Explore Wiltshire
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Take time out in Wiltshire this autumn
Misty, chilly mornings... conkers lying on the ground... and the wonderful array of colour of Wiltshire's forests, woods and gardens. Just a few reasons to take time out, and get out and about in Wiltshire this autumn.
Wiltshire boasts some of the best landscape gardens in England, and when the leaves change to shades of reds, ambers and browns the woodlands are stunning.
The National Trust's Stourhead gardens near Mere, and the grounds of Bowood House and Longleat House, are just some of the classic examples of places to visit with wonderful autumnal views.
Wilder woodlands, such as Savernake Forest near Marlborough, Cranborne Chase and the northern fringes of the New Forest near Salisbury also have a display of colour, and just beyond our borders, the National Arboretum at Westonbirt is well worth the hop and skip from nearby Malmesbury. The Woodland Trust also has woods that are free to visit across Wiltshire.
So take yourself, your partner, your family or your friends on a day trip or a short break in Wiltshire.
Most of Wiltshire's attractions remain open until late October or November - and many stay open throughout the winter too.
There's a lot going on in Wiltshire during the autumn half-term holiday and halloween at the end of October. Special events at attractions, spooky ghost walks and pumpkin trails.
Search our events calendar.
Explore castle ruins, such as Old Wardour or Old Sarum, climb the tower of Salisbury Cathedral, experience the mystery of standing stones at Avebury or Stonehenge, or if the weather isn't quite as good head indoors for the unique collections at Wiltshire's museums and galleries; our designer label stores or crafty gift shops.
Take an autumn ramble along the Kennet & Avon Canal or the thousands of footpaths, some with views of the iconic white horses on Wiltshire's chalk downs, and at the end of the day enjoy a visit to a quintessential English tea room or cosy pub.
>>Take advantage of our special 2 for 1 day trip offers with First Great Western trains
>>View special offers from Wiltshire attractions in our What to Do guide
Autumn is a great time for a special break and with Wiltshire's extensive variety of hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs; and self-catering accommodation there's plenty of quality bedrooms and restaurants to choose from.
>>See our autumn accommodation offers
Explore our website - search for things to do, where to stay or sample our food and drink pages, and don't forget that our tourist information centres are here to help you get the most from your visit.
We're sure you will end your day with some incredible memories and we would like you to share your tales and captured moments on our visitor review guide.
Take time out in Wiltshire this autumn.
Stourhead launches autumn leaf line
A special leaf line has been set up by the National trust to help visitors find the best time to see this year’s autumn colours.
The hotline, connected to the Trust’s Stourhead estate, is being kept updated with the progress of the colourful displays as trees on the estate put on their autumn show.
Alan Power, Head Gardener at Stourhead said: “Stourhead was planted as a living painting, the different trees chosen for their colours to create a spectacular landscape vista. Each autumn the picture paints itself but the trees react differently so no two years are quite the same. It is so popular that we have set up the phone line this year so that visitors can find out when their favourite trees are at their best and plan their visit.
“At present many of the acers – particularly the Japanese ones - are already showing a range of brilliant, vivid colours. The Hornbeam leaves are just turning yellow alongside darker Persian ironwood. The Chestnuts, Cypress and Redwoods and especially the Tulip Trees standing on the islands, will make up the rest of the display in the next few weeks.” The vision of the garden was laid down in the 18th century by Henry Hoare II who placed Stourhead at the forefront of the 18th-century English landscape movement. Inspired by the views of Italy captured by artists in paint, he decided to create a landscape garden at Stourhead that would bring art to life.
His work was carried on by his grandson Richard Colt Hoare who developed the current route around the grounds and added rhododendron and many of the broadleaved trees, especially beech, acers, chestnuts, planes and the tulip trees. He also embellished Henry’s original garden, bringing in many ornamental trees and shrubs from around the world.
There are numerous events at Stourhead throughout the autumn including half-term Spooky Ghost Story Walks (Fri 22 – Sun 31), On Your Bike ride around the estate (Sun 24) and an Autumn Colour Walk (Sun 31 Oct). For more information on events at Stourhead and for the Leaf Line please phone 01747 841152 or visit the website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/freshair
Highlights This Month
- Surviving the Stone Age 28/1/2012
- Winter Archaeology Walk 4/2/2012
- Half Term Family Fun Trail 11/2/2012
- Trowbridge Sporting Heroes and a History of the Olympics 11/2/2012
Highlights Next Month
