In Nature

Vale of Wardour

You might not be aware but there are three designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in Wiltshire. These will be celebrated as part of a national ‘Outstanding’ Week taking place from 16-24 September so we thought we’d share with you twelve reasons why you should make a visit to one or more of our AONBs (The Cotswolds, North Wessex Downs and Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs):

1. Cycle around the Cotswold Water Park

This tranquil spot can be found within The Cotswolds and offers traffic-free routes suitable for families. A map can be downloaded from the Cotswold Water Park’s website or can be picked up from the Gateway Centre at the water park.  

2. Do some star gazing in Cranborne Chase

This AONB is currently trying to gain ‘dark sky status’ and offers fantastic views of the night’s sky on clear evenings. Look out for special stargazing events organised by the AONB. 

3. Savour the local produce

Our AONBs are home to local producers and artisans. Look out for farm shops and pick up home-grown fruit and veg, fresh eggs and more. 

Lockeridge Dene

4. Pick your dream cottage

You’ll find many a cute cottage in our AONBs, why not pick your ideal one and share it with us on social media using #timeforwiltshire? 

5. Check out our World Heritage

Avebury, with its stone circles and rich archaeological landscape is not only an UNESCO World Heritage Site but also sits within the North Wessex Downs AONB. Combine history with outstanding views of the surrounding area. 

6. Delve into an ancient woodland

The Savernake Forest sits just south of Marlborough and encompasses an area of approximately 4,500 acres. Great for picnics or a nature walk. 

Castle Combe, Wiltshire

7. Capture your special moment at Castle Combe

Often voted the ‘prettiest village in England’ this jewel can be found in the Wiltshire Cotswolds. Look out for villagers selling home-made cake and be sure to check out the church with the 15th century faceless church clock, among the oldest working clocks in the country. 

8. Follow in the footsteps of Robin Hood

Old Wardour Castle makes a great spot for a picnic and an explore. Check out the location of Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.

Lorne House

9. Book a stay in one of our AONBs

Whether you fancy a cosy B&B like Lorne House in Box or Meadowbank House in Swindon. Or you're in need of a luxury escape to Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds there's plenty of places for you to stay in Wiltshire. For the more outdoorsy why not go for a glamping experience with Chalke Valley Camping. Check out our accommodation pages for more details. 

10. Take in the views from a hot air balloon flight

With flights taking off from the Larmer Tree Gardens, Aerosaurus Balloons can offer you excellent views across the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB. 

11. Walk some of the Ridgeway

This national path takes in parts of the North Wessex Downs and can easily be broken down into stages. A great way to get close to Wiltshire’s timeless nature.

Stourhead

12. Discover some of our famous gardens

From the iconic Stourhead Gardens in the southwest of our county through to Westonbirt: The National Arboretum just across the border into Gloucestershire and the intimate Larmer Tree Gardens on the Wiltshire/Dorset border, all of these places offer tranquil spots that make for a great day out, especially in the autumn for the changing leaves. 

What are your favourite things to do in Wiltshire’s AONBs? Share them with us in the comments below. 

Related

4 Comments

Comments

  1. Annaberkun
    Cranborne Chase is my favorite! I read at https://dreamsdemystified.blog/ various superstitions that elves once lived there.
  2. SharonM896
    Wiltshire, a county adorned with a rich tapestry of heritage and natural beauty, boasts an array of outstanding destinations that captivate visitors. From the prehistoric marvels of Stonehenge to the quaint charm of historic market towns like Salisbury and Marlborough, Wiltshire's allure is undeniable. Amidst its picturesque landscapes, where rolling hills meet tranquil waterways, lies the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern convenience. As visitors explore the county's treasures, they encounter not only ancient wonders but also contemporary amenities, including innovative https://www.lawofficespace.com/ that seamlessly meld tradition with progress. In the heart of Wiltshire's 'Outstanding' places, the past and the future harmoniously coexist, creating an unparalleled experience for all who venture here.
  3. Mercy
    The aim of conducting the Home Depot survey is to gather feedback from customers about their experiences with the company's products and services. By collecting this information, Home Depot can identify areas for improvement and make strategic business decisions based on customer preferences and satisfaction. The survey may include questions about the quality of products, customer service, store cleanliness, and overall shopping experience. This feedback is valuable for Home Depot as it helps them maintain high standards and meet the changing needs of their customers. Additionally, the survey helps to establish a direct line of communication between the company and its customers, fostering a better relationship and customer loyalty.

    Official Survey Page: https://www.homedepotcomsurvey.co/
  4. Smith Fema
    Lowes welcomes all its customers of their store to participate in the Lowes customer satisfaction survey. To improve Lowe's store standards, Lowe collects all its customers' opinions at https://www.lowescomsurvey.com.co/. So, visit the following Lowe's survey portal with the purchase receipt within seven days and answer all the questions asked. All the questions are based on your past store visit. After you have completed answering the questions, you will enter into the $500 sweepstakes. If you are the lucky winner of the contest, then you will be rewarded with a $500 check. The lucky five winners will get the reward prize. Thank you - regards.

Leave a Reply