Top Things to Do in Wiltshire this New Year

2026 is just around the corner and there are plenty new things to enjoy during your visit to Wiltshire this year! From exciting new exhibitions at some of the county’s top attractions, to unmissable events and experiences all year round. There’s something unique for everyone this New Year.

Brand-New Exhibitions and Experiences in Wiltshire

Learn more about Wiltshire with a range of exciting new exhibitions and experiences launching this new year!

Wiltshire Museum

John Piper in the South Country’ exhibition is opening at Wiltshire Museum from 7 March – 7 June 2026. This major exhibition highlights how John Piper (1903-92) responded to the landscape and architecture of the south country of Wiltshire and Dorset and including Devizes, his favourite market town.

Stonehenge Explorer Tour

Step into the heart of Stonehenge on this once-in-a-lifetime, expert-led experience. The Stonehenge Explorer Tour will offer visitors a unique opportunity to journey in comfort across the wider prehistoric landscape visiting the nearby Woodhenge and Durrington walls. Accompanied by expert guides, visitors will leave with an understanding of not just the famous stone circle, but also the importance of the historical landscape they sit within and the people who built them.

National Trust in Wiltshire

Discover New Highlights in Wiltshire for 2026 when visiting the county’s stunning National Trust properties. Step into history at Mompesson House, where a new exhibition room and refreshed tearoom open this New Year, offering visitors a fresh way to experience this elegant Queen Anne townhouse in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close.

Meanwhile, at Stourhead, explore “The Last Tree”, a powerful new art exhibition inspired by the world-famous landscape garden’s timeless connection with nature.

Bowood House and Gardens

In 2026, there will be two new exhibitions for visitors to discover at Bowood House and Gardens. Bowood House will feature an exhibition on “1776: Secrets, Spies and the American Revolution”, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Visitors will also be able to admire the ‘Lifecycle of Plants’ exhibition of botanical paintings of plants from the Bowood Gardens and Arboretum by the Bath Society of Botanical Artists.

Unmissable Events and Festivals in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is home to a range of unmissable events throughout the year! Don’t miss these iconic festivals when planning your next visit to Wiltshire. Check out our What’s On pages for further details on all upcoming events.

Chalke History Festival

The popular Chalke History Festival returns this June and is a true celebration of the past. Offering a unique blend of talks, discussions & debates alongside a vast living history through-the-ages encampment and stunning historic air show, it is a festival like no other.

Longleat Festival of Light

Longleat’s Festival of Light – November 2026 – January 2027

Explore the iconic grounds of Longleat as you embark on a grand day out during the Christmas season with the 77th Festival of Light lantern trial. With a new theme each year, discover spectacular displays all spectacularly reimagined in lantern form. Keep an eye out for further information.

WOMAD Returns to Wiltshire in 2026!

The WOMAD 2026 festival will be held at Neston Park Estate, confirming the new location near Corsham in Wiltshire after a year-long hiatus in 2025! It will take place Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July 2026 and will be the first time the historic Neston Park Estate has been opened to any public event.

Wiltshire Accommodation Reopening for 2026

Make the most of your visit to Wiltshire by staying in some of the county’s top accommodation. From family-friendly hotels to city centre B&B’s, here’s a few places reopening for the New Year.

Woolley Grange Hotel

Woolley Grange, a Jacobean manor on the edge of the Cotswolds near Bath, has reopened following an extensive renovation, offering a fresh yet authentic countryside experience. The transformation includes beautifully redesigned rooms and suites, elegant dining spaces, and a revitalised spa with new treatment rooms, an outdoor hot tub and sauna. The refurbishment also introduces an accessible room, ensuring comfort and ease for all guests. Blending heritage character with contemporary style, Woolley Grange is an ideal retreat for relaxed escapes in the Wiltshire countryside.

Legacy Rose & Crown, Salisbury

Set on the picturesque banks of the River Avon, just outside Salisbury’s city centre, is Legacy Rose & Crown hotel, a historic 13th-century coaching inn offering an authentic English experience, combining heritage charm with modern comfort. Recent upgrades include fully refurbished twin room bathrooms, a new function bar opening onto their riverside garden and a ground-floor bedroom with full disabled access.

Local Food & Drink Experiences

Experience Wiltshire’s Local delicacies at the county’s award-winning food and drink attractions this New Year!

Witchmark Distillery

Witchmark Distillery is one of the largest English Whisky distilleries, located only a small distance from the iconic Stonehenge. The distillery takes its name from the medieval ‘witch marks’ carved into their Grade II listed barn dating back to the 1600s. As one of the highest B Corp certified distilleries in the UK, Witchmark has already received several global gold awards for their unique malted barley-based gins and vodka including the top 10 vodkas in the world by Forbes.

Everything is produced on-site with barley from the fields next door and filtered water from the chalk aquifer below. This is an authentic, sustainable, and unique whisky distillery tour with a difference. Visitors can also try out a gin making school experience with ample of delicious sampling available for both tours.

Wadworth Brewery – Tours & Experiences in Devizes

Discover the rich heritage and brewing expertise of Wadworth through their engaging tours and experiences.

Historic Pub Tour – Every Saturday at 2pm

Join others for a 2.5-hour guided walk through Devizes, starting at The Bear Hotel, where you'll learn about the history of Wadworth’s iconic Northgate Brewery, the evolution of Wadworth beers, and the future of the Folly Road Brewhouse. The tour includes visits to four Wadworth pubs, with a beer tasting at each, and concludes at the Wadworth Brewery Shop.

Brewhouse Tours – Every Friday at 2pm & 4pm

Explore Wadworth’s state-of-the-art brewhouse and learn about their brewing process. Enjoy tastings of both Wadworth traditional ales and Folly Road craft beers.