Visiting Wiltshire Responsibly

Summer is upon us and Wiltshire is beginning to re-open. Before you start planning your next adventure, make sure you Know Before You Go - plan your trip carefully, check for restrictions before you travel and book in advance where necessary...

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It's Time for Wiltshire

From 4 July, many more of Wiltshire's businesses - including accommodation, food and drink, and things to do - will be able to reopen. We're thrilled that so many of our favourite attractions are welcoming visitors once more! 

Things may look slightly different, as local businesses have been working hard to update how they do things and make sure everything is safe for both staff and visitors. Websites and businesses will be displaying new certification, including the new Nationally-recognised "We're Good to Go" mark to demonstrate the new measures they have in place to protect us all from COVID-19.

Please protect, respect and enjoy Wiltshire during your visit. We are asking all visitors to be considerate of local people, other visitors, wildlife and our landscapes and to abide by Government social distancing guidelines at all times. Please be patient as we all adjust to new ways of doing things and follow our simple advice below for a safe, responsible and enjoyable trip:

•  - When planning your trip, check that important facilities like toilets and car parks are open before you travel.
•  - If you want to visit a particular attraction, you may need to pre-book a time slot (even if you are a member). Check online before you set off.
•  - Some of Wiltshire's best known beauty spots are likely to be extremely popular. Get off the beaten track and discover our hidden gems to avoid the crowds. 
•  - Keep two metres apart from anyone outside your household (one metre plus from the 4th July) – this not only applies to walking, but running, cycling, sitting and sunbathing too.
•  - Wear your face covering at all times when on public transport including buses, trains, taxis, and minicabs. 
•  - Make sure you have a bank card as many outlets are currently not accepting cash.
•  - Take hand sanitiser with you – you don’t know where will be open for you to wash your hands. 
•  - Leave the car behind where possible and visit nearby attractions by walking or cycling.

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Find time and space in Wiltshire

With over 8,000 footpaths, swathes of ancient prehistoric landscape, and almost half the county designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wiltshire is the perfect place to find open spaces away from the crowds. If you are visiting our countryside, please read the government's advice on accessing green spaces safely to ensure you have a safe and responsible visit and follow our guidance below for respecting our natural landscapes:

Find Space and Respect Wiltshire

Respect our local communities. With hundreds of miles of footpaths and bridleways, you'll find plenty of space to enjoy here in Wiltshire. Please stick to Public Right of Ways as you wander and do not picnic or exercise on private land.

Respect our wildlife. Please tread carefully and keep an eye out for wildlife that may have moved into unexpected places during the lockdown. Keep dogs on a lead and do not stray from footpaths and bridleways to avoid disturbing ground nesting birds and other wildlife.

Respect our ancient landscapes. With prehistoric monuments, historic buildings and industrial landmarks scattered across Wiltshire, exploring our county is like walking through time. Please leave our landscapes as you find them by taking all litter home with you, not having barbecues, and following the countryside code.

Stay Safe and Protect Wiltshire

Protect yourself by avoiding busy beauty spots that might attract crowds. There is plenty of space to be found here in Wiltshire. Explore further afield to find a quiet, peaceful spot away from others where you can maintain social distancing. Be prepared to go elsewhere if you arrive at a destination and find that too many other people have had the same idea!

Protect others by maintaining strict social distancing and staying "one meter plus" away from anyone outside your household whilst exercising, sitting and socialising. Avoid parking too close to other people's houses and remember to wash your hands regularly. Some of Wiltshire's historic towns and villages have narrow streets that make it hard to maintain social distancing - plan in advance to avoid these areas.

Enjoy Wiltshire

Enjoy discovering and supporting our small local businesses. Please support our local businesses by making use of them and abiding by their social distancing protocols.

Enjoy space and time in Wiltshire's glorious countryside. From open chalk downlands to pretty villages, and from peaceful woodland to grassy meadows, there is plenty to see. Please follow any specific guidelines from our friends and partners about accessing these landscapes, including the National Trust, Forestry Commission, English Heritage, The Canal and River Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, North Wessex Downs AONB, Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust, and local councils. Some car parks may need to be booked in advance, and some attractions are not open. Remember to Know Before you Go and check what facilities are open before you travel. 

Enjoy Wiltshire from home. If you cannot come and enjoy Wiltshire in person, why not take a virtual trip to Wiltshire to enjoy our timeless county at home.

#FindSpace #StaySafe