Elderbrook
Standing stones of the Avebury stone circle, Wiltshire.

Explore Wiltshire

A slow guide to the country outside our front door.

Wiltshire isn't a place you rush. This is a small, opinionated guide to the walks, stones, forests and market towns we send guests to — and the ones we quietly keep for ourselves.

Where to start

A handful of places we'd send you first.

You don't need to see all of these — pick two or three, take them slowly, and leave time for lunch. If you tell us what you like when you arrive, we'll draw you a route on the back of a postcard.

Standing stones of the Avebury stone circle, Wiltshire.
Landscape · StonesAbout a 30-minute walk, or minutes by car

Avebury

One of Britain's most extraordinary places — and our nearest neighbour.

Unlike Stonehenge, Avebury isn't something you admire from behind a fence. You walk among the ancient stones, following paths used for thousands of years. Sheep graze between the monuments, children weave between the towering sarsens, and life carries on much as it always has in this remarkable village. Wander the stone circle, explore the National Trust museum, browse the independent shops, or sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.

Allow
2–4 hours
Perfect for
History, photography, families, peaceful walks
Our tip
Early morning or late afternoon, when the village is quieter and the light softer

Photograph to follow

Landscape · StonesAbout 40 minutes south

Stonehenge

One of the world's most recognisable landmarks — and worth the time.

Whether you're fascinated by archaeology, curious about its origins or simply ticking off a bucket-list destination, Stonehenge deserves time rather than a quick stop. The excellent visitor centre helps bring the monument to life before you walk or take the shuttle to the stones themselves.

Allow
2–3 hours
Our tip
Pre-book tickets in school holidays, and choose one of the first entry slots of the day

Photograph to follow

Market townAbout 20 minutes east

Marlborough

Elegant, independent and full of character.

Marlborough's famously wide High Street is lined with independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and galleries — perfect for a leisurely morning or afternoon. Browse for gifts, take a long lunch, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

Perfect for
Shopping, coffee stops and lunch
Neolithic Silbury Hill rising from the Wiltshire fields.
Ancient landscapeA short drive from Avebury

Silbury Hill

A quieter glimpse into Britain's ancient landscape.

Silbury Hill, the largest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe, remains one of archaeology's great mysteries. There's no climbing it, but the viewing area beside the road is enough to feel the scale of the thing — and it sits within the same World Heritage Site as Avebury, so it folds easily into a morning out.

The stone entrance to West Kennet Long Barrow.
Ancient landscapeA short drive from Avebury

West Kennet Long Barrow

Step inside a burial chamber that has stood for 5,000 years.

A short uphill walk from the lay-by brings you to the long barrow itself, where you can step inside a Neolithic burial chamber that has stood for more than 5,000 years. Combined with Avebury and Silbury Hill, it makes for an unforgettable day inside the World Heritage Site.

Photograph to follow

WoodlandAbout 25 minutes east

Savernake Forest

One of England's oldest forests — a wonderful place to slow down.

Ancient oak and beech line peaceful tracks that invite gentle walks, cycling, or simply time spent beneath the canopy. Every season transforms the woodland — carpets of bluebells in spring, rich colour in autumn.

Perfect for
Walkers, families and photographers
The terrace gardens at Bowood House, Wiltshire.
House · GardensAbout 30 minutes west

Bowood House & Gardens

Terraces, parkland and a very good afternoon out.

A Georgian house set in Capability Brown parkland, with formal terrace gardens, lakeside walks and a large adventure playground. It's the easy answer to a long afternoon — particularly with children in tow, or when the weather can't quite decide.

Allow
Half a day

Photograph to follow

Market town · CanalHalf a day out

Devizes & Caen Hill Locks

Historic streets and one of Britain's great feats of canal engineering.

Devizes combines historic streets, independent shops and a relaxed market-town atmosphere. Just outside the town, Caen Hill Locks offers a surprisingly absorbing afternoon by the water — watching narrowboats work their way up the impressive staircase of locks.

Allow
Half a day
The path down from the Ridgeway across open Wiltshire downland.
On footStraight from the garden

The Ridgeway

Often described as Britain's oldest road.

The Ridgeway follows high chalk downs through spectacular countryside, beginning a few minutes' walk from the house. Whether you're an experienced walker or after a shorter countryside stroll, the route offers magnificent views across Wiltshire. Bring sturdy footwear, a camera, and plenty of time.

Honey-coloured stone cottages in the village of Lacock.
Historic villageAbout 35 minutes west

Lacock

Honey-coloured cottages and a village that feels like stepping back in time.

With its historic abbey and remarkably preserved streets, it's little surprise Lacock has featured in numerous films and television productions. Beyond its famous appearances it's simply a beautiful village to wander — allow plenty of time for the abbey, independent shops and a leisurely lunch.

The market cross in the village of Castle Combe.
Historic villageAbout 45 minutes west

Castle Combe

Often called the prettiest village in England.

A single street of weavers' cottages running down to a stone bridge and a market cross, with almost nothing built since the seventeenth century. Go early, walk the loop along the brook, and stay for lunch.

Allow
2–3 hours
The New Inn from the lane.
Village pubNext door — literally

The New Inn

Our village pub, attached to the house.

The other half of what we do. Guests wander through for a pint by the fire, a light lunch, or a proper dinner — no car, no taxi, no leaving the property.

More to come

A slowly-growing library.

We're continuing to add the places we return to ourselves: favourite walks, good lunches, quiet corners and worthwhile detours. If you tell us what kind of day you have in mind, we'll happily suggest somewhere that suits.

Photography credits

All other photography © Elderbrook House.