Autumn in Wiltshire: Where to Find Colourful Walks, Cosy Pubs and Timeless Landscapes

It’s time to get cosy with a trip to Wiltshire this Autumn. Offering a ‘warm’ welcome with its golden countryside and colourful woodland walks, crisp mornings exploring picturesque villages and delicious local pub classics beside log burning fires. Here’s your guide to discovering the best of Autumn in Wiltshire; where to find idyllic walks, cosy eateries and timeless landscapes.

Colourful Autumn Walks in Wiltshire

Wiltshire is home to over 8,000 ancients paths, and with almost half the county designated to National Landscapes, you’ll be able to find some of the best walks in Wiltshire during the autumn season.

Stourhead National Trust, Stourton

Soak up the rich autumn colours and picturesque scenery as you enter the magical grounds of Stourhead. Located on the Wiltshire-Somerset border, this 18^th Century landscape garden is one not to miss when visiting Wiltshire in Autumn. Putting on a show, be sure to bring your camera and capture the beautiful displays of reds, oranges, and golds as you wonder through the magnificent estate. Here, you will find hidden caves, grottoes, classical temples and stunning lake reflections.

Savernake Forest, North Wessex Downs National Landscape

Located south east of Marlborough is the Savernake Forest, a Special Site of Scientific Interest and a great destination for Autumn lovers. Managed by the Forestry Commission, this forest has been well-kept with many veteran trees showing off their warm colours. Covering 2,750 acres, there is plenty of paths to explore for the whole family this Autumn.

The Kennet and Avon Canal

Combining beautiful scenery with incredible historic detail, the Kennet and Avon Canal is a site not to be missed this Autumn. Think long narrowboats surrounded by mist, shimmering reflections along the water, and even the opportunity to spot some wildlife or two! The Kennet and Avon Canal stretches across Wiltshire and offers some of the most atmospheric walks this Autumn.

Explore Wiltshire’s Timeless Landscapes

Filled with sweeping hills, glowing countryside views and historic landscapes, exploring Wiltshire is like stepping back in time, with the county’s rich history coming to life in Autumn.

Stonehenge and Avebury World Heritage Site

Standing impressively as a prehistoric monument of unique importance and surrounded by remains of ceremonial and domestic structures, Stonehenge is one of Wiltshire’s most iconic landmarks. Visited by thousands each year, it remains a highlight of any trip to Wiltshire.

Stonehenge’s orientation on the rising and setting sun has always been one of its remarkable features, and the full reasoning behind its placement remain a mystery to this day.

Did you know? Wiltshire is home to the World’s largest Stone Circle? Avebury stone circle, part of the World Heritage Site with the iconic Stonehenge, surrounds the pretty village with its Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, stone avenues and ancient tombs.

Both Stonehenge and Avebury offer the perfect contrast this autumn season, with its ancient monuments standing strong against the glowing scenery.

Wiltshire’s White Horses

Wiltshire is home to 8 white horses, carved into the hillsides. With the oldest horse, Westbury, dating back to 1778, these white horses is a unique part of Wiltshire’s history. There are only a few accessible up close through walking paths, but each one offers an iconic view during the autumn season. Cherhill White Horse is a fantastic view from the harvested fields below, with the Lansdowne Monument by its side.

Exploring Wiltshire’s Picturesque Towns and Villages

Discover more of Wiltshire’s unique heritage by visiting the county’s most picturesque towns, villages and even its very own Medieval City!

Corsham

Located on the edge of the Cotswolds National Landscape is the pretty town of Corsham. Some might no it as a popular backdrop for BBC’s Poldark, or Disney+ Rivals series. Locals know it for its golden stone cottages, 17^th-Century Almshouses and parading peacocks!

Malmesbury

Explore the stunning streets of Malmesbury this autumn. Not only is Malmesbury England’s oldest borough, but the town boasts a rich history with its stunning 12^th Century Abbey and original Market Cross, as well as a charming market and thriving independent shops. Malmesbury offers the perfect day of discovery, with plenty of surrounding parklands and walking trails offering the perfect way to explore this picturesque Cotswold destination.

Salisbury

Wiltshire’s very own Medieval City, Salisbury boasts ageless beauty, captivating history and traditional charm. It’s lively culture never fails to inspire locals and visitors, with no day going without an exciting event, musical performance, or historic exhibition.

Home to Salisbury Cathedral, the city’s most famous attraction, featuring the tallest spire in the country, as well as one of only 4 surviving original 1215 Magna Carta! The Cathedral showcases a magnificent example of medieval engineering both inside and out and is host to a range of events and experiences throughout the year.

Stay Warm inside a Cosy Wiltshire Pub

After a day of exploring Wiltshire’s historic streets, countryside and iconic landmarks, be sure to get comfortable inside one of the county’s cosy pubs. Offering local food, warm drinks and a traditional English atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a true Autumnal experience when staying in Wiltshire.

The Beckford Arms

The Beckford Arms is a traditionally delightful 18th-Century country inn located on the edge of the rolling parkland of the Fonthill Estate. The Beckford Arms offers great food in a classic pub environment, and better yet, you can stay here too! There are 8 simple yet stylish rooms set within the pub, beautifully designed to reflect the British countryside and views of the ever-changing surroundings. Who doesn’t love a cosy stay this autumn!

The Three Daggers

Surrounded by the rolling Wiltshire countryside, The Three Daggers is THE place to slow down, switch off and enjoy the crisp days of Autumn. Featuring a pub, farm shop, brewery and accommodation, The Three Daggers is the whole package for your trip to Wiltshire.

Sign of the Angel

Located in the National Trust village of Lacock, the Sign of the Angel is a 15^th-Century coaching inn that encompasses the key elements of a traditional inn, providing great tasting food, large open fires, homely rooms and a cosy atmosphere.

Make the most of the rich Autumn season with a trip to Wiltshire. Plan your visit now.