7-awesome-car-routes-in-wiltshire-for-an-unforgettable-road-trip
April 11, 2025
Welcome to the fascinating world of Wiltshire, where history intertwines with nature to create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable road trip. This county in southwest England is a veritable treasure trove for road trip enthusiasts, offering seven unique routes that will take you through picturesque landscapes, ancient monuments and charming towns. Get ready for a journey through time and space, where every turn of the road can bring new and fascinating discoveries. From mysterious stone circles to white horses carved into hillsides, Wiltshire delights with its variety of attractions and natural beauty. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful place for a family vacation, these Wiltshire driving tours have something for everyone. We invite you on a journey that will stay in your memory for a long time!
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Exploring the secrets of ancient cultures
Our first car route begins in the heart of Wiltshire, in magical Avebury. This is the place where history comes alive before our eyes. Avebury, with an impressive 4.7 rating, is not just a village, but more importantly a huge megalithic complex that attracts tourists from all over the world. Unlike the more famous Stonehenge, here you can walk freely among the massive stones, touch them and feel the energy of the place. This is the perfect place to start your adventure with Wiltshire prehistory.
Just a few kilometers away, another remarkable attraction awaits you - West Kennet Long Barrow. Dating to around 3650 BC, this Neolithic chamber tomb impresses with its monumental structure and mysterious atmosphere. With a rating of 4.8, it is one of the best preserved and most accessible sites of its kind in the UK. The opportunity to go inside the tomb is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to feel the spirit of the Stone Age.
The next stop on our tour is Silbury Hill - the largest prehistoric mound in Europe, the purpose of which remains a mystery to scientists to this day. This impressive hill, with a rating of 4.6, towers over the surrounding area and is an integral part of the Wiltshire landscape. Although you can't climb to the top of the mound, the view from the nearby parking lot is breathtaking and makes you reflect on the skills and motivations of our ancestors.
When comparing the three sites, it's worth noting that each offers a unique experience. Avebury allows you to get up close and personal with prehistoric monuments, West Kennet Long Barrow allows you to explore inside a Neolithic building, and Silbury Hill impresses with its scale and mystery. All of these sites are free to visit, making them an ideal choice for families and groups. It's worth planning at least half a day for a leisurely tour of these three attractions, remembering to bring comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the magic of these remarkable sites.
This part of the tour is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Wiltshire countryside. As you traverse the roads between the sights, you will have the opportunity to savor the views of green hills, picturesque villages and the region's characteristic white horses carved into the hillsides. This is the perfect opportunity to stop for a picnic at one of the many viewpoints and soak up the atmosphere of this remarkable land.
Legendary white horses and medieval forts
Continuing our fascinating journey through Wiltshire, we head towards Bratton Camp & White Horse. This site, with an impressive 4.6 rating, combines military history with fascinating landscape art. Bratton Camp is the remains of an Iron Age fort, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. However, the real star of the site is the huge white horse carved into the hillside. This impressive geoglyph, visible from afar, is one of eight white horses in Wiltshire and is an integral part of the county's landscape.
Our route takes us further to Old Sarum, a fascinating site with a rich history dating back to Neolithic times. With a rating of 4.5, Old Sarum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the ruins of a medieval castle and cathedral, as well as enjoy panoramic views of modern Salisbury. The site is a prime example of how history has shaped the Wiltshire landscape over the millennia.
The next point on our route is Cherhill White Horse, another of Wiltshire's famous white horses. With a rating of 4.7, this geoglyph, created in 1780, is the second oldest white horse in the county. The view of this majestic horse carved into the hillside is truly impressive and makes a perfect backdrop for souvenir photos.
Comparing the three sites, each offers a unique experience. Bratton Camp & White Horse combines elements of military history with fascinating landscape art. Old Sarum is a true trip back in time, allowing you to see how settlement developed in this part of England over the centuries. Cherhill White Horse, on the other hand, is an excellent example of landscape art specific to Wiltshire.
It is worth noting the differences in accessibility of these sites. Bratton Camp & White Horse and Cherhill White Horse are open and free of charge, ideal for a family picnic or walk. Old Sarum, on the other hand, is managed by English Heritage and requires an admission ticket, but offers more extensive tourist facilities, including a visitor center and organized historical events.
When planning a visit to these places, be sure to wear appropriate footwear, especially if you plan to hike the hills to see the white horses up close. The views are spectacular, but the terrain can be challenging, especially after rain. For photography enthusiasts, early morning or late afternoon offer the best light to capture the magic of these sites.
This part of the tour is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity to enjoy Wiltshire's unique landscape. As you traverse the roads between the sights, you'll have the opportunity to savor views of gentle chalk hills, picturesque valleys and the region's signature white horses. It's the perfect time to stop for a moment, take in the fresh air and soak up the atmosphere of this extraordinary land where history and nature intertwine in a unique way.
Relax and recreation in the heart of Wiltshire
At the end of our fascinating journey through Wiltshire, we suggest a visit to Lydiard Park, a place that perfectly combines history with modern recreation. This magnificent landscaped park, surrounding an 18th-century palace, with a rating of 4.6, offers visitors the perfect environment for relaxation and active recreation. It's the perfect place to end a busy day of excitement and historical discovery.
Lydiard Park is not only the historic palace and gardens, but also extensive green areas, ideal for a picnic, a walk or a jog. The park offers a variety of activities for the whole family, from children's playgrounds to nature trails and protected nature areas. It's the perfect place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing and enjoy the tranquility of the English countryside.
When comparing Lydiard Park with previously visited places, it's worth noting that it offers a very different experience. While Avebury, West Kennet Long Barrow or Old Sarum focus on ancient history and archaeological discoveries, Lydiard Park presents modern history combined with modern amenities. It's a place where history is alive and tangible, but at the same time adapted to the needs of the modern visitor.
Lydiard Park also stands out in terms of tourist infrastructure. Unlike some previously visited sites, it offers a full range of amenities, such as cafes, restrooms, a gift store and picnic areas. This makes it an ideal place for an extended stay, especially for families with children.
When planning a visit to Lydiard Park, look out for seasonal events and exhibitions held at the palace and on the park grounds. From outdoor concerts to historical and natural history workshops, there is always something interesting going on here. The park is open year-round, but the palace's opening hours can vary from season to season, so it's worth checking up-to-date information before visiting.
As we end our journey at Lydiard Park, we have the opportunity to look back at the entire tour and appreciate the variety of attractions Wiltshire has to offer. From ancient stone circles, to mysterious white horses on the hillsides, to the elegant gardens of an 18th-century palace, each site tells a different story, but together they form a fascinating mosaic of the region's culture and history.
Our road trip through Wiltshire was not only a journey in space, but also in time. We learned about the places that have shaped Britain's history for millennia, from the Neolithic Age to modern times. Each stop on our route offered unique experiences and perspectives, allowing us to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cultural and natural wealth of this fascinating county.
We hope this trip has inspired you to make your own discoveries and adventures in Wiltshire. Whether you're a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or just looking for a quiet place for a family vacation, Wiltshire has something to offer for everyone. Remember, the best trips are those that leave us with new perspectives and unforgettable memories - and Wiltshire certainly has the potential to deliver both.
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