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Short Breaks for Families

Families of all ages can enjoy a short break in Wiltshire UK, full of fun, laughter and excitement. Wiltshire has a wonderful selection of attractions and activities to entertain everyone. Follow these suggestions for two really memorable short breaks, firstly one for families with older children and further down the page you will find one for families with younger children.

For Families with Older Children (over 10s)

Stay in one of West Wiltshire's attractive rural villages or historic towns like Bradford on Avon within easy reach of the suggested attractions.

For information on accommodation in those areas, visit our 'Where to Stay' pages to view our full range of accommodation.

Morning

Castle Combe Circuit - approximately 15 miles from Bradford on Avon

Castle Combe Skid Pan, Kart Track and 4x4 Centre offers a great family day out for all ages. The Driving Activity Centre is situated within the grounds of the Castle Combe Racing Circuit, on the edge of the Cotswolds in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The choice of activities includes Adult and Junior Karting on a 350m outdoor kart track , Skid Control - learn how to control a car in slippery conditions or the 4 Wheel Drive Course - discover just what can be done with a Land Rover Discovery on the challenging off-road course.

Telephone: 01249 783010
Website: www.drivetechltd.co.uk

Lunch can be taken in the village of Castle Combe or in Devizes.

Afternoon

Wiltshire Heritage Museum, Devizes - approximately 15 miles from Bradford on Avon

Designated as one of the top 62 museums in the UK due to the excellence of its Bronze Age collections, it preserves the rich archaeological and historical treasures and records of Wiltshire, including the World Heritage Site of Avebury and Stonehenge.

Telephone: 01380 727369
Website: www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk

Morning

Kennet and Avon Canal Cycle

Wiltshire has an extensive network of cycle routes to explore and numerous cycle hire outlets. Enjoy a peaceful and traffic free trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath or follow one of the recommended routes in the Wiltshire Cycleway leaflet (available from our Brochure Request page) which offers everything from short leisurely trips to longer challenging and circular routes. Follow this link for cycle hire details.

Lunch can be taken in one of the tea shops along the canal or at Lacock, the afternoon venue.

Afternoon

Lacock - approximately 9 miles from Bradford on Avon

The picturesque National Trust village of Lacock is home to the 13th century Lacock Abbey. The Abbey Cloisters were used as a location for the recent Harry Potter films. Spend some time in the Fox Talbot Museum of Photography and find out about the first ever negative photo. You will also find plenty to see and do outside including the Victorian woodland garden, magnificent trees, 18th century summer house and rose garden. Stop and enjoy some refreshments in one of the many tea shops, pubs or restaurants.

Telephone: 01249 730227
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

For Families with Younger Children (Under 10s)

Make this a two or three day break and stay in Marlborough or one of Wiltshire's picturesque villages or market towns towards the north east of the county.

For information on accommodation in those areas, visit our 'Where to Stay' pages to view our full range of accommodation.

Morning

Roves Farm, Sevenhampton - approximately 16 miles from Marlborough.

Enjoy a morning on a working farm. Bottle feed the lambs, watch the craft demonstrations, see lots of other farm animals, play on the bouncy castle, explore the adventure playground, soft play area, ball pond and sandpit. There are seven nature trails to wander along or you could try to find your way around the largest willow maze in the world. There is a tearoom available for refreshments.

Telephone: 01793 763939
Website: www.rovesfarm.co.uk

A light lunch is available here.

Afternoon

Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon, Near Swindon - approximately 5 miles from Roves Farm and 15 from Marlborough.

Visit this local steam railway and ride upon a fully functioning locomotive. This is a Heritage Railway centre which houses a selection of historic rolling stock and steam engines. There are special event weekends throughout the year, including Thomas the Tank Engine days, Easter Bunny Rides and Santa Specials.

Telephone: 01793 771615
Website: www.swindon-cricklade-railway.org

Morning

Bowood House and Gardens, Calne - approximately 15 miles from Marlborough.

Bowood House is the magnificent family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne. Families will love the amazing Adventure Playground, complete with life-size pirate ship and the Soft Play Palace. There is a separate play area with smaller equipment for little children and lots of space for them to run around and burn off all that excess energy.

Telephone: 01249 812102
Website: www.bowood.org

Lunch can be taken in the restaurant or you could enjoy a picnic in the extensive grounds.

Afternoon

Kennet and Avon Canal, Devizes - approximately 7 miles from Bowood and 15 miles from Marlborough.

After all your morning activity why not spend a leisurely afternoon strolling alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal in Devizes? Children and adults alike will be amazed by the Caen Hill flight of 16 locks, and will welcome the refreshments available in the tearooms at the top of the flight.

Website: www.waterscape.com

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