Budget-trip-to-wiltshire: 6 inexpensive attractions for the whole family

Budget-trip-to-wiltshire: 6 inexpensive attractions for the whole family

April 11, 2025

Welcome to the picturesque county of Wiltshire, where history intertwines with nature to create the perfect place for a family adventure! If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to spend time with the kids, you couldn't have come to a better place. Wiltshire is a treasure trove of affordable attractions that will delight young and old explorers alike. In this article, we'll take you on a journey through six unique destinations that not only won't strain your wallet, but will also guarantee unforgettable memories. From mysterious stone circles to fairytale gardens and medieval castles, each of these places has its own unique history and charm. Get ready for a fascinating journey through time and space that will spark the imagination of your kids and give you all a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a quiet spot for a family picnic, Wiltshire has something for everyone. So pack your backpacks, put on your comfy shoes and let's hit the road for extraordinary adventures that won't ruin your budget!

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Historic gems of Wiltshire

Let's start our adventure with two remarkable historical sites that will transport you back in time and won't strain the family budget.

The first stop is the majestic Old Wardour Castle. This romantic ruin from the 14th century, located in a picturesque area, is a true paradise for small and large explorers. Ticket prices are affordable, and children under the age of 5 enter for free. The castle offers a fascinating journey back in time - you can climb old stairs, discover hidden passages and admire the panorama of the area from the height of the fortress walls. This is the perfect place for a family picnic - spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a meal in the shade of the medieval ruins. Children will be delighted to run around the green areas around the castle and make up their own knightly adventures.

The next point on our trip is the fascinating Old Sarum. This ancient site, perched on a hill overlooking Salisbury, offers an unusual blend of history and nature. There is an entrance fee, but prices are moderate, and a family ticket can save you money. Old Sarum is not only the ruins of a castle and a cathedral, but also a great place to walk and enjoy the panorama of the area. Children will enjoy exploring the remains of ancient fortifications, while parents will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and educational aspect of the visit. Various historical events are held here during the season, often at affordable prices or even for free, which adds to the appeal of the place.

Comparing the two places, it is worth noting that Old Wardour Castle offers a more complete castle structure, which may be more attractive to younger children who like 'real' castles. Old Sarum, on the other hand, with its expansive grounds and richer history, may be of more interest to older children and adults with a passion for archaeology and history. Old Sarum also has the advantage of being closer to larger towns and cities, which makes it easier to get to and may allow you to combine your visit with other attractions in the area.

Both locations offer a fascinating journey through time, but each has its own unique character. Old Wardour Castle impresses with its romantic atmosphere and the opportunity to 'touch' history, while Old Sarum impresses with its scale and panoramic views. Whichever place you choose, one thing is certain - your family will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of English history without spending a fortune.

Green Treasures of Wiltshire

After a fascinating journey through historic castles and fortifications, it's time to discover Wiltshire's natural treasures. In this section, we will take you to two magical places where nature and history form a remarkable symbiosis.

The first is Lydiard Park - a true gem among country parks. This place is ideal for families seeking peace and contact with nature, and best of all - admission to the park is completely free! The park's vast grounds offer plenty of space for running, picnicking and relaxing. Children will be delighted with the playground, while the elderly can enjoy the beauty of the historic house and church (a small fee may be charged for these attractions). The park is famous for its beautiful gardens, which delight in every season. In spring and summer the flowering beds form a colorful mosaic, in autumn the trees shimmer with gold and red, and in winter the park takes on a fairy-tale character. It's the perfect place for a family picnic or an active holiday - you can stroll along the alleys, ride your bike or just enjoy the tranquility of nature.

The second green treasure worth visiting is Stourhead. This place, although slightly more expensive than Lydiard Park, offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Stourhead is not just a park, but a true work of horticultural art. The centerpiece is a picturesque lake with paths around it leading to hidden temples, grottoes and bridges. This is the perfect place for families who enjoy walking and discovering surprises at every turn. Children will enjoy exploring the 'mysterious' structures scattered around the park, while adults will appreciate the beauty of the landscape and the peaceful atmosphere. It's worth bringing your camera - the views here are truly fabulous! Although there is an entrance fee, a family ticket offers good value, especially if you plan to spend a whole day here.

Comparing the two places, Lydiard Park stands out for its affordability - free admission to the park is a big plus for families on a budget. It's also more 'urban' in character, with a playground and more amenities for families with young children. Stourhead, on the other hand, offers a more 'wild' and romantic atmosphere, ideal for families who enjoy longer walks and exploring nature. It's also more sprawling, which means you can spend more time here.

Both places have their own unique strengths. Lydiard Park is great for shorter, spontaneous trips and picnics, ideal when you have limited time or budget. Stourhead is more of a day trip destination, a place where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and history. Whichever place you choose, one thing is certain - your family will have the opportunity to relax from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the beauty of the English countryside.

Magical Places of Wiltshire

At the end of our budget Wiltshire trip, we invite you to two remarkable places that combine the magic of history, mystery and natural beauty. These attractions are sure to spark the imagination of children and adults alike.

The first of these magical places is Avebury, a prehistoric stone circle complex that is not only fascinating, but also wallet-friendly. Unlike the more famous Stonehenge, admission to the stone circle itself at Avebury is completely free! This is the largest stone circle in Europe, surrounded by a mysterious aura and legends. Children will be delighted to touch the huge boulders and run between them, while parents will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the beauty of the landscape. Around the circle is a picturesque village, where you can find pleasant cafes and souvenir stores. This is an ideal place for a family picnic - spread a blanket on the grass among the prehistoric stones and enjoy a meal in an unusual setting. It's worth taking your camera with you - the views here are truly unique!

The second magical place to visit is Lacock Abbey. This place, although it requires the purchase of a ticket, offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Lacock Abbey is not only a medieval abbey, but also the place where scenes for the Harry Potter movies were filmed! This makes a visit here especially exciting for young fans of magic. The abbey is surrounded by a picturesque village that looks as if time has stopped here. You can walk along the cobblestone streets, admire the historic houses and imagine what life was like hundreds of years ago. The abbey also houses a photography museum, which adds an educational aspect to the visit. Although there is an entrance fee, a family ticket offers good value, especially considering the number of attractions and the possibility of spending a whole day here.

Comparing the two sites, Avebury stands out for its affordability - free admission to the stone circle is a big plus for families on a budget. It is also a more 'wild' and open place, ideal for families who enjoy outdoor walks and nature exploration. Lacock Abbey, on the other hand, offers a more structured experience, with opportunities to explore the interior and participate in organized activities. It's also more 'movie-like,' which can be especially appealing to older children and teens.

Both places have their unique strengths. Avebury is great for spontaneous excursions and picnics, ideal when you want to combine history with outdoor relaxation. Lacock Abbey is more of a day trip destination, a place where you can immerse yourself in history, architecture and culture. Whichever place you choose, one thing is certain - your family will have the opportunity to experience the magic and mystery that make Wiltshire such a special place.

To sum up our tour of Wiltshire's six affordable attractions, it's worth noting that each of these places offers unique experiences that your family will long remember. From ancient stone circles to medieval castles to fairytale gardens, Wiltshire has everything you need for a successful family trip. What's more, all of these places are accessible to families of all budgets, making them ideal destinations for an affordable but fun-filled vacation. Remember, the most important thing is the moments you spend together and the adventures you have together - and Wiltshire offers plenty of these without ruining your wallet!

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