In Family

Family at Stonehenge, Amesbury, Wiltshire

If you’re visiting Wiltshire with kids then you’ll be spoilt for choice with great family days out. Here’s 10 of the best with activities for children from tiny tots to adventurous teens, and history buffs to animal lovers:

Stonehenge

Whatever age your children are there’s plenty at Stonehenge to capture their imaginations and get them interested in history. Step inside a recreated neolithic house, experience the virtual Stonehenge in the exhibition, and walk or hop on a bus to the ancient stones themselves. Chatting about how the huge rocks got to Salisbury Plain and the number of people needed to move them will widen most kids eyes.

STEAM Museum of GWR

This interactive STEAM museum tells the story of the people who worked on the Great Western Railway from Bristol to London and throughout the South West. Have a go on the train simulator, board historic carriages and walk underneath a vintage locomotive.

Cholderton Charlies

For a great value day packed full of farm fun head to Cholderton Charlies where your children can feed rare breed animals, go on a tractor ride, search for fairies and wear themselves out on indoor and woodland play areas. If you like a challenge, tackle the 32-foot high tree top trail.

Goat at Cholderton Charlie's Rare Breeds Farm

Salisbury Plain Safari

Take the kids on a safari with a difference with Salisbury Plain Safaris, either by 4x4 or on horse back (previous horse riding experience may be necessary). This experience is best suited to families with teens who enjoy the great outdoors. Expect rolling landscapes, wildlife and mud!

Salisbury Cathedral Cloisters

Salisbury

If you’re looking for a free day out packed full of history and interesting architecture then take the family to Salisbury. Wander through the city centre streets where you’ll find half timbered ancient merchant houses. Visit St Thomas’s Church to see the dramatic Doom Painting. And take in the atmosphere of Cathedral Close and Salisbury Cathedral. While there, step inside and see the Magna Carta.

Swindon and Cricklade Steam Railway

Enjoy a nostalgic ride on the Swindon and Cricklade Steam Railway between Taw Valley Halt and Hayes Knoll. Historic steam and diesel engines travel up and down the line most weekends and on special event days. You can also pop into the Railway Museum and Wartime Museum at Blunsdon to see vintage railway memorabilia and find out about the line’s role in WWII.

 

Stourhead

Immerse yourselves in the iconic gardens at Stourhead with lakes, meandering paths and temples. Young kids in particular will enjoy exploring this varied landscape. You can also visit the ancestral home of the Hoares, which was built in the 18th Century.

Longleat

Longleat is a great day out for families whatever the weather. Arrive early and take the drive through safari (or bus tour if you don’t fancy your car’s chances with the monkeys). Then head to the stunning Edwardian house outside which you’ll find plenty of other animals to visit, family rides, a boat trip and Britain’s largest hedge maze.

Longleat Safari Park with Family

The Kennet & Avon Canal

Explore the history of the Kennet & Avon Canal which runs from Bristol to Reading. Visit the K&A Museum in Devizes to find out the history of this restored waterway and then take a boat trip along the canal. You’ll even find cream teas onboard.

Claire writes Tin Box Traveller, a family travel blog covering holidays and days out in the UK and Europe.

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