Top Things to do in Wiltshire
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What to do and see in Wiltshire, England: The Best History Museums
Discover the best top things to do in Wiltshire, United Kingdom including The Salisbury Museum, Wiltshire Museum, STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway, The Merchant's House, Crofton Beam Engines, The Trowbridge Museum and Art gallery, Amesbury History Centre, Chippenham Museum, Visit Hillbrush, REME Museum.
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1. The Salisbury Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
Salisbury Museum is based in the Grade 1 listed building, The King's House, just opposite the west front of Salisbury Cathedral. It houses a significant archaeological collection relating to nearby Stonehenge, as well as costume, fine art (including Turner watercolours) and ceramics.
Reviewed By T1m0te1 - Bath, United Kingdom
My daughter and I had visited Old Sarum and were on our way to the Cathedral, so popped in here for a quick visit beforehand. Half price entry thanks to our English Heritage membership meant that the entry price was very good value (other discounts are available- check the website) and we began in the Wessex gallery, which takes you from Old Sarum back in time to the mesolithic era by way of the Romans and Iron Age. There is a huge amount of archaeology on display, and we spent a long time here. It is a very hands-on gallery, with drawers and cupboards to open, pottery to sort, and prehistoric burials on display, including the Amesbury Archer. There is a lot of information about General Pitt-Rivers, who was a prominent figure in the science of archaeology, and about the work he did in and around Salisbury Plain. Further into the museum you'll find a bewildering array of treasures including lacework, coins and a giant, plus a gallery of costume and several of more modern art. There is a wonderful room crammed with china upstairs, and a bustling café downstairs. This is the sort of place one could easily while away a whole day- perfect for a rainy day, and there are are family trails for the little ones too. We will be back!
2. Wiltshire Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 367 reviews
COVID-19 Update: Please book in advance from website. The Museum tells 500,000 years of Wiltshire's story told in award-winning galleries featuring high quality graphics and leading-edge reconstructions.* Gold from the time of Stonehenge- On display for the first time are dozens of spectacular treasures dating to the time of Stonehenge and worn by people who worshiped inside the stone circle.* Lots for children too- Follow Archie and Ollie on a gallery trail, build Stonehenge, examine the evidence under a microscope and try on Bronze Age clothes. * Saxon Wiltshire - the Making of the Kingdom of Wessex. New gallery featuring spectacular finds from pagan Saxon burials and evidence of the beginnings of Christianity in Wiltshire. * The Devizes Story - telling the fascinating story of our town - Devizes Castle, the Civil War Battle of Roundway and the bustling Georgian market town.
Reviewed By Squire2014 - London, United Kingdom
I've passed this museum many times and finally got to visit it. It's a super place and the staff were most welcoming. It has a wide range of prehistoric artefacts, in particular from the Bronze Age. Finds from local sights include some exquisite gold pieces. The local history is interesting, while the Anglo-Saxon room contains some rare pieces. I rather rushed round but do allow more time.
3. STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,512 reviews
Reviewed By titanicjoyrider - Bracknell, United Kingdom
This museum is a must for any steam heads or fans of railways and locomotives! Situated in the old GWR works in Swindon, right next to the new outlet shopping centre it is perfectly located for ease of access! The museum is full of exhibits and hands on activities that charts the history of the GWR and the role of Swindon in the railways from inception up to the present day! Information is clearly displayed and presented in an easily digested format that gives you just enough to come away having learned something, but not too much that you loose interest. However, what most people will come for are the static exhibits and trains themselves, of which there are plenty to look at! From small practical tank engines to the more famous crack express trains the museum houses them all in context surrounded by authentic paraphernalia from the period in question! Of particular note are the King Class: George V and City Class: City of Truro (first train to do 100mph) our of which are on loan from the National Railway Museum! Highlights and plus points: Excellent attractions Loads to see and do Family friendly Accessible to all Trains galore Perfect for anyone Near to the shops Negative points: Not enough time in the day to see everything! Overall highly recommended, it’s a must see and do and you will not be disappointed!
4. The Merchant's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Built during the Commonwealth period, 1653 - 1656, The Merchant's House is a rare example of a middle class silk merchant's house, containing nationally acclaimed wall paintings and decorative features. The house, and its wonderful rooms, are available to tour. Visit the main panelled chamber with a limestone carved fireplace and oak overmantle and the dining room, built around 1670. There are also bedrooms, a suite of servants rooms, a study and kitchen; some of which are furnished according to a probate inventory of 1691. An outstanding destination for anyone interested in historic buildings and the craftsmanship needed to create and restore them. We also have a garden, which has been carefully recreated in the spirit of a 17th-century town house garden, and is available to tour. There is also a lovely gift shop where you can purchase a wide range of quality gifts.
Reviewed By mariv6261 - Aylesbury, United Kingdom
Very interesting - Gordon who did our guided tour was very knowledgeable and gave us a fascinating insight into the history of this house and a additional local knowledge on how it fitted into local history - well worth the trip.
5. Crofton Beam Engines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 249 reviews
Crofton Pumping Station is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the United Kingdom and a fascinating Grade 1 listed heritage visitor attraction visitor that invites you to step into our industrial and social history and turn back the clock to a time when steam was king. The station was built in 1807-9 to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal which links London and Bristol. It is a rare survivor of the technology which enabled British engineers to drain mines and supply towns and cities with water throughout the world, and has recently undergone National Lottery Heritage Fund supported conservation and visitor facility improvement work. Please see our website for more information.
Reviewed By 3DeniseH
We made a detour to our rainy journey from Cardiff to Banbury and stopped off at Crofton Beam Engines for a short break. And a very pleasant break it was, its a true hidden little gem which lies almost motionless but never forgotten, worlds apart from the dreary modern motorway trek.The icing on the cake was that we were blessed as it was in full steam. Parking was easy cheap and plentiful as there was a huge overflow carpark just over the road but even if it was faraway and you were soaking with rain you could soon dry out by the glow of the lovely hot boiler and workings. We arrived to be able to walk around the wonderfully kept site with its working engines, learning about the engines and their history from the very knowledgable volunteers who all share their passion for this historic pumping station and its pair of monumental engines. We were honoured to see the two beams working together during the switch over. That was a truly amazing experience. Well worth a visit and interesting for all ages. Put a huge beamish smile on mine and the missus's wrinkled old face which is still shining brightly today :D a very big Thank you to all involved, the real legends both living and dead.We had a lovely coffee in the cafe served up by friendly staff too. Planning to visit again to trace the summit level - see you soon. X
6. The Trowbridge Museum and Art gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
7. Amesbury History Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
CURRENTLY CLOSED FOR REBUILD! The Amesbury History Centre is the place to visit to find out all you need to know about the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Britain; as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records. The Centre, though small, is superbly laid out allowing locals and tourists alike to learn the story behind Amesbury’s unique heritage, its connections to Stonehenge and the origins of its rise to military importance.
8. Chippenham Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Housed in an 18th century townhouse, Chippenham Museum tells the fascinating story of this historic market town from its prehistoric origins to the present day. Learn about the town’s development, through its connections to river, road and rail and explore its surprising links to Alfred the Great and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. See our regularly changing displays in our temporary exhibition gallery or take part in our varied programme of walks, talks, children’s activities and special events. Visit our museum shop selling a wide range of souvenirs, books and gifts inspired by the museum’s collections.
Reviewed By Kelly1917 - Redditch, United Kingdom
Really impressed by the range of interesting displays and items to see at this free museum, including maps of Chippenham from different periods. Great way to spend some time finding out about Chippenham's history and heritage.
9. Visit Hillbrush
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 41 reviews
Located just minutes from the A303, Visit Hillbrush is a restaurant, gift shop and an educational & interactive museum - a celebration of the rich 98 year history of a family brushware business. Exhibits include How Many Brushes in your Home? Fibres from Around the World, restored antique brush machines & imagery of Royal visits.
Reviewed By Leestudley - Studley, United Kingdom
We stopped off for food on the way to the Stourton National Trust Property and were pleasantly surprised. We were on our way home after a break in Dorset and heading for Stourton when we saw this. We all had an amazing breakfast, with drinks (including Ice Cream Milkshakes for the kids), and the brush museum element even captivated my 7 year old daughter. Well worth a visit if in the area
10. REME Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
The award winning REME Museum is a modern, interactive museum displaying the proud story of the British Army's Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. With 7 galleries to explore there is lots to see and do. There are lots of events throughout year including half term activities so remember to check out the website for details. Try the excellent Museum’s Crowns café for a coffee and a bite to eat
Reviewed By TheBlanchardFamily
Great exhibits, very interesting as we never take into account the role of REME in our forces, and lots to keep the children entertained then lovely cake stop to finish off.
