Gardens … 2016 sees the 300th anniversary of the birth of master landscaper Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Many of Britain’s great houses owe their pastoral settings to his groundbreaking vision, and his creativity is still inspiring gardeners today. In #Wiltshire, Bowood House, Longleat, Corsham Court, Wilton House, Lacock Abbey, and Old Wardour Castle all have connections with Brown.
There are many other stunning gardens in Wiltshire including Iford Manor and The Peto Garden, Larmer Tree Gardens, Lydiard House & Park, Abbey House Gardens, Heale Gardens and Arundells. Wiltshire is also home to many National Trust gardens such as Stourhead, Great Chalfield Manor, and Mompesson House.
Stonehenge and Avebury are magical places shrouded in history. If you stand on Salisbury Plain at sunrise or sunset, it’s easy to understand why the ancient Britons believed Stonehenge was special. Its orientation on the rising and setting sun is one of its many outstanding features, but why it was built in this way remains a mystery.
Wiltshire is home to archaeology collections of outstanding national importance. Salisbury Museum has three major exhibitions planned for 2016, and together with the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes, visitors immerse themselves in the full Stonehenge and Avebury story.
There are opportunities to access the expertise of the museum staff who have a detailed understanding of Wiltshire’s archaeology and who care for internationally important finds from these iconic sites. There is a unique opportunity to see Marden Henge – the third super henge in Wiltshire - being excavated as part of an archaeology tour being run by Wiltshire Museum in July.
Market towns & and medieval Salisbury … Wiltshire’s historic towns and villages have something unique to offer. Market towns include Bradford on Avon, Amesbury, Cricklade, Malmesbury, Corsham, Calne, and Marlborough. Quintessentially English villages such as Castle Combe and Lacock are often used as filming locations. Salisbury was one of the top ten cities in the world to visit according to Lonely Planet last year. Home to Salisbury Cathedral and Magna Carta, Salisbury Museum, The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum, and Mompesson House … all within a stone’s throw from each other.
Food & drink … Local breweries include Wadworths and Arkells, the latter a family brewer since 1843 with many pubs around the county. Award-winning restaurants in the county include Red Lion Freehouse, East Chisenbury, the Harrow at Little Bedwyn in Marlborough, and the Manor House at Castle Combe.
Wiltshire's visitor economy currently generates an estimated £1.5 billion a year and supports more than 28,000 jobs.
www.visitwiltshire.co.uk
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