Wiltshire, also known as "The Gateway to the West Country", is a county of great natural beauty and pre-historic sites with sensation of mystical forces. Covering an area of approximately 3,500 square kilometres, it unites the areas of North Wilts, West Wilts, Kennett, Salisbury and South Wilts with the Swindon area. The population of Wiltshire is nearly 430,000, and a visitor is certain to get the warmest of welcomes.
Wiltshire is an internationally recognised UK County for its preserved national heritage. So, read on, learn and see for yourself and admire the Wiltshire countryside, gardens (Stourhead, Bowood and the Peto Garden at Iford Manor) and manor houses with their stunning grounds. Take a walk - the White Horse Trail to see the eight white horses carved into the hillsides; or just wander through picturesque market towns and pick up the real flavour of Wiltshire country life.
The gorgeous landscape of Wiltshire is an ideal location for various sporting activities: walking, cycling, hang-gliding over the Wiltshire Downs and boating along the Kennet and Avon Canal.
There are many sport and activity centres in and outside the towns, in the beautiful and inspiring countryside. The stunning Victorian swimming pool in Westbury is particularly worth visiting. Tourists will also find tranquillity at Lake Shearwater on the Longleat Estate. There are also well maintained golf-courses, so golfers should remember to bring their clubs and take full advantage of the variety of courses available.
5 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Wiltshire, England
1. Kennet & Avon Canal
Wiltshire is known for the high standard of local food and drink. Visit the Farmers' Markets for a selection of the finest specialities. If all the shopping leaves you too worn out to cook, try one of a diversity of pubs, restaurants or tea shops, many of whom specialise in using local produce wherever possible.
2. Berwick St John
In our opinion, Wiltshire's real uniqueness lies in the beauty of its countryside: the open down lands where you have miles of uninterrupted views; the river valleys with their crystal clear waters; the ancient forests and the picturesque villages.
3. Longleat
Often regarded as the best family attraction in the UK, Longleat certainly lives up to its reputation! Whether it is a tranquillity of a beautifully preserved manor house with spectacular grounds, or an excitement of interesting drive through Zoo with many animals freely moving on its grounds including lions, monkeys and tigers, Longleat has it all.
Inside of the House is beautifully furnished and kept, with artefacts and furnishings from almost every century on display. A trip to Longleat is a truly amazing experience for all ages, a day of relaxation, fun and history-lesson.
4. Bowood House and Gardens
With opening times from April right through to October, this magical place welcomes visitors of all ages and promises the most invigorating experience. The grounds provide not only the heritage and tranquillity of the House itself as well as natural beauty for the adults but also many Adventure Playgrounds for the younger visitors.
5. The White Horse of Westbury
It measures 180 ft. (54.9 m) from head to tail, 107 ft. (32.6 m) high at the shoulder, and with an eye 25 ft. (7.62 m) round.
The legend, that the White Horse was cut to commemorate Alfred the Great's victory, dates from the nineteenth century (1800s).
In 1742 a clergyman named Wise published an illustration of the horse showing a squat animal with head facing right carrying a saddle and having a tail curving upwards. It is thought that this is a throwback to an Iron Age cult - an Iron Age fort being adjacent to the White Horse. This strange animal is illustrated here.
The White Horse was until recently cut directly into the chalk that forms the hill, but as this needed regular attention, both to keep the shape and the white colour of the chalk, it was decided to concrete it over and paint it white with special paint.