Stonehenge, Salisbury & Ancient Wessex
Historic Towns, Chalk Landscapes & Prehistoric Wonders
Wiltshire is a county of layers — and this route brings them together. From riverside towns and historic villages in the west, the journey moves through canal heritage and rolling chalk downs before reaching the iconic landmarks of Stonehenge and Salisbury.
Across just over 120 miles, you travel through three distinct landscapes: West Wiltshire Gateway, North Wessex Downs and Ancient Landscapes, and Stonehenge, Salisbury & Ancient Wessex.
1. West Wiltshire Gateway
Historic towns, weaving heritage and some of Wiltshire’s prettiest villages, from Bradford-on-Avon and Lacock to Castle Combe and Chippenham.
2. North Wessex Downs & Ancient
Canal engineering, prehistoric monuments and sweeping chalk downland, from Devizes and Avebury to the Ridgeway, Marlborough and Pewsey.
3. Stonehenge & Salisbury
The route’s most iconic chapter, from Woodhenge and Stonehenge to Old Sarum and the cathedral city of Salisbury.
How to Get There
The picturesque town of Bradford-on-Avon is an ideal starting point for this route. Here’s how to reach it from major UK hubs and abroad.
By Road – From Major Hubs
London (~2.5 hrs)
M4 → Junction 17 → A350 → A363
Birmingham (~2–2.5 hrs)
M5 → A417 / A436 / A429 → A350 → A363
Bristol (~40 mins)
A4 → A36 → B3108
Manchester (~3.5–4 hrs)
M6 → M5 → M4 → A350 → A363
Parking:
Station Car Park • Barton Farm Car Park
By Train
London Paddington (~1.5–2 hrs)
Train to Bath Spa → change → 12 mins to Bradford-on-Avon
Bristol Temple Meads (~40 mins)
Direct service
Birmingham (~2.5 hrs)
Via Bristol or Bath Spa
Manchester (~4–4.5 hrs)
Via Birmingham → Bristol or Bath
Station is centrally located within walking distance of key attractions.
By Bus
From Bath (~20 mins)
D1 service (frequent)
From Bristol (~1–1.5 hrs)
Via Bath or train alternative
National Express
To Bath or Trowbridge, then local bus or train
Operated by First Bus and Faresaver.
Travelling from Overseas
Heathrow
Heathrow Express → Paddington → Bath → Bradford-on-Avon
Gatwick
Gatwick Express → London → Bath → Bradford-on-Avon
Bristol Airport
Airport Flyer → Bristol Temple Meads → direct train
Eurostar
St Pancras → Paddington → Bath → Bradford-on-Avon
Ferry
Portsmouth or Poole → A36 or A350
Stonehenge and the Wonders of Wiltshire Last updated: 17 March 2026
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