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Few counties capture England’s timeless charm quite like Wiltshire. From sweeping chalk downs to ancient stone circles and market towns full of character, this is a region brimming with great family days out. Whether you’re exploring on foot, by car, or from the water, you’ll soon see why Wiltshire is one of the UK’s most rewarding places to visit with kids.
Families love Wiltshire for its mix of wide-open countryside, hands-on heritage, and fun attractions. You can feed lambs on a working farm, step into the world of ancient monuments, or picnic beside the peaceful canals.
If you’re planning some family adventures, here are ten of the very best things to do in Wiltshire – a perfect mix of wildlife encounters, history, culture, and adventure that will make your trip fun and memorable.
Why Is Wiltshire Great For Families?
Wiltshire is one of those rare places where every generation finds something to love. With its blend of peaceful countryside and world-famous heritage, it’s an easy destination to explore together.
What makes Wiltshire special for families:
- A wealth of family-friendly attractions and open spaces to enjoy picnics and play.
- Historic towns like Salisbury, Bradford-on-Avon, and Devizes are full of charm and great cafés for a quick bite.
- Gentle countryside perfect for walking, cycling, or canal cruising.
- Fascinating heritage sites – from ancient monuments to stately homes – that bring history to life for children.
- Plenty of free things to do in Wiltshire, including parks, trails, and museums.
Things To Do in Wiltshire for Animal Lovers and Outdoor Fun
Longleat Safari Park
Location
Near Warminster, in western Wiltshire
How To Get There
Easily reached from the A36 or A350. By public transport, take a train to Warminster and a short taxi or bus to the estate.
Longleat is one of Britain’s most iconic Wiltshire attractions, offering a mix of wildlife, adventure, and grand architecture. The drive-through safari takes you past lions, tigers, zebras, and giraffes roaming in spacious enclosures, while cheeky monkeys might hop onto your car roof for a closer look. Families can also enjoy a walking safari, the Jungle Cruise boat trip, and the huge Adventure Castle play area.
For parents, the Elizabethan Longleat House adds another layer of intrigue – a magnificent mansion surrounded by Capability Brown parkland. Tickets are available on the official Longleat website, with discounted options for families and annual passes for repeat visits.
Roves Farm
Location
Near Swindon, North‑East of Wiltshire
How To Get There
Just off the A419, about ten minutes from Swindon. Free parking is available on-site.
Roves Farm is a working farm that lets children meet and learn about friendly animals up close. Expect to see everything from pygmy goats and donkeys to alpacas and lambs. Tractor rides take you across the fields, and there are indoor play barns for when the weather turns.
It’s one of those perfect days out in Wiltshire where kids can burn off energy while learning about rural life. Check Roves Farm’s website for seasonal events like lambing weekends and pumpkin picking.
Bowood House and Gardens
Location
Between Calne and Chippenham
How To Get There
Follow signs from the A4 or A3102. Bowood is a 15-minute drive from both Chippenham and Devizes.
Bowood is where history and outdoor adventure meet. The grand Georgian house and its surrounding parkland were designed by Capability Brown, and the gardens are spectacular in every season. But for families, the real highlight is the Adventure Playground – among the largest in the UK – complete with a pirate ship, aerial walkways and soft play zones for toddlers.
Families can picnic on the lawns, explore the arboretum, and visit the on-site café. Entry tickets and opening times are listed on Bowood’s official site.
If you’re enjoying a narrowboat holiday along the Kennet & Avon Canal, Bowood is only a short journey from the moorings at Devizes – perfect for a day ashore surrounded by landscaped beauty.
Places To Visit in Wiltshire for History and Culture
Stonehenge
Location
Near Amesbury, South Wiltshire
How To Get There
Situated just off the A303, shuttle buses run from Salisbury train station.
No list of Wiltshire things to do would be complete without Stonehenge. This world-famous prehistoric monument never fails to capture the imagination. The visitor centre explains how these colossal stones were transported and raised thousands of years ago, while the outdoor Neolithic Village reconstruction near the site shows how people once lived here.
You can walk the perimeter of the stone circle and gaze across Salisbury Plain – a moment that never loses its magic. Pre-booking through English Heritage is recommended, especially during school holidays.
Salisbury Cathedral
Location
Salisbury city centre
How To Get There
Within walking distance of Salisbury train station; parking available nearby.
One of Britain’s most remarkable buildings, Salisbury Cathedral has the country’s tallest spire and houses one of only four surviving copies of the Magna Carta. The soaring architecture and stained-glass windows captivate visitors of all ages, and children can follow special trails or take part in interactive workshops.
Climb the tower for panoramic views of Salisbury and the surrounding countryside – an unforgettable family experience. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged; find details on Salisbury Cathedral’s website.
STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway
Location
Swindon
How To Get There
Located in the former railway works near Swindon Designer Outlet, just off the M4.
Perfect for train-mad youngsters, the STEAM Museum brings the story of the Great Western Railway vividly to life. Step inside the beautifully restored railway works to discover hands-on exhibits, full-size locomotives, and interactive displays that capture the golden age of steam travel.
Children can climb aboard a real engine, explore carriages once used by passengers, and even try their hand at driving a virtual train simulator. Along the way, learn how railway workers lived and worked, from signalmen to engineers.
It’s a captivating blend of history, imagination, and fun – an ideal day out for families. Family tickets and annual passes are available via STEAM’s website.
Lacock Abbey and Village
Location
Near Chippenham
How To Get There
Accessible from the A350; buses run from Chippenham railway station.
Lacock Abbey combines centuries of history with movie-set magic. Once a medieval nunnery, it became a Tudor home and later the birthplace of photography, thanks to resident William Henry Fox Talbot. Families can explore the cloisters, gardens, and interactive exhibition in the Fox Talbot Museum.
The surrounding village, with its half-timbered houses and cobbled lanes, has featured in films like Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice. It’s one of the most photogenic Wiltshire attractions and is free to wander, with National Trust admission for the abbey itself. Visit the Lacock page for times and ticket options.
Lacock also makes a lovely canalside stop on a Wiltshire narrowboat holiday, with peaceful moorings nearby and easy access into the village for lunch, a walk, or a quick look at its famous filming locations.
Avebury Stone Circle
Location
North of Devizes, near Marlborough
H4: How To Get There
Accessed via the A4361; parking available at the National Trust car park.
Avebury is another ancient gem and one of the most atmospheric places to visit in Wiltshire. Unlike Stonehenge, visitors can walk freely among the stones, giving children the chance to touch and imagine the history around them. The circle forms part of a much larger prehistoric landscape, including burial mounds and avenues of standing stones.
The nearby Alexander Keiller Museum adds context with fascinating artefacts from the area. Entrance to the site is free, though parking and museum access carry a small charge via the National Trust.
Cruising the Kennet & Avon Canal makes it easy to reach Avebury from nearby Pewsey or Devizes – simply moor up and enjoy one of Wiltshire’s most mystical landmarks before returning to life on the water.
Top Attractions in Wiltshire for Adventurous Families
Swindon Escape Room
Location
Swindon town centre
How To Get There
Just a short walk from Swindon train station and easily reached from the M4 (Junction 15).
If your family enjoys solving puzzles together, Swindon’s Escape Rooms are a brilliant way to spend a fun-filled afternoon indoors. Each themed room is designed to test teamwork, quick thinking, and creativity as you work against the clock to solve riddles and uncover hidden clues. Choose from imaginative adventures – whether you’re cracking codes in a spy mission or escaping from a haunted hotel, every experience keeps everyone involved.
It’s a great way for older children and teens to develop communication skills while laughing together through every twist and turn. Visit Co-Decode Live Escape Games for details on themes, age limits, and booking options. The age minimum for visiting Co-Decode is 1, and under‑18s must be accompanied by an adult.
If you’re exploring Wiltshire by narrowboat, Swindon makes a great stopover point for some off-the-water excitement before returning to the calm of the canal.
Drive-Tech Ltd
Location
Chippenham
How To Get There
Located just off the M4 at Junctions 17 and 18. Follow the brown chequered flag signs for Castle Combe Circuit. Free parking is available on-site.
For families who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, Drive-Tech Ltd offers exciting driving experiences set within the famous Castle Combe Circuit. Children aged ten and above can take to the outdoor karting track, designed with sweeping bends and fast straights that let them feel like real racers, all under expert supervision. Older teens and adults can also try out the skid pan experience or head off-road for a 4×4 driving challenge, making it a great all-around destination for motorsport fans.
Safety and fun go hand-in-hand here, with friendly instructors ensuring everyone enjoys their time behind the wheel. Booking ahead is recommended via the Drive-Tech website, especially during school holidays.
Ready for a Family Trip to Wiltshire?
Wiltshire is a wonderful place for families to explore together. You can visit farm parks, walk through ancient landmarks like Stonehenge, or enjoy a picnic along the Kennet & Avon Canal. Children will love spotting ducks and waving to other boaters, while grown-ups can relax and take in the peaceful scenery. Every stop brings something new to see or do, and there’s plenty of space to just enjoy time as a family. With its mix of nature, history, and fresh air, Wiltshire is the perfect setting for an easygoing family adventure.
To see the county from a truly unique perspective, why not plan a narrowboat holiday in Wiltshire? Glide through the peaceful countryside, stop off at nearby attractions, and enjoy life at your own pace. Reach out to our team and plan your trip today.
FAQs
What are the best things to do on a rainy day in Wiltshire?
Try indoor attractions like the STEAM Museum in Swindon, escape rooms across the county, or explore Lacock Abbey’s museum and tearooms. Many stately homes and play barns also provide sheltered family fun.
Where Can I Go in Wiltshire for free?
Avebury Stone Circle, many walking trails, and Salisbury Cathedral are all excellent free things to do in Wiltshire. Local parks and canal towpaths also make for relaxing, cost-free adventures.
What are the best family walks in Wiltshire?
The Kennet & Avon Canal towpath offers gentle, buggy-friendly routes with picnic spots and waterside cafés along the way. You could also try the circular trail around Lacock Village or explore the scenic Cotswold Water Park, perfect for spotting wildlife and paddling in the shallows.
Are there any family-friendly festivals in Wiltshire?
Yes! The Devizes International Street Festival and Salisbury Food & Drink Festival both have great family atmospheres, with music, craft stalls, and street entertainment. During the summer, Bowood House also hosts outdoor cinema nights and events designed with children in mind.
Can you visit Wiltshire by canal boat?
Absolutely – it’s one of the most relaxing ways to see the county. Cruising the Kennet & Avon Canal lets families explore Wiltshire’s countryside, stopping off at towns like Bradford-on-Avon, Devizes, and Pewsey for easy access to top Wiltshire attractions and countryside walks.