Wiltshire – One of Britain’s best kept secrets

Wiltshire is establishing itself as a must visit county following a major re-structure and the launch of a new county-wide organisation – Visit Wiltshire Tourism Partnership.

The VisitWiltshire Tourism Partnership brings together all local authorities, accommodation providers, attractions, pubs, restaurants, event organisers and local food producers under one umbrella brand dedicated to promoting tourism to the county.

One of Britain’s best kept secrets, Wiltshire is a destination that offers a great deal of activities and many attractions to visitors, not to mention high quality accommodation.

Located in the heart of the British countryside Wiltshire is a county of contrast and diversity. Visitors will find a land steeped in history, yet alive with modern, quality attractions providing exciting activities to suit all.

Salisbury and Swindon provide the region’s bustling city life while the rest of the county is a haven of rolling countryside, picturesque market towns and magnificent stately homes and gardens.

Key attractions
• Longleat – Regarded as one of the most impressive and beautiful stately homes, Longleat offers a great day out for all the family. The house itself is a haven of treasures, while the surrounding grounds house a maze, extensive safari park, gardens and boating lake.

• Bowood House – Dating back to the 18th century, Bowood is the home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Landsdowne. The exhibition rooms display an impressive collection of family heirlooms including silver, porcelain and paintings. The gardens comprise terraces, lake, waterfall, Doric temple and 50 acres of rhododendron gardens, plus an amazing adventure playground for children.

• Stourhead – It would take a full day to explore the entire splendour of Stourhead House and Gardens. While the house is beautiful the landscaped gardens with their lakeside walks, grottoes, classical temples and panoramic views over Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset are stunning.

• Abbey House Gardens – These spectacular gardens owe their ‘wow’ factor to ‘The Naked Gardeners’, Ian and Barbara Pollard who have created the perfect English garden complete with over 2,000 roses and 100,000 tulips!

• Wilton House – Home to the 18th Earl of Pembroke, this fascinating property sits on the site of a 9th century nunnery. The famous Double Cube Room with its collection of Van Dyck paintings is one of Britain’s finest surviving 17th century staterooms.

• Stonehenge and Avebury – Quite possibly the most famous attraction in the UK, these incredible monuments sit on the edge of Salisbury Plain. It is unclear as to what exactly they represent but this World Heritage Site is a must see for any visitor to Wiltshire.

Great hotels
• Lucknam Park – Located in Chippenham this superb 18th century, five star country house hotel offers superior accommodation. Set within 500 acres of walled gardens it offers a spa and equestrian centre plus a Michelin starred restaurant.

• The Manor House Hotel and Golf Club – This luxurious hotel is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape complete with fine dining and exquisite wines. Situated in the picturesque village of Castle Combe, it is surrounded by 365 acres of parkland, within which is an orchard and kitchen garden from where the chefs select produce for the daily menu.

• Whatley Manor – Whatley Manor is a tastefully restored Cotswold Manor house with an excellent range of facilities. Close attention to detail has been paid to the many bespoke furnishings, including the on-site cinema. While the hotel retains its old world charm, modern facilities include a spa and all the rooms have underfloor heating and Bang & Olufsen sound systems.

• Bishopstrow House Hotel – Built as a classical Georgian country house on the outskirts of Warminster, the hotel is furnished with fine antiques and 19th century paintings. The wide range of facilities include hair studio, spa, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts and a high tech gymnasium. The hotel also owns a private stretch of the River Wylye where guests can fish for trout and even have it prepared that night for dinner by the in-house chef.

Friendly B&B and self-catering
Wiltshire offers a wide range of accommodation from its opulent historic hotels to small, friendly, B&Bs and self-catering cottages. With over 75% of the quality assured accommodation providing six rooms or fewer, it really is a destination where you can get away from the hustle and bustle and meet the locals.

Forthcoming events
Wiltshire is not short of great events and below are just a few of the most exciting ones taking place this autumn.

• Swindon Railway Festival 2008 – On September 13 and 14, rail enthusiasts should head to Swindon to see the return of “Evening Star”, the last steam locomotive to be made for British Rail.
• Salisbury Food and Drink Festival – Celebrate the best of Wiltshire cuisine on September 21, 2008. Exhibitors from around the area will be offering demonstrations, tastings and products for purchase.
• 750th Anniversary service at Salisbury Cathedral – Visit Salisbury Cathedral this September to join in the last of the celebrations for the 750th anniversary.
• Salisbury’s Spooky Weekend – join the Halloween fun in Salisbury between 24 – 31 October 2008, when local guides will take walks around the spine tingling haunted areas of the city.
• Wiltshire Christmas and Crafts gift show – Start your Christmas shopping early on November 1st & 2nd at this fun event where over 100 of Wiltshire’s finest craftsmen, artists and small business will be offering a selection of the best Christmas gifts for sale. Held at the Oasis Leisure Centre, Swindon.
• Christmas at STEAM – STEAM Museum of The Great Western Railway will host its second annual Christmas event where the entire museum is transformed into a STEAM themed Christmas Wonderland. Takes place on December 6th and 7th.

To find out more, log on to Visitwiltshire.co.uk.