Our journey begins in the heart of Wiltshire's prehistoric landscape, at a place that has fascinated explorers and tourists for centuries - Avebury. This remarkable site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the largest stone circle in Europe. Avebury is not just a single circle, but an entire megalithic complex that includes stone avenues and smaller inner circles. Legend has it that these stones were once people, turned into boulders by a powerful wizard. Avebury Village, which grew among these ancient stones, adds a unique charm to the site, allowing visitors to literally live among history.

Tours of Avebury are free and available year-round, making it an ideal destination for a family outing. Walking among the massive boulders, you can almost feel the energy of ancient rituals and ceremonies that took place here thousands of years ago. For families with children, the National Trust organizes regular workshops and educational events here to introduce the history and legends of the site in an accessible way.

Not far from the stone circle is the National Trust's Avebury Manor, a 16th-century mansion that offers an unusual time-travel experience. Unlike many historic mansions, here visitors are encouraged to interact with the exhibits - you can touch the furniture, lie on the beds and play with everyday objects from different eras. This is a great opportunity for children to learn about the history of everyday life from the Tudors to the 1930s in a hands-on way.

Avebury Manor is also famous for its beautiful gardens, which are an attraction in themselves. Each represents a different historical period, from an Elizabethan labyrinth to a Victorian orchard. It's the perfect place to picnic and relax after a busy tour of the stone circle.

When comparing Avebury with other attractions in the region, it is worth noting its unique atmosphere and accessibility. Unlike the more famous Stonehenge, here you can move freely among the stones and literally touch history. In addition, the lack of admission fees to the main megalithic complex makes Avebury more affordable for families, especially those on a tight budget. However, note that there is an admission fee to Avebury Manor, although National Trust members have free entry.

The next point on our magical journey is Old Sarum, a site that has witnessed England's turbulent history for centuries. Perched atop a hill, this ancient fortress offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside. According to legends, Old Sarum was the place where King Arthur gathered his Knights of the Round Table. While historians may dispute this tale, there is no doubt that this place is full of mystery and fascinating history.

Old Sarum is not only the ruins of a medieval castle, but also the remains of a cathedral that was moved to nearby Salisbury in the 13th century. For families with children, Old Sarum offers many educational activities, including interactive exhibits and historical reenactments that allow you to travel back in time to medieval England. Plan a visit on the weekend, when archery demonstrations and medieval craft workshops are often held.

Ticket prices to Old Sarum are moderate, and English Heritage members have free admission. Compared to other attractions in the region, Old Sarum stands out for its authenticity and less commercial nature, allowing for a more intimate experience of history.

Leaving the ancient hills, we head toward the National Trust-owned Great Chalfield Manor and Garden, a gem of late Gothic architecture. This charming 15th century fortified manor house is surrounded by beautiful gardens that are works of art in themselves. Legend has it that Great Chalfield Manor is haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died tragically during the War of the Roses.

Great Chalfield Manor offers visitors a unique time travel experience. The manor's interiors have been carefully restored and decorated in the style of the Tudor era, allowing you to feel the atmosphere of the life of English nobility centuries ago. There are special explorer tours for children, which provide an entertaining glimpse into the history of the place.

The gardens of Great Chalfield Manor are especially charming in spring and summer, when hundreds of species of flowers bloom here. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll among the greenery. Compared to the more crowded tourist attractions, Great Chalfield Manor offers a quieter and more intimate atmosphere, ideal for families looking for a respite from the hustle and bustle.

Our journey continues toward Old Wardour Castle, a romantic 16th century ruin that was partially destroyed during the English Civil War. This is a place where history and legend are intertwined in a fascinating tale. According to local legends, the castle hides the treasure of the Knights Templar, and on moonlit nights you can meet the ghost of a knight guarding the secrets of the past.

Old Wardour Castle, although in ruins, is stunning in its architecture and picturesque lakeside location. It is an ideal place for families with children, who can let their imagination run wild here, imagining the lives of medieval knights and court ladies. English Heritage, which looks after the castle, holds regular themed events here, including knightly battle demonstrations and historical workshops.

Compared to other castles in the region, Old Wardour stands out for its romantic character and less formal atmosphere. Here, children are free to explore the ruins, discovering hidden passageways and enjoying the views from the castle tower. Ticket prices are affordable and English Heritage members have free admission, making this an attractive destination for families looking for economical tour options.

Our tour of Wiltshire's magical places would not be complete without a visit to the Big Belly Oak, one of the oldest oak trees in England. This majestic tree, more than 1,000 years old, is located in the heart of Savernake Forest and is surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend. According to local legends, the Big Belly Oak has witnessed many historical events and even encounters between witches and ghosts.

A visit to Big Belly Oak is an extraordinary experience for the whole family. The huge trunk of the tree, whose circumference exceeds 11 meters, makes a great impression on both children and adults. It's the perfect place to picnic and tell family stories in the shade of this ancient giant. Unlike many other tourist attractions, a visit to the Big Belly Oak is completely free, making it a great option for families looking for budget entertainment.

Keep in mind, however, that reaching the oak requires a short walk through the forest, which can be a challenge for very young children or those with limited mobility. It is advisable to bring appropriate footwear and be prepared for a forest adventure.

The next point on our trip is the National Trust site of Cley Hill, a mysterious mound-shaped hill that has fascinated archaeologists and lovers of legends for centuries. According to local stories, Cley Hill was created by the devil, who dropped a sack of earth here when he tried to backfill the nearby town of Devizes.

Cley Hill offers not only a fascinating legend, but also spectacular views of the surrounding Wiltshire countryside. Climbing to the top of the hill is a great activity for the whole family, and the reward is a panorama that will take your breath away. The remains of a prehistoric fort and barrows can be found at the summit, adding an extra historical dimension to the site.

The National Trust holds regular educational and nature events here, especially during the summer. This is a great opportunity for children to learn to identify local flora and fauna and learn more about the prehistoric history of the region. Admission to Cley Hill is free, making it an attractive option for families looking for economical outdoor activities.

Comparing all the sites visited, it is worth noting that each offers a unique experience and atmosphere. Avebury impresses with its prehistoric heritage and the opportunity to get up close with megaliths. Old Sarum takes us back to the days of medieval fortresses and Arthurian legends. Great Chalfield Manor lets you delve into the atmosphere of a Tudor-era manor house, while Old Wardour Castle offers a romantic journey to the days of chivalry. Big Belly Oak and Cley Hill, meanwhile, represent the magic of nature and ancient legends associated with the Wiltshire landscape.

For families with children, the most interactive and educational experiences are offered at Avebury and Old Sarum, where numerous workshops and shows are held. Cley Hill and Big Belly Oak, on the other hand, are excellent options for families looking for active outdoor recreation.

In terms of cost, the most economical visits are to Avebury (the stone circle itself), Big Belly Oak and Cley Hill, which are free. Other attractions require the purchase of tickets, but offer a richer educational and historical experience in return.

Regardless of the sites chosen, a journey through the magical corners of Wiltshire is an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, which allows you not only to learn about the fascinating history of the region, but also to spark your imagination and feel the magic of times past. Each of these places has its own unique atmosphere and story to share, together creating an extraordinary mosaic of legends and history that will long remain in the memory of visitors.