Stonehenge & Wonders of Wiltshire Road Trip Online Travel Guide

This route twists gently across the county, linking chalk downs, ancient monuments, quiet villages and woodland trails. Covering around 128 miles (207 km), it gives you the freedom to explore East and West Wiltshire at your own pace — whether that’s a slow meander, a day trip, or a full deep-dive into the county’s landscapes and legends. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure through one of England’s most atmospheric regions.

No matter how many photos you’ve seen, nothing prepares you for the moment Stonehenge rises on the horizon. Standing at the edge of the great stone circle, you feel its scale — and its mystery. Why was it built? How was it engineered? Who gathered here thousands of years ago?
Its purpose remains unknown, but the feeling of being connected to something ancient and human is unforgettable. It’s a place that stays with you long after you leave.

Salisbury Cathedral is one of those buildings that makes you look up in awe as you follow the line of the spire. Its soaring spire — the tallest in Britain — pulls your eye skyward, while the cloisters and cathedral close offer one of the most peaceful corners in England. Inside, you’ll find the world’s oldest working clock, medieval carvings, and centuries of craftsmanship.
Even if you’re not usually drawn to churches, this one surprises nearly everyone — it’s beautiful, calm, and full of stories.

Scattered across the hillsides, Wiltshire’s White Horses are part landmark, part mystery. Each chalk figure has its own history and character, best enjoyed by following the White Horse Trail or simply spotting them as you crest the downs. Pause at a viewpoint, take in the sweeping landscapes, and imagine the generations who carved and restored these figures long before you arrived.

Longleat feels like stepping into two worlds at once: elegant Elizabethan rooms on one side, lions lounging in the sun on the other. The combination of grand architecture, landscaped grounds, and a fully fledged safari park makes it a brilliant stop for families, wildlife lovers, and anyone who wants a day packed with variety. From monkeys scrambling over cars to hidden rooms inside the house, there’s always something to surprise you.

Often called Britain’s oldest road, the Ridgeway gives you views that stretch for miles. Walk a short section or spend hours on the trail — either way, you’ll feel the wide, open character of Wiltshire’s chalk landscape. It’s perfect for peaceful moments, fresh air, and that sense of stepping somewhere timeless.

Caen Hill Locks are captivating in a way you don’t expect until you see them. Twenty-nine locks rise up the hillside like a perfect staircase of water — an astonishing feat of Georgian engineering. Wander along the towpath, watch the slow rhythm of canal boats working their way through, or cycle the peaceful stretch of the Kennet & Avon Canal. It’s one of the most tranquil corners of Wiltshire.

Wiltshire is layered with stories — medieval market towns, Civil War skirmishes, and a once-thriving textile industry that shaped entire communities. Explore castles, churches and old high streets that have witnessed centuries of change. Follow Civil War routes, discover the sites of key battles, or wander through mills that powered the Industrial Revolution.
Wherever you go, the county’s past feels close and easy to connect with.