including Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and some period blockbusters: Mrs Brown and The Young Victoria to name a few. Nature lovers will also enjoy discovering the natural wonders within River Barn, Larmer Tree Gardens and the beautiful Westonbirt Arboretum which is home to five National Plant Collections.

Stately homes and gardens such as Corsham Court, Philipps House and the Chiseldon House hotel are also well worth visiting and offer space for visitors to roam freely in luxurious grounds. 

Historic houses are not the only architectural highlights within Wiltshire. The superb Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent site both within and without, featuring Britain’s tallest spire, a medieval clock and one of the four remaining copies of Magna Carta which is on display to members of the public. 

Stroll around the striking 12th century Malmesbury Abbey, or take sides in the history of the English Civil War at Nunney Castle, a Royalist safehouse, and Buscot Park. The Dundas Aqueduct offers eye-opening views and the most eyecatching of the local attractions is Lansdowne Monument near Cherhill, standing at 120ft tall.  

Stepping back further in time, sightseers are in for a treat at Wiltshire's assortment of ancient attractions, the most famous of which is Stonehenge. A visit to this mysterious and intriguing prehistoric monument lifts the lid on a tantalising ancient mystery.  Afterwards, head to the visitor centre for a few clues and to explore the surrounding reconstructed Neolithic houses.

Don't stop there, test your legs against the renowned Avebury stone circle- which is the world’s biggest stone circle, as well as Old Sarum which is a massive Iron Age hill fort and the location of the original Salisbury. Perhaps the most mysterious of all, however, are Wiltshire's chalk horse hill figures and the most famous of these is the Cherhill White Horse situated on Cherhill Down. Carved into the very rock of the landscape lies an enormous design only fully visible from above, something spectacular to behold. 

Discovering Wiltshire’s towns and villages is also an entertaining way to pass the time in a leisurely manner. Why not stroll around the charming village of Lacock with its attractive streets and cottages and pay a visit to Lacock Abbey and the Fox Talbot Museum which provides great insight into the invention of photography. Take a meander through Amesbury, the UK’s oldest settlement, or spend some time in Castle Combe which is rumoured to be the prettiest village in England. 

Round off a tour of Wiltshire's charming towns with the market town of Devizes, where you'll be met with two museums and a host of attractive Georgian architecture. Don't miss your chance to explore a brewery courtesy of the Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre brewery tour.

When the sky clouds and you fancy something cosy and captivating, see Wiltshire through a new lens with its superb museums. The Salisbury Museum provides intriguing insight into Salisbury and South Wiltshire’s history and archaeology, while the Wiltshire Museum houses Britain’s best collection of Bronze Age archaeological objects. History enthusiasts with an interest in aviation will want to swoop down to the Boscombe Down Aviation Collection which includes an assortment of cockpits which members of the public can climb inside and explore.

Alternatively people who are captivated by cars should zoom to the Atwell Wilson Motor Museum for classics spanning from the 1920s until today and a beautifully reconstructed 1930s garage. Railway fans will be in their element within the STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway. You can chug amongst the steam clouds of the Swindon & Cricklade Heritage Railway or investigate the oldest working steam engines in the world at Crofton Beam Engines in Marlborough.

Incredible variety to explore

Wiltshire has not just one, but three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty which are sure to captivate walkers, cyclists and horse riders who are seeking striking natural surroundings for new adventures. Sections of the Cotswolds, the Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs and the North Wessex Downs are situated within Wiltshire and all offer plenty of opportunities for rambling, trekking and hiking.  

Alternatively, if the hills aren't calling as loudly as the sales, indulge in some tempting retail therapy on Marlborough’s High Street or in Swindon’s McArthurGlen Designer Outlet to grab some bargains.

There are many self-guided walks ranging from easy to moderate to enjoy within the region, as well as long-distance treks for walkers who want to really challenge themselves. Cyclists can enjoy great cycling routes including the 160-mile long Wiltshire Cycleway.

Thrill seekers can take to the sky, briefly, with skydiving or float around rather longer with leisurely hot air balloon rides that take off among stunning scenery.  

Take a stroll along the Caen Hill Locks, or up to the Neolithic tomb West Kennet Long Barrow. Kennet Avenue and Cranbourne Chase are lovely for admiring the rolling countryside, as is Overton Hill, and touring the eight individual White Horse chalk figures carved into the Wiltshire hillsides is also highly recommended. 

Wiltshire’s rivers, lakes and canals provide enticing locations for activities such as fishing, kayaking, canal boat rides and wakeboarding. In addition, part of the Cotswold Water Park is situated within Wiltshire and the park almost spoils visitors with options- from cycling and walking to watersports, birdwatching and paintball.

Something for everyone

Wiltshire has the gift of keeping both adults and children equally entertained. Longleat Safari & Adventure Park will have animal lovers roaring in anticipation to stampede through the entrance. The safari park is home to an assortment of animals including tigers, lions, wolves, giraffes and elephants, to name a few. The adventure park boasts a wild range of exciting rides and attractions to entice anyone who is young at heart, while a guided tour of beautiful Longleat House is the icing on the cake.  

Why not also round up the family herd for a visit to Cholderton Charlie’s Farm Park, which includes an indoor playbarn, animal-handling sessions, pig racing and tractor rides to entice active little onea. Roves Farm is also on the list with a great choice of family-friendly attractions such as outdoor and indoor play areas, tractor and trailer rides, animal handling and feeding opportunities, plus animal racing events too.

Bowood House & Gardens is a Grade 1 listed Georgian country house that contains impressive collections of artworks and family heirlooms. Once you've explored inside, kids will have a whale of a time at the exciting adventure playground and Tractor Ted’s Little Farm which has wonderful farm animals and hands-on activities to thoroughly satisfy younger and older kids alike. The beautiful parkland and gardens also provide great opportunities for family walks and explorations. 

Families can test their navigational skills by exploring the Braydon Maize Maze which contains a number of sculptures to keep an eye out for. Alternatively navigate the stairs, rooms and grotto of Old Wardour Castle and pack a picnic to enjoy within the castle grounds.