Start our adventure with places that will transport you to the distant past and allow you to admire the beauty of nature.

1. Avebury - Giant stone circle Avebury is a place that is sure to impress the whole family. This huge prehistoric complex, consisting of the largest stone circle in Europe, is older and larger than the famous Stonehenge. What sets Avebury apart? First of all, the ability to move freely between the stones and touch them. It's not just a monument, but an interactive open-air museum. Children will be thrilled to explore the site and come up with theories about the purpose of this mysterious place. Avebury also offers scenic walking trails, perfect for a family picnic. Admission to the circles is free, making the site attractive to families on a budget.

2nd Woodhenge - The mysterious wooden counterpart to Stonehenge Not far from the famous Stonehenge is the lesser-known but equally fascinating Woodhenge. This is the place where a huge wooden monument once stood, now marked by concrete pillars. Woodhenge is the perfect place to spark the imagination of children - here they can make up stories about the ancient inhabitants and wonder about the purpose of this unusual structure. Unlike crowded Stonehenge, Woodhenge offers a quieter atmosphere, perfect for family history discovery. Admission is free, and the site is open year-round.

3. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve - A paradise for nature lovers For a contrast to the prehistoric sights, Langford Lakes Nature Reserve offers tranquility and natural beauty. Managed by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, this nature reserve is the perfect place for families to take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy the wildlife. The reserve is famous for its variety of water birds, making it a paradise for young ornithologists. The walking paths around the lakes are easy to follow, even for small children, and the many benches and picnic areas encourage relaxation. This is the perfect place to learn about aquatic ecosystems and observe nature. Remember to bring binoculars and a camera!

When comparing the three sites, each offers a unique experience. Avebury impresses with its scale and ability to get up close and personal with history, Woodhenge intrigues with its mystery and lack of crowds, and Langford Lakes Nature Reserve impresses with its tranquility and abundance of wildlife. All three are family-friendly with children of all ages and offer free admission, which is a big plus for the family budget. It's worth planning a visit to these places at different times of the year to experience their changing charm - from spring flowers at Avebury, to summer picnics at Woodhenge, to autumn bird migrations at Langford Lakes.

Continue our journey through Wiltshire, discovering more fascinating places that combine history with natural beauty.

4. West Kennet Long Barrow - A Journey into the Neolithic. West Kennet Long Barrow is one of the best-preserved passage tombs in Britain, dating to around 3600 BC. This site offers an unusual experience - the opportunity to go inside a prehistoric structure. For children, it will be an exciting adventure, like exploring a mysterious cave. Parents will appreciate the educational aspect of the visit, learning about the history of Neolithic communities. It's worth bringing flashlights to get a better look inside the tomb. The view from the West Kennet Long Barrow to the surrounding hills is breathtaking, making the site ideal for a family photo shoot. Admission is free, and getting to the tomb requires a short walk, adding to the charm of the whole experience.

5. Old Sarum - A fortress full of history Old Sarum is a fascinating place where history comes alive before our eyes. Perched on a hilltop, this ancient fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding area and is a testament to England's turbulent history. Children will enjoy exploring the ruins of the castle and cathedral, as well as running around the huge ramparts. Old Sarum is an ideal place to learn history through play - family 'archaeological expeditions' or games of knights can be organized here. There are also historical demonstrations and workshops for children during the season. There is an entrance fee, but prices are affordable, and the site, managed by English Heritage, offers high-quality tourist infrastructure.

6th Stourhead - A picturesque garden like a fairy tale Stourhead is a real gem among English landscape gardens. This place delights in every season - in spring with blooming rhododendrons, in summer with lush greenery, in autumn with spectacular leaf colors. Families with children will love strolling around the lake, exploring the hidden grottoes and temples and admiring the picturesque bridges. Stourhead is the perfect place for picnics and family field games. Children can play treasure hunters as they explore more corners of the garden. The grounds also include an impressive Palladian-style house that can be toured. Although there is an entrance fee, the day-long attractions that Stourhead offers make it a worthwhile investment.

Comparing the three sites, each offers a unique experience for families. West Kennet Long Barrow delights with mystery and the opportunity to 'travel back in time,' Old Sarum offers the most interactive historical experience, and Stourhead is a paradise for nature lovers and romantic landscapes. West Kennet Long Barrow and Old Sarum are ideal for families with school-aged children interested in history, while Stourhead will work well for families with children of all ages, offering space for fun and relaxation.

In terms of accessibility, West Kennet Long Barrow requires a short walk, which can be a challenge for very young children, but offers free admission instead. Old Sarum and Stourhead are more easily accessible, but require an entrance fee. It's worth noting, however, that both sites offer more amenities, such as restrooms, cafes and gift stores, which can be important when planning a day trip with children.

Regardless of your choice, each of these places guarantees an unforgettable experience and the opportunity to spend valuable time with your family, combining education with entertainment in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.

To conclude our tour of unusual Wiltshire attractions, here is a place that is sure to delight both children and adults, offering unforgettable adventures and encounters with wildlife.

7. Longleat - Safari and adventure in the heart of England Longleat is a place that combines many attractions, making it an ideal destination for a family trip. Not only is it an impressive 16th century nobleman's house, but more importantly, it's Britain's first safari park outside of Africa. Here's what makes Longleat a special place for families:

• Safari Park: Being able to observe wild animals up close, sitting safely in a car, is an unforgettable experience. Lions, tigers, wolves, monkeys and many other species live here in near-natural conditions. This is a great opportunity for nature education in the form of an exciting adventure.

• Boat rides: A cruise on the lake, where you can admire gorillas and hippos, is another attraction that will delight both children and adults.

• Labyrinths: Longleat is famous for the world's largest hedge maze, which is great fun for the whole family.

• Railroad: A train ride through the park is not only an attraction, but also a convenient way to explore Longleat's vast grounds.

• Shows and workshops: Regular animal feeding demonstrations and educational workshops add educational value to your visit.

• House and gardens: A tour of the impressive house and gardens is a treat for history and architecture lovers.

Longleat offers far more attractions than a traditional zoo or amusement park. It combines education with entertainment in a unique way, providing all-day fun for families with children of all ages. However, it is the most expensive of the attractions in question, so plan your visit in advance and consider buying tickets online, which often comes with discounts.

Comparison of all seven attractions:

1. accessibility: Avebury, Woodhenge and West Kennet Long Barrow offer free admission, which is a big plus for families on a tight budget. Old Sarum, Stourhead and Longleat require admission fees, but offer more amenities.

2. education: all sites have educational value, but each to a different extent. Avebury, Woodhenge and West Kennet Long Barrow focus on prehistory, Old Sarum on medieval history, Stourhead on garden art, and Longleat on nature and zoology.

3. activities: Langford Lakes Nature Reserve and Stourhead are ideal for families who enjoy leisurely walks and nature watching. Avebury, Woodhenge and West Kennet Long Barrow require more imagination and involvement. Old Sarum and Longleat offer the most interactive experiences.

4 All-day fun: Longleat and Stourhead are easy places to spend a full day. Other attractions can be combined in one trip, such as Avebury, Woodhenge and West Kennet Long Barrow.

5 Seasonality: While Longleat, Old Sarum and Stourhead offer year-round attractions, places like Langford Lakes Nature Reserve can be particularly appealing at certain times of the year.

6 Amenities: Longleat, Stourhead and Old Sarum offer the most amenities for families, such as cafes, toilets and rest areas. Other sites have a more natural character, which may require better preparation for a visit.

All in all, Wiltshire offers a remarkable variety of attractions for families, from fascinating prehistoric sights to picturesque gardens to exciting safaris. Regardless of children's interests and ages, there is something for every family, combining education and entertainment in the beautiful setting of the English countryside. When planning a trip, consider combining several of these destinations to create an unforgettable, adventurous journey through Wiltshire.