Wiltshire (ancient chalk horses and Stonehenge)
Wiltshire is a large county in southwest England, far more than the county town of Swindon. It’s home to England’s most beautiful building and more chalk horses than anywhere in the land! And mysterious Stonehenge.
If out walking, follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe (learn how to upright an overturned sheep). Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, cliffs and toxic plants/trees.
At the coast, keep dogs away from nesting birds and sand dunes. Read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside. Check beach bans before travel.
Salisbury cathedral (our most beautiful building?)
American writer Bill Bryson thinks so. Salisbury cathedral was built in the 13th century, and features England’s tallest church spire that rises 123 metres above the surrounding countryside.
Inside, it has beautiful medieval architecture and one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. The peaceful Close outside is a wonderful setting, even if you’re more interested in nature than churches.
Wiltshire’s ancient chalk horses
Carved into the Wessex Downs, most of England’s chalk horses are here, the best-known being the White Horse at Westbury.
A reminder of the fascinating history, they make a striking sight against the green countryside. Especially on a clear day.
Stonehenge – England’s mysterious stone circles
Stonehenge is one of England’s natural wonders, a set of prehistoric monuments said to have inspired Bath’s famous Crescent (based on the sun and moon). No-one is quite sure how they got there, likely to have been by sea, when there was more water surrounding the area.
The purpose of Stonehenge is still known, though the stones are likely to do with burial rites. Today they are celebrated during the summer solstice.
The Wiltshire bookshelf
Exploring Avebury (2026) is an excellent guide to the world’s largest stone circle, surrounded by a wealth of ancient monuments. This sacred landscape is over 5000 years old, the book is illustrated with 400 photographs, maps and diagrams. Learn to see it through the eyes of those who built it!
