Visit Wiltshire Visitor Guide 2023

Cranborne Chase
is an International
Dark Sky Reserve.
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Savernake Forest
Whether you are walking, cycling or travelling by car, miles of
ancient drove roads and quiet country lanes make exploring a
pleasure. Look out for charming hamlets, nestling amid rolling,
unspoiled countryside. Among them Castle Combe, arguably
one of England’s prettiest, and the stunning National Trust
village of Lacock. Film-makers’ favourites, both.
The 40 nature reserves managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
cover a variety of natural habitats. From chalk grassland
and woodland to wetland and bog, they are havens for flora
and fauna. North Meadow on the outskirts of Cricklade is
renowned for its spectacular display of rare Snakeshead
Fritillaries during April. West Woods near Marlborough and
Grovely Wood near Wilton are awash with bluebells in May.
Lower Moor Farm near Cricklade is a mosaic of lakes, brooks
and ponds linked by boardwalks, ancient hedges, woodland
and meadows. Langford Lakes between Salisbury and
Warminster is the perfect spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Wiltshire is also blessed with outstanding chalk streams and
rivers. Flowing south from Pewsey, the River Avon supports
an abundant variety of wildlife, including the endangered
water vole. The gin-clear waters of the Wylye, Nadder,
Bourne and Ebble offer excellent trout fishing and delightful
riverside walks. The River Kennet winds through the North
Wessex Downs, skirting the prehistoric sites of Avebury and
Silbury Hill. Even the young River Thames gets a look in, as it
meanders through the north of the county, close to the Saxon
town of Cricklade.
To find out more and to book your rural break, go to
visitwiltshire.co.uk/accommodation
visitwiltshire.co.uk
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