What to do and see in Wiltshire, England: The Best Free Things to do

January 13, 2022 Renato Branum

Discover the best top things to do in Wiltshire, United Kingdom including West Woods, Eddie Cochran Memorial, Rainbow Walk, The Ridgeway National Trail, The Pound Arts Centre, Avebury Stone Circle, Liddington Castle, The Close, Savernake Forest, Marlborough High Street.
Restaurants in Wiltshire

1. West Woods

Marlborough England https://www.forestryengland.uk/west-woods
Excellent
86%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 37 reviews

West Woods

2. Eddie Cochran Memorial

Rowden Hill, Chippenham SN15 2AL England
Excellent
89%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 9 reviews

Eddie Cochran Memorial

3. Rainbow Walk

Theatre Square, Swindon SN1 1QN England
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 49 reviews

Rainbow Walk

Reviewed By 506kayleighj

It is such a lovely bright set of steps to cheer up swindon in tnese hard times and show unity for the lgbt community and all there hard work for swindon and wiltshire pride I for one love them you must visit ot them they will cheer you up x

4. The Ridgeway National Trail

England +44 1865 810224 http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/ridgeway
Excellent
65%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 43 reviews

The Ridgeway National Trail

One of thirteen National Trails in England, this 85-mile recreation route takes visitors through some of the most scenic landscape in the country which passes or crosses many important archaeological and wildlife sites along the way.

Reviewed By Enkanear - Seattle, United States

A delightful autumn walk on the Ridgeway National Trail I walked the entire Ridgeway National Trail in England from Overton Hill near Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring (87 miles, 140 km) over 7 ½ days in the autumn of 2019. I carried a 20 lb pack, wore MerrelI low-cut hiking boots, used one walking stick (mostly to fend off dogs), and carried the map pages from the Trailblazer guide. I was lucky, the weather was especially nice with only a couple of hours of rain. Overall, the Ridgeway is a great walk, especially the sections along the River Thames and Grim’s Ditch. The only negative is that motorcycles and automobiles are allowed on some sections of the western half of the Ridgeway, making for clouds of dust. The most helpful thing I can do for readers planning this long-distance walk is to recommend places to stay. The night before I started the walk, I stayed at Dorwyn B&B just outside Avebury. One of the best B&Bs I have experienced. Very well-run and the nice family gave me a ride to Overton Hill in the morning. After 16 km, I stayed at the Inn with a Well (really does have an ancient well under glass in the lobby) in Osbourne St. George. Good food, nice hosts, but right next to the busy A346. Another 14 km and I arrived at an exemplary B&B/hotel, the Royal Oak in Bishopston. The room in a new building was very comfortable, and the food (especially the pork) from their own farm was great. A nice walk of 16 km and I’m at the Greyhound Inn at Letcombe Regis. A bit of a long steep trek down off the ridge from Segsbury Camp into LR, but the reward is another friendly B&B/hotel. Great service, real ale and food, with offers of rides to and from the property by Christina. I met friends there and, thankfully, the next morning we drove up to the Ridgeway and walked together for a couple of hours. This was a full day of walking 24 km to the Streatley YHA property. Horizontal rain during the last hour got me soaked, so I took refuge at a golf course club house, where a gentleman bought me a beer. The hostel is basic, inexpensive, clean and close to the shops of Goring-on-Thames. A wonderful, level, scenic walk of another 24 km brought me to Watlington. My choice of an Airbnb unit here was not satisfactory, so you are on your own. This disappointment was more than made up for after an 18 km walk to the Ridgeway Lodge right on the trail and just shy of Princes Risborough. This is a fabulous property with great rooms (ask for the upstairs room), views, and a comfortable, separate high-tech common space for guests which includes cooking facilities. The incredibly hospitable hosts that provided tea and cake upon arrival and a full English breakfast are also willing to drive you to the M&S shop in PR for dinner supplies. I can’t praise the Ridgeway Lodge enough. I want to stay there again as soon as I can. Now, here is how you set up the final and steepest day without a pack using a two-night stay. From PR I walked 20 km to Wiggington, was picked up by my nice Airbnb hosts (‘Aldbury room with a view’), driven to the local M&S for supplies, enjoyed a clean quiet room and nice breakfast, was driven back to Wiggington in the morning without pack, and finished the last somewhat challenging 10 km atop Ivinghoe Beacon. I walked back to Tring station and was picked up again by my helpful hosts. I then enjoyed a jovial dinner with them, another fine breakfast, and was driven back to Tring station for a mid-morning train to London. This walk was done in style, thanks to the gracious English people! What a great adventure. Highly recommended. This is my 8th long-distance walk in Europe. I’m 71 years old. If I can do it, you can do it.

5. The Pound Arts Centre

Pound Pill, Corsham SN13 9HX England +44 1249 701628 http://www.poundarts.org.uk/
Excellent
77%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 30 reviews

The Pound Arts Centre

6. Avebury Stone Circle

Herepath Marlborough, Avebury SN8 1RF England +44 1672 539250 [email protected] http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/avebury/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=avebury
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,291 reviews

Avebury Stone Circle

This mysterious stone circle is thought to have been constructed in Neolithic times between 2500 to 2000 BC by The Beaker people, who might have played a major role in the formation of another eerie ancient site at Stonehenge.

Reviewed By F5904TEianm - Ashbourne, United Kingdom

In many ways more impressive than Stonehenge, and such a lot to see. It's great to get up close and walk amongst and indeed touch the stones, also a beautiful picturesque village with pub, church, manor house and museum barn. Easily enough for a half day, or perhaps a full day. If you enjoy walking and exploring our history, a 5 mile circuit also taking in Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow makes a full and fine day!

7. Liddington Castle

Liddington, Swindon SN4 0HJ England
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 29 reviews

Liddington Castle

Historians have speculated that The Battle of Badon Hill fought by King Arthur could have taken place at Liddington Castle; come see for yourself.

Reviewed By Lynn8038

Stunning hillfort with great views of hills and fields around Swindon, some parking nearby. Wear a warm coat its windy all times of the year. Love the walk and history..

8. The Close

West Walk St, Salisbury England +44 1722 555120 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mompesson-house/trails/a-walk-around-the-cathedral-close-salisbury
Excellent
71%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 532 reviews

The Close

Reviewed By wiltsdee

If you enjoy history, architecture and browsing, Salisbury Cathedral Close is one of the most spacious Cathedral Closes in England. The Cathedral itslf has the tallest Cathedral spire in England and when the weather is favourable a tour of the Cathedral, including part of the spire may be made. However, recently, during a storm, the wind was blowing at over 90 miles per hour at the top of the spire, so of course there would have been no tours then! The Cathedral itself is so interesting, that one could visit many times and never tire of it. Music is magnificent too. Magna Carta is an original document, displayed in a secure setting. The workshops may be visited at times, where stonemasons, lead and glass workers and other skilled tradespeople work on repairing and constructing ecclesiastical items. The Cathedral has a cafe. Other places of interest within Salsibury Cathedral Close include Mompesson House (National Trust), Salisbury Museum and The Rifles Museum, incorporating the history of The Berkshires, too. All these places have cafes. Aarundells was the home of the late Sir Edward Heath, Prime Minister. The back garden leads down to the river. If you visit The Close, there are always artworks on display in and around the grounds. Ideally you would need to visit several times to enjoy everything!.

9. Savernake Forest

Off the A4, Marlborough England +44 1672 515195 http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk
Excellent
56%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
3%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 153 reviews

Savernake Forest

Reviewed By 5cruffy - Swindon, United Kingdom

Ignore the Postern Hill car park (busy) and head for Grand Avenue (signposted off A4 leaving Marlborough to the East at the top of the hill just past the hospital). There are so many footpaths from well surfaced through well trodden to rarely used. Try to visit the Saddle Oaks and Spider Oak at least (nearly 1,000 years old). The monument to George III is worth a short stop. There is a lovely Arboretum half way down the avenue on the right with small clumps of mainly pine varieties including Redwoods. If you visit in September/October, watch out for numerous pheasants and deer. Green woodpeckers can be seen if you're lucky. You can always find space away from other walkers. We use maps.me to find the paths and it hasn't let us down.

10. Marlborough High Street

High Street, Marlborough England +44 1672 511690 http://www.themerchantshouse.co.uk
Excellent
45%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 358 reviews

Marlborough High Street

Reviewed By cld802 - Brighton and Hove, United Kingdom

I love Marlborough and the High Street is quaint yet functional with a great mix of quirky and useful shops, and lots of places to eat and drink.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.