Best Historic Places in Wiltshire: Stonehenge, Avebury & Ancient Sites

Old Sarum

Long before Salisbury became the county town, Old Sarum was the centre of power in Wiltshire.

Perched on a commanding hilltop overlooking the surrounding countryside, this impressive Iron Age hillfort later became a Roman settlement before developing into one of Norman England's most important castles. Today, visitors can walk around the enormous earthworks, explore the remains of the royal castle and cathedral, and enjoy sweeping views across Salisbury Plain.

It's easy to imagine why this site was chosen for defence. The huge circular banks and ditches remain remarkably intact, while the ruined castle walls and foundations tell the story of a settlement that eventually became too crowded and exposed. In the early 13th century, the cathedral community relocated to the valley below, creating what is now the city of Salisbury.

Old Sarum is managed by English Heritage and combines perfectly with a visit to Salisbury Cathedral or Stonehenge, making it one of the most rewarding historic stops on a Wiltshire road trip.

Salisbury Cathedral

Although much younger than Wiltshire's prehistoric monuments, Salisbury Cathedral is no less remarkable.

Completed in just 38 years during the 13th century, it is considered one of the finest examples of Early English Gothic architecture. Its elegant spire, soaring 123 metres into the sky, remains the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom and can be seen for miles across the surrounding countryside.

Inside, the cathedral is equally impressive. Highlights include beautiful medieval architecture, peaceful cloisters and one of the four surviving original copies of Magna Carta, a document that helped shape constitutional law around the world.

The surrounding Cathedral Close is one of England's most attractive historic settings, with elegant buildings, leafy green spaces and riverside walks creating a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere after exploring the county's ancient monuments.

Allow at least two to three hours if you wish to explore both the cathedral and the city centre.

Wiltshire's Famous White Horses

One of Wiltshire's most distinctive sights isn't a building at all.

Scattered across the county's chalk hillsides are several enormous white horses, carved directly into the landscape. These striking figures have become symbols of Wiltshire and provide another fascinating layer to the county's history.

The best-known examples include the Westbury White Horse, Cherhill White Horse, Alton Barnes White Horse and Marlborough White Horse. Some date back several centuries, while others were created more recently, but each occupies a dramatic position overlooking the surrounding countryside.

Many can be reached via short walks from nearby car parks, rewarding visitors with panoramic views across the rolling chalk downs. They also make excellent photo stops when travelling between Wiltshire's larger attractions.

Rather than trying to visit every horse, it's often better to include one or two that naturally fit your driving route. The Westbury White Horse pairs well with southern Wiltshire, while Cherhill and Alton Barnes are ideal additions when exploring the Avebury area.

Lacock Village

If you're looking for one of England's most beautifully preserved villages, Lacock should be high on your list.

Owned almost entirely by the National Trust, the village has changed remarkably little over the centuries. Timber-framed cottages, stone buildings and quiet streets create an atmosphere that feels almost untouched by modern life, making it a favourite filming location for productions including Harry Potter, Pride and Prejudice and Downton Abbey.

Lacock Abbey is equally fascinating. Originally founded as a medieval nunnery before later becoming a country house, it is also closely linked with the history of photography thanks to William Henry Fox Talbot, who produced some of the world's earliest photographic negatives here.

The village is perfect for a slower pace of exploration. Browse independent shops, enjoy lunch in a traditional pub or simply wander the streets soaking up the historic atmosphere before continuing your journey.

Wilton House

Just outside Salisbury lies one of England's finest stately homes.

Wilton House has been home to the Earls of Pembroke for more than 450 years and combines magnificent architecture with beautifully landscaped gardens. The state rooms contain exceptional collections of paintings, sculptures and antique furniture, while the surrounding parkland provides a peaceful contrast to the county's busier attractions.

Film fans may also recognise Wilton House from productions including Bridgerton, The Crown and numerous period dramas.

It makes an excellent stop for anyone interested in aristocratic history and grand English country houses, particularly when combined with Salisbury and Old Sarum.

Planning Your Historic Wiltshire Road Trip

One of the great advantages of exploring Wiltshire by car is that many of its most important attractions lie surprisingly close together.

If you only have one day, concentrate on either the Stonehenge and Salisbury area or the Avebury prehistoric landscape. Trying to visit everything in a single day will leave little time to properly enjoy each location.

With two or three days, you can comfortably combine Stonehenge, Old Sarum, Salisbury Cathedral, Avebury, Silbury Hill, West Kennet Long Barrow and one or two of the county's white horses, while still allowing time to enjoy Wiltshire's villages and countryside.

Roads are generally quiet outside the main towns, although traffic around Stonehenge can become busy during peak holiday periods. Booking popular attractions in advance and starting early will help you make the most of your visit.

Rather than simply driving from landmark to landmark, take time to enjoy the journey itself. Some of Wiltshire's greatest pleasures come from following winding country roads through open chalk landscapes, discovering unexpected viewpoints and stopping in villages that many visitors pass by.

If you'd like everything planned for you, including mapped routes, scenic detours, recommended overnight stops, parking advice and carefully timed itineraries, our Wonders of Wiltshire Road Trip Guide takes the hard work out of planning so you can simply enjoy the journey.