IT’S TIME FOR WILTSHIRE 2019TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE
visitwiltshire.co.uk VISITWILTSHIRE
2019: A great year for group visits to Wiltshire!
VisitWiltshire is delighted to including Cholderton, Studley Festivals and events are at the announce the arrival of the Grange and Longleat. Fine heart of the Wiltshire experience. Great West Way, a new 125- examples of our industrial heritage With over 500 fabulous courses mile touring route between can be found at STEAM – Museum to choose from, Marlborough London and Bristol. Offering an of the Great Western Railway College Summer School provides extraordinary variety of English and Wadworth Brewery. While an outstanding programme for all experiences, there’s so much more McArthurGlen Designer Outlet ages. 2019 sees the welcome to it than simply getting from A Swindon offers designer brands at return of the world-renowned to B. The Great West Way is for discounts of up to 60%. Salisbury International the curious. Those who want to Arts Festival, and the 11th explore further and delve deeper. Take time to explore charming Stonehenge Summer Solstice Travellers for whom the journey is market towns such as Corsham and Festival. Wyvern Theatre’s as important as the destination. Bradford on Avon. Stroll through season of music, comedy, Along the Great West Way the the picturesque villages of Lacock drama and more is sure to have timeless rubs shoulders with the and Castle Combe. Or sample something of interest. Looking everyday and, as your visitors Swindon’s entertainment and leisure ahead, Salisbury Cathedral will explore its endless twists and turns, opportunities. Treat yourself in our celebrate a major milestone in they’ll encounter the very essence cafés, pubs and restaurants. Enjoy 2020 with the 800th anniversary of England. Find out more on browsing our independent shops. Or of its foundation. For details of pages 8-11 of this guide, or go to discover our breathtaking countryside, these and many more arts and GreatWestWay.co.uk perfect for walking, cycling and entertainment opportunities, turn other outdoor pursuits. Travel trade to the Highlights and Key Events Around a quarter of the Great West visitors can expect a particularly warm sections of this guide, or go to Way lies within Wiltshire, home welcome from our wide range of visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on of rolling green downs, ancient accommodation providers. woodlands and bustling market Whether you are a tour operator towns. Timeless monuments and Ancient, modern, timeless, the or a group travel organiser, an contemporary luxury. Local ales quintessentially English city of FIT professional or a specialist in and picnics in the park. The World Salisbury is where medieval small or large groups, Wiltshire is Heritage Site of Stonehenge magnifi cence and contemporary the perfect destination for your and Avebury has a magnetism culture unite. Among its unmissable next day trip, short break or longer that has drawn people to it for attractions are Arundells and excursion. Just 90 minutes from centuries. Other attractions that Mompesson House, while London, an hour from the south should feature on your itinerary breathtaking Salisbury Cathedral, coast, and two hours from the include the stately homes and with the tallest spire in Britain, the Midlands or Wales, it’s easily gardens at Bowood, Stourhead world’s oldest working clock and accessible too. and Lydiard Park, Great Chalfi eld the fi nest of four remaining original and Iford Manor. Museums such Magna Carta manuscripts, is the So be sure to include Wiltshire in as REME, telling the story of the city’s most iconic landmark. your travel plans for 2019. You’ll Royal Electrical and Mechanical be here in no time. Engineers, and animal attractions
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Contents: Highlights for 2019 4-5 2019 Key Events 6-7 Introducing the Great West Way 8-9 Wiltshire on the Great West Way 10-11 Book a Wiltshire Tour 12-13 Local Guides, Tour Operators and Transport 14 10 Top Reasons to Visit Wiltshire 15 Inspirational Itineraries 16-19 Special Interest Tours 20-21 Attractions within Wiltshire 22-29 Wiltshire – Picture Perfect 29 Attractions on Wiltshire’s Borders 30 Timeless Towns and Villages 31-35 A Wiltshire Christmas 36 Activities 37 Outstanding Entertainment 38-39 Refreshment Stops 40-42 Places to Stay 43-47 Helping You Sell Wiltshire 48-49 Attraction Map References 50 Map of Wiltshire 51
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VisitWiltshire Front Cover Photo: Stonehenge (© Mark Cooper)
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> BATH
INTRODUCING THE Great West Way
Following its launch in November 2018, the Great West Way is now offi cially under way! This exciting new 125-mile touring route between London and Bristol HIGHLIGHTS FOR combines the world-renowned with the yet-to-be-discovered. As visitors follow its numerous twists and turns they’ll discover the very essence of England. Find out more on pages 8-11 of this Guide.
GreatWestWay.co.uk
KOALAS COME TO LONGLEAT! 2019www.longleat.co.uk As part of an international breeding and awareness-building programme, a group of these much-loved but increasingly endangered marsupials have recently settled into Koala Creek, their very own, purpose-built habitat in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside – why not come along and say g’day in Spring 2019!
MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE SUMMER SCHOOL www.summerschool.co.uk
14 July-10 August 2019
With over 500 courses for all ages, Marlborough College Summer School’s programme is updated every year to keep things fresh and exciting. New courses for 2019 include Conversational Arabic, Indian Block Printing, Taiko Drumming, Aztec Healing Body to Soul, Getting to Know the North Wessex Downs, and an Introduction to Hand Spinning.
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SALISBURY INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk
24 May-9 June 2019
This world-renowned festival makes a welcome return in 2019 with a two-week celebration of the arts across the city – a fitting finale to Wiltshire Creative’s first year. The full events programme will be announced in early 2019.
PULLING OUT THE STOPS EXHIBITION – SALISBURY CATHEDRAL www.salisburycathedral.org.uk
January-December 2019
An interactive exhibition that follows the fascinating story of the Cathedral’s famous Father Willis Organ, from its original construction in 1877 to the present day, including the restoration work being carried out on it in 2019.
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SCULPTURE IN AVEBURY MANOR GARDEN SUMMER SUN AND FUN AT THE FARM 7 September-13 October Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm Sculpture adds another dimension as you wander July and August through the garden ‘rooms’ and find different art at Activities, events and bookable farm experiences including every turn. Farmer for the Day, Alpaca Walking and Wine Tours & Tastings. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury www.choldertoncharliesfarm.com
THE EXPLORER’S GUIDE TO LACOCK THE GREAT BRITISH AUTUMN 12 January-19 May Longleat Use your different senses to make the most of what spring 26 October-3 November has to offer on this trail around the garden and village. A host of traditional activities associated with the www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock season of mists and mellow fruitfulness. www.longleat.co.uk
SWINDON RAILWAY FESTIVAL FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL STEAM Museum Bradford on Avon 7 & 8 September 1 June An annual celebration of steam railways, with model Showcasing local produce at its best, this market town railway layouts, special exhibits, displays and trade stands. celebrates all that is delicious in the region. www.steam-museum.org.uk www.exploreboa.co.uk
6 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019 PHOTO: ©CROWN COPYRIGHT
BEYOND, BY DIANE MACLEAN WILTSHIRE NATIONAL ARMED FORCES WEEKEND Salisbury Cathedral Salisbury, 28-30 June 13 June-30 September A spectacular three-day event recognising and An exhibition of large-scale forms, often in stainless steel, celebrating our armed forces in Wiltshire and incorporating light, reflection, colour and movement. throughout the United Kingdom. www.salisburycathedral.org.uk www.wiltshire.gov.uk/salisbury-nafd PHOTO: DERRYN VRANCH
PEACOCK ARTS TRAIL STANDING BY MY DARLING’S SIDE Corsham Mompesson House 5-13 October 9 March-3 November Vibrant open studios event in and around this An exhibition depicting a Victorian experience of life, picturesque Wiltshire town. love and loss. www.peacockartstrail.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mompesson-house
STONEHENGE SUMMER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL RHODODENDRON AND WOODLAND GARDENS Stonehenge Campsite Bowood 18-21 June Late April-June A 4-day mini-festival celebrating the Solstice season in Over 60 spectacular acres of azaleas, magnolias and the relaxed and magical atmosphere of Salisbury Plain. rhododendrons offering breathtaking colour and beauty. www.stonehengecampsite.co.uk www.bowood.org
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Bradford on Avon Trowbridge
BRISTOL LONDON
Welcome to the Great West Way. much more to the Great West Way or move on every day. With so much A new 125-mile touring route than simply getting from A to B. The to see and do, if you add in all the combining the world-renowned with Great West Way is for those who tempting trails and off-the-beaten- the yet-to-be-discovered. At one relish the journey. track detours there are 500 miles or end is London with its famous royal more to explore. sights and rich cultural heritage; There are many ways for visitors at the other, Bath and Bristol. to experience the Great West Way. Along the Great West Way are In between lie relaxing riverside They can travel by road, rail or water. three Areas of Outstanding towns, lush green landscapes, and On two feet or two wheels. Base Natural Beauty: the Chilterns, the characterful villages. But there’s so themselves in one place for a while, Cotswolds and the North Wessex Downs, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Stonehenge and Avebury, Bath, and Kew Gardens.
Visitors can stand on the site of the sealing of Magna Carta at Runnymede. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle. Or lose themselves in the UK’s oldest surviving hedge maze at Hampton Court Palace. Soak in the UK’s only natural hot springs at Thermae Bath Spa. Sample award-winning real ale at West Berkshire Brewery. Or go behind the scenes at Highclere Castle (the > CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE, BRISTOL real-life Downton Abbey). Pootle
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ns ® er t hil e C Great West Way Th
Downs ex ess h W Nort
A4 Great West Road World Heritage Sites
Great Western Railway Airports River Thames Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Kennet & Avon Canal The Great West Way Corridor Walking Trails
Cycling Route
Recognising that one size of visitors travelling from the Channel accommodation doesn’t fi t all, we ports and those already based in have quirky glamping sites, pretty London. It will take them to places country B&Bs, cool city hotels… they’ve always dreamed of seeing, even stately homes and castles. and secret spots that even some locals have yet to discover. For international and domestic visitors alike, the Great West Way For suggested itineraries is easy to join and easy to follow. and bookable product go to > ROMAN BATHS, BATH It passes by both Heathrow and GreatWestWay.co.uk/traveltrade along the Kennet & Avon Canal Bristol airports. It’s accessible for in their very own narrowboat. Seek out exclusive fashion and lifestyle stores at Newbury’s Parkway Great West Way Discoverer Ticket Shopping. Or search for works by For an easy, hassle-free journey along the Great West Way, choose street artist, Banksy, in Bristol. the Great West Way Discoverer ticket.
The Great West Way offers an What’s included: One-day, three-day and week-long extraordinary variety of English • Unlimited off-peak train travel options are available, with prices experiences. As visitors follow its from London Paddington or London from just £24 per person. So book twists and turns, along paths taken Waterloo to Bristol Temple Meads, a Great West Way Discoverer ticket by generations of travellers, they’ll via the Reading and/or Basingstoke today and make the most of your encounter the very essence of routes, with options to branch off Great West Way adventure. England. To make the most of all towards Oxford and Kemble Available from January 2019. For that the Great West Way has to offer, • Unlimited travel on bus services further details and to book go to visitors will want to stay for a while along the route gwr.com and immerse themselves in local life.
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WILTSHIRE® ON THE Great West Way > CASTLE COMBE
Around a quarter of the Great If you are organising a tour, of Marlborough. Explore hilltop West Way runs through Wiltshire. Stonehenge and Avebury may well Malmesbury, England’s oldest Along routes that brought druids feature on your itinerary. But allow borough. Follow in the footsteps of to Stonehenge. Drovers to market. time, too, to discover the lesser Poldark in Corsham. Or marvel at Pilgrims to Salisbury Cathedral. known monuments that make up this Bradford on Avon’s 14th century tithe Past white horse carvings that have outstanding World Heritage Site. barn. Wander through the National watched over the Vale of Pewsey Trust village of Lacock. Visit the for generations, and across rolling Many of Wiltshire’s timeless towns ‘discovery’ town of Calne. Seek out hillsides in the North Wessex and villages are within easy reach of the rich heritage of Georgian houses Downs Area of Outstanding the Great West Way. Stroll through in Devizes. Or the wealth of historic Natural Beauty. the handsome former staging post buildings in Chippenham. Swindon is renowned for its entertainment and > MARLBOROUGH leisure opportunities; Trowbridge for its unique industrial architecture.
Much of the Great West Way’s appeal lies in its extraordinary variety. Visitors can relax aboard a narrowboat on the Kennet & Avon Canal. Meet mighty Shire horses and see sign writers at work on a tour of Wadworth Brewery. Or pay a visit to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, housed in the Grade II listed buildings of Brunel’s former railway works. They can take a stroll around ‘Capability’ Brown parkland at Bowood House and Gardens. Or see how many incredible animals they can spot on a six-and-a-half-mile drive-
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> AVEBURY through experience at Longleat, the > MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLET SWINDON UK’s original safari park.
An authentic English pub experience is hard to beat. So allow time for your visitors to settle down at one of Wiltshire’s many traditional inns. If their Great West Way adventure includes an overnight stay, they’ll find B&B, self-catering, farm stay, glamping and hotel options aplenty, and for some serious pampering they can head to Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa. > KENNET & AVON CANAL Rail connections are excellent, linking Wiltshire with London’s Paddington and Waterloo stations at one end, Bristol and Bath at the other. Within 90 minutes, or less, of leaving the capital you and your visitors can be here, enjoying authentic English experiences and creating memories to write home about.
For further information go to GreatWestWay.co.uk
[email protected] 11 VISITWILTSHIRE BOOK A > IFORD MANOR GARDENS
WiltshireTOUR HISTORY & HORTICULTURE TOUR This tour can be tailor-made for your group visit to include some of Wiltshire’s beautiful stately homes and gardens. Possibilities include Longleat, Bowood, Stourhead, Great Chalfield Manor, Arundells, and Iford Manor Gardens. Minimum one-night packages available for 20+ people. To discuss your requirements and to book, contact Norman Allen Group Travel Ltd at [email protected] quoting reference ‘VWGardens’.
> BOMBAY SAPPHIRE DISTILLERY
> AVEBURY STONE CIRCLE
THE SALISBURY, STONEHENGE AND AVEBURY TOUR This one-day tour includes visits to Salisbury Cathedral and the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge and Avebury. You will also see the Alton Barnes White Horse, West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill. Prices from £50-£175 including entrance to Stonehenge, driver/guide, A TASTE OF WILTSHIRE TOUR Vineyards at Cholderton Farm. and transport by air-conditioned This tour can be tailor-made Minimum one-night packages vehicles. Voluntary donation for for your group visit to Wiltshire. available for 20+ people. To Salisbury Cathedral not included. Possibilities include Wadworth discuss your requirements Accommodation, collection from Brewery, Ramsbury Brewery and to book, contact Norman and/or return to London available & Distillery, Cookery Schools, Allen Group Travel Ltd at – please call 01722 333333 for Bombay Sapphire Distillery, [email protected] details. Find out more and book Bridge Tea Rooms, Britford quoting reference ‘VWTaste’. at visitwiltshire.co.uk/shop Farm Shop, and the Bluestone
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> FILMING POLDARK IN CORSHAM
FILM AND TV LOCATIONS OF WILTSHIRE TOUR This tour takes in the best of Wiltshire’s film and TV locations, including Poldark (Corsham), Wolf Hall (Great Chalfield Manor and Lacock Abbey), Harry Potter (Lacock), War Horse and Dr Dolittle (Castle Combe) and many more. Minimum one-night packages available for 20+ people. To discuss your requirements and to book, contact Norman Allen Group Travel Ltd at [email protected]
PHOTO: MAMMOTH SCREEN quoting reference ‘VWFilm’.
> REME MUSEUM > THE MERCHANT’S HOUSE
ARMED FORCES AND THE STORY OF TRANSPORT TOUR This tour can be tailor-made for your group visit to Wiltshire to include Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, STEAM Museum, REME Museum and even a journey on WILTSHIRE’S SECRETS TOUR Castle, The Merchant’s House, the Kennet & Avon Canal. This tour can be tailor-made Arundells and many more. Minimum one-night packages for your group visit to Wiltshire, Minimum one-night packages available for 20+ people. To taking in some of the ‘lesser available for 20+ people. To discuss your requirements known’ places the county has to discuss your requirements and and to book, contact Norman offer. Tours could include visits to book, contact Norman Allen Allen Group Travel Ltd at to Bradford on Avon, Avebury, Group Travel Ltd at normanallen@ [email protected] Lacock, Wadworth Brewery, Great group-travel.com quoting quoting reference ‘VWTransport’ Chalfield Manor, Old Wardour reference ‘VWSecrets’
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Local guidesTOUR OPERATORS AND TRANSPORT CAR HIRE TAXIS SALISBURY & STONEHENGE SIXT CAR HIRE VALUE CARS GROUP GUIDED TOURS 0844 499 3399 01722 505050 07775 674816 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.sixt.co.uk www.salisbury-valuecars.co.uk www.stonehenge-tours.com SALISBURY CITY GUIDES COACH & BUS HIRE TOUR GUIDES & 07873 212941 TRANSPORT [email protected] ANDREW JAMES COACHES www.salisburycityguides.co.uk 01666 825655 AMESBURY HERITAGE TOURS & SALISBURY, STONEHENGE & [email protected] HISTORY TALKS SARUM TOURS www.andrew-james.co.uk 07793 366429 01722 421777 BARNES COACH HIRE [email protected] [email protected] 01793 821303 AROUND & ABOUT BATH www.salisburystonehengetours.co.uk [email protected] 08000 747949 STONEHENGE & AVEBURY WITH www.barnescoaches.co.uk [email protected] OLDBURY TOURS CHANDLERS COACH TRAVEL www.aroundandaboutbath.com 07947 488665 01373 824500 AVEBURY & STONEHENGE [email protected] [email protected] GUIDED TOURS www.oldburytours.co.uk www.chandlerscoach.co.uk 0845 519 8248 TOUR & EXPLORE WITH ANNE EXECUTIVE CONNECTION [email protected] BARTLETT 01722 333333 www.stonehengetravel.co.uk 01242 584691 [email protected] BATH TOURIST TOURS [email protected] www.executiveconnection.co.uk 01225 683058 www.tourandexplore.com SALISBURY REDS [email protected] TOURS 2 ORDER 01202 338420 www.russellsofbath.com 07827 715353 [email protected] GUIDED WALKS IN WILTSHIRE [email protected] www.salisburyreds.co.uk 01980 620461 www.tours2order.com [email protected] RAIL COMPANIES www.guidedwalksinwiltshire.co.uk TOUR OPERATORS HERITAGE HOLIDAYS GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY 01722 782893 ALISON HOWELL’S FOOT TRAILS 0345 700 0125 [email protected] 01747 820626 Please use online contact form on www.heritage-holidays.org.uk [email protected] our website LION TOURS www.foottrails.co.uk www.gwr.com 07769 668668 FOOTPATH HOLIDAYS SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY [email protected] 01985 840049 0345 6000 650 www.liontours.co.uk [email protected] Please use online contact form on MAD MAX MINIBUS TOURS www.footpath-holidays.com our website 07990 505970 NORMAN ALLEN GROUP TRAVEL LTD www.southwesternrailway.com [email protected] 01432 277666 www.madmaxtours.co.uk [email protected] www.group-travel.com 14 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019 > CHERHILL WHITE HORSE
10 top TOreasons VISIT WILTSHIRE
Whether this will be your fi rst visit to Wiltshire or your twenty fi rst, there is so much to see and • Creativity is at the heart of the • Among Wiltshire’s many timeless do you’ll fi nd new stories around Wiltshire experience. Here you’ll fi nd villages, the stars of the show every corner. Here are some inspirational festivals, events and are the fi lm-makers favourites of suggestions for making the most entertainment, all year round. Lacock and Castle Combe; the of your time here: perfect places to journey back in > STONEHENGE VISITOR CENTRE time. Rural England at its very best.
• Wiltshire offers a great all-round shopping experience, with designer brands and high street names, independent outlets and shopping malls, farm shops and markets. > MAGNA CARTA EXHIBITION • Steeped in history and mystery, • With so much to see and do in • Salisbury is the perfect fusion no visit to Wiltshire would be Wiltshire, it’s well worth staying of ancient and modern, with complete without taking in a night or two – you’ll fi nd a award-winning attractions, plenty Stonehenge and Avebury. Two great range of group-friendly of places to eat and drink, great inimitable stone circles; one accommodation to choose from. shopping and top notch arts outstanding World Heritage Site. venues. Spectacular Salisbury • Among Wiltshire’s most iconic Cathedral boasts Britain’s tallest • Almost half of Wiltshire’s views are the White Horses carved spire and best preserved original breathtaking landscape falls within into its chalk hillsides. Of the 1215 Magna Carta. Pre book a an Area of Outstanding Natural original thirteen, eight can still be Tower Tour for panoramic views. Beauty. With miles of ancient drove seen today. roads and uncrowded country lanes, > OLD SARUM • Wiltshire has characterful market this is a county for all seasons. towns aplenty too. The honey- coloured gem of Bradford on Avon. • The Kennet & Avon Canal Calne, where the English technique stretches across the centre of the of producing ham and bacon was county, offering a range of ways invented, and oxygen discovered. to appreciate Wiltshire’s timeless Corsham, whose historic high street scenery. Walk or cycle along the starred as Truro in BBC’s Poldark. towpath, take to the water in a Stylish, cosmopolitan Marlborough, canoe, or relax on a soothing a handsome former staging post. narrowboat cruise. Swindon with its excellent range of leisure opportunities.
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INSPIRATIONAL
> ROMAN BATHS, BATH Itineraries GREAT WEST WAY JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY days5 > SS GREAT BRITAIN, BRISTOL journeying between London and the West of England. We journey further into the essence of England with a > MERCHANT’S HOUSE, MARLBOROUGH drive to Avebury Stone Circle and Manor House and Gardens. West Way. Visit The Jane Austen Overnight: Best Western Plus Centre dedicated to celebrating Angel Hotel, Chippenham. Bath’s most famous resident and offering a snapshot of what it would Day 3: Chippenham, Bowood and have been like to live in Regency Bradford on Avon times – the fashion, food, society. Discover Chippenham at the Visit Bath Abbey and the Roman Day 1: Arrival and Cliveden Chippenham Museum & Heritage Baths. Drive to Bristol and take Travel to Cliveden National Trust Centre, telling the story of the town a walking tour of Old City including Gardens and stroll around the from its prehistoric origins to the Street Art and then head to Brunel’s beautiful formal gardens and present. Next, it’s Bowood House steamship SS Great Britain and the woodland paths, nestled high above and Gardens, set within 100 acres new Being Brunel museum. the River Thames. of beautifully landscaped ‘Capability’ Overnight: Brooks Guesthouse, Overnight: Oakley Court Hotel, Brown parkland. In the afternoon, Bristol. Windsor stop at Bradford on Avon and take a boat trip along the Kennet Day 5: Fly from Bristol or Return Day 2: Windsor and Marlborough & Avon Canal. Stroll through the along the Route. Take a walking tour of Windsor and town and you will walk through time; If there’s time in the morning, visit Eton ending at Windsor High Street the Romans, Saxons, Normans, one of the marvels of Brunel’s before exploring Windsor Castle, Georgians and Victorians have all left engineering: the graceful Clifton home to the Queen, and St George’s their mark. Suspension Bridge. Or, for those Chapel (the venue for the weddings Overnight: Royal Crescent Hotel & returning along the route, fi t in a visit of both Prince Harry and Princess Spa, Bath. to Hampton Court Palace. Opened Eugenie). Then on to Marlborough to the public by Queen Victoria in for a tour of the 17th century The Day 4: Bath and Bristol 1838, it has remained a magnet Merchant’s House and a walk Bath has been welcoming curious for millions of visitors, drawn to the around Marlborough. It’s a long- travellers for hundreds of years. It grandeur, the gardens, the ghosts standing stopping off point for people is one of the magnets on the Great and the fabulous art collection.
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THESalisbury PERFECT HISTORIC CITY
Salisbury Cathedral collections. Arundells, home of in October) you can experience 1+days • Mompesson House former Prime Minister Sir Edward the hustle and bustle of the ever- • The Salisbury Heath. Or The Rifl es Berkshire & popular Charter Market, and if you Museum • Arundells • Wiltshire Museum: part military visit towards the end of the year, The Rifl es Berkshire & Wiltshire museum, part historic house and Salisbury’s enchanting Christmas Museum • Old Sarum • St part riverside garden. Market will be in full swing. Thomas’s Church • Fisherton Mill Lunch: Salisbury Area (e.g. Evening: Choose from a wide range Britford Farm Shop and Café, of entertainment options at Salisbury AM: Begin your visit with a tour of Cathedral Hotel). Playhouse, Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury Cathedral, to discover PM: A chance this afternoon to City Hall Salisbury. Guided tours are Britain’s tallest spire, the world’s explore the Iron Age hill fort of Old available from several companies, oldest working clock and the fi nest Sarum, discover another of the including Salisbury, Stonehenge and of four original 1215 Magna Carta Close attractions, or pay a visit to St Sarum Tours. manuscripts. Pre-book a tower Thomas’s Church to see the largest Overnight: If you have time, tour for wide-ranging views across and most complete surviving Doom extend you visit with an overnight the city. After elevenses at one of Painting in the UK. Within the city stay (e.g. Red Lion Hotel or Rose several cafés in the Close, visit centre you will also fi nd a range of & Crown Hotel) to take in nearby any of the other attractions there: unique, independent shops, including Boscombe Down Aviation Collection, The National Trust’s Mompesson Fisherton Mill with its gallery, café Salisbury Racecourse or Cholderton > MERCHANT’S HOUSE, MARLBOROUGH House. The Salisbury Museum, and artist studios. On Tuesdays and Rare Breeds Farm and Bluestone with its world-class archaeology Saturdays (except the third Tuesday Vineyards.
DAY 1 walled garden and AM: Start the day at STEAM – formal parkland Swindon Museum of the Great Western Lunch: Swindon area. EXPECT THE 2 Railway, housed in the Grade II PM: Be transported to days UNEXPECTED listed buildings of Brunel’s former the tropics on a magical railway works. walk through hundreds of the Lunch: At one of Swindon’s many world’s most beautiful butterfl ies pubs and restaurants. at Studley Grange. Meet otters, PM: Grab a bargain at McArthurGlen goats, meerkats and more in the Designer Outlet on the same site outdoor Animal Paddock. Then as STEAM and home to over 100 pick up a souvenir of your trip at stores selling a range of high street the craft village. If you have time, and designer labels at discounts of take a detour to REME Museum in up to 60%. Or continue the steam Lyneham to discover the history of train theme at the nearby Swindon the Royal Electrical and Mechanical & Cricklade Railway. Engineers. Or learn about the Overnight: Swindon Area (e.g. development of digital technology > LYDIARD PARK Cricklade House Hotel). at The Museum of Computing. Evening: With a varied programme STEAM Museum • McArthurGlen DAY 2 including concerts, comedy, dance, Designer Outlet • Swindon & AM: First stop this morning drama and musical theatre, a Cricklade Railway • Lydiard Park is historic Lydiard Park. Tour performance at Swindon’s Wyvern • Studley Grange Butterfl y World the elegant staterooms in the Theatre & Arts Centre makes a • Museum of Computing • REME magnifi cent Palladian house, and great way to round off your visit. Museum • Wyvern Theatre stroll around the 18th century Overnight: Swindon area.
[email protected] 17 VISITWILTSHIRE World Heritage Wonders
> AVEBURY centre. Or, to make the most of your carved into the rolling chalk hillsides. visit, pre-book a tour with one of our First stop today is at Avebury, at local guides (see page 14). If you the centre of a prehistoric complex have time, pop into Amesbury History in the North Wessex Downs. After 2 Centre to view their collection of exploring the stone circle itself, the days Mesolithic artefacts. largest in the world, take a stroll Lunch: Amesbury or Salisbury areas around the charming village, and (e.g. The Stonehenge Inn & Carvery). visit the Alexander Keiller Museum Stonehenge • Amesbury History PM: Discover more about the World and Avebury Manor & Garden. Other Centre • The Salisbury Museum • Heritage Site’s story at The Salisbury unique sites in the area include West Avebury • West Kennet Long Barrow Museum, home to one of Europe’s Kennet Long Barrow, one of Britain’s • Silbury Hill • Wiltshire Museum most extensive collections of finds largest Stone Age burial sites, and from Stonehenge, as well as the mysterious Silbury Hill, the largest DAY 1 Monkton Deverill Gold Torc and the man-made mound in Europe. AM: Begin your tour at iconic grave of the Amesbury Archer. Lunch: Calne or Devizes areas. Stonehenge which, along with Overnight: Salisbury or Amesbury PM: Spend the afternoon at Avebury and other associated areas (e.g. Holiday Inn Salisbury- Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, where monuments, forms part of Stonehenge). you will find outstanding galleries Wiltshire’s World Heritage Site. To spanning Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron set the monument in its historic DAY 2 Age, Roman, Saxon and Medieval context, don’t miss the outstanding AM: As you travel north, keep an eye times, including Gold from the Time exhibitions in Stonehenge visitor out for our famous White Horses, of Stonehenge. ‘Capability’ Brown & Friends Western Mayfield House Hotel). at Stourhead with their lake and > BOWOOD PM: Choose between the classical temples. breathtaking pastoral landscape Overnight: Warminster or at Bowood House and Gardens, Salisbury areas (e.g. created by master landscaper Stonehenge Campsite ‘Capability’ Brown. Or the charming and Glamping Pods). Arts & Crafts garden at Great 3+ Chalfield Manor near Melksham. DAY 3 days Overnight: Calne or Melksham AM: Explore the 22 areas (e.g. Bowood Hotel & Spa). acres of parkland and gardens at Wilton House, also believed to be DAY 2 influenced by ‘Capability’ Brown. Abbey House Gardens • Bowood AM: Travel south west to the Lunch: Wilton or Salisbury areas. • Great Chalfield Manor • Iford delightful Iford Manor Gardens, an PM: Cross Cranborne Chase to visit Manor Gardens • Longleat • Edwardian version of Tuscany with its the extraordinary Victorian gardens Stourhead • Wilton House • romantic, Italianate grounds. at Larmer Tree, recognised as a Larmer Tree Lunch: Bradford on Avon or Garden of National Importance. Trowbridge areas. DAY 1 PM: Choose between Longleat, If you have more time, the following AM: Start your day by visiting the where the Elizabethan house is are just across the county border in 5-acre Abbey House Gardens in surrounded by 900 acres of stunning the Cotswolds: Chavenage House, medieval Malmesbury. ‘Capability’ Brown landscape. Or Kelmscott Manor and Westonbirt, Lunch: Malmesbury area (e.g. Best the famous 18th century gardens the National Arboretum.
18 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019 Wiltshire and the Age of Industry > KENNET & AVON CANAL
Trowbridge • Trowbridge was home to more than 30 cloth areas (e.g. Castle Hotel). Museum • Bradford on Avon factories. Today the impressive • Corsham • Malmesbury • walls of Abbey Mill still fl ank DAY 3 STEAM Museum • Kennet & the river, while former weavers’ AM: Enjoy a relaxing narrowboat Avon Canal • Crofton Beam cottages cling to the hillside. trip on the Kennet & Avon Engines • Wilton Windmill • The Overnight: Bradford on Avon or Canal, or stroll along Merchant’s House Melksham areas. the towpath beside the impressive fl ight of locks DAY 1 DAY 2 at Caen Hill. days3 AM: Your tour begins in Trowbridge, AM: Honey-coloured Corsham, Lunch: Devizes or where the woollen cloth industry which owed its former prosperity Marlborough areas. dates back 1000 years, leaving a to the wool trade, makes a great PM: Head to Crofton Beam rich architectural legacy. Trowbridge stopping off point on your journey Engines near Marlborough to Museum (closed for refurbishment; to Malmesbury, where you can discover magnifi cent 200-year- reopening 2020) has a nationally uncover the history of fi ne lace old working steam engines. important collection relating to making at the Athelstan Museum. On Sundays and Bank Holiday West Country wool. Lunch: Malmesbury or Swindon. Mondays you can also visit Wilton Lunch: Trowbridge or Bradford on PM: Travel on to Swindon and take a Windmill nearby. If you have time, Avon areas. step back in time at STEAM – Museum a visit to The Merchant’s House in PM: At the peak of its textile of the Great Western Railway. Marlborough makes a fascinating production Bradford on Avon Overnight: Swindon or Devizes addition to your itinerary. Wiltshire on Screen > FILMING POLDARK Victoria and Pride & Prejudice. Overnight: Melksham or Chippenham Lunch: Wilton or Tisbury areas. areas. PM: Pausing briefl y to view Fonthill Lake, where scenes from Chocolat Day 3 were fi lmed, travel on to Old Wardour AM: The stunning National Trust village Castle, as seen in Robin of Lacock is this morning’s destination, Hood Prince of Thieves. where scenes from The White Princess,
> PHOTO: MAMMOTH SCREEN Overnight: Downton Abbey, Cranford and some of Mompesson House • Wilton Warminster Area. the Harry Potter fi lms were shot. House • Fonthill Lake • Old 3+ Lunch: Lacock or Corsham. Wardour Castle • Stourhead • Day 2 days PM: Spend an hour or two in Corsham, Great Chalfi eld Manor • Lacock AM: Begin with a where the High Street represented 18th • Corsham • Castle Combe • visit to the breathtaking gardens at century Truro in the fi rst series of Poldark. Chavenage House Stourhead, which eagle-eyed fi lm buffs If you can, stay an extra night and travel will recognise from Pride & Prejudice. on via the quintessentially English village DAY 1 Lunch: Enjoy lunch here, then travel of Castle Combe – as seen in Dr Thorne, AM: Start your day with a visit to two north, passing the Westbury White War Horse, The Wolf Man, Stardust and locations from Sense & Sensibility: Horse on your way. Dr Dolittle – to end your tour just across Mompesson House in Salisbury, and PM: This afternoon sees you at Great the Wiltshire/Gloucestershire border at magnifi cent Wilton House which also Chalfi eld Manor near Melksham, a Chavenage House, which starred as featured in The Crown, The Young location from both Poldark and Wolf Hall. Trenwith in Poldark.
[email protected] 19 VISITWILTSHIRE
> BOWOOD SPECIAL
InterestTOURS
BOWOOD Groups can enjoy an exclusive IFORD MANOR GARDENS guided tour of Lord and Lady Enjoy this beautiful, family-run, Lansdowne’s Private Walled Grade I listed garden and its Garden, set within the beautifully tranquil surrounds on an exclusive landscaped ‘Capability’ Brown visit. Once home to Harold parkland. Explore the Georgian Peto, tours are available on its family home with a House Tour, history, development, restoration, which includes the story of Dr architecture and/or planting. Visits Priestley’s discovery of oxygen. to the family’s private walled garden From late April through to June, also possible. Please contact us for make the most of the Woodland details and prices: Gardens, with 30 acres of www.ifordmanor.co.uk bluebells, azaleas, magnolias and rhododendrons. For more information please call 01249 810961 or visit www.bowood.org
AVEBURY Tour options include: a private volunteer-led Tour of Avebury Manor; a specialist guided Tour of Avebury Manor, including cream tea; a guided Tour of the Stone Circle with a volunteer guide; and a specialist archaeologist-led Tour of the Monument and/ or Landscape. Please contact bookings.avebury@ nationaltrust.org.uk for details of packages and costs. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury
20 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
WYVERN THEATRE of view. Then relax over a delicious WADWORTH BREWERY See behind the curtain and afternoon tea. Email sarah@ VISITOR CENTRE explore the backstage secrets of wyverntheatre.org.uk to book, or Experience our traditional brewing show business on a Tea and Tour telephone 01793 524481. techniques on an award-winning package. Tread the boards and view www.swindontheatres.co.uk Brewery Tour and enjoy a visit the auditorium from the stars’ point steeped in local history and heritage. www.wadworth.co.uk
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL We are delighted to introduce two new special interest tours from the summer of 2019 onwards: Stained Glass Tours and Cathedral Close Tours. SARUM COLLEGE Other options include a small-group Library Tour of the Cathedral’s 15th Specialist programmes for groups century library (maximum 12 people); a Graffiti Tour showcasing medieval include: Digging into the Early History; Arabic carpentry markings; and (strictly for those with a head for heights!) Exploring the History of Spirituality a Tower Tour to the base of Britain’s tallest spire (404ft/123m). Individual in Britain; and Reading the Novels tickets for all tours are bookable online via the cathedral website; groups via Inspired by Salisbury. Please contact Hannah or Emily at [email protected] or telephone 01722 512190. us for details and prices: www.salisburycathedral.org.uk www.sarum.ac.uk
LONGLEAT Discover Longleat House and Grounds with a number of fascinating tours, exclusively for groups. Choose from the Longleat House Exclusive Tour; the Mystery Tour; or the Scandalous History Tour. Book via [email protected] or telephone 01985 844328. www.longleat.co.uk/groups
[email protected] 21 VISITWILTSHIRE Attractions Within Wiltshire
> STOURHEAD
> STEAM MUSEUM
No visit to Wiltshire would be complete without experiencing our timeless wonders. With the > SKY SAFARI, LONGLEAT 800th anniversary of its foundation coming up in 2020, Salisbury Impressive Old Wardour Castle, And don’t miss our range of Cathedral is a masterpiece of and Old Sarum which evolved over fascinating museums specialising medieval architecture. Among its time from a Neolithic community in everything from archaeology to many claims to fame are the tallest into the original site of Salisbury. woollen cloth production, aircraft spire in Britain and the finest of and motor vehicles to the history four original 1215 Magna Carta You can discover Wiltshire’s industrial of brushware (the only one on that manuscripts. Equally breathtaking heritage at STEAM – Museum of the subject in the whole of the UK!) are the monolithic stone circles Great Western Railway. Learn about of Stonehenge and Avebury – army history at REME Museum. Whether you’re here for a day, shrouded in mystery and steeped See conservation in action at The a weekend or longer, you’ll find in legend, they have a magnetism Merchant’s House in Marlborough. plenty of interesting places to that has drawn people to them for Or hunt for bargains at McArthurGlen visit around Wiltshire. For more thousands of years. Designer Outlet Swindon. Explore ideas and inspiration go to: timeless towns such as Calne, visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups Other unmissable attractions include Corsham, Marlborough and magnificent stately homes and Swindon. Take a walk on the wild > STUDLEY GRANGE gardens such as Bowood, Great side at Studley Grange Butterfly Chalfield, Lydiard Park, Iford World. Or combine rare breed Manor Gardens and Stourhead. animals with viticulture at Cholderton Longleat, with its Elizabethan Rare Breeds Farm and Bluestone house, safari park, hedge maze and Vineyards. more. Charming mansions such as Arundells and Mompesson House.
22 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
Exclusive Guided Tours and Group Rates available at Bowood House & Gardens Open 30th March to 3rd November 2019
Bowood House & Gardens Calne, Wiltshire, SN11 9NF Tel: 01249 810 961 | Email: [email protected] | bowood.org
7265 - Bowood House - Advertising November [email protected] Visit Wiltshire Ad.indd 1 08/11/2018 11:3123 VISITWILTSHIRE
Prepare to be amazed... See Britain’s tallest spire, largest close and cloisters, the world’s oldest clock and best preserved original 1215 Magna Carta - all just 8 miles from Stonehenge!
TOWER TOURS ENGLISH CREAM TEAS LIBRARY TOURS WITH TEA MEDIEVAL GRAFFITI TOURS STONEMASONRY WORKS YARD TOURS
Call us on 01722 512190 to discuss your visit today
[email protected] salisburycathedral.org.uk
24 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
TURNING HEADS TO THE PAST Explore theold lost settlement andSarum stand in the footprint of the original Salisbury Cathedral.
Nr Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 3SD
To order a Group Visits Guide call 020 7973 3529 or email [email protected]
The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.
NCG MKTG SToNeheNGe T141 old SaruM ad SiobhiaN laNdSCaPe 130x94MM CMYK YOURharriSoN STORY STARTS HERE Travel back 5,000 years to discover the world of your ancestors. SuSie aW 15.09.16
eNGliSh heriTaGe, braNd & deSiGN TeaM, The eNGiNe houSe, FireFlY aVeNue, SWiNdoN SN2 2eh • TelePhoNe 01793 414451 Stonehenge
Nr Amesbury, Wiltshire SP4 7DE
Pre-booking essential call 0370 333 0604 or email [email protected]
The English Heritage Trust is a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no. 07447221, registered in England.
NCG MKTG SToNEhENGE T142P SToNEhENGE aDvErT
jESSiCa yEoMaN LaNDSCaPE 94x130MM CMyK
SuSiE aW 15.09.16
ENGLiSh hEriTaGE, BraND & DESiGN TEaM, ThE ENGiNE houSE, FirEFLy avENuE, SWiNDoN SN2 2Eh • TELEPhoNE 01793 414451 VISITWILTSHIRE Abbey House Gardens Malmesbury Arundells
Historic house, art collection and beautiful two-acre garden leading down to the river.
A spectacular 5-acre garden beside the 12th century Just a few minutes walk from Salisbury Cathedral and Abbey Church in the centre of medieval Malmesbury. coach drop-off points. Former home of Sir Edward Open April to October. Groups welcome, please Heath: Prime Minister, statesman, sailor and musician. contact us for further information and to book. Groups welcome for self-guided visits or tours with our experienced guides. Free entry for driver/leader and 07795 418197 discounts for large groups. 01666 827650 [email protected] Please ring to discuss your requirements. www.abbeyhousegardens.co.uk 01722 326546 | [email protected] | www.arundells.org
Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm Park Surrounded by beautiful countryside, on the Wiltshire-Hampshire border, the Farm is ideal for providing quality family time.
As well as the opportunity to get back to nature with a range of fun-fi lled activities, the Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm experience offers the chance to get to know Iford Manor Gardens The Cartwright-Hignett family at Iford Manor, near Bath, welcome some of the fi nest and visitors to their internationally renowned Grade 1 Listed gardens, most charmingly traditional as featured in the upcoming cinematic remake of ‘The Secret English farm animals. Garden’. Formerly home to Harold Peto from 1899-1933.
Open April to September From super-friendly animals Out of hour visits and tours available to feed, pet and cuddle Coaches & groups by appointment to newly-planted vineyards and nature trails, we have Please e-mail us for details something for everyone to enjoy. WINNER—Little Treasure of Britain 2017 Group Travel Awards
01980 629438 | [email protected] www.IfordManor.co.uk | [email protected] | +44 (0)1225 863146 www.choldertoncharliesfarm.com
26 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
Shop Your Heart Out. Designer brands, always up to 60% less
www.swindondesigneroutlet.com
The Merchant’s House
www.rememuseum.org.uk
Set on the wide high street of the vibrant market town of Marlborough, which is bursting with history and character, is the house of Thomas Bayly, a prosperous silk merchant. It was rebuilt following the great fi re of Marlborough in 1653. A fi ne timber and A modern military museum providing a wonderful brick building was constructed, its interior panelled, interactive visitor experience for all ages. There are with nationally acclaimed, unique wall paintings and a 7 galleries to explore plus the excellent Crowns Café commanding oak staircase. Continuing conservation for refreshments. makes this a special visitor attraction. Group bookings and coaches welcome
132 High Street, Marlborough, SN8 1HN
01672 511491 | www.themerchantshouse.co.uk T: 01249894869 E: [email protected]
[email protected] 27 VISITWILTSHIRE Studley Grange
STEAM Museum of the Great Western Railway Situated just outside Swindon, and with its close A First Class Day Out proximity to the M4, Studley Grange is ideal for ‘comfort breaks’, as an enjoyable addition to your STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway journey or even part of your holiday. Stretch your legs Fire Fly Avenue, Swindon SN2 2EY around the Craft Village and Butterfl y World, Zoo and Tel: 01793 466646 Farm Park and then enjoy something delicious and www.steam-museum.org.uk homemade in the Butterfl y Café, with views of the www.facebook.com/steammuseum tropical butterfl y house. Open 362 days of the year @steam_museum Studley Grange is the perfect day out for all the family.
For more information visit www.studleygrange.co.uk
Wiltshire When you come to discover an amazing view it helps us to look after special places like Stourhead.
When you visit, donate, volunteer or join the National Trust, your support helps us to look after special places in Wiltshire such as Stourhead, Lacock Abbey, Avebury, the Stonehenge Landscape, Mompesson House and Great Chalfield Manor, for ever, for everyone. nationaltrust.org.uk/wiltshiregroups
© National Trust 2017. The National Trust is an independent registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National Trust Images\Stourhead/Clive Nichols. #nationaltrust 28 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups Project3_Layout 1 07/08/2017 15:11 Page 1
TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
Wiltshire – Picture Perfect! Wiltshire locations have Abbey represented the Seymour Other productions featuring featured in a whole host of big family seat, while Great Chalfi eld Wiltshire locations include Tomb screen movies and TV costume Manor became the home of Raider (2018), The Crown dramas. A few are listed Thomas Cromwell. (2017), Transformers: The here – to fi nd out more go to Last Knight (2017), The White visitwiltshire.co.uk/fi lm Sequences from Harry Potter & Princess (2017), War Horse The Half Blood Prince (2009) / (2011), The Young Victoria Filming for the fi nal TV series of Harry Potter & The Chamber of (2009), Lark Rise to Candleford Downton Abbey (2015) took Secrets (2002) were fi lmed at (2008-2011), Cranford (2007), place in Lacock, which will feature Lacock Abbey. Chocolat (2000) and Far From again, along with Bradford on the Madding Crowd (1967). Avon, in the fi lm version due for In the cinema version of Pride release in 2019. & Prejudice (2005) viewers will > PRIDE & PREJUDICE recognise not only Wilton House WILTON HOUSE Corsham was selected as the but also the magnifi cent gardens perfect match for 18th century at Stourhead. Truro in the fi rst series ofPoldark (2015 and 2016), while Great Mompesson House featured as Chalfi eld Manor and Gardens the London home of Mrs Jennings featured in series two. in Sense & Sensibility (1995) while the Double Cube Room In the BBC serialisation of Wolf at Wilton House was used for Hall (2015) the exterior of Lacock ballroom scenes.
[email protected] 29 VISITWILTSHIRE Attractions on Wiltshire’s Borders
> FARLEIGH HUNGERFORD CASTLE
Within Wiltshire you’ll find an Britain’s highest, inland limestone > COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK enormous range of fascinating cliffs, and explore stunning places to visit. For an even greater stalactites and stalagmites in the variety of things to see and do, we caverns below. are pleased to offer suggestions for great group days out just across Set in the picturesque valley of the the county boundaries, yet still River Frome, 14th century Farleigh within easy reach of the many Hungerford Castle offers hidden group-friendly hotels to be found treasures and a sinister past. Among throughout Wiltshire. Giving you the many unique features of this more ways to connect with the past glorious ruin are rare medieval wall whilst enjoying the present. paintings and lead ‘death mask’ For further details of these and coffins. Tour the towers. Enjoy a many more inspirational places picnic. And hear the intriguing to visit go to: (occasionally gruesome) history of visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups the Hungerford family.
Other places of interest on the Wiltshire borders include a museum > CHEDDAR GORGE containing the largest collection of Americana outside the USA, a Cheddar Gorge and Caves are wildlife park where you can enjoy one of the UK’s most spectacular uninterrupted views of the animals, geographical features. Here you can and an arboretum with no less than follow in the footsteps of prehistoric 15,000 tree specimens from around man, take a cliff-top walk along the world. > TREEFEST, WESTONBIRT
30 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
This year why not explore Bradford on Avon in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside and only 20 minutes from Bath! Bradford on Avon boasts a rich history, spectacular views and waterways, as well as a vast array of independent shops and eateries, so your visitors will find plenty to discover in BoA! www.exploreboa.co.uk For group bookings please email [email protected]
[email protected] 31 VISITWILTSHIRE Wiltshire on the Come and Great West Way discover Wiltshire’s hidden treasure History, heritage, arts and crafts, great places to eat and drink and lots of independent shops – plus www.corsham.gov.uk/visit Poldark was filmed here too.
Just 8 miles from Bath on the A4, 4 miles from the M4 (J17), or 3 miles from Chippenham Station. > BRADFORD ON AVON
IMAGE CREDIT: MAMMOTH MEDIA MAMMOTH CREDIT: IMAGE Around a quarter of the exciting new Great West Way runs through Wiltshire, along routes that brought druids to Stonehenge, drovers to market and pilgrims to Salisbury Cathedral. In Wiltshire, as with anywhere along the Great West Way, you are never more than a few minutes from an extraordinary attraction or an authentic experience. Ancient or modern. Town or country.
To fi nd out how to uncover Wiltshire’s secrets and discover an essential strand of England’s story, see pages 10-11 of this guide or go to GreatWestWay.co.uk
> OLD TOWN Swindon Expect the unexpected. houses also feature on Swindon’s Visit Swindon. landscape with the beautiful Lydiard Park and its Palladian Swindon in Wiltshire is one of the house and grounds. Across town South West’s best kept secrets, you will fi nd Coate Water Country a thriving and diverse modern Park complete with crazy golf, town that is full of hidden gems. children’s splash pool, fi shing and Swindon offers a superb range the wonderful Coate Water dual of entertainment, leisure and gauge miniature railway. Swindon accommodation for visitors of really is a great place to visit. all kinds. A great place to eat, shop and play. Swindon boasts Swindon is an easy to reach Europe’s largest indoor Designer destination for people visiting > LYDIARD HOUSE Outlet Village which, sitting next Wiltshire or holidaying in the West to Swindon’s STEAM Museum of Country, located under an hour the Great Western Railway, makes from London by train, some 30 a fantastic family day out. Places miles from Bath and Oxford, and to eat and drink are aplenty, from just 16 miles from Cirencester, the wine bars and tapas in Old Town to capital of the Cotswolds. family dining and cafés around the www.visitswindon.org.uk town centre and Designer Outlet. Scenic parkland and country > OLD TOWN GARDENS
32 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019 Salisbury
> SALISBURY CATHEDRAL FROM THE WATER-MEADOWS
The beautiful city of Salisbury is set amidst picturesque Wiltshire PHOTO: SALISBURY JOURNAL countryside. As well as outstanding examples of medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture, it is home to impressive attractions, including magnificent Salisbury Cathedral. Here you will find Britain’s tallest spire, the world’s oldest working clock, and the best preserved of four original Magna Carta documents, dating from 1215.
On the northern edge of the city lies the Iron Age hill fort of Old Sarum, while the UNESCO World Heritage > MARKET PLACE Site of Stonehenge is just a short As well as outstanding history and For further details about all that drive away. heritage, Salisbury is a major centre there is on offer for groups in
> HIGH STREET for the arts. Cosy pubs and inns Salisbury, including shopping, abound, together with tempting tea food and drink, accommodation, rooms and coffee shops. Familiar high attractions and events, go to street stores are joined by an excellent visitsalisbury.co.uk range of independent retailers, and there are regular markets throughout Brought to you by Salisbury BID. the year, including the ever-popular Christmas Market.
[email protected] 33 VISITWILTSHIRE Timeless Towns & VILLAGES
The medieval city of Salisbury is a must for anyone visiting Wiltshire. But the county has many more historic towns and villages waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by Wiltshire’s timeless landscape, they all have something unique to offer: fascinating history and heritage, stylish independent shops and colourful markets, tempting pubs and restaurants, or great entertainment. The following work with VisitWiltshire to welcome groups and the travel trade, particularly during the quieter, shoulder months – see below for coach parking details or go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups for further information.
AMESBURY CALNE Two designated spaces in the Coach drop off on The Strand Central car park SP4 7JE. SN11 0EH. No coach parking in CHIPPENHAM town centre. Sadlers Mead Car Park SN15 3PA.
AVEBURY CRICKLADE National Trust Car Park, Avebury Drop off and pick up points close SN8 1RD. Can be limited in to High Street. No designated summer. If full, coaches can drop coach parking, but coaches can off/pick up in the High Street. park on the Causeway SN6 6DQ. PHOTO: JODY GAISFORD PHOTO: JODY
CORSHAM Call 01249 702130 to arrange prior to visit.
BRADFORD ON AVON Four coach spaces Station Car To book Meet and Great service CASTLE COMBE Park BA15 1DQ. Additional coach visit www.exploreboa.co.uk or call Main car park at the top of the hill parking Moulton Drive BA15 1UF. 01225 864240. SN14 7HU.
34 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
MELKSHAM DEVIZES King Street Car Park SN12 6HB. TROWBRIDGE Awarded Confederation of On-street parking in Canal Road Passenger Transport UK Coach BA14 8RL. Coach drop off point Friendly status. Two designated in loading bay area behind Shires drop off points in New Park Street Shopping Centre BA14 8AT. SN10 1DS (20 minute limit). Extra spaces at far end of Station Road Car Park SN10 1BZ. Four spaces at Wharf Car Park SN10 1EB. Call 01380 800400 in advance to SALISBURY arrange free coach parking. Awarded Confederation of Passenger Transport UK Special Certifi cate for Coach Friendly City. Drop off/pick up point on St John Street SP1 2SB. Main coach VALE OF PEWSEY parking at Millstream Coach Park By arrangement at The Waterfront SP1 3TA. Overfl ow at Britford at Pewsey Wharf SN9 5NU – call Park & Ride SP5 4DS. Coach 01672 564020. By arrangement Ambassadors available during at Crofton Beam Engines SN8 summer season. Call 01722 3DW – call 01672 870300. At LACOCK 342860 for further information. Wilton Windmill SN8 3SW for 2 to Hither Way Car Park SN15 2LG. 3 coaches. Follow signs for National Trust Car Park.
WARMINSTER Drop off at Central Car Park, off SWINDON Station Road BA12 9BT. Coach MALMESBURY Drop off/pick up points at the Bus parking 1½ miles away at service Station Yard Car Park SN16 9JT. Drop Station in Newbridge Square, SN1 station on junction of A36/A350/ off point Cross Hayes SN16 9BZ. 1EA, and Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, A3414 BA12 7RU. Whitehill Way, SN5 7DW. Coach PHOTO: JODY GAISFORD PHOTO: JODY parking at the Swindon Truck Stop, SN3 4HD. Additional coach parking at The County Ground, SN1 2ED on non-match days – advance booking essential. If visiting McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, coach parking is available on site, MARLBOROUGH SN3 4ER – telephone 01793 WILTON George Lane Car Park SN8 4BX. 507600 48 hours in advance. Wilton Shopping Village SP2 0RS.
[email protected] 35 VISITWILTSHIRE > SALISBURY CHRISTMAS MARKET A Wiltshire CHRISTMAS
Christmas in Wiltshire is a very dates between 9 Nov and 5 Jan, Christmas gift opportunities at the special time, as our historic hundreds of illuminated designs National Trust shop (*Manor closed towns and villages receive an transform this world famous Wednesdays; whole property except extra sprinkling of festive magic. Wiltshire estate into a glowing stone circle closed 24-26 Dec.) Here are a few highlights of winter wonderland. The Elizabethan www.nationaltrust.org.uk/avebury particular interest to groups – for stately home will also be dressed more details of these and many for the occasion in a traditional From Sat 23 Nov-Sun 22 Dec other seasonal events go to Christmas style. (Thu-Sun only) Mompesson visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on www.longleat.co.uk/groups House in Salisbury will be celebrating a Victorian Christmas During Nov and Dec (dates tbc) At McArthurGlen Designer with a festive trail for children, plus Salisbury Christmas Market Outlet Swindon you can tuck into mince pies and mulled wine in the fills the Guildhall Square with delicious street food as you do garden tea-room. colourful stalls swathed in twinkling your Christmas shopping, and visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ lights. Browse the traditional Santa in his grotto from mid-Nov mompesson-house wooden chalets, listen to festive onwards. Pre-book your group to music, and eat your fill in the food receive a group pack including a The garden at Stourhead is open quarter whilst enjoying the lively 10% discount card and £5 gift card all year, but from 23 Nov-22 Dec atmosphere. lunch voucher for coach drivers. a selection of ornately decorated www.salisburychristmasmarket.co.uk www.swindondesigneroutlet.com rooms at Stourhead House show how the Hoare family celebrated Witness Salisbury Cathedral’s From the beginning of Dec Wyvern Christmas, and a walk through spectacular Darkness to Light Theatre’s ever-popular annual the illuminated garden awaits Advent Procession, as 1,300 pantomime takes to the stage for you. Three course lunches can be candles light up the Cathedral – a four week run - in 2019 it will pre-booked for groups. daily from Fri 29 Nov to Sun 1 be Sleeping Beauty. Special group www.nationaltrust.org.uk/stourhead Dec. Or join the Cathedral choir rates are available and the Wyvern for one of their special Carols for also hosts a selection of festive Christmas events at Lacock will Groups on Wed 11 and Thu 12 hospitality events. run Thu-Sun from 1-29 Dec (closed December followed by mulled wine www.swindontheatres.co.uk 25-26 Dec). As well as traditional and mince pies in the cloisters. decorations and a crackling log Group bookings via Hannah or National Trust properties join in the fire in the abbey’s Great Hall, Emily at [email protected] or festive celebrations too. From Sat on Thu and Fri visitors can enjoy telephone 01722 512190. 23 Nov to Wed 1 Jan* Christmas the Christmas tree festival in the www.salisburycathedral.org.uk warmth and cheer at Avebury Cloister, hear traditional Victorian include beautiful decorations at carols and follow a family trail Longleat’s Festival of Light is Avebury Manor, warming dishes through the village and grounds. a truly unique event. On selected and festive aromas in the café, and www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock
36 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
Activities> MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE SUMMER SCHOOL
particularly well-served with 8,200 trail. Pit your wits against the clock paths to explore. So lace up your in a real-life escape game. Test your boots or pump up your tyres, and nerve on the go-karting track. Or head out on your very own voyage of immerse yourself in spine-chilling discovery. laser combat action. Brush up your foreign language skills. Master new culinary techniques. Team up with an expert tour guide to unearth the With such an enormous range and secrets of the past. Or simply relax variety of activities to choose from, if with a luxurious treatment in one of you’re tired of the everyday, it’s time our spas. for Wiltshire. Whether your group’s ideal break > SALISBURY, STONEHENGE & SARUM TOURS From 3 years old to 90 years is calming, comforting, refreshing, young, Marlborough College An off-road driving experience is or bursting with high adrenalin Summer School’s courses span a great way to reach otherwise excitement, Wiltshire puts back what the generations. Music and dance, inaccessible parts of Salisbury the rest of the week takes out. science and technology, body and Plain. Those with a head for heights mind – traditional favourites and can drift peacefully over Wiltshire’s Go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/activities inspiring new subjects combine timeless landscape on a hot air for further details. every year in an exciting programme balloon flight. Or send their heartrate that has something to offer all ages soaring on a tandem skydive. Other and interests. opportunities to make the most of the great outdoors include a canoe With almost half its breathtaking trip or a horseback safari, a day’s landscape falling within an Area fishing or a round of golf. of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Wiltshire is perfect for outdoor Unleash your inner Sherlock Holmes pursuits. Walkers and cyclists are and search for clues on a treasure > LYDIARD PARK
[email protected] 37 VISITWILTSHIRE Outstanding Entertainment
> WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE
Wiltshire is home to endless imagination and creativity. Here, show-stopping festivals and events combine with fi rst rate venues to bring you a wealth of entertaining experiences. 2019 is guaranteed to be another exceptional year for arts and culture around the county. So head to Wiltshire, step off the world for a while, and immerse yourself in timeless pleasures.
You’ll fi nd classical, jazz and world > WYVERN THEATRE music. Theatre, comedy and dance. Carnivals, fairs and folk Kings of Wessex, its programme of Today life is hectic. Too hectic. 24/7 festivals. Not to mention writing and concerts, comedy, drama, dance this, 4G that. Sometimes you just reading, talks and tours, history and and musical theatre is sure to need to press pause and let time philosophy… and our Christmas appeal to groups. stand still. Thanks to Wiltshire’s celebrations are second to none. diverse and thriving arts scene, In 2018, Salisbury Playhouse, nothing could be easier! Salisbury Arts Centre and Salisbury > SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE International Arts Festival joined forces under the banner of Wiltshire Creative. The result is an impressive pan-arts organisation covering music, dance, theatre, comedy, > LONGLEAT literature and more. Other fi rst class venues presenting quality group- Amongst the stars of the show is friendly performances include City Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre & Arts Hall Salisbury, The Pound arts centre For further details of these and Centre. Named after a mythical, in Corsham, and Wiltshire Music many more exciting festivals and dragon-like beast believed to have Centre in Bradford on Avon. events throughout the year, go to been the heraldic device of the visitwiltshire.co.uk/whats-on
38 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019 Marlborough College
SCHOOL’S IN FOR SUMMER This annual event is one of and individuals that creates a unique Marlborough College Summer Europe’s largest multi-generational holiday atmosphere in the beautiful School will take place from 14 learning experiences; its popularity setting of Marlborough College. July to 10 August 2019 and host underpinned by the phrase over 500 courses encompassing ‘something for everyone’. Catering For further information and to request the creative arts, history, science, for students from 3 years old to 90 a brochure, phone the Summer body and mind, life skills, sport years young, it’s this blend spanning School team on 01672 892388 or and country pursuits. the generations and accommodating visit www.summerschool.co.uk all combinations of family groups
Wyvern Theatre
> SALISBURY PLAYHOUSE
The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon theatre. Its auditorium has 635 seats its annual Christmas Pantomime. is named after the mythical wyvern and every seat is designed to be no which was once the emblem of the further than 70ft from the stage. The Wyvern also hosts a number of kings of Wessex. It was opened on 7 themed dining events and party nights September 1971 by Queen Elizabeth The venue offers a mixed programme throughout the year, all held in their II and Prince Philip. of live music concerts, comedy, event space The Spotlight Room, dance, drama, musical theatre and which is available for private hire. The Wyvern is Wiltshire’s largest local amateur productions, as well as www.swindontheatres.co.uk
[email protected] 39 VISITWILTSHIRE
Refreshment Stops
> BOWOOD HOTEL
In Wiltshire you’ll find plenty to yourself to afternoon tea. Or while • Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge, whet your appetite. From the away the hours over a long lunch Amesbury freshest of local produce, to a or dinner. • The Stonehenge Inn and Carvery, wealth of traditional specialities Durrington handed down the generations. Listed on these pages is a selection Fortunately, life moves at a of restaurants, cafés, pubs, hotels BRADFORD ON AVON AREA gentler pace here. Giving you and attractions that work closely • Iford Manor Gardens time to savour the gastronomic with VisitWiltshire and are keen to delights conjured up by food attract travel trade business – we CALNE AREA and drink producers throughout recommend you call in advance • Bowood House and Gardens, the county. to check that they are able to Derry Hill accommodate your group. • Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf In Wiltshire we create food to feed Resort, Derry Hill the soul. Start your day by tucking AMESBURY AREA into a hearty Wiltshire breakfast. • Cholderton Rare Breeds CRICKLADE AREA Then linger over elevenses. Treat Farm and Bluestone Vineyards • Cricklade House Hotel
> STONEHENGE INN & CARVERY
LACOCK AREA • The Stables Tea-room, Lacock
MALMESBURY AREA • Best Western Mayfield House > MAYFIELD HOUSE HOTEL Hotel, Crudwell
40 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
> WYVERN THEATRE
> HOLIDAY INN SALISBURY-STONEHENGE
> BRITFORD FARM SHOP > THE CATHEDRAL HOTEL MARLBOROUGH AREA • Avebury
SALISBURY AREA • The Bell Tower Tea Rooms, Salisbury Cathedral • Britford Farm Shop and Café • The Cathedral Hotel, Salisbury • Red Lion Hotel, Salisbury • The Refectory, Salisbury Cathedral • Rose & Crown Hotel, Salisbury • The Swan at Stoford
SWINDON AREA • Lydiard Park, Lydiard Tregoze • McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon (various outlets) • REME Museum, Lyneham • STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway, Swindon • Studley Grange Butterfly World and Craft Village, Wroughton • Wyvern Theatre, Swindon
WARMINSTER AREA • Longleat, near Warminster (various outlets) • Stourhead Restaurant > STONEHENGE INN & CARVERY
> THE REFECTORY, SALISBURY CATHEDRAL
[email protected] 41 VISITWILTSHIRE Quick Stops Britford Farm The cafés or restaurants attached to the following attractions can be accessed without Shop & Café paying an entrance fee: • Avebury • Boscombe Down Aviation Collection • Bowood House & Garden • Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm • Crofton Beam Engines • Crop Circle Exhibition and Centre • Fisherton Mill • Iford Manor Gardens • Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, Bradford on Avon • Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, Devizes • Lacock Abbey, Village & Fox Talbot Museum • Larmer Tree • Lydiard House & Park • McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon • The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Just five minutes from Salisbury in a traditional, rural and Museum • Roves Farm • Salisbury Cathedral & relaxed setting, Britford Farm Shop is the perfect place to Magna Carta • The Salisbury Museum • Stourhead stop off for a morning coffee with a tasty cake, a lunch • St Peter’s Church Marlborough • Studley Grange from the popular wide selection, or as a venue for a special Butterfly World & Craft Village • Swindon & Cricklade occasion for up to 48 persons. The shop offers a select Railway • Visit Hillbrush • Wilton Windmill • Army range of local preserves, cheeses, eggs and chocolates Flying Museum • Cheddar Gorge • Holburne too! Museum • Roman Baths. Please call for opening times or to make a reservation. Please note: on-site parking may be limited and advance booking is always recommended (essential Bridge Farm, Lower Road, Britford, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP54DY for Stourhead). T: 01722 413400 www.britfordfarmshop.co.uk
Stonehenge Pub Group The Stonehenge Pub Group’s medium and large tour groups portfolio includes two pub round quickly and efficiently, restaurants conveniently located whilst providing tasty food in an within eight minutes drive from environment with a strong focus Stonehenge: the Stonehenge Inn on customer service. Whether you & Carvery (105 covers) and the want quick fish and chips or a three Swan at Stoford (130 covers). course lunch we can cater for you.
These traditional pubs are very Telephone 01722 790236 (option 3) experienced in turning small, or visit www.stonehengepubgroup.co.uk
42 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
Discover your past, “the personal way”
Travel back over 10,000 years in time with your own personalised tour of some of Britain’s hidden gems
Unit 7 & 8 Whittle Road, Churchfields Industrial Estate, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 7YS Tel: 01722 333333 www.salisburystonehengetours.co.uk
MAYFIELD HOUSE HOTEL Located within the royal triangle of historic Cirencester, beautiful Malmesbury and glorious Tetbury, this is a wonderful base from which to explore the Cotswolds. 28 en-suite bedrooms, an AA Rosette From Dinner, Bed restaurant, a cosy bar and lounge and & Breakfast lovely garden make this a charming per £59person, per night hotel within a pretty village location. Based on 2 people sharing a standard room Fantastic Location for Exploring the Cotswolds and Wiltshire 45 Ensuite Bedrooms Award Winning Restaurant Bar, and Gin and Whisky Terrace Set in Swimming over 30Pool, Tennisacres Court, of Gym peaceful and Golf Course grounds on the edge of the Cotswolds,mayfi eld Dog Friendly Cricklade Free ParkingHouse offers 45 bedrooms, onsite restaurant and bar, and leisure Tour Groups: Group Leader and Driver Go Free, and Free Coach Parking Cotswolds’ highlights include: Bath, Westonbirt Arboretum, Highgrove, 8% Commissionfacilities to Agents for the perfect countryside Nationalescape Trust houses and gardens including Dyrham Park, Hidcote, Lacock [email protected] 01793 750751 Abbey, Westbury Court and Snowshill Manor, the picturesque villages of [email protected] 01793 Bourton740751 on the Water, Bibury, Burford & Broadway, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Cotswold Water Park and plenty of countryside walks. Free Coach Parking + Driver’s Room for Parties of 30+ Private Dining Room Available Dogs Welcome Wheelchair Friendly Rooms Crudwell, Nr Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 9EW T: 01666 577409 E: [email protected] www.mayfieldhousehotel.co.uk
[email protected] 43 VISITWILTSHIRE The Cathedral Hotel
Make the most of your group’s time exploring the best that Salisbury and the county of Wiltshire have to offer by staying in our privately owned hotel. Located just two minutes from the Market Place and within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, bars and the famous Salisbury Cathedral. Why not combine your stay with a show at Salisbury Playhouse, City Hall or Salisbury Arts Centre? Group leaders and trip organisers receive special discounts - ask a member of our team for details.
The Cathedral Hotel, 7-9 Milford Street, Salisbury, SP1 2AJ 01722 343700 | www.cathedralhotelsalisbury.co.uk
Rose & Crown Sarum College Hotel in Salisbury’s Cathedral Close • Steps away from Salisbury Cathedral • Bespoke group packages available • 40 en-suite bedrooms • 12 bedrooms with shared bathrooms • Six elegant meeting rooms • Lunches, suppers and bespoke catering
Nestled on the banks of the River Avon sits the four-star Legacy Rose & Crown. A picturesque hotel with 34 guest bedrooms, dating back to the 13th century, and offering unrivalled views of the tranquil meadows towards Salisbury Cathedral. The bedrooms in the historic building boast period features along with modern amenities, whilst the River’s Edge restaurant offers delectable all-day dining. Group leaders and trip organisers can take advantage of bespoke packages and benefi ts.
Legacy Rose & Crown Hotel, Harnham Road, Salisbury, SP2 8JQ | 08444 119 046 01722 424800 | [email protected] www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/hotels/rose-crown-hotel-salisbury-wiltshire sarum.ac.uk/groupstays
44 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups SarumCollegeTravelTradeGuide.indd 1 23/08/2017 16:21:18 TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019 The Red Lion Hotel
The Red Lion nestles in the heart seen in the design of our bedrooms. to be one of the fi nest traditional of this ancient city, just a few steps In the warmer months our stunning English cream teas available from the vibrant Market Place. Mediterranean courtyard garden is anywhere. Europe’s oldest purpose-built hotel, a great place to relax with a drink. it housed the stone masons of the In winter, log fi res blaze, warming Milford Street, Salisbury, Cathedral in the 13th century. But guests who have come in from Wiltshire, SP1 2AN don’t be misled – we may be old, shopping at our twice weekly market 01722 323334 but we have a great modern twist, as and now sit enjoying what we believe https://the-redlion.co.uk
[email protected] 45 VISITWILTSHIRE Places to Stay
> ROSE & CROWN HOTEL In Wiltshire you’ll find group- are Marriott, Mercure, Legacy and ON A BUDGET? friendly accommodation to Best Western hotels. Many of our places to stay offer suit every taste and pocket. discounted rates for groups, as well All within easy reach of our BOUTIQUE & SMALLER HOTELS as free accommodation for your timeless wonders, timeless Independently owned, boutique- coach driver or group leader. places, timeless pleasures and style accommodation offers a timeless nature. With so much more individual experience. For details of other options see to see and do around the county, visitwiltshire.co.uk/accommodation why not extend your visit by SELF-CATERING adding an overnight stay? While self-catering cottages can be WHAT NEXT? a great idea for families and groups Browse the list of group friendly The accommodation providers of friends. places to stay on these pages, then shown in bold on the table contact them direct to find out more opposite work closely with SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT? and make a booking. VisitWiltshire and are keen to If you like to be at one with the welcome travel trade business. great outdoors we have camping, glamping and motor home pitches, WELL-KNOWN HOTEL CHAINS while a youth hostel can be an Campanile and Holiday Inn are excellent and economical choice. well represented in Wiltshire, as
> THE RED LION HOTEL
Notes relating to the table opposite: Please note: rooms may be a mix of singles, doubles, twins, triples etc 1 Rooms are often in bunk form – please ..check at the time of booking 2 Best Western /Best Western Plus Hotels 3 Legacy Hotels > CRICKLADE HOUSE HOTEL 4 Mercure Hotels
46 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
LOCATION WEBSITE TELEPHONE NO. OF ROOMS COACH PARKING Amesbury Area Amesbury: Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge hisalisbury-stonehenge.co.uk 0345 241 3535 103 On site Cholderton: At Cholderton Rare Breeds Cholderton Youth Hostel 1 choldertonyouthhostel.co.uk 01980 629379 70 beds* Farm next door Bradford on Avon Area Bradford on Avon: Leigh Park Country House Hotel 2 leighparkhotel.co.uk 01225 864885 38 On site Bradford on Avon: Widbrook Grange Hotel widbrookgrange.co.uk 01225 864750 20 On site Bradford on Avon: Woolley Grange Hotel woolleygrangehotel.co.uk 01225 864705 25 On site Calne Area Calne: Lansdowne Strand lansdownestrand.co.uk 01249 812488 25 Call for details Derry Hill: Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort bowood.org 01249 822228 43 On site Chippenham Area Chippenham: Angel Hotel 2 angelhotelchippenham.co.uk 01249 652615 50 On site Colerne: Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa lucknampark.co.uk 01225 742777 42 On site Cricklade Area Cricklade: Cricklade House Hotel crickladehotel.co.uk 01793 750751 45 On site Devizes Area Devizes: The Bear Hotel thebearhoteldevizes.co.uk 01380 722444 25 In town centre Devizes: The Castle Hotel castlehoteldevizes.co.uk 01380 727981 19 In town centre Malmesbury Area Crudwell: Mayfield House Hotel 2 mayfieldhousehotel.co.uk 01666 577409 28 On site Malmesbury: The Old Bell Hotel oldbellhotel.co.uk 01666 822344 34 Call for details Malmesbury: Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa whatleymanor.com 01666 822888 23 On site Melksham Area Beanacre: Beechfield House Hotel beechfieldhouse.co.uk 01225 703700 24 On site Royal Wootton Bassett Area Royal Wootton Bassett: The Angel Hotel theangelhotelwoottonbassett.co.uk 01793 851161 17 Call for details Salisbury Area Berwick St James: Stonehenge Campsite & Glamping Pods stonehengecampsite.co.uk 07786 734732 Call for details On site Salisbury: Drop off outside; parking The Cathedral Hotel cathedralhotelsalisbury.co.uk 01722 343700 20 Millstream Coach Park Salisbury: Grasmere House Hotel grasmerehotel.com 01722 338388 38 On site Salisbury: Milford Hall Hotel milfordhallhotel.com 01722 417411 45 On site Salisbury: The Red Lion Hotel 2 the-redlion.co.uk 01722 323334 60 Millstream Coach Park Salisbury: Rose & Crown Hotel 3 legacy-hotels.co.uk/rose-and-crown-hotel 01722 328615 32 On site Drop off St John St; parking Salisbury: Sarum College sarum.ac.uk/group-stays 01722 424800 40 Millstream Coach Park Salisbury: White Hart Hotel 4 mercure.com 01722 327476 68 On site Swindon Area Swindon: Campanile Hotel campanile.com 01793 514777 120 Call for details Swindon: Marriott Hotel swindonmarriott.co.uk 01793 512121 156 On site Tisbury Area > THE RED LION HOTEL Hindon: The Lamb Hindon lambhindon.co.uk 01747 820573 18 On site Warminster Area Bishopstrow: The Bishopstrow Hotel and Spa bishopstrow.co.uk 01985 212313 32 On site Wiltshire-wide Self-catering Cottages: Hideaways hideaways.co.uk 01993 824252 Various Please call for details Wiltshire Borders Freshford, nr Bath: Homewood Park Hotel & Spa homewoodbath.co.uk 01225 723731 21 On site For notes please see Page 46
[email protected] 47 VISITWILTSHIRE
Helping You Sell
> MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLET SWINDON Wiltshire
Only 90 minutes (or less) from • Free or discounted refreshments EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS London and within two hours of or meal vouchers During 2019 VisitWiltshire and its the south coast, the Midlands and • Free coach parking and/or easy- partners will be attending a number Wales, Wiltshire is easily accessible. access drop off points of popular events and exhibitions Making it a perfect year-round • Places where coach drivers can including: destination for groups. rest while waiting for their group • Saturday 26 January: Excursions (London) We’d love you to choose Wiltshire BOOKABLE TOURS • Tuesday 29 January: Britain & for your next group visit or outing, It’s now easier than ever to bring Ireland Marketplace (BIM) (London) so our aim is to make your job as your group to Wiltshire, thanks • Saturday 16 February: South easy as possible. Together with our to our range of bookable tours West Group Travel Show (Longleat) partners we provide you with a range and packages put together by Do come and visit us – we’d love to of tools to help you sell our beautiful VisitWiltshire. Check out the ‘Book see you there! county to your customers. a Wiltshire Tour’ section on pages 12-13 of this guide, then book EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR GROUPS BENEFITS FOR GROUP LEADERS via the relevant contact for your Special offers are one of the ways in AND COACH DRIVERS chosen itinerary. If you can’t fi nd which attractions, accommodation The following are just some of the exactly what you are looking for providers and other businesses added extras often available for there, bespoke requirements can be around Wiltshire extend a warm group leaders and coach drivers. Be individually priced and packaged. welcome to groups. So keep an eye sure to request details of what is on out for the following and remember offer at the time of booking: COMMISSIONABLE PRODUCT to confi rm details when you book: • Free fact fi nding trips in advance If you are an operator and looking • Fast track entry to attractions of your group’s visit for commissionable product please • Discounted rates for entry to • Free or discounted entry to email [email protected] attractions attractions or telephone Florence Wallace on • Exclusive tours, available only to • Free or discounted 01722 341309 for advice. groups accommodation for overnight visits • Bespoke activities for groups
48 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups TRAVEL TRADE GUIDE 2019
> OLD WARDOUR CASTLE
> REME MUSEUM
> CHOLDERTON RARE BREEDS FARM > ARUNDELLS
• Discounted room rates for to a variety of tourism products NEWSLETTER residential visits / free rooms if suitable for the travel trade, both Our regular groups’ newsletters are over a certain number of guests groups and FIT. To find out more a great way to stay in touch and • Special deals on food and drink and register your interest to keep up-to-date with all the latest • Discount vouchers to spend attend our next one, email us on news – visit the groups section of during your stay [email protected] our website to sign up today.
FAMILIARISATION VISITS ITINERARY PLANNING, PHOTOS VISITWILTSHIRE WEBSITE VisitWiltshire has an ongoing AND EDITORIAL Covering everything from coach programme of educational We offer an itinerary planning parking and itinerary ideas to familiarisation visits, designed to service to help you make the most accommodation and attractions improve your product knowledge of your visit to Wiltshire and are suitable for groups, plus bookable and give you a taste of what always happy to provide photos tours, trade contacts and more, Wiltshire has to offer. Open to and editorial for you to use in our website is packed with useful coach operators, tour operators, promoting your own tours – just let information. So if you are planning travel agents, group travel us know what places and/or topics on bringing groups to Wiltshire organisers and the trade press, are of interest to you and we will take a look at they usually take place in spring do the rest. visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups and autumn and will introduce you
[email protected] 49 VISITWILTSHIRE
ATTRACTION MAP REFERENCES Accessibility: Wiltshire is here for all to enjoy, including disabled visitors and those with specifi c All attractions featured within this publication are access needs. For detailed information on things to do, members of the Wiltshire Association of Visitor places to stay and ways to plan your visit to Wiltshire Attractions. go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/disabledaccess
AREA/ATTRACTION MAP REF AREA/ATTRACTION MAP REF WILTSHIRE ATTRACTIONS SALISBURY ATTRACTIONS A’Beckett’s Vineyard D3 Arundells F4 Abbey House Gardens B2 Boscombe Down Aviation Collection F4 Amesbury History Centre E4 Fisherton Mill | Gallery | Café | Studios F4 Atwell-Wilson Motor Museum C3 Mompesson House F4 Avebury C4 Old Sarum F4 Bowood C3 The Rifl es Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum F4 Calne Heritage Centre C3 River Bourne Community Farm F4 Canal & River Trust D3 Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta F4 Castle Combe Circuit C2 The Salisbury Museum F4 Chippenham Museum C2 Salisbury Racecourse F4 Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm & Bluestone Vineyards E4 St Thomas’s Church F4 Churches Conservation Trust Various Stonehenge Tour F4 Cotswold Water Park A3/B3 Crofton Beam Engines D4 ATTRACTIONS ON THE WILTSHIRE BORDERS Crop Circle Exhibition and Centre D4 American Museum in Britain C1 Forest Falconry F4 Army Flying Museum E5 Great Chalfi eld Manor D2 Bombay Sapphire Distillery D5 Iford Manor Gardens D2 Chavenage House B2 Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, Bradford on Avon D2 Cheddar Gorge Off D1 Kennet & Avon Canal Trust, Devizes D3 Cotswold Wildlife Park Off A4 Lacock Abbey, Village & Fox Talbot Museum C2 Farleigh Hungerford Castle D2 Lady Margaret Hungerford Almshouses & Schoolroom C2 Fashion Museum C1 Langford Lakes, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust E3 Hawk Conservancy Trust E5 Larmer Tree F2 Haynes International Motor Museum Off F1 Longleat E2 Holburne Museum C1 Lower Moor Farm, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust B3 Kelmscott Manor A4 Lydiard House & Park B4 Monkey World Off G2 McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon B4 Roman Baths C1 The Merchant’s House C4 Royal Signals Museum Off G2 Museum of Computing B4 Victoria Art Gallery C1 Old Wardour Castle F2 Westonbirt, The National Arboretum B2 Ramsbury Brewing & Distilling Company C4 REME Museum B3 GENERAL INFORMATION Roves Farm B4 Printed on paper from well-managed sources. When you Royal Wootton Bassett Town Hall Museum B3 have fi nished with this guide, please recycle it or pass St Peter’s Church, Marlborough C4 it on. This guide has been produced by VisitWiltshire STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway B4 and no part of it may be reproduced in any form without Stonehenge E4 written permission. The information contained in it can Stourhead E1 be made available in other formats on request. This Studley Grange Butterfl y World & Craft Village B4 guide is also available to download from: visitwiltshire. Swindon & Cricklade Railway B4 Swindon Museum & Art Gallery B4 co.uk/download. Details of businesses included in this Treasure Trails Various guide are based on information supplied by them at the Trowbridge Museum D2 time of going to print. Whilst every effort has been made Vintage Classics C2 to ensure accuracy, VisitWiltshire can accept no liability Visit Hillbrush F2 for any errors or omissions. © VisitWiltshire 2019. Wadworth Brewery Visitor Centre D3 Photo Credits: Abby George, Adrian Harris, Andrew Nash, Anna Wilton House F3 Stowe, Ash Mills, Charlie Ross, Chris Lock, Crown Copyright, David Wilton Windmill, near Marlborough D5 Williams, Derryn Vranch, Emma Kirkup, English Heritage, Florence Wallace, Jay Clifton, Jenny Butler, Jody Gaisford 123cpc.co.uk, Liza Wiltshire Museum D3 Maria Dawe, Mammoth Screen, Mark Cooper, National Trust, Neville Wiltshire’s White Horses Various Stanikk, Nick Smith, Paul Box, Phil Selby, Salisbury BID, Salisbury Journal, Stu Meech, The Other Richard, Visit Bath.
50 visitwiltshire.co.uk/groups
Koala Creek COMING SPRING 2019
More than 450 years of history. Over 1,000 incredible animals. Immerse yourself in the astonishing kingdom of Longleat. The UK’s original safari park. Groups of 12+ save up to 30% and get exclusive perks
[email protected] • 01985 844328 • longleat.co.uk/groups