Press Release 16 August 2017
Top Picks for Things to do in Wiltshire this August Bank Holiday Weekend
With the summer holidays in full swing and the sun finally shining, it’s time to make the most of the last bank holiday weekend of the year! VisitWiltshire has put together their top picks for family things to do and places to stay. So why wait – book your visit now and make time for Wiltshire this summer!
Great British Food Festival, Saturday 26 – Monday 28 August
Back by popular demand, at the stunning Bowood House and Gardens, this event promises to get your taste buds tingling with over 50 artisan producers, a big serving of hot food, real ale and wine bars. There will be top chef demos from Great British Bake Off finalists, craft and gift stalls and new for this year a ‘plant your own’ area for kids and ‘cooking in a camper’ demonstration. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out for the whole family. Tickets are only £25 for a family (2 adults and 3 children).
Devizes International Street Festival, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August
Devizes welcomes some of the best street performers, contemporary circus acts, dancers, musicians and walkabout shows from across the UK and Europe to amaze, entertain and inspire visitors. Free entry.
Grand Medieval Joust, Old Sarum, Salisbury, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August, 11am – 5pm.
Experience a spectacle of speed and skill as four masterful knights battle for good or evil. Choose your champion in this colourful display of chivalry and courage. Visitors will be surrounded by pageantry, where they can marvel at falcons in flight, immerse themselves in living history encampments and test their bravery in the hobby-horse jousting tournaments. Family tickets from only £19.65.
Crofton Beam Engines In Steam, near Marlborough, Saturday 26 – Monday 28 August, 10.30am – 5pm
Experience the power of the world’s oldest working steam powered beam engines still capable of pumping water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal. Visitors can learn about the 200 year old history, take a stroll along the canal or enjoy a snack in the Engineman’s Rest café. Adults £8, children (under 16) free.
St Giles’ Church, Imber, Saturday 26 – Monday 28 August. Opening times are Saturday 10am – 6pm and Sunday and Monday 11am – 4pm.
A rare opportunity to access this amazing church in the heart of Salisbury Plain as it is only open on a few days every year. Visitors can learn about the unique history of the church and village which was evacuated in 1943 and remains deserted to this day. Free of charge but donations welcome.
Superheroes at Roves Farm, Sevenhampton, Tuesday 22 – Thursday 31 August, 10am – 5pm.
Great family fun where you can duck, dive and dodge your way through this elite training course using your chosen superpower! Fancy dress encouraged. In addition to the usual daily farm activities visitors can also make and create their own superhero to take home. Tickets £9.50 per adult/child.
August Bank Holiday Race Day, Castle Combe, Monday 28 August, 8am – 6pm.
If its speed you’re after check out the spectacular racing including the new Hot Hatch Challenge which will be eclectic and exhilarating. Advance tickets £15 adult and £10 senior which include Paddock Pass.
Other popular events in Wiltshire include Gurston Down Speed Hill Climb, near Salisbury on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August and the Corsley Show, near Warminster on Monday 28 August.
There is plenty more to see and do in Wiltshire so why not stay and play!
Family friendly accommodation suggestions:
Cholderton Youth Hostel, near Salisbury – This 4 star youth hostel has family en-suite accommodation located at Cholderton Charlie’s Farm. There is a lounge with TV, dining area, self-catering kitchen and visitor café. Price for a family room which sleeps up to 8 people is £197 per night.
Piccadilly Caravan Park, Lacock.Part hard-standing, and part grassed, there are 45 pitches, divided over several hedged areas, ideal for keen campers or for those with caravans. Children’s play area, games field and dog walks. Prices are from £19 per pitch per night.
Horsebrook House Apartment, Calne – A fine Georgian building, this one bedroomed ground floor apartment is beautifully furnished with antiques of the period. Would suit couple with baby as space for cot. Dogs welcome too! Prices are from £97 per night based on 3 night stay.
Please note, all of the above are subject to availability. Check out VisitWiltshire’s Summer Special Offers at www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/special-offers
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Notes to editors:
VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation with our main funder being Wiltshire Council. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
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