15 Great ideas for what to do this August Bank Holiday in Wiltshire

It’s not long now until the August Bank Holiday. If you are planning to getaway for a short break or are looking for ideas for days out then we’ve put together this guide to some of the things you can do this August Bank Holiday here in Wiltshire:

1. Crofton Pumping Station Steaming Days

See a bit of Wiltshire’s industrial heritage on a visit to the Crofton Pumping Station, near Marlborough. The engines are only ‘steamed-up’ at certain times of the year and volunteers will be on hand to talk through the workings of the station. There are nice walks you can do on the tow path of the Kennet & Avon Canal (which passes the pumping station).

2. Enjoy some hands-on history at Old Sarum

Old Sarum, on the outskirts of Salisbury will be home to a Knights’ tournament on 28-29 August as well as some hands-on history for families.

3. Wake Up to some motoring fun at Wilton House

Join Wilton House early in the morning for one of the Wilton Wake-Ups. The event on 28 August will be ‘The Comfy Choice’ theme. The event is free to attend, however if you wish to visit the park and house once the wake-up has finished this will be subject to the standard entrance fees.

4. Take in an outdoor performance of The Railway Children

Make a trip to Castle Combe’s Manor House Hotel for some theatre on the lawn. Lay your picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon of entertainment.

5. Watch some spectacular street entertainment

On the Sunday and Monday of the Bank Holiday weekend see a variety of street entertainment head to Devizes as part of the International Street Festival.

6. Hear 90 of the UK’s top choral singers at the Edington Music Festival

Running from 21-28 August, head to the Edington Music Festival, near Westbury for organ recitals, new commissions and sacred music from across the centuries.

7. Get a team together and plan an escape

Whether a bunch of friends or a family group, get a gathering together and see if you can solve the clues and make it out of Salisbury Escape Room within the hour. A great idea for an indoor activity!

8. Enjoy an African Summer at Longleat

There’s still time to catch Longleat’s African Summer celebrations with native dancing, parades and activities for all as part of Longleat Safari Park’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Daily until 4 September.

9. Embark on a Spy Mission Treasure Trail of Lacock

Explore historic Lacock on a self-guided Treasure Trail. A fun activity for all the family – suitable for ages 6 to 106! This walk takes approximately 90 minutes.

10. Book onto a driving activity at Castle Combe Circuit

Whether you fancy a white-knuckle passenger ride or a single-seater driving experience, there are several driving activities taking place at Castle Combe Circuit over the Bank Holiday weekend.

11. Relax on a cruise of the Kennet & Avon Canal

Hop aboard the Barbara McLellan narrowboat for a leisurely cruise along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Picking up from Bradford on Avon take a cruise through one of the canal’s locks to Avoncliff aqueduct or a cruise to Hilperton Marina (for details of which route the boat will take please visit the website).

12. Take a flying lesson

Ever fancied giving flying a try? GoFly, based in Salisbury, offer beginner’s flying lessons taking off from Old Sarum airfield.

13. Don’t let rain stop you having fun

If the weather doesn’t quite go to plan then why not check out the latest screenings at Trowbridge’s Odeon cinema. There are several restaurants nearby too for a pre or post cinema meal.

14. Make a trip to Melksham for the Comic Con

Love comic books? Then a visit to Melksham Comic Con is a must. Showcasing the very best of the comic book industry via retailers, guest artists and writers.

15. Celebrate nature at Westonbirt Arboretum

Okay so not technically in Wiltshire (but just a short hop across the border), Treefest is Westonbirt Arboretum’s Bank Holiday weekend event celebrating nature, woodcraft and trees and with lots of family-fun activities.

Details of other events taking place across the Bank Holiday weekend will be added to the what’s on pages of our website so please keep checking back. For information on places to stay in Wiltshire – check out our accommodation pages.