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The Great Wiltshire Autumn Road Trip

Wiltshire offers the perfect destination for a road trip this Autumn. From the rolling countryside of North Wessex Downs and the ancient woodland of Savernake Forest to the picture-perfect Cotswold lanes and spectacular autumn gardens like at Stourhead. When the historic landscapes and vibrant towns take on the rich shades of gold, amber and red, there is no greater time to explore Wiltshire’s top attractions and places on the road.

This 3-day itinerary is designed for travellers wanting to slow down this season, not just enjoy each destination but the journey along the way. Throughout your trip, discover historic villages, local food and welcoming places to stay, with plenty of opportunities to get out of the car and explore on foot.

Day 1: Marlborough and the North Wessex Downs

Start your autumn road trip in Marlborough, one of Wiltshire’s historic market towns, located on the edge of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Famous for its wide high street, independent shops, cafes and historic buildings including St Peter’s Church, Marlborough is an ideal starting point for exploring the countryside of North Wiltshire.

The town’s location makes it particularly convenient for reaching the Savernake Forest and Avebury, two of Wiltshire’s most atmospheric autumn destinations.

Savernake Forest

Take a drive just south of Marlborough to Savernake Forest, an ancient woodland covering over 4,500 acres. Its network of woodland tracks and paths makes it ideal for a leisurely walk and offers a spectacular display of colour through the autumn season. Savernake is perfect for a road trip this season, allowing you to drive, stop, stroll and discover, all in one place.

Avebury Stone Circle and Village

Continue your road trip through North Wessex Downs towards Avebury, home to the World’s largest prehistoric stone circle and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site with Stonehenge! Unlike Stonehenge however, Avebury’s stones surround the village and landscape. Not only can you walk close to the stones, but this landmark allows you to explore the village streets and discover more about the area’s fascinating history.

A typical autumn morning at Avebury is a spectacular sight, with low mist amongst the stones and surrounding rolling hills.

End the Day in Malmesbury

After exploring one of Wiltshire’s 3 National Landscapes, continue north-west to Malmesbury, England’s oldest borough. Stay at The Old Bell Hotel, an award-winning 4 AA star hotel and renowned as England’s oldest purpose-built hotel! The Old Bell seamlessly blends centuries of heritage with modern touches, preserving the hotel’s unique features whilst incorporating vibrant interiors.

The on-site Abbey Row Restaurant offers a wide range of classic British dishes with a European dish. Enjoy within their cosy dining area before settling in for the night.

Day 2: Exploring the Cotswolds

Spend the morning exploring Malmesbury and its rich history including the stunning 12^th Century Abbey, Market Cross and Norman Abbey, as well as its charming streets featuring an array of independent shops, plus a weekly market every Friday.

Malmesbury offers a great base for exploring the wider Cotswolds and is just a short drive from top attractions including Westonbirt Arboretum, the next stop on your Wiltshire road trip.

Westonbirt, The National Arboretum

Following a scenic drive through the Cotswold National Landscape and its stunning villages including Tetbury, enjoy an afternoon exploring Westonbirt’s stunning Arboretum, home to around 2,500 different species of trees. Its autumn display is particularly spectacular, with Japanese maples producing a landscape of intense reds, oranges and yellows.

Westonbirt also offer plenty of guided walks around their arboretum and Silk Wood Forest. Several daily sessions take place during the peak autumn period between 1 October to 15 November.

Corsham

Head south along the edge of the Cotswold National Landscape, to the pretty market town of Corsham, peppered with honey-coloured Georgian buildings, a historic high street and peacocks!

Corsham’s classic English charm can be recognised as a location in BBC drama Poldark and Disney+ Rivals. But the town’s origins go back as far as Saxon times, when King Ethelred has a summer palace on the site of Corsham Court.

Stay at Corsham House, a restaurant and wine shop featuring 11 cosy bedrooms. Sitting on the town’s historic High Street, this Brasserie offers unique place to stay during your autumn road trip.

Extend your Trip: If you want to stay in the area a little longer, Corsham is close to a range of other popular destinations including Lacock and Bath, both within a 10-mile radius of the town.

Day 3: A Day with Drive and Stroll

Head out on a special road trip with Drive and Stroll, providers of private guided tours featuring scenic drives and short strolls, perfect for exploring Wiltshire’s picture-perfect destinations this Autumn.

Drive and Stroll: Garden’s Delight Tour

Their beautiful gardens day tours takes in a riot of colour, scents, trees and history as you discover some of Wiltshire’s best gardens; Stourhead and Iford Manor Estate. Start your day at the National Trust property of Stourhead, where you will stroll amongst a wide range of plants and trees, featuring classic temples, grottoes, gothic cottages and a spectacular lake.

Autumn is one of the best times to visit Stourhead, with reflections across the lake surrounded by rich reds, oranges and golds.

Late morning you will be driven to the privately owned Iford Manor Estate, where you will enjoy a light lunch before exploring the Grad 1 listed gardens. These are particularly distinctive, with their Italianate character, terraces and atmospheric setting in the Iford Valley.

Your Wiltshire Road trip doesn’t have to stop here. Continue with Drive and Strolls Garden Tour itinerary, with a visit to Bradford on Avon, a hilltop market town featuring historic buildings, independent shops, cafes and plenty of riverside scenery. Stay at The Three Daggers, a combined pub, farm shop, brewery and boutique accommodation, the ideal place to stay for exploring the local countryside and southern parts of Wiltshire.