Stonehenge, Salisbury & Cotswold Villages

Stonehenge: Step back in time as you enter the prehistoric site of Stonehenge. Built more than 5,000 years ago, this ancient Neolithic monument continues to inspire mystery and awe today. Walk in the footsteps of your Neolithic ancestors and explore the world-class exhibition, visitor centre and cafe.

Salisbury Cathedral can boast Britain’s tallest spire (404 feet/123 metres) and the world’s oldest working clock but its story begins 2,500 years ago when an iron age fort was built on Salisbury Hill about 2 miles north of the modern town centre. It is also home to the finest of four original 1215 Magna Carta manuscripts, housed within the 13th century Chapter House, at the heart of a permanent interactive exhibition. (See below for Chapter House opening times to see the Magna Carta). The Cathedral Close is an oasis of calm. Other treasures include the National Trust’s Mompesson House, The Salisbury Museum, Arundells (home of former Prime Minister Sir Edward Heath), The Rifles Berkshire & Wiltshire Museum and Sarum College.

Exploring the town you will discover a delightful array of shops, restaurants and cafes. Salisbury farmers’ market is held on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Lacock: This wonderful village consists of properties which date from the 13th and 18th centuries. It was once a prosperous woollen town but now it seems like a village trapped in time. There has been no major building here in the last 200 years so you really feel as if you’re stepping back into English history.

If you’re interested in film locations Lacock has been used many times. It became the town of Meriton in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice and more recently, Downton Abbey (second episode of final series). The Abbey was also used in the filming of the first two Harry Potter movies. We will take you to Godric’s Hollow, the home of James and Lilly Potter (Harry’s parents) and to professor Horace Slughorn’s house from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Other film credits for Lacock include Emma, Moll Flanders, Robin of Sherwood/Robin Hood, Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), The Mayor of Casterbridge, The Other Boleyn Girl, Cranford, and The Wolfman.

Castle Combe, once a weaving town at the heart of the Cotswolds wool trade and described as the prettiest village in England - it has featured in films such as War Horse and was the fictional Puddleby-on-the Marsh in Dr. Dolittle, the 1960's film with Rex Harrison. The village is built around the 14th-century Market Cross with the old water pump beside it.