We are big fans of bucket lists and love pulling together lists of things to tick off and achieve. We started our journey with The Ultimate Bucket List which we are constantly adding to and updating, but this covers things from all over the world. Both of us were born and raised in Wiltshire (and still live here today) so thought it only right to create a bucket list a bit closer to home!
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25 Wiltshire Bucket List Ideas
Wadworth Brewery Tour, Devizes
This 19th-century brewery is one of Wiltshire’s proudest local institutions, known for its traditional ales and shire horse deliveries. The guided tour takes you behind the scenes to see how the beer is made, plus you can sample a few pints at the end. It’s a great way to soak up some proper Wiltshire heritage.
Tours are paid and run throughout the year, though it’s best to book in advance. It’s more suited to adults, but older teens may enjoy learning about the craftsmanship and history involved. Devizes town centre is right nearby too, so it’s easy to make a day of it.
Swindon & Cricklade Railway
For a nostalgic family day out, hop aboard this volunteer-run heritage railway in north Wiltshire. You can ride on beautifully restored steam and diesel trains, visit the museum, and even book special event days like Santa trains or teddy bear picnics. It’s small but full of charm — perfect for little train enthusiasts.
It’s open most weekends from spring through autumn, with tickets priced affordably and under-3s usually free. Best visited in summer for the full timetable, but the Christmas rides are also a highlight. There’s a café and picnic area on site, and everything’s stroller-friendly.
Stonehenge
You can’t have a Wiltshire bucket list without Stonehenge — it’s the county’s star attraction and one of the world’s most famous prehistoric monuments. Located near Amesbury, this UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back around 5,000 years and still manages to feel completely otherworldly.
To visit properly, book tickets through English Heritage, which include entry to the visitor centre and shuttle to the stones (about 2km away). You can also walk part of the route for free along public footpaths if you prefer a quieter, more scenic approach. It’s open year-round, though sunrise and sunset visits in spring and autumn are particularly atmospheric. Families are well catered for — there’s an exhibition, café, and even Stonehenge-themed trails for kids.
Bowood House & Gardens
Bowood, near Calne, is one of Wiltshire’s best all-round attractions — part stately home, part adventure park, part botanical wonderland. The grand house overlooks sweeping Capability Brown parkland, but the real highlight for families is the huge adventure playground with pirate galleons, slides, and zip lines. There’s also a lake, café, and formal gardens to wander through.
It’s open from April to November, and tickets are required (with discounts for families). It’s extremely family-friendly and great for a full day out. The grounds are stunning in spring and summer, while autumn brings incredible colours. If you fancy something a bit different, keep an eye out for Bowood Ibiza, a lively seasonal event that turns the estate into a family-friendly mini-festival with DJs, street food, and a sunset party vibe.
Bothy Gardens, Chiseldon
Tucked away near Swindon, Bothy Gardens is a little-known gem full of beautifully designed gardens, sculptures, and art installations. It’s peaceful, creative, and ideal for anyone who loves plants, photography, or just a quiet wander somewhere pretty.
It’s open seasonally (usually late spring to early autumn) and there’s a small entry fee. The gardens aren’t huge but are very family-friendly, with open lawns for kids to roam and plenty of shady spots for picnics. Go in late spring or early summer when everything’s in bloom.
Caen Hill Locks, Devizes
This incredible feat of engineering is one of Wiltshire’s most iconic sights — 29 locks stacked in a dramatic staircase just outside Devizes. Walking the towpath beside them gives you a front-row view of boats working their way up (or down!) the hill, and it’s surprisingly relaxing to watch.
It’s completely free and open all year round, with a gravel path that’s perfect for buggies, bikes, or a gentle stroll. Spring and summer are the best times to visit, when wildflowers line the canal and the nearby café opens for ice creams, hot drinks and light bites. Families love it for the novelty and open space, and there’s a large car park at the top if you don’t fancy the full walk.
Longleat Safari Park and House
Set on a sprawling estate near Warminster, Longleat is part stately home, part safari park, and one of Wiltshire’s biggest days out. Drive through enclosures full of lions, monkeys, and giraffes, then explore the grand Elizabethan house and gardens. There’s also a hedge maze, boat rides, and play areas, so it’s ideal for families of all ages.
It’s open most of the year (closing only in January and February) and tickets are required — book online for the best price. Summer is the busiest season, but autumn and winter bring quieter days and special events like the Festival of Light. It’s a full-day adventure and well worth the entry fee.
Center Parcs Longleat Forest
Hidden in 400 acres of woodland near Warminster, Center Parcs Longleat Forest is the perfect family escape. There’s a subtropical swimming paradise (including the beloved rapids), cycling trails, soft play, a spa, and more outdoor activities than you can count. Even if you don’t stay overnight, the scale of the forest and its scenery make it one of Wiltshire’s most loved family getaways.
Open year-round, it’s best enjoyed in spring or autumn when the forest colours are at their best. Stays aren’t cheap, but families love the freedom and convenience — everything’s walkable (or cycleable), and the whole site feels like a bubble away from the real world.
Lacock Village and Abbey
Step back in time in the impossibly pretty Lacock Village, near Chippenham. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and complete lack of modern clutter, it’s no wonder it’s been used as a filming location for Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice. The village itself is owned by the National Trust, and Lacock Abbey — once a medieval nunnery — is fascinating to explore.
It’s open year-round, and while parking is paid, entry to the village is free (the Abbey has an admission fee). Visit in spring for blossom, or December for the magical Christmas market. Families will love the old-fashioned tearooms and wide-open village green — it’s like walking into a storybook.
Take Part in a Scarecrow Festival (Urchfont & Lacock)
Wiltshire’s villages love a good scarecrow festival — and Urchfont’s is one of the most famous. Every May Bank Holiday, the quiet lanes fill with hundreds of handmade scarecrows based on quirky themes, from film characters to politicians. There’s music, stalls, and a proper community buzz. Lacock also holds its own version some years, adding to the county’s tradition.
Free to attend (though donations are encouraged), these festivals are perfect family events — kids can follow the scarecrow trail maps and vote for their favourites. Go in spring or early summer, when the weather’s good and everyone’s in high spirits. You can't have a Wiltshire bucket list without including a scarecrow hunt!
Whitehall Garden Centre at Christmas
Located near Lacock, Whitehall Garden Centre goes all-out at Christmas, transforming into a winter wonderland with festive displays, twinkling lights, and a Christmas grotto. It’s become something of a local tradition — families come not just for decorations, but for the whole experience.
It’s open daily through the festive season, with entry to the garden centre free but tickets needed for Santa’s Grotto or the ice rink. Go from late November onwards for the best displays. Family-friendly, sparkly, and full of festive cheer — it’s the perfect pre-Christmas outing.
Avebury Henge & Stone Circle
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Stonehenge, Avebury is actually even more impressive — and far less crowded. Located near Marlborough, this enormous Neolithic stone circle wraps right around the village itself, meaning you can wander freely among the stones, explore ancient earthworks, and even stop for lunch at the Red Lion Pub (which sits in the middle of the henge). The atmosphere here is more relaxed and immersive than at Stonehenge, and it’s a brilliant place for families to explore a bit of history without the fences and ticket barriers.
Avebury is free to visit and open all year round, though parking (managed by the National Trust) costs a few pounds. Spring and summer are ideal for picnics and long walks, while autumn brings golden light and fewer crowds. There’s also a small museum on-site, run by the National Trust, which explains more about the site’s origins and nearby ancient monuments like Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow. Bring wellies in winter — it can get muddy!
Kennet & Avon Canal Walk or Boat Trip
The Kennet & Avon Canal stretches right across Wiltshire, linking Bristol to Reading, but some of the prettiest sections pass through the county — particularly around Bradford on Avon, Devizes, and Pewsey. Whether you fancy a peaceful walk along the towpath, a short family-friendly stroll to feed the ducks, or hiring a narrowboat for the day, this canal offers something for everyone. The section near Devizes is especially popular thanks to the famous Caen Hill Locks — a flight of 29 locks that’s one of the longest continuous flight of locks in the country and a proper feat of engineering.
You can walk or cycle the towpath for free all year round, and spring through early autumn is the best time to visit if you want sunshine, canal boats, and pub gardens open along the route. For boat hire or organised trips, you’ll need to book in advance (there are a few companies dotted along the canal). It’s family-friendly, mostly flat, and full of wildlife — expect swans, ducks, herons, and the occasional kingfisher if you’re lucky. It’s a peaceful, classic Wiltshire day out that’s as relaxing or adventurous as you make it.
Wilton House
Located just outside Salisbury, Wilton House is an elegant stately home that’s still lived in by the Earl of Pembroke and his family. The house itself is known for its grand interiors, beautiful art collection, and appearances in films and TV shows (think Bridgerton and The Crown). But it’s the gardens that make it truly special — peaceful riverside walks, sweeping lawns, and a fantastic adventure playground that’s a hit with kids.
Wilton House is open from late spring through to autumn, and entry fees apply (though parking is free). It’s definitely family-friendly, and there’s a picnic area plus a café for snacks. Go in summer if you want to make the most of the outdoor space, or during one of their classic car shows and local fairs for an extra bit of atmosphere. It’s a quintessential Wiltshire day out that mixes grandeur with relaxed countryside charm.
Salisbury Cathedral & Magna Carta
Right in the heart of Salisbury, this stunning cathedral is one of Wiltshire’s most iconic landmarks — and home to Britain’s tallest spire. Built in the 13th century, it’s also where you’ll find one of the four surviving copies of the Magna Carta, kept safely in the Chapter House. The cathedral’s vast interior is awe-inspiring, and you can even climb the spire on a guided tour if you’re up for the view (and the steps).
It’s open year-round, and though entry is free, donations are suggested (and well worth it). The best time to visit is spring or early summer, when the surrounding Close is full of flowers and perfect for a picnic. It’s very family-friendly — kids love spotting carvings and exploring the cloisters — and there’s often art installations or special events happening too. Allow a couple of hours to wander both inside and around the grounds.
Salisbury Plain Walks
Covering a huge swathe of central Wiltshire, Salisbury Plain is best known for being home to Stonehenge — but venture a little further, and you’ll find miles of open countryside, ancient chalk grasslands, and walking trails bursting with wildflowers. It’s also a military training area, so some zones are off-limits, but there are plenty of marked public paths to follow (the Imber Range Perimeter Path is a popular one).
Free to explore and open all year round, the Plain is at its best in late spring and summer when the wildflowers are in bloom and skylarks fill the air. It’s perfect for walkers, cyclists, and families with older kids who enjoy a bit of outdoor adventure — though it’s quite exposed, so pack suncream, hats, and a picnic. You might even spot one of the iconic White Horses carved into the hillsides from certain viewpoints.
Wiltshire White Horses Trail
Wiltshire is famous for its chalk white horses — eight still visible today, carved into the hillsides and dotted across the county. The most famous is probably the Westbury White Horse, near Bratton Camp, which overlooks sweeping views across the Vale of Pewsey. Others include Cherhill, Hackpen, and Alton Barnes. You can visit them individually or make a road trip of it and try to spot them all.
All are free to visit and open year-round, though parking is sometimes limited near the more rural ones. Spring and summer are ideal for walking the surrounding trails, and autumn brings crisp air and colourful countryside views. Families will love the challenge of “collecting” each horse, and there are plenty of pubs and picnic stops along the way. It’s one of those simple but memorable Wiltshire experiences.
Stourhead Gardens
Stourhead is Wiltshire at its most picture-perfect. This world-famous National Trust estate near Mere features sweeping landscaped gardens, temples, grottos, and a glittering lake framed by ancient trees. It’s one of those places that looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a period drama (and often has been).
You’ll need to pay for entry (free for National Trust members), and it’s worth every penny. The best times to visit are spring, when rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom, or autumn, when the colours around the lake are spectacular. There’s a family trail to keep kids entertained, a café for cream teas, and plenty of grassy picnic spots. It’s stroller-friendly in parts, though some paths are steep. If you only visit one National Trust garden in Wiltshire, make it this one.
Kayaking or Paddleboarding on the River Avon
For something a little more active, head to the River Avon (the one that flows through Salisbury) for kayaking or paddleboarding. There are several launch points around Salisbury and Bradford on Avon, plus local hire companies offering boards and boats for all levels. Paddling through the quiet countryside, spotting kingfishers and gliding past old mills, it’s a peaceful way to see Wiltshire from a different angle.
Summer is the best time for this — warm weather, calm waters, and longer evenings. You’ll usually need to pay for hire or launch fees, but walking alongside the river is free if you’d rather stay dry. Families with older children (8+) can usually join guided trips, and there are plenty of riverside cafés for a post-paddle refuel.
Wiltshire Museum, Devizes
This small but fascinating museum is a real hidden gem for history lovers. Located in Devizes, it houses one of the best collections of Bronze Age artefacts in Britain — including treasures from nearby burial sites around Stonehenge and Avebury. The displays are beautifully curated and surprisingly engaging for kids, with plenty of interactive exhibits.
Entry is paid (though affordable), and it’s open year-round except for major holidays. Rainy days are perfect for a visit, or combine it with a walk around Devizes and a pub lunch. The museum regularly hosts family trails, craft days, and local history exhibitions. It’s not a full-day outing, but an excellent add-on if you’re already exploring the area.
Fyfield Down & The Devil’s Den
Just outside Marlborough, this lesser-known prehistoric site is wild, atmospheric, and wonderfully quiet. Fyfield Down is part of the Marlborough Downs and scattered with ancient sarsen stones — the same type used to build Stonehenge. The Devil’s Den, a Neolithic burial chamber nearby, is an impressive remnant of Wiltshire’s ancient past.
Free to explore and open all year round, it’s best visited in spring or summer when the chalk grassland is dotted with flowers. Wear good shoes — it’s rough underfoot — and bring water, as there are no facilities nearby. It’s perfect for families who love a bit of history and open countryside without the crowds. The kids will love clambering over the giant stones and hearing the legends behind their names.
Royal Wiltshire County Show
Held every August (often near Marlborough or Swindon), this annual show is a big day out celebrating all things countryside — think livestock displays, local food stalls, crafts, and family entertainment. It’s a brilliant introduction to rural Wiltshire life and a fun event for kids who love animals and tractors.
Tickets are paid, and you’ll want to book in advance if you plan to go on the weekend. The weather can make or break it, so pack wellies if it’s been raining. It’s great for families, with everything from falconry to fairground rides, and plenty of local cider for the grown-ups.
Old Railway Path (National Cycle Route 45)
This scenic traffic-free trail runs between Marlborough and Swindon, following an old railway line through countryside and woodland. It’s perfect for cycling, walking, or even pushing a buggy, with gentle gradients and lovely views. There are pubs and picnic stops along the way, so it’s easy to make a day of it.
Free and open year-round, it’s most enjoyable in spring and summer when the hedgerows are full of wildflowers. Great for families, and if you don’t have bikes, you can hire them locally. It’s a proper Wiltshire countryside experience without any stress.
Stonehenge at Solstice
Visiting Stonehenge at any time is special, but the summer and winter solstices take it to another level. On these dates (21 June and 21 December), English Heritage opens the stones for free access — thousands of people gather to watch the sunrise or sunset align perfectly with the ancient monument. It’s a magical, slightly surreal experience that combines history, tradition, and celebration.
It’s completely free, but you’ll need to arrive very early (or very late) and expect crowds. Families are welcome, though it’s best for older kids who can handle the atmosphere and the wait. Dress warmly, bring snacks, and prepare to feel part of something timeless.
Hopefully this Wiltshire bucket list gives you a few ideas for days out, weekend adventures, or even a few hidden gems you didn’t know were right on your doorstep. We’ll keep adding to it as we explore more of the county, so make sure to check back if you love ticking things off as much as we do.
And if you manage to tick off any of these Wiltshire spots, let us know — we’d love to hear how you get on!
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