Great West Way Travel Magazine | Issue 08

THE WAY FORWARD

inster

ern edge of Salisbury Plain, Warminster is a busy market town

rgian buildings and a wide variety of independent shops, cafés,

nd inns. The Lake Pleasure Grounds provide a free splash pad,

a boating lake, children’s playground, putting green, café and

rby, Smallbrook Meadows Nature Reserve is a lovely mosaic

ws between the Were and Wylye rivers. The surrounding

ides numerous opportunities for walking, cycling and horse

leat – with its historic house, safari park and more – is

Annual events in Warminster include Spring in the Park, a

(May), and Carnival (October).

A bustling market town surrounded by

beautiful countryside and local

attractions such as Longleat and

Stonehenge within easy reach.

Browse the variety of independent

shops and cafes nestled in amongst

historic buildings.

Enjoy the award-winning Warminster

Lake Pleasure Grounds with its free

splash pad, skate park and nature

reserve.

For further information visit our

website www.warminster-tc.gov.uk/

Wonderful Warminster

The ancient market town that packs a postcard-perfect punch

Wilton Windmill (Near Marlborough)

Wilton, Near Marlborough, SN8 3SW T: 01672 870594 E: enquiry@wiltonwindmi l.co.uk

Find out how a Victorian mi ler lived and how the windmi l works. Built in 1821 and set high in the

North Wessex Downs, this is the only working windmi l in Wessex. Picnic area and site accessible

a l year round. Guided tours, refreshments and stone ground flour available during opening times.

Fabulous walking and great views.

Admission: A £5, Ch FREE

Map Ref D5

Wiltshire Towns and

Villages map

Wiltshire's towns and villages

are the perfect places to

connect with the past whilst

enjoying the present. With our

new map you can escape to

Wiltshire and experience the

gentler pace of life on your

Great West Way journey.

s and villages connected by the rail network include

adford on Avon, Chippenham, Dean, Dilton Marsh,

Open: From Easter to end Sep, Sun and Bank Hol Mon 2pm-5pm

www.wiltonwindmill.co.uk www.facebook.com/WiltonWindmill

alisbury, Swindon, Tisbury, Trowbridge and Westbury.

erful Warminster

w.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors

ver Pewsey Vale

day or multi-day

& cycling itineraries

the heart of the

rth wessex downs

rink ~ shop ~ stay

sitpewseyvale.co.uk

il ~ spiritual ~ ancient

Wilton Windmill (Near Marlborough)

HERE YOU CAN TOUCH

AND FEEL THE PAST

Waterways, too, were vital to the Wiltshire economy in years gone by

and the Kennet & Avon Canal runs right across the centre of the county.

During the Industrial Revolution it was a key means of transport for goods

and materials. Now it makes a peaceful way to enjoy Wiltshire’s timeless

scenery.

In the east of the county the Canal runs through the lush meadows and

downland of the Vale of Pewsey. This tranquil area makes a great base

for walking, cycling and horse riding. At the heart of the Vale is the village

of Pewsey with its Heritage Centre and statue of Alfred the Great, while

Crofton Beam Engines and Wilton Windmill can be visited nearby

The historic market town of Devizes also stands on the Kennet & Avon

Canal, at the top of Caen Hill Locks. Rising 237 feet over two miles, this

continuous flight of 29 locks is one of the longest in the country. Home to

both Wiltshire Museum and Wadworth Brewery, the town has kept its

character, with many small, family-run businesses and a traditional market.

Wiltshire’s history has been thousands of years in the making

and our museums showcase outstanding exhibits of national

importance. Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Roman, Norman

and Saxon. These and later civilisations have all left their mark,

bequeathing tangible connections with the past.

The friendly market town of Highworth stands on a hill at the

gateway to the Cotswolds, its picturesque streets and alleyways

lined with bustling shops and places to eat and drink. With its

origins in medieval times, Highworth is particularly noted for its

fine Queen Anne and Georgian architecture. There is a wealth of

history to discover, and a Town Crier to keep you up to date with

what is going on.

Were you to delve into the Domesday Book of 1086 you would

find a listing for Ludgershall, a small town on the eastern

Ludgershall Castle

Map Ref D5

Pewsey Wharf

Museum • Great places

to eat, drink & stay

www.exploremalmesbury.com

www.discovermalmesbury.life

@malmesburylife

www.visit-corsham.co.uk

JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

edge of Salisbury Plain. Dating from the late 11th century,

Ludgershall Castle was originally a royal hunting lodge; today

the Castle’s ruins are in the care of English Heritage. From the

castle grounds there are splendid views, and local walks to

nearby Collingbourne Woods.

Swindon was a small market town mentioned in the Domesday

Book. This original settlement is now known as Old Town. Here

you can take time to wander through its quiet courtyards and

alleyways, stroll around the Town Gardens, or enjoy a vibrant mix

of traditional shops, pubs, bars, and cafes. The arrival of the

GWR in 1840 led to great expansion and the creation of the town

as it is today. There’s plenty to keep you busy including shopping

at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, a visit to Lydiard House

an elegant Georgian abode set in rolling parkland and you can

also discover the history of the Great Western Railway at STEAM

Museum. There is also a buzzing arts scene with many events

taking place throughout the year at venues including the Wyvern

Theatre, Arts Centre and Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Annual events include Swindon Fringe Festival (April) Swindon

Spring Festival of Literature and Arts (May).

The picturesque village of Tisbury has been a settlement for over

2,000 years. With an excellent choice of independent shops and

places to eat and drink, it also makes a superb base for walking,

riding and cycling. Annual events include the Village Fête (June),

Carnival (September) and ‘Tis the Season’ Christmas Fayre. Visit

Old Wardour Castle nearby and the medieval tithe barn at Place

Farm, now home to a stunning centre for the arts.

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

Tickets for many places to visit and things to do in Wiltshire can now be

bought online - just visit visitwiltshire.co.uk/shop

n surrounded by

nd local

ngleat and

y reach.

GET SOCIAL

Share your Wiltshire stories using #timeforwiltshire

independent

d in amongst

Formerly Colston Hall, Bristol’s The Royal Crescent @VisitWiltshire Hotel @visitwiltshire & Spa

Wilton, Near Marlborough, SN8 3SW T: 01672 870594 E: [email protected]

ON AND OFF

VisitWiltshireLtd

VisitWiltshire

ing Warminster

Find out how a Victorian miller lived and how the windmill works. Built in 1821 and set high in the

with its free largest North Wessex Downs, concert this is the only working windmill hall in Wessex. Picnic will area and site accessible open TRACK have not only unveiled their newly

all year round. Guided tours, refreshments and stone ground flour available during opening times.

This Map has been produced by VisitWiltshire.

and nature

Fabulous walking and great views.

EXCITEMENT

The information contained within is correct at time of going to press.

Chippenham

Wiltshire SN14 7EY

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, VisitWiltshire can

Displays and fun for petrolheads of all ages

T 01249 782417

Admission: A £5, Ch FREE

n visit our

in autumn 2023 following a at the West Country’s Home of Motorsport refurbished castlecombecircuit.co.uk designer accept no liability for any suites, errors or omissions. © they

VisitWiltshire.

Open: From Easter to end Sep, Sun and Bank Hol Mon 2pm-5pm

ter-tc.gov.uk/

www.wiltonwindmill.co.uk

www.facebook.com/WiltonWindmill

This Map is also available to download from our website:

visitwiltshire.co.uk/download It can be made available in other formats

upon request.

et town that packs a postcard-perfect £48.8m punch transformation. Bristol are launching exclusive flights for

CC 62x92mm Wilt Living.indd 1 04/01/2023 11:54 Front Cover Photo: Marlborough High Street

Additional Photography: Anna Stowe, English Heritage, Jody Photography,

Neville Stanikk.

TURY,

EK,

SDAY

DAY *

since 1227

ber

Brough to you by

Bristol Beacon, Bristol

visitmarlborough www.marlborough-tc.gov.uk/visitors

Discover Pewsey Vale

One day or multi-day

walking & cycling itineraries

in the heart of the

north wessex downs

eat ~ drink ~ shop ~ stay

www.visitpewseyvale.co.uk

tranquil ~ spiritual ~ ancient

Ludgershall Castle

HERE YOU CAN TOUCH

AND FEEL THE PAST

Beacon has undergone a complete

refurbishment and redevelopment,

turning the venue into one of

Europe’s best performance and

music learning spaces.

Waterways, too, were vital to the Wiltshire economy in years gone by

and the Kennet & Avon Canal runs right across the centre of the county.

During the Industrial Revolution it was a key means of transport for goods

and materials. Now it makes a peaceful way to enjoy Wiltshire’s timeless

scenery.

In the east of the county the Canal runs through the lush meadows and

downland of the Vale of Pewsey. This tranquil area makes a great base

for walking, cycling and horse riding. At the heart of the Vale is the village

of Pewsey with its Heritage Centre and statue of Alfred the Great, while

Crofton Beam Engines and Wilton Windmill can be visited nearby

The historic market town of Devizes also stands on the Kennet & Avon

Canal, at the top of Caen Hill Locks. Rising 237 feet over two miles, this

continuous flight of 29 locks is one of the longest in the country. Home to

both Wiltshire Museum and Wadworth Brewery, the town has kept its

character, with many small, family-run businesses and a traditional market.

Wiltshire’s history has been thousands of years in the making

and our museums showcase outstanding exhibits of national

importance. Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age. Roman, Norman

and Saxon. These and later civilisations have all left their mark,

bequeathing tangible connections with the past.

The friendly market town of Highworth stands on a hill at the

gateway to the Cotswolds, its picturesque streets and alleyways

lined with bustling shops and places to eat and drink. With its

origins in medieval times, Highworth is particularly noted for its

fine Queen Anne and Georgian architecture. There is a wealth of

history to discover, and a Town Crier to keep you up to date with

what is going on.

Were you to delve into the Domesday Book of 1086 you would

find a listing for Ludgershall, a small town on the eastern

ON AND OFF

TRACK

EXCITEMENT

Chippenham

Displays and fun for petrolheads of all ages

at the West Country’s Home of Motorsport

CC 62x92mm Wilt Living.indd 1 04/01/2023 11:54

Historic Abbey • Walks •

Unique shops • Arts •

Museum • Great places

to eat, drink & stay

www.exploremalmesbury.com

www.discovermalmesbury.life

@malmesburylife

For more inspiration go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/what’s-on

Historic Abbey • Walks • Guests who take to the skies can

Unique shops • Arts •

Pewsey Wharf

JOURNEY THROUGH TIME

Avebury

hotel gardens.

www.visit-corsham.co.uk

edge of Salisbury Plain. Dating from the late 11th century,

Ludgershall Castle was originally a royal hunting lodge; today

the Castle’s ruins are in the care of English Heritage. From the

castle grounds there are splendid views, and local walks to

nearby Collingbourne Woods.

Swindon was a small market town mentioned in the Domesday

Book. This original settlement is now known as Old Town. Here

you can take time to wander through its quiet courtyards and

alleyways, stroll around the Town Gardens, or enjoy a vibrant mix

of traditional shops, pubs, bars, and cafes. The arrival of the

GWR in 1840 led to great expansion and the creation of the town

as it is today. There’s plenty to keep you busy including shopping

at the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, a visit to Lydiard House

an elegant Georgian abode set in rolling parkland and you can

also discover the history of the Great Western Railway at STEAM

Museum. There is also a buzzing arts scene with many events

taking place throughout the year at venues including the Wyvern

Theatre, Arts Centre and Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.

Annual events include Swindon Fringe Festival (April) Swindon

Spring Festival of Literature and Arts (May).

The picturesque village of Tisbury has been a settlement for over

2,000 years. With an excellent choice of independent shops and

places to eat and drink, it also makes a superb base for walking,

riding and cycling. Annual events include the Village Fête (June),

Carnival (September) and ‘Tis the Season’ Christmas Fayre. Visit

Old Wardour Castle nearby and the medieval tithe barn at Place

Farm, now home to a stunning centre for the arts.

Royal Crescent, Bath

MADE IN WILTSHIRE

Many Wiltshire towns owe their modern-day prosperity to the production of

woollen broadcloth in centuries past. With the exception of Wilton Carpets,

the textile industry is long gone, but outstanding examples of industrial

architecture remain. Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds is the charming

honey-coloured gem of Bradford on Avon, renowned for its stylish shops

and restaurants. Evidence of its textile heritage can be found in the 19th

century cloth mills flanking the river bank, and former weavers’ cottages lining

the hill above. Visit the Saxon Church, the 14th century Tithe Barn and the

ancient Town Bridge. Then take a relaxing narrowboat trip on the Kennet &

Avon Canal. With events taking place all year round you can take part in the

Walking Festival (September), check out the Food & Drink Festival (June) or

enjoy an outstanding performance at Wiltshire Music Centre. Alex Moulton

Charitable Trust (The Hall) is a hidden gem in central Bradford on Avon.

Historically significant for its connection to the industrial trade, it has had a

variety of purposes including that of a family home, a storage space for wool,

accommodation for factory workers, and an officer’s mess.

Just outside Bradford on Avon is Iford Manor Gardens, featuring romantic

Italianate terraces cut into the hillside, evokes an Edwardian version of

Tuscany.

Thanks to the wool trade and the quarrying of golden Bath stone, Corsham

developed from Saxon

origins into a prosperous

town. The historic High

Street is lined with

properties from the

16th, 17th and 18th

centuries, many of which

are now home to quirky,

independent shops.

Taste of Corsham Food Festival

You’ll find a choice of

characterful places to

eat and drink, as well as

Bradford on Avon

Bath Abbey is moving from past to

SHROUDED IN MYSTERY, STEEPED IN LEGEND

Wiltshire has been a special place for a very long time and our World

Heritage Site stands testament to the ages. On a misty morning at Avebury

you can understand the appeal this sacred place held for our ancestors. Here,

a massive outer bank and ditch surround the world’s largest prehistoric stone

circle which, in turn, encloses two smaller stone circles and part of the village.

Just a few miles away, set in the beautiful countryside of the North Wessex

Downs, lies the market town of Marlborough. Today, this handsome former

staging post has evolved into a stylish and cosmopolitan town. The wide High

Street is lined with characterful old buildings housing an array of high quality

shops, pubs and restaurants, and there are plenty of riverside parks and green

spaces to enjoy. The town’s busy events calendar includes the ever-popular

Marlborough College Summer School (July-August) and colourful Music

and Literature Festivals (September). Don’t miss The Merchant’s House,

a glorious restoration dating from 1653.

If you stand on Salisbury Plain at sunrise or sunset it’s easy to see why the

ancient Britons believed Stonehenge was special. Even today, visitors from

around the world make the pilgrimage here to marvel at one of the most iconic

wonders in the world. Among its many unique features is its orientation on

the rising and setting sun, but why it was built in this way remains a mystery

to this day.

Marlborough

Wiltshire SN14 7EY

T 01249 782417

castlecombecircuit.co.uk

two in the hotel's own balloon.

Avebury

enjoy an afternoon tea afterwards,

while sipping champagne in the

BOOK TICKETS ONLINE

Tickets for many places to visit and things to do in Wiltshire can now be

GET SOCIAL

Share your Wiltshire stories using #timeforwiltshire

It’s time for

WILTSHIRE

@VisitWiltshire @visitwiltshire

VisitWiltshireLtd VisitWiltshire

This Map has been produced by VisitWiltshire.

The information contained within it correct at the time of going to press.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, VisitWiltshire can

accept no liability for any errors or omissions. © VisitWiltshire.

This Map is also available to download from our website:

visitwiltshire.co.uk/download It can be made available in other formats

upon request.

MADE IN WILTSHIRE

Many Wiltshire towns owe their modern-day prosperity to the production of

woollen broadcloth in centuries past. With the exception of Wilton Carpets,

the textile industry is long gone, but outstanding examples of industrial

architecture remain. Perched on the edge of the Cotswolds is the charming

honey-coloured gem of Bradford on Avon, renowned for its stylish shops

visitwiltshire.co.uk

and restaurants. Evidence of its textile heritage can be found in the 19th

century cloth mills flanking the river bank, and former weavers’ cottages lining

the hill above. Visit the Saxon Church, the 14th century Tithe Barn and the

ancient Town Bridge. Then take a relaxing narrowboat trip on the Kennet &

Avon Canal. With events taking place all year round you can take part in the

Walking Festival (September), check out the Food & Drink Festival (June) or

enjoy an outstanding performance at Wiltshire Music Centre. Alex Moulton

Charitable Trust (The Hall) is a hidden gem in central Bradford on Avon.

Historically significant for its connection to the industrial trade, it has had a

variety of purposes including that of a family home, a storage space for wool,

accommodation for factory workers, and an officer’s mess.

Just outside Bradford on Avon is Iford Manor Gardens, featuring romantic

Italianate terraces cut into the hillside, evokes an Edwardian version of

Tuscany.

Thanks to the wool trade and the quarrying of golden Bath stone, Corsham

developed from Saxon

origins into a prosperous

town. The historic High

Street is lined with

properties from the

16th, 17th and 18th

centuries, many of which

are now home to quirky,

independent shops.

Taste of Corsham Food Festival

Front Cover Photo: Marlborough High Street

Additional Photography: Anna Stowe, English Heritage, Jody Photography,

Neville Stanikk.

For more inspiration go to visitwiltshire.co.uk/what’s-on

You’ll find a choice of

characterful places to

eat and drink, as well as

Towns and Villages Map

attractions including the

350-year-old Almshouses

and stately Corsham

Court. Popular events

include the Walking

and Taste of Corsham

Festivals (June) and

the Peacock Arts Trail

(October) while

#timeforwiltshire

The Pound arts centre

is a thriving venue with

a year-round programme

of performances, exhibitions and films. In recent years the town has

achieved fame thanks to its starring role – as Truro – in the first series

of BBC One’s Poldark.

Trowbridge

Trowbridge – Wiltshire’s county town and a Magna Carta baron town –

has a history of weaving dating back over 1,000 years. The result is a rich

architectural legacy ranging from the late-16th to the mid-19th century.

Trowbridge Museum contains a fascinating collection relating to West

Country woollen cloth production, including working looms. Today Trowbridge

also boasts many independent retailers, quality markets, an Odeon cinema

and family restaurants, as well as a vibrant heritage and arts scene. Annual

highlights include the Active Festival (July), Country Fayre (September) and

Carnival Procession (October).

SHROUDED IN MYSTERY, STEEPED IN LEGEND

Wiltshire has been a special place for a very long time and our World

Heritage Site stands testament to the ages. On a misty morning at Avebury

you can understand the appeal this sacred place held for our ancestors. Here,

a massive outer bank and ditch surround the world’s largest prehistoric stone

circle which, in turn, encloses two smaller stone circles and part of the village.

Just a few miles away, set in the beautiful countryside of the North Wessex

Downs, lies the market town of Marlborough. Today, this handsome former

staging post has evolved into a stylish and cosmopolitan town. The wide High

Street is lined with characterful old buildings housing an array of high quality

shops, pubs and restaurants, and there are plenty of riverside parks and green

spaces to enjoy. The town’s busy events calendar includes the ever-popular

Marlborough College Summer School (July-August) and colourful Music

and Literature Festivals (September). Don’t miss The Merchant’s House,

a glorious restoration dating from 1653.

If you stand on Salisbury Plain at sunrise or sunset it’s easy to see why the

ancient Britons believed Stonehenge was special. Even today, visitors from

around the world make the pilgrimage here to marvel at one of the most iconic

wonders in the world. Among its many unique features is its orientation on

the rising and setting sun, but why it was built in this way remains a mystery

to this day.

Marlborough

Nestling in a loop of the

meandering River Avon is the

small town of Amesbury, just

three miles from Stonehenge

and close to the Neolithic sites of

Durrington Walls and Woodhenge.

Amesbury has a history dating

back to 8,820BC. Imagine what

life would have been like all those

thousands of years ago… think of

the stories this place has to tell…

then find out more at Amesbury History Centre (opening in 2023). The grave

of the Amesbury Archer – an early Bronze Age man – was discovered here in

2002. Today visitors can enjoy a range of events, including the Carnival (June),

Scarecrow Trail (September) and Christmas Market (December).

Nestling in a loop of the

meandering River Avon is the

small town of Amesbury, just

three miles from Stonehenge

and close to the Neolithic sites of

Durrington Walls and Woodhenge.

Amesbury has a history dating

back to 8,820BC. Imagine what

life would have been like all those Stonehenge

thousands of years ago… think of

the stories this place has to tell…

then find out more at Amesbury History Centre (opening in 2023). The grave

of the Amesbury Archer – an early Bronze Age man – was discovered here in

2002. Today visitors can enjoy a range of events, including the Carnival (June),

Scarecrow Trail (September) and Christmas Market (December).

Stonehenge

It’s time for

WILTSHIRE

Towns and Villages Map

visitwiltshire.co.uk #timeforwiltshire

Footprint Project, Bath

Bradford on Avon

attractions including the

350-year-old Almshouses

and future stately Corsham thanks to a pioneering £21

Court. Popular events

include the Walking

and Taste of Corsham

million Festivals (June) and investment project, Footprint.

the Peacock Arts Trail

(October) while

The Pound arts centre

is a thriving The venue with Abbey’s Trowbridge collapsing floor, a

a year-round programme

of performances, exhibitions and films. In recent years the town has

achieved fame thanks to its starring role – as Truro – in the first series

of BBC

precious

One’s Poldark.

part of Bath's Georgian

Trowbridge – Wiltshire’s county town and a Magna Carta baron town –

has a history of weaving dating back over 1,000 years. The result is a rich

architectural heritage legacy ranging from the has late-16th to the not mid-19th century. only been saved

Trowbridge Museum contains a fascinating collection relating to West

Country woollen cloth production, including working looms. Today Trowbridge

also boasts many independent retailers, quality markets, an Odeon cinema

and family from restaurants, as collapse well as a vibrant heritage and arts but scene. Annual given an ecofriendly

underfloor heating system

highlights include the Active Festival (July), Country Fayre (September) and

Carnival Procession (October).

powered by Bath’s famous hot spring

waters. There's also a brand-new

learning space, a newly refurbished

Abbey shop and song school for the

Abbey’s choirs to rehearse.

Stay in the know

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up to our monthly

e-newsletter

bought online - just visit visitwiltshire.co.uk/shop

16 GreatWestWay.co.uk