Wiltshire stands out for its sweeping countryside, ancient history, and timeless towns. People love its old stone circles, charming villages, and the rich stories hidden around every corner.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
Wiltshire’s charm lives in its market towns and tiny villages. Bradford-on-Avon, with its stone bridges and old wool mills, feels like a step back in time. Lacock, owned by the National Trust, is famous for its half-timbered houses.
Marlborough boasts one of the widest high streets in England, lined with shops, cafés, and lively markets. Each spot invites you to slow down and enjoy the pace of country life.
Ancient Chalk Horses in England: A Guide
England’s chalk horses are one of its most unique sights. These huge hill figures cut into chalky hillsides have stood for centuries. You can spot them riding trains or walking trails.
Wiltshire has the most chalk horses in England, and the Westbury White Horse is one of the largest and oldest. The current shape was cut in 1778 over an earlier, likely much older figure.
Set on the slope of Bratton Downs, it measures about 55 metres high and 52 metres wide. People say the horse celebrates King Alfred’s victory over the Danes, but there’s no hard proof. Still, it’s a proud symbol for Westbury and can be seen for miles.
Cut in 1780, the Cherhill White Horse sits proudly on Cherhill Downs. It was the idea of Dr Christopher Allsop, who used to oversee the cutting and upkeep. This horse has a slim neck and legs, making it look lively even from a distance.
Like other horses, it needs regular cleaning to keep the chalk white and the outline clear. The spot gives you wide views of the countryside and is a favourite spot for walkers.
The Marlborough White Horse was created in 1804 by students from Marlborough College. It’s smaller than the others, but it stands out because of its link to the college.
The horse sits on Granham Hill and became a local tradition for students to visit and clean it. Over the years, the horse has been reshaped to keep its outline sharp. It’s a charming piece of Marlborough’s history.
The Hackpen White Horse was cut in 1838 to mark Queen Victoria’s coronation. It lies on the gentle north slope of Hackpen Hill.
Locals call it the “Chalk Horse on the Ridgeway” thanks to its spot near this ancient track. Volunteers have looked after the horse, with regular chalking to keep it bright and visible.
Carved in 1937 to replace an older figure, Pewsey White Horse is the newest of the Wiltshire horses. It sits above the village of Pewsey and was cut to mark the coronation of King George VI.
The Alton Barnes White Horse appeared in 1812 thanks to local farmer Robert Pile. He hired a man for the job, but the money was stolen, and another man finished the work. The horse is large and bold, with a simple but strong outline.
It sits on Milk Hill, Wiltshire’s highest point, giving wide views over the Vale of Pewsey.
First cut in 1864, the Broad Town White Horse was created for private fun but soon became a community symbol. It’s smaller than some others but holds a strong local following. Both villagers and school groups help keep the horse clean.
The Devizes White Horse is one of the newest, cut in 1999 to mark the new millennium. Local people led the work, with help from schools and groups. Its sharp, modern style stands out from the older horses.
Salisbury Cathedral (England’s most beautiful building?)
Salisbury Cathedral draws thousands every year to Wiltshire with its stunning architecture and long history. Rising above the city’s rooftops, it offers a unique glimpse into England’s medieval past, all while serving as a centre for worship and community life.
Salisbury Cathedral boasts the tallest church spire in Britain. Stretching a massive 123 metres (404 feet) above ground, the spire dominates the local skyline.
Built between 1310 and 1330, it’s a feat of medieval engineering. Visitors can take a guided tour inside the tower for jaw-dropping views of the city and countryside, and learn how builders managed to support such a heavy structure.
Most English cathedrals took centuries to finish, but Salisbury Cathedral was built in only 38 years, from 1220 to 1258. Its quick construction means the whole building has a consistent style – Early English Gothic, marked by tall pointed arches, slim columns, and big windows.
Salisbury Cathedral’s Chapter House guards one of the best-preserved original copies of Magna Carta, sealed by King John in 1215.
Inside Salisbury Cathedral is the world’s oldest working mechanical clock, built in 1386. It has no face but chimes the hours with an internal mechanism.
The cathedral’s Chapter House is famous for its octagonal plan and graceful stone ‘fan’ vaulting. Surrounding the cathedral are Britain’s largest cloisters – peaceful, green spaces where monks once walked and meditated.
Salisbury Cathedral sits on fertile water meadows at the edge of the city. The builders moved the original settlement, Old Sarum, to this site for better access to water and trade.
The cathedral’s reflection in the meadows has inspired artists for centuries, most famously John Constable, who painted it several times.
Stonehenge: England’s Ancient Wonder
Stonehenge began life as a simple earthwork enclosure around 3000 BC. The iconic stone circle that we see today was built in stages over many centuries.
Most of the huge stones were put up between 2500 and 2200 BC. That means Stonehenge predates both the Pyramids of Giza and the oldest parts of the Great Wall of China.
There are two main types of stones at Stonehenge: sarsen stones and bluestones. The large sarsen stones weigh up to 25 tonnes and were probably dragged from Marlborough Downs, about 20 miles away.
The smaller bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in south-west Wales, more than 150 miles away. Moving these stones across rivers, hills, and fields without modern machines shows the builders’ planning and skill.
Each year at the summer and winter solstice, crowds gather at Stonehenge to watch the sunrise or sunset. The stones are aligned in such a way that, on the longest and shortest days of the year, the sun lines up with specific stones.
Archaeologists have found hundreds of cremated and buried human remains at Stonehenge. These date from when the very first ditch was dug, before the stones arrived.
Modern technology has revealed hidden secrets under and around Stonehenge. Ground-penetrating radar has uncovered pits, smaller stone circles, and ancient settlements. These finds show Stonehenge was part of a bigger network of sites.
