Top Places to See When Driving From Bath, England to Salisbury, England
If you are planning a road trip from Bath to Salisbury, be prepared to witness some of the most beautiful and picturesque spots the English countryside has to offer. This region is replete with history and natural beauty, from quaint villages to ancient monuments. With a distance of just 39 miles, you can cover this stretch in under an hour, but we recommend taking your time and immersing yourself in the sights along the way.
Here are our top picks for places to stop, see and explore, when driving from Bath to Salisbury.
The Beauty of Bradford-On-Avon
Our first stop on the journey is the charming town of Bradford-On-Avon, located just 8 miles from Bath. This is a quintessentially English town, with beautiful cottages, quaint shops, and tea rooms. The town's most famous attraction is the ancient Saxon Church of St. Lawrence, which dates back to the 11th century and boasts some of the best-preserved Anglo-Saxon wall paintings in the country. You can also take a walk along the picturesque Kennet and Avon Canal that runs through the town or visit the Tithe barn, which dates from the 14th century.
The Mysterious Wiltshire White Horses
As you progress towards Salisbury, you will come across the chalky hillsides of Wiltshire that are home to some mysterious and magical chalk figures. The Wiltshire White Horses are a collection of nine hillside depictions of horses, ranging from early to modern designs. The figures are carved into the chalk and date back to prehistoric times. The Alton Barnes White Horse is the largest of them all, stretching over 180ft. Visitors can choose to view and photograph from a distance or take a closer look by walking up to the site.
The Iconic Stonehenge
No visit to the Wiltshire region is complete without a stop at the iconic Stonehenge, one of the most recognizable landmarks of England. Located just off the A303 road, this prehistoric monument is a marvel of ancient British engineering, with some stones weighing up to 25 tons. The purpose and meaning of Stonehenge remain shrouded in mystery, but visitors are drawn to the site's unique energy and history. You can choose to view the monument from the visitor centre or walk around the stones themselves, but be sure to book in advance.
The Enchanting Wilton House
The next stop on this scenic drive is the magnificent Wilton House, located just two miles from Salisbury. This stately home is surrounded by 22 acres of landscaped parkland and gardens and is a perfect example of English Palladian architecture. You can take a guided tour of the house, admiring its grand decor and priceless art collections, or explore the landscaped lawns and gardens. The gardens have some surprises, including a Gothic temple, a water park and even a model village.
The Classic Salisbury Cathedral
Last but not least, no trip to Salisbury is complete without a visit to the city's namesake cathedral. With a history dating back over 750 years, Salisbury Cathedral is a magnificent example of medieval architecture. The cathedral boasts the tallest spire in the UK and houses one of the four original copies of the Magna Carta. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but visitors are encouraged to donate to help with conservation efforts. Visitors can also take a Tower Tour to explore behind the scenes.
Driving from Bath to Salisbury is a journey that will leave you with unforgettable memories of some quintessentially English countryside and some of England's most beautiful attractions. With ancient churches, chalk figures, grand mansions, prehistoric monuments and medieval cathedrals, this stretch of road has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready to explore England's rich history and natural beauty.