In Family

Credit- Bowood House and Gardens

With February half term coming up we’ve put together some ideas for all types of family holiday's in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire is a fantastic destination for families, with an eclectic selection of attractions, ranging from getting up close to exotic animals at Longleat, to experiencing the magic of Harry Potter at Lacock Abbey, there’s plenty of places to keep the kids entertained this February half term (and any ones after that!) Plus, with family friendly hotels like Woolley Grange, that have their own dedicated team to look after your children whilst you have some quality ‘me’ time, you can be sure to feel relaxed in no time.  Find out some of our ideas for a wide range of family holidays here:

For the creatives 

In Wiltshire there is an abundance of workshops for the creative types. Painting, embroidery, pottery, jewellery making, photography and more. You can certainly pick up a new skill together here. Lots of places put on special workshops just for half term including, The Pound Arts Centre, Elements of Avebury and Trowbridge Museum. Or if you’re really feeling like a little bit of life skills might go along way on a family vacation, then head to VisionWorks in Spirthill to shed some light on your relationship & communication skills! Not too far away from Spirthill is Cricklade House Hotel who have a special family sized rooms and are dog friendly so you can even bring your four-legged family member along!

For the adventurous 

A county full of sweeping landscapes, rolling hills, picturesque waterways and hidden caves, it’s hard to imagine a trip to Wiltshire without experiencing the outdoors. Ok, so maybe during February half term it could be a little cold, but wrap up warm and enjoy the outdoors, you won’t regret it! Hire and stay your own canal boat with Devizes Marina Village, explore on foot with Alison Howell's Foot Trails, and have a go at archery, abseiling or even axe throwing with Wiltshire Outdoor Learning Team. Bowood House and Gardens (open from 30 March 2019 – 3 November 2019) is also another great option to blow off some steam. If you’re looking to stay in the wild, Highway Hill, Marshwood Farm B&B, Mill Farm Glamping, and Chalke Valley Camping are all excellent choices! 

For the historians

Although Wiltshire has plenty of modern touches, you can step back in time in a few of our villages, hamlets and towns. The Tudor buildings in Devizes, Cotswold stone houses in Castle Combe, and the National Trust village of Lacock all have elements of how it would have been in the past.  Discover the history of Salisbury at Salisbury Museum’s fantastic new for 2019 exhibition ‘The Origins of Photography in Salisbury’ depicting old photographs from 1839 – 1919 which will be exhibiting until the 4 May 2019.  Other places to learn about the history of Wiltshire include, Wiltshire Museum, Stonehenge, Salisbury Cathedral and Stately Homes and Gardens. You can even stay in places like The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury, which is family friendly, and one of the oldest hotels in England! 

For the luxurious 

Now if you’re looking for memories for the whole family to last a lifetime, then a luxurious escape to Wiltshire is in order. Woolley Grange Hotel is perfect for families and have a hands-on team to help you all feel settled. With an Ofsted registered creche, guests can benefit from complimentary childcare and a baby-listening service to allow for a bit of adult time. The indoor pool also boasts stunning views of the walled kitchen garden and there is an outdoor pool too for the summer months! Alternatively, for that little bit of added luxury and a Michelin starred food Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa were awarded the Best for Families at Conde Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2018.   

For the foodies 

On the topic of food, Wiltshire’s foodie scene is something which the whole family can enjoy. Even the fussy eaters will have something to choose from. Neston Farm Shop & Kitchen is a great spot for lunch. It has an outdoor area for the children to play in and meet some farmyard animals. Or if you’re looking for something less rural but still local Helen Browning’s Royal Oak in Bishopstone, Swindon has a fantastic menu with generous portion sizes to fill you up before travelling around Wiltshire. The Lock Inn Café in Bradford on Avon is a pitstop with a difference here you can hire a bicycle and cycle along the Kennet & Avon Canal, then indulge in the extensive all-day menu including the famous ‘Boatman’s Breakfast’ (maybe one for the adults!)

For the discoverers 

Looking to go off the beaten track? A family trip along the Great West Way® is what you need! One quarter of the new touring route from London to Bristol runs through Wiltshire, picking up on iconic places, accommodation and destinations. For families it’s ideal, there’s enough to keep everyone entertained and the distance between each hidden gem is close enough that you won’t get bored or endure the favourite game of ‘are we nearly there yet?’  Must sees include; Roves Farm Visitor Centre, STEAM Museum, and on the outskirts of Wiltshire the Roman Baths, and Westonbirt Aboretum. 

Find out more about family holidays in Wiltshire here. Keep up to date with special offers here and feel inspired by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! 
 

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