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Wiltshire - Castles, Cathedrals,
Monuments,
Stately Homes & Palaces
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Since the stone age, man has been
creating majestic structures that we still marvel at
today.
Whether you are interested in ancient monuments,
battlefield sites, re-enactments,
Roman and Norman forts and castles, Stately Homes, Country Houses, Historic
Cathedrals, Ruined Abbeys etc, this is the page that
should give you the information you need.
Here we try to list properties in
private ownership but open to the public (even if only
occasionally) as well as those in the care of the
National Trust or English/Scottish Heritage.
We know that not all the
properties in Wiltshire are listed. Please help us
make this guide comprehensive by giving details of
missing attractions
here.
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OLD SARUM CASTLE
Castle Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3SD
Tel: 01722 335398
Fax: 01722 416037
E-mail:
old_sarum.castle@english-heritage.org.uk
Web:
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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The massive
Iron Age hillfort of Old Sarum (Old
Salisbury) was reused by the Romans,
Saxons and Normans, before growing into
one of the most flourishing settlements
in medieval England.
This fascinating and dramatic site
contains the ruins of a castle, cathedral
and Bishop's Palace.
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From the Iron Age ramparts there are fine views of
the surrounding countryside, an ideal spot for a
picnic. A guide book and souvenirs are available
from the on site shop. Look out for Special Events
throughout the summer. Pick up a copy of our
Special Events Diary at any English Heritage Site
or call 0870 333 1181.
For further details on Old Sarum in Salisbury,
Wiltshire see our website.
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OLD WARDOUR CASTLE
Tisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 6RJ
Tel/Fax: 01747 870487
E-mail:
customers@english-heritage.org.uk
Web:
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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The unusual
hexagonal ruins of Old Wardour Castle
stand serenely in its lakeside setting,
protected by acres of woodland.
But this beguiling scene of tranquillity
masks a blood thirsty past - a terrible
battle was fought here in 1643 when
Parliamentarian forces besieged the
castle for several weeks. |
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By the time the occupants surrendered , the damage
to the castle was extensive. An audio tour brings to
life the castles long history. Today, surrounded
by landscaped gardens which include an elaborate
rockwork grotto, Old Wardour is a picturesque
location for picnics and a relaxing day out.
Pick up a copy of our special events diary at
any English Heritage site or call 0870 333 1181.
For further details on Wardour Castle near
Salisbury, Wiltshire see our website.
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STONEHENGE
English Heritage, Nr. Amesbury, Wiltshire, SP4
7DE
Tel: 01980 624715 Fax: 0
E-mail:
old_sarum.castle@english-heritage.org.uk
Web:
www.english-heritage.org.uk
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Stonehenge stands
impressively as a prehistoric monument of
unique importance, a World Heritage Site,
surrounded by remains of ceremonial and
domestic structures - some older than the
monument itself.
Many of these features - earthworks, burial
mounds and other circular 'henge' monuments
- are accessible by road or public footpath. |
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Stonehenge at Sunset -
Photo:
John Spivey |
Stonehenge's orientation on
the rising and setting sun has always been one
of its remarkable features. Whether this was
simply because the builders came from a
sun-worshipping culture, or because - as some
scholars believe - the circle and its banks were
part of a huge astrological calendar, remains a
mystery.
To complete your visit, there is a superb gift
shop and the Stonehenge Kitchen. Audio tour
available in 9 languages, easy disabled access,
hearing loop and Braille guide available. There is more to Stonehenge
than most "tourists" get to see. One man is
determined to pass on what he has learnt in
order to ensure that the true purpose is
understood. More...
For further details on Stonehenge near Amesbury,
Wiltshire see our website.
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MOMPESSON HOUSE
The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EL
Tel: 01722 335659 Fax:
01722 321559 Info Line:
01722 420980.
E-mail:
mompessonhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
Opening Times: Saturday 15th March to
October, Saturday to Wednesday 11.00am to
5.00pm. Last admission 4.30pm.
Mompesson House, The House in The Close is a
perfect example of Queen Anne architecture and
was built for Charles Mompesson in 1701. It is
noted for its elegant and spacious interior,
especially the magnificent plasterwork and fine
oak staircase. See the important Turnbull
collection of 18th century drinking glasses,
fine period furniture and charming walled garden
with its garden tea room. Mompesson house
featured as Mrs Jennings' London home in the
award-winning film Sense and Sensibility.
Mompesson House is today owned by the National
Trust.
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Avebury Stone Circle
nr Marlborough, SN8 1RF
Tel: 01672 539250
Fax: 01672 538038
E-mail:
avebury@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Two Avebury Stones -
Photo:
Chris Collard
CCL |
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World-famous stone circle at the heart of a
prehistoric landscape.
One of the most important
megalithic monuments in Europe is spread over a
vast area at Avebury, much of it under Trust
protection.
The great stone circle, encompassing
part of the village of Avebury, is enclosed by a
ditch and external bank and approached by an
avenue of stones.
Many of the stones were
re-erected in the 1930s by the archaeologist
Alexander Keiller.
The site Museum, including an exhibition in the
17th-century thatched threshing barn, presents
the archaeological story.
Finds from the site and interactive and
audio-visual displays are used to tell the story
of the monuments and the people who have helped
to reveal their past. |
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Nearby, Windmill Hill was once the site of an
important Neolithic settlement and has
preserved Bronze Age burial mounds.
West of Avebury, the Iron Age earthwork of
Oldbury Castle crowns Cherhill Down, along
with the conspicuous Lansdowne Monument.
With the spectacular folds of Calstone
Coombes, this area of open downland provides
wonderful walking opportunities
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Avebury Stone Circle -
Photo:
Christine Matthews
CCL |
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Westbury White Horse &
Bratton Camp
Tel: 01373 827158
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Westbury White Horse is
the most famous landmark in West Wiltshire.
A perfect picnic spot, it has breathtaking
views of the Wiltshire and Somerset
countryside. |
The present White Horse was originally cut in
1778, however, legend suggests that it rests on
the site of an even older horse that
commemorated the defeat of the Danes by King
Alfred at Ethandun in AD878. Bratton Camp is
what remains of massive fortifications of a
2,000 year old Iron Age Hill fort. Its steep
ditches and banks surround an even older
Neolithic barrow or burial mound.
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Battlesbury Hill
Warminster, Wiltshire
Impressive Iron Age hill fort strongly defended
by double ramparts and a ditch on its south west
side, with triple ramparts on the less steep
west side. The ramparts follow the kidney-shaped
contours of the hill and enclose nearly 25
acres. Strip lynchets on eastern slopes.
Archaeological finds are held at Devizes Museum.
Extensive views over Salisbury Plain and Wylye
Valley.
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Cley Hill
Warminster, Wiltshire
An Iron Age hill fort with two Bronze Age bowl
barrows situated on the highest point. At 800
feet high, the climb can be daunting but is well
worth it for the views in all directions,
particularly over Warminster. Cley Hill was
formerly owned by the Marquis of Bath, who
donated it to the National Trust in the 1950's
and is famous as a UFO sighting place.
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Farleigh Hungerford Castle
Tel: 01225 754026
These are ruins of a 14th century castle. The
well-preserved chapel contains fine stained
glass and wall paintings. The crypt holds eight
mummified bodies in lead and the priest house is
used as a museum. Special events, such as
tournaments and Civil War re-enactments take
place from April - October.
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CORSHAM & LACOCK CHURCHES
C/O Corsham Estate Office, The Coach House,
Pickwick Road, Corsham, Wiltshire, SN13 9BJ
Tel: 01249 715511 Fax:
01249 715930
E-mail:
mail@corshamandlacockchurches.org.uk
Web:
www.corshamandlacockchurches.org.uk
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The historic
parish churches of Corsham, Lacock,
Neston, Gastard and Bowden Hill are set
in beautiful villages at the southern end
of the Cotswolds and have served local
people as places of worship for
generations. |
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St Bartholomews (Corsham Church) adjoins Corsham
Park, an 18th Century landscape laid out by
Capability Brown for the Methuen family at nearby
Corsham Court. St Cyriacs is sited in the
picturesque National Trust village of Lacock.
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St. Edith of Wilton
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St. Mary - Photo:
Patricia Steel
CCL |
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Anyone who imagines that
female saints tend to be dreamy, impossibly
virtuous ladies whose primary claim to fame
seems to involve dying for chastity would do
well to consider St. Edith of Wilton.
From the very beginning, she sets the
customary views of sainthood upon their ear,
and continued to do so not only throughout her
life but beyond it.
More... |
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Malmesbury Abbey
Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0AA
Tel: 01666 824339
Norman/Romanesque Abbey - now the parish church.
Founded by St. Aldhelm in Saxon times.
Pavise/treasury containing 1407 manuscript bible
and other books, and historical exhibits.
Outstanding south porch. Burial place of King
Athelstan (895-940). Situated in an attractive
and historic hilltop country setting.
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Saxon Church of St.
Lawrence
Tel: 01225 865797
This charming church, in the centre of Bradford
on Avon, dates from approximately AD700. After
many different uses and some alteration, it was
rediscovered in 1856. The church was purchased
from private owners in 1871 and its renovations
corrected. It differs from the other Saxon
churches in the UK in that the whole building
appears to have been erected at one time, with
no additions later.
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Salisbury Cathedral
The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EF
Tel: 01722 555113
E-mail:
visitors@salcath.co.uk
Web:
www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
Salisbury Cathedral is perhaps Britain's finest
example of medieval architecture. Built between
1220 and 1258, the tallest spire in England was
added a generation later and can be seen for
miles. The surrounding Close is perfectly
preserved and is still locked at night. The
Chapter House has a unique medieval biblical
frieze and an original 1215 Magna Carta.
Volunteers offer regular tours of the Cathedral
and tower. The Refectory Restaurant and
Cathedral Shop are accommodated in a wonderful
new glass roofed building with views of the
spire soaring above. There are excellent
facilities for disabled visitors and everyone is
invited to join the daily services.
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The Churches Conservation
Trust
E-mail:
central@tcct.org.uk
Web:
www.visitchurches.org.uk
Organisation dedicated to the preservation of
England's Churches. Here you will find a handy
search facility to locate Churches in the area
you plan to visit.
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HEALE GARDEN & PLANT
CENTRE
Middle Woodford, Salisbury, SP4 6NT
Tel: 01722 782504 Fax:
01722 782504
Plant Centre open daily all year 10am-5pm. Heale
Gardens open Tues - Sun all year. Closed Mondays
but open Bank Holiday Mondays. Heale House (not
open to the public) and its 8 acres of beautiful
gardens lie to the north of Salisbury. The
garden provides a varied collection of plants,
shrubs, musk and other roses, growing in the
formal setting of clipped hedges and mellow
stonework, which are at their best in June and
July. Particularly lovely, especially in Spring
and Autumn, is the water garden, planted with
magnolia and acers, surrounding the Japanese Tea
House and Nikko Bridge. In January, great drifts
of snow drops and aconites bring early colour
and the promise of spring. Unusual plants,
including many of those growing in the garden,
can be bought in the Plant Centre, together with
gifts for all ages, with particular emphasis on
the gardening enthusiast.
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CORSHAM COURT
Corsham, Wilts, SN13 0BZ
Tel/Fax: 01249 701610
E-mail:
staterooms@corsham-court.co.uk
Web:
www.corsham-court.co.uk
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Opening Times 2007: 20 March - 30
September; open daily except Mondays and
Fridays (but including Bank Holidays) from
2.00pm to 5.30pm. 1 October - 19 March; open
weekends only from 2.00pm to 4.30pm and closed
December.
Last admission 30 mins before close. |
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Corsham Court is one of England's finest Stately
Homes. It houses one of the oldest, most
distinguished collections of Old Masters and
furniture in the country, and with the
"Capability" Brown gardens/arboretum, and
architecture by John Nash and Thomas Bellamy,
Corsham Court provides a wonderful opportunity to
enjoy the many delights of this historic and
beautiful Stately Home. See our
website.
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LARMER TREE GARDENS
Tollard Royal, Salisbury, SP5 5PT
Tel: 01725 516228 Fax:
01725 516449
E-mail:
events@larmertreegardens.co.uk
Web:
www.larmertreegardens.co.uk
Set in the beautiful landscape of the Cranbourne
Chase, these 11- acre pleasure grounds were
designed in 1880 by General Augustus Pitt
Rivers. They contain an extraordinary collection
of buildings, including a Roman temple, open-air
theatre and Nepalese rooms. The beautifully laid
out garden, with its stunning views, majestic
trees and sunken dell ponds, retains an
atmosphere of elegance and informality.
Delicious light lunches and teas are served in
the colonial tearoom.
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WILTON HOUSE
Wilton Park, Wilton, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP2
0BZ
Tel: 01722 746729 Fax: 01722 744447
E-mail:
tourism@wiltonhouse.com
Web:
www.wiltonhouse.com
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Home of the 18th Earl of
Pembroke, Wilton House provides a fascinating
and relaxing day out. The Visitor Centre with
its award winning film, Victorian Laundry and
Tudor Kitchen allows visitors to step back in
time and will guide them through centuries of
history and the colourful lives of some of the
house's inhabitants. |
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Marvel at Inigo Jones'
magnificent State Rooms, including the Double
Cube Room and admire the famous art collection.
Wilton House is set in 21 acres of magnificent
landscaped parkland, bordered by the River Nadder which is the setting for the majestic
Palladian Bridge.
For further details on Wilton House near
Salisbury, Wiltshire see our website.
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Avebury Manor & Garden
nr Marlborough, SN8 1RF
Tel: 01672 539250
Fax: 01672 538038 (Avebury Estate office)
E-mail:
avebury@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Avebury Manor & Garden -
Photo:
Chris Collard
CCL |
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16th-century manor house with lovely Edwardian
gardens.
A much-altered house of monastic origin, the
present buildings date from the early 16th
century, with notable Queen Anne alterations and
Edwardian renovation.
The garden was completely redesigned in the
early 20th century by Colonel and Mrs. Jenner.
The topiary and other formal gardens are
contained within walls and ancient clipped box,
creating numerous ‘rooms’. Some features may be
survivals of the original priory precinct. |
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The Courts Garden
Holt, nr Bradford-on-Avon, BA14 6RR
Tel: 01225 782875 (opening hours) / 01225
782340 (other times)
Fax: 01225 782340
E-mail:
courtsgarden@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Delightful English country garden.
An example of the English style at its best,
the garden is full of charm and variety.
There are many interesting plants and an
imaginative use of colour, with surrounding
topiary, ornaments and water features.
The garden is complemented by an arboretum
with natural planting of spring bulbs, a
kitchen garden and orchard. |
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The Courts Yew Trees -
Photo:
Roddy Smith
CCL |
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Dyrham Park
Dyrham, nr Chippenham, SN14 8ER
Tel: 0117 9372501
Fax: 0117 9371353
E-mail:
dyrhampark@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Dyrham Deer -
Photo:
Chris Shaw
CCL |
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Spectacular late 17th-century mansion and deer
park.
Dyrham Park is a beautiful Baroque country house
set in 110ha (274 acres) of garden and parkland,
designed by Talman for William Blathwayt,
Secretary of War during the reign of William
III.
As a consequence of Blathwayt’s royal
connections and influential uncle Thomas Povey,
the house was to become a showcase for his taste
in Dutch decorative arts. |
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The collection includes delftware, paintings
and furniture; later 18th-century additions
include furniture by Gillows and Linnell.
Restored Victorian domestic rooms include
kitchens, tenants’ hall and delft-tiled dairy. |
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Dyrham House -
Photo:
Derek Meek
CCL |
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Great Chalfield Manor
nr Melksham, SN12 8NJ
Tel: 01225 782239
Fax: 01225 783379
E-mail:
greatchalfieldmanor@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Great Chalfield Manor -
Photo:
Patricia Steel
CCL |
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Charming 15th-century manor house and garden.
Completed in 1480, the manor house is enhanced
by a moat and gatehouse and has beautiful oriel
windows and a great hall.
The house and garden were restored c.1905–11 by
Major R. Fuller, whose family live here and
manage the property.
The garden, designed by Alfred Parsons to
complement the manor, has been replanted. |
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Philipps House & Dinton
Park
Dinton, Salisbury, SP3 5HH
Tel: 01722 716663
E-mail:
philippshouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Early 19th-century neo-Grecian house. Designed
by Jeffry Wyatville for William Wyndham, the
house was completed in 1820.
The principal rooms on the ground floor are
open to visitors and contain fine Regency
furniture.
Both the house and the surrounding landscape
park have recently been restored.
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Philipps House -
Photo:
Kevin Young
CCL |
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Stourhead
Stourhead Estate Office, Stourton, Warminster,
BA12 6QD
Tel: 01747 841152
Fax: 01747 842005
E-mail:
stourhead@nationaltrust.org.uk
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Stourhead House -
Photo:
Jon Wornham
CCL |
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Celebrated landscape garden and Palladian
mansion.
An outstanding example of the English landscape
style, this splendid garden was designed by
Henry Hoare II and laid out between 1741 and
1780.
Classical temples, including the Pantheon and
Temple of Apollo, are set around the central
lake at the end of a series of vistas, which
change as the visitor moves around the paths and
through the magnificent mature woodland with its
extensive collection of exotic trees. |
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Built in the 1720s the mansion was home to the
Hoare family, owners of Britain’s only
independent private bank surviving to the
present.
The magnificent interior includes an
outstanding Regency library, an extensive
picture collection and furniture by
Chippendale the Younger.
King Alfred’s Tower, an intriguing red-brick
folly built in 1772 by Henry Flitcroft, is
almost 50m high and gives breathtaking views
over the estate.
Much of the estate woodland and downland is
managed for nature conservation and there are
two interesting Iron Age hill-forts,
Whitesheet Hill and Park Hill Camp. |
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Stourhead Gardens -
Photo:
Nigel Freeman
CCL |
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Amesbury: A Stepping Stone
to History
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West Amesbury House - Photo:
Patricia Steel
CCL |
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For most people, Amesbury
is merely the nearest town to Stonehenge.
However, this pretty little Wiltshire town is
steeped in history, and is a lot more than a
mere stepping stone.
More... |
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Imber - The Town That Got
Conscripted
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During the Second World War everyone had to
make sacrifices.
Many thousands of people lost their homes to
enemy action, but when the inhabitants of
Imber in Wiltshire lost their homes it was not
to the enemy but to the British Army.
Not that the houses were destroyed; they
weren't.
They were just, shall we say, conscripted.
More...
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Imber Court -
Photo:
Brian Robert Marshall
CCL |
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Little Clarendon
Dinton, Salisbury, SP3 5DZ
Tel: 01985 843600
E-mail:
littleclarendon@nationaltrust.org.uk
Late 15th-century stone house. Built in Tudor
times, the house was altered in the 17th century
and has a 20th-century Catholic chapel. The
three principal rooms on the ground floor are
open to visitors and furnished with vernacular
oak furniture.
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