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3 Days Exploring South Wiltshire: History, Culture & Beautiful Landscapes

The southern parts of Wiltshire are home to a range of stunning villages, historic landmarks and picturesque landscapes. A haven for walkers, cyclists and those looking for a unique getaway this season, explore the highlights of South Wiltshire with this 3-day itinerary. From the medieval streets of Salisbury and the mysterious stones of Stonehenge to the rolling hills of Cranborne Chase, vineyards and magnificent country estates.

Day 1: Salisbury & Stonehenge

Start your South Wiltshire adventure in Salisbury, a traditional Cathedral City packed with Medieval charm. Salisbury is easily accessible via main roads from London, Bath, Hampshire, Dorset and Somerset, making it the perfect first destination for your Wiltshire journey.

Salisbury Cathedral

Take time to explore the picturesque streets, filled with independent shops and cafes, its Market Square surrounded by traditionally English pubs, before making your way to Salisbury Cathedral, one of Wiltshire’s most famous landmarks. Dating back to 1218, the Cathedral is a magnificent example of Medieval architecture and is home to one of best preserved, one of 4 surviving copies of the 1215 Magna Carta.

Don’t Miss: Explore the surrounding Cathedral Close, home to Salisbury Museum, Arundells, The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum and Mompesson House.

Stonehenge

Head to Salisbury Train Station, where you will find The Stonehenge Tour bus. Hop on board and relax as you are transported from Salisbury city centre to the prehistoric Stonehenge landmark.

Managed by English Heritage, Stonehenge is a World Heritage Site and one of Wiltshire’s top attractions! Dating back approximately 5,000 years, Stonehenge is famously known to align with the rising and setting of the sun at Summer and Winter solstices. Now visited by thousands throughout the year, discover the mysteries of this prehistoric stone circle.

Make sure to explore the visitor centre and exhibition space before taking The Stonehenge Tour bus back to Salisbury for the evening.

Top Tip: Pre-book your tickets for Stonehenge, especially if you plan to visit during busy periods.

Return to Salisbury for a wide variety of dining options, home to popular restaurants including Giggling Squid and Wagamama, or head a short drive out of the city to enjoy pub classics at inns like The Pembroke Arms in Wilton, where you can also stay overnight!

Or if you prefer a more central place to stay in Salisbury, there’s the White Hart, Milford Hall or Rose & Crown, all walking distance from the main high street.

Day 2: Exploring Cranborne Chase and Stourhead

Explore one of Wiltshire’s National Landscapes on the second day of your trip around South Wiltshire. Cranborne Chase is the 6^th largest National Landscape in the country and allows its visitors to truly escape the hustle and bustle this season. The Nadder Valley runs through the area, from Wilton just outside Salisbury and passing villages including Tisbury. Head just past this small town where you will find the Pythouse Kitchen Garden, the perfect location for a bite to eat.

Surrounded by a stunning Victorian walled garden, Pythouse specialises in outdoor cooking with their south facing garden featuring a myriad of plants, fruit and vegetables taking centre stage in all their dishes.

After a relaxing lunch, continue through Cranborne Chase, through wild open spaces, chalk downland and rich history, before reaching your next destination, Stourhead National Trust.

Stourhead is one of Wiltshire’s most spectacular landscapes, featuring a world-famous landscaped garden, temples, grottoes, expansive views, lakeside reflections and stunning woodland paths.

Don’t Miss: Be sure to visit Stourhead during the Autumn season (late September-late October is best) for some of the most spectacular displays of colour. It’s rich golden and red scenery make it one of the most photographed locations in Wiltshire!

Spend the evening in the surrounding countryside by staying at The Bell & Crown, just a few minutes’ drive from Stourhead. Each of their 6, newly restored, en-suite rooms are simply and stylishly decorated in a calming palette with pops of colour that emulate the pub’s character. Located just off the A303, The Bell offers the perfect stopover for travelling around Wiltshire and the west country.

Day 3: End your South Wiltshire Adventure at Longleat

There’s plenty to fill your last day on this Wiltshire itinerary when visiting Longleat, a 20 minute drive from your overnight stay. From the famous Safari Drive-through and Adventure Castle, to the Elizabethan Longleat House and animal attractions, Longleat is the perfect day trip for all ages, whether you visit as a family, as a couple or with friends.

With an on-site café, restaurant and plenty of other outdoor food vendors, plus a picnic area, you can enjoy lunch amongst the wildlife during your visit.

Top Tip: Allow at least 3-4 hours, although families could easily spend most of the day there.

After 3-days exploring historic landmarks, prehistoric sites, beautiful gardens and spectacular countryside, finish your trip by heading back to Salisbury, where you can continue discovering the local history of this city, or extend your trip further afield to explore more of Wiltshire.

Don’t Miss: Why not explore more of the Wiltshire landscapes with Foot Trails, an expert walking & hiking travel company who arrange self-guided walking trips throughout Wiltshire and the South West of England. With their experiences, you can discover all that Wiltshire has to offer, the perfect way to extend your south Wiltshire itinerary!

Other Ideas: Extend your trip through Cranborne Chase National Landscape, with Cranborne Chase Escapes. Offering premium e-bike adventures, whether you’re looking for a relaxed half-day ride, a scenic pub-to-pub route, or a multi-day countryside escape, their e-bikes make it easy to explore quiet villages, hidden valleys and big open skies at your own pace.