Wiltshire is a county that doesn’t shout about itself – but it absolutely should. Tucked into the heart of the English countryside, it’s rich in ancient mystery, rolling hills, and centuries of layered history. While many visitors come just to see Stonehenge, there’s so much more to discover – from manor houses and medieval villages to chalk horses carved into hillsides.

If you’ve booked a last-minute stay in Wiltshire and want to start planning your itinerary, here are some of the best things to do in Wiltshire. 

It might be famous, but Stonehenge is one of those places that still manages to take your breath away. Standing on Salisbury Plain, these 5,000-year-old stones are shrouded in mystery. Was it a temple, a calendar, or a burial ground? No one knows for sure. What we do know is that seeing them in person – especially at sunrise or sunset – is a moving experience. And don’t skip the visitor centre! It’s full of fascinating insight into the monument and the people who built it.

Many of our luxury Wiltshire holiday homes are just a short drive away from Stonehenge, putting you in the heart of its history. 

If Stonehenge leaves you wanting more, Avebury is just a short drive away and offers a completely different vibe. This huge stone circle wraps around a village, and unlike its more famous sibling, you can walk right up to (and through) the stones. There’s also a lovely pub, a thatched museum, and a mysterious atmosphere that’s hard to describe until you’ve been.

Owned almost entirely by the National Trust, Lacock looks exactly like it did centuries ago – which is why it’s been used in everything from Harry Potter to Pride and Prejudice. We recommend staying in one of our luxury Wiltshire holiday cottages to feel like the main character in your own movie! Stroll along cobbled lanes, stop in for tea, and explore Lacock Abbey with its medieval cloisters and beautiful grounds. It’s one of those places where you can easily lose track of time. 

With its classical temples, sweeping lawns, and mirror-like lake, Stourhead feels more like a scene from an oil painting than a garden. Created in the 18th century, it’s a masterpiece of landscape design. Visit in spring for blossom, autumn for colour, or summer for lazy picnics and gentle strolls. The house itself is also open, with opulent rooms and stories of the family who once lived there.

Before the Salisbury we know today, there was Old Sarum – a powerful Iron Age hillfort turned Norman castle. Perched high above the plain, it offers sweeping views and a real sense of history layered on history. There’s something powerful about this place, and it’s often wonderfully quiet, even in peak season. And if a peaceful retreat is what you’re after, check out our beautiful Wiltshire holiday lets for some last-minute R&R.

This moated manor house near Bradford-on-Avon is a true hidden gem. Great Chalfield Manor feels like a lived-in time capsule – with medieval architecture, romantic gardens, and a peaceful, almost forgotten atmosphere. It’s open to visitors during warmer months and has featured in several period dramas, including Wolf Hall and Poldark.

Wiltshire’s hills are dotted with striking chalk white horses, some dating back to the 18th century, others older still. The Westbury White Horse is the most iconic and easiest to visit, with nearby viewing points and walking trails. It’s worth keeping an eye out for others while driving through the countryside – they tend to appear when you least expect them.

Just outside Salisbury, Wilton House is a Palladian gem with ties to kings, queens, and Hollywood films. The house is packed with fine art and elegant architecture, while the surrounding parkland makes for a peaceful afternoon wander. And if you want to feel like royalty yourself, book a stay in one of our luxury Wiltshire holiday lets. There’s also a fantastic adventure playground for families looking to burn off some energy.

Wiltshire is a county full of contrast – where ancient stone circles sit near picture-perfect villages, and stately homes share the landscape with prehistoric monuments. Whether you’re visiting for the mystery of Stonehenge, the charm of Lacock, or the serenity of a hidden manor garden, this is a place that rewards slow travel and curious minds.

Planning a last-minute UK break? Take a look at our curated collection of luxury Wiltshire holiday homes, perfect for peaceful breaks, cultural getaways, or weekends surrounded by the best of England’s timeless countryside.