10 Best Things to Do in Wiltshire

Stonehenge is a mysterious prehistoric monument and one of the most famous landmarks in England. The feature is a ring of standing stones that are believed to have been constructed from 3000 BC to 2000 BC. Theories of its purpose range from astronomical observatory to religious site to ancient cemetery to tool of Arthurian legend. You can visit the site on your own or take a guided tour to learn more about the lore, history and archaeological significance of the famous monument.

The Longleat Hedge Maze is one of the longest mazes in the world and includes many dead ends and raised bridges for more challenges. The massive hedge maze is located on the stately home of Longleat and is constructed of English yews. Visiting the property and taking on the challenge of the maze is a must on your trip. Along with the hedge maze, the property contains other attractions, like a historic home, lush gardens, additional garden mazes and a safari park with wild animals, all of which are open to public tours.

The Old Wardour Castle is a ruined castle from the 14th century that offers tours to the public. Constructed in the 1390s, the castle was owned by the Arundells until it became uninhabitable during the English Civil War. The castle is now a historical landmark and offers tours that take you through the remains to see architectural and decor features like battlements, a gallery, a banqueting house and a grotto with 3 standing stones from the stone circle at Tisbury.

Silbury Hill is a prehistoric chalk mound that is among the tallest prehistoric man-made mounds in Europe and one of the largest in the world. The mound is part of the Neolithic monuments in Avebury, and it shares some of the mystery of Stonehenge. Spanning 2 hectares and standing at a height of 40 metres, the mound’s construction is quite impressive and is believed to have begun around 2400 BC. Archaeological artefacts, such as ox bones and Roman and medieval items, have been found at the site.

Woodhenge is a fascinating Neolithic timber circle within the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. First identified in 1926 by a pilot, the site has been investigated and consists of concentric oval rings of post holes with wooden posts. In the centre is a burial site of a child believed to have been sacrificed. Several other archaeological artefacts have been recovered at Woodhenge, including Bronze Age ceramic vessels and pottery from the late Neolithic period. The circle itself is believed to have been constructed between 2400 BC and 2000 BC.

The West Kennet Long Barrow is a chambered long barrow that was believed to have been constructed during the early Neolithic period. The partially reconstructed site was once used as a ritual burial tomb and a temple or shrine to perform rituals honouring the dead. Many human remains of men, women and children have been found within the long barrow, along with Roman coins and other artefacts of Romano-British origin. West Kennet Long Barrow is now a historical landmark and a popular site for travellers and pagans.

The Skeletons of Stonehenge is an intriguing attraction at the Stonehenge Visitor Centre that contains the ancient human remains unearthed from the iconic Stonehenge landmark. The skeletons were discovered during archaeological excavations in 2001, and dating revealed them to have been buried between 2600 BC and 2200 BC. The nature of their deaths is unknown. The remains are displayed in exhibits at the visitors’ centre, giving you a glimpse into the mysterious past of the famous monument and a significant period in prehistoric English history.

Avebury is a Neolithic henge monument that consists of several stone circles that form a religious site for modern pagans. Avebury is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in Britain and one of the largest stone circles in the world. Believed to be constructed during the Neolithic period, the henge consists of a large bank and ditch with a large outer stone circle and smaller stone circles at the centre. Its origins and purposes are unknown, but archaeologists believe it to be a ritual or ceremonial site. You can visit the site and tour the grounds on your visit.

The Barbury Castle is an imposing Iron Age hill fort with incredible architecture and commanding views of the River Severn and the Cotswolds. The castle was used as a defence during the Roman occupation, and archaeological excavations have revealed outlying buildings for military use or residence. It also served as a site for anti-aircraft guns during World War II for the US Army Air Force. You can tour the interior of the castle and the surrounding grounds to take in the views. Horseback riding is also popular to travel to the castle and explore the grounds.

Hackpen White Horse is a unique depiction of a white horse in chalk on Hackpen Hill. The Hackpen White Horse is one of 9 white chalk horse hill figures in Wiltshire. The horse is massive, measuring 8.4 square metres and sloped on a 180-metre hill. Though the origin is unknown, the horse is believed to have been created in 1838 by Henry Eatwell, a parish clerk, to commemorate the coronation of Queen Victoria. The site is open to the public and many visitors hike to the location to see it.