Press release 22 April 2015
GREAT REASONS FOR GROUPS TO MAKE TIME FOR WILTSHIRE IN AUTUMN AND WINTER 2015 & 2016
22 April 2015
Wiltshire is timeless wonders, timeless nature, timeless pleasures and timeless places. It is easily accessible being only 90 minutes or less, from London and within two hours of the south coast, the Midlands and Wales.
There are many exciting events and activities taking place this autumn and winter in Wiltshire which are perfect for groups visiting.
Salisbury is undoubtedly Britain’s hottest city to visit in 2015 with travel guide publisher Lonely Planet listing it among the top 10 cities in the world. Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta is celebrating the 800th anniversary of Magna Carta with events from Salisbury to Trowbridge running throughout the year www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on/magna-carta-2015.
Wiltshire is well known for its high quality arts and culture and Salisbury’s Contemporary Craft & Heritage Festival, taking place on 5 and 6 September on the west lawn of Salisbury Cathedral’s Close, aims to become the largest and most prestigious festival of its kind in the UK, showcasing contemporary arts and crafts and heritage skills. www.salisburycraftfestival.org
Many other fascinating places to visit can also be found in Cathedral Close, Arundells, a beautiful 18th century house, part of which dates back to the 13th century, is the home of British Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath, who was also an amazing musician, sailor and art collector. A joint ticket with Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta is available exclusively for groups of 10 or more up until 4 November. Please enquire for winter opening for groups – www.arundells.org
The Salisbury Museum is open all year and has recently opened a new Turner exhibition – Architecture & Ambition, which can be seen up until 27 September alongside its world class Wessex Gallery of archaeology www.salisburymuseum.org.uk.
If archaeology is of interest to your group then Wiltshire is not complete without a visit to Stonehenge and its amazing Visitor Centre (pre-booked time slots, allow 2 hours) www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge
To complete the experience the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes is home to the best Bronze Age archaeology collection in Britain. See gold from the time of Stonehenge and explore the galleries to find out more about the fascinating history of Wiltshire and its people over the last 6,000 years. Open all year. www.wiltshiremuseum.org.uk
2016 marks the 300th anniversary of the birth of one of England's greatest landscape gardeners, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. He is renowned for the creation of breath-taking pastoral settings, and Wiltshire is home to a number of his greatest horticultural masterpieces. These include, Lacock Abbey where he re-designed the 13th century parkland and in nearby Corsham, he created the ‘ha ha’ at Corsham Court in 1760. Lacock Abbey, Village & Fox Talbot Museum is open all year but with winter restrictions - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock.
Other glimpses into the work of this amazing man can be seen at Bowood House where, in the 18th century, he created a flowing mix of woodlands and lawns sloping down to a winding lake. Bowood House & Gardens are open until 1 November www.bowood.org.
There are 900 acres of parkland at Longleat House, much of which ‘Capability Brown’ transformed. He planted the Pleasure Walk (arboretum) to the south west of the House. New garden tours are now available and group discounted rates apply – www.longleat.co.uk/groups. Longleat Safari & Adventure Park events such as Halloween Spooktacular 23 – 31 October, Fantastic Fireworks 23 – 31 October and Christmas Festival of Lights various dates between 13 November – 3 January. See website for details – www.longleat.co.uk/events
To mark both the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and Wiltshire’s contribution to Spitfire production, an exciting programme of education and community events will take place during Salisbury Wings Week from 14 – 20 September.
If aviation is of interest to your group then a trip just over the Wiltshire border to Fleet Air Arm Museum at Yeovilton is a must! It tells the stories of naval aviation from the first manned kites towed behind naval vessels, to helium filled airships, seaplanes, bi-planes and carrier borne aircraft of WW2 and modern Sea Harriers and helicopters. Many exciting memorable events and exhibitions throughout the year. Open all year with winter restrictions - www.fleetairarm.com
Wiltshire has many charming market towns with independent shops, colourful markets and plenty places to eat and drink for ideal coach stop off points. A highlight for many groups is a stop off at Bradford on Avon’s delightful Bridge Tea Rooms for a traditional West Country afternoon tea with the finest leaf teas in delicate bone china, home-made cakes, pastries and sandwiches served by friendly staff in Victorian costumes within a former blacksmith’s cottage dating back to 1502. Pre-booking essential for coaches – max 50 people www.thebridgetearooms.co.uk
For groups wishing to shop, why not consider a visit to Salisbury Christmas Market, 26 November - 19 December, rated by the Daily Telegraph as one of the ‘Top 5 Christmas Markets in the UK’, and with 2014 being its busiest ever season, it is a must visit shopping experience.
www.salisburychristmasmarket.co.uk. Or perhaps a visit to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Swindon who are undertaking a £40 million regeneration project ensuring visitors receive an enjoying and exhilarating shopping experience and day out. New coach parking facilities will be available soon - www.mcarthurglen.com/uk/swindon-designer-outlet
For great group accommodation in Wiltshire – ask for superb ‘out of season’ prices, contact The Cathedral Hotel www.cathedralhotelsalisbury.co.uk, Best Western Mayfield House Hotel www.mayfieldhousehotel.co.uk, Milford Hall Hotel www.milfordhallhotel.com, Hilton Swindon http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/united-kingdom/hilton-swindon-SWIHNHN
For further information on ‘things to do’, ‘where to stay’ and ‘what’s on’ in Wiltshire throughout the year please see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk or for specific information on group visits please see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
Follow us on twitter @VisitWiltshire or on Facebook #timeforwiltshire
For further information, images or to register your interest for a familiarisation visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Note to editors: VisitWiltshire was established in August 2011 and is the official Tourist Board for Wiltshire. It is a private sector membership organisation representing 600 partners. 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 28,000 jobs.