English country cottages in Wiltshire, England.
Wiltshire
The southern part of the Cotswold region brings you into Wiltshire, famous for its magical mix of rolling green hills, white horses, and stone circles. Pick a cottage here and you'll be all set for a rural escape. With over 7,500 paths in Wiltshire, there are plenty of opportunities to explore on foot. It's also popular with cyclists - there are lots of traffic free country lanes and a series of purpose built, family friendly cycle ways.
Swindon isn't known as a tourist hotspot, but it does have an interesting industrial history revolving around the Great Western Railway. Even if you don't fancy staying in Swindon on your holiday, you might consider coming in for some top-quality shopping at the designer outlet, or to visit Swindon's railway museum 'STEAM', which has an accessible location, great modern layout, interactive displays and good facilities.
Marlborough, south of Swindon, is the quintessential English market town. It has a wide high-street which hosts regular markets and a 'mop fair'. It's also home to a selection of boutique shops and upmarket restaurants and cafes. One of the most notable buildings is the 'Merchant's House', restored as a 17th century town house and open for guided tours.
The village of Avebury is best known for its prehistoric stone circle, which is thought to predate Stonehenge by a few hundred years. Unlike Stonhenge, you can take an atmospheric stroll right amongst the Sarsen stones at Avebury, many of which were re-erected in the 1930s after some had been taken for use as building material. You can find out more about the ancient stones at the site museum, housed in an old thatched barn in the village. The village of Avebury is a treat in itself, with numerous quaint Wiltshire cottages, a wholesome café serving locally sourced food and the National Trust owned 'Avebury Manor and Gardens': a 16th-century manor house with lovely Edwardian gardens.
Between Marlborough and the city of Bath, numerous pretty villages and towns are nestled into the chalky landscape. Drive from Marlborough towards Calne and you will spot one of Wiltshire's striking 'White Horses' carved into the chalk hillside. Calne is a characterful town, known as the place where Joseph Priestly discovered Oxygen, and as the home of the famous 'Harris' sausage factory which operated until 1983. Just outside Calne is Bowood House and Gardens. Bowood's adventure playground and extensive grounds make it ideal for a day out with children. In the nearby villages of Derry Hill, Heddington and Sandy Lane you'll find thatched cottages and country pubs galore. Chippenham is one of the larger towns in the area, and has all the shops you'll need to stock up on essentials if you're self-catering.
Lacock, just a few miles from Chippenham, is almost entirely owned by the National Trust and has therefore had its authentic charm actively preserved. Regulations on building development, car-parking and even TV ariels give Lacock the appearance of a village frozen in time. Most of the houses are 18th century or older, and there's a 14th century Tyth barn and medieval church. The village has often been used for film and television productions, including the BBC's 'Pride and Prejudice'. There are some pleasant little pubs and cafes, some with gardens - perfect for ice-cream or afternoon tea. Motoring enthusiasts will enjoy events at the popular Castle Combe racing circuit. In contrast to the noise and speed of the circuit, the village of Castle Combe is a tranquil haven. The attractive 'Cotswoldy' features include a fourteenth century Market Cross and medieval church. The four-star Manor House Hotel was built in the fourteenth century, and has 48 luxury rooms looking out onto extensive gardens. Don't worry if your budget won't quite stretch to this - there are plenty of holiday cottages around here offering their own style and sophistication.
A large part of southern Wiltshire is taken up by Salisbury Plain. This large expanse of chalky grassland is regularly used by the military for training exercises. It's also an important habitat for wildlife. The plain is the site for the RSPB's 'Great Bustard Re-Introduction Project' which is attempting to bring the world's largest flying bird back to Britain.
Although you won't find many holiday cottages on the sparsely populated Salisbury Plain, visitors can enjoy a drive through the wilderness or a visit to the pleasant town of Amesbury. Stonhenge is just two miles west of Amesbury. The ancient stone circle is looked after by English Heritage, and has earned status as a World Heritage Site. It's not the largest stone circle in the world, but its huge stones topped by lintels make it unique. Stonehenge was built between 3000 and 1600BC, and there's always been some debate as to exactly why. What does seem obvious is that Stonhenge was an important focal point in the landscape and played a part in prehistoric ceremonies. Today, the stones have to be enjoyed from a distance as the circle has been roped off for protection. Medieval city Salisbury is another top Wiltshire destination. A wander around the pretty little streets will bring you to shops, theatres, good quality restaurants and pubs. Sailsbury Cathedral is hard to miss, with its breathtaking spire standing at 123 metres. Arguably one of Britain's finest cathedrals, Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent sight both inside and out, and boasts nearly 800 years of history. The cathedral is situated in eight acres of tranquil lawns, which are surrounded by other historical buildings.
Outside Salisbury, the towns of Downton, Mere and Wilton offer yet more opportunities for holiday cottages in beautiful rural Wiltshire. Accommodation here will bring numerous attractions within reach, including Old Sarum Castle and Salisbury Racecourses. Longleat house and safari park, the star of the BBC's popular 'Animal Park' series, is a must for children and grown-ups. Here you can enjoy a fine example of Elizabethan Architecture, brave an expedition in the huge Longleat Hedge Maze, have a ride on the Longleat Railway and drive through the safari park spotting giraffes, zebras, monkeys, wallabies, lions and more.
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