Dog friendly days out in Wiltshire
a county steeped in history with picturesque landscapes
Nestled in South West England, beautiful Wiltshire is a county steeped in history with picturesque landscapes and plenty for all ages – and all dogs – to enjoy throughout the seasons. Popular for its neolithic sites, postcard-worthy villages and vast areas of outstanding natural beauty, while Wiltshire may not have been at the top of your ‘must-visit’ list, we think it’s time to change that. If you’re searching for your next dog friendly staycation destination, read on to find out why Wiltshire makes such a fantastic holiday location.
Avebury
Avebury is a picturesque village situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire. This UNESCO-protected landscape claims some of the world’s most iconic monuments, like the ancient burial ground at West Kennet Long Barrow, and the mysterious Silbury Hill. The largest artificial mound in Europe, Silbury Hill’s size and volume is roughly comparable with the Egyptian pyramids. Potentially completed at around 2400 BC, its purpose and significance remain unknown to this day.
Avebury is also home to the largest stone circle in the world. It’s a veritable hot spot for archaeology lovers. Open all year round, both you and your dog (on a short lead) are welcome to explore the site for free. Book a stone circle tour if you’d like to learn more about its history. Our top tip? Time your visit with lunch and head to the Red Lion located within the stone circle itself. A storybook-perfect thatched pub dating back to 1802, it’s said to be one of the most haunted inns in the country. But don’t let that put you off; the food is devilishly good.
While you’re in the area, why not tackle a section of The Ridgeway, Britain’s oldest road and a designated National Trail which stretches 140 km from Overton Hill near Avebury to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire. The Overton Hill to Ogbourne St George route is 9.3 miles long and takes you through woodland and countryside as well as passing by Barbury Castle, one of several hillforts along The Rideaway.
Bratton Camp & the famous White Horse
Bratton Camp and the famous Westbury White Horse are two iconic destinations in Wiltshire. Both the Iron Age hilltop defence and the huge white horse silhouette (thought to date back to the 1600s) are a must-visit. The views over the surrounding Wiltshire countryside are fantastic. Please keep your dog on a lead if you spot sheep grazing, and you may come across an awkward stile or two where you’ll need to give your four-legged friend a lift over. Post-walk, pop to The Three Daggers for refreshments or a bite to eat. There are always doggy treats behind the bar for paw-fectly behaved pooches.
Cley Hill
Once part of the Longleat estate, Cley Hill was entrusted to the National Trust by the 6th Marquess of Bath. The 360 degree view from the top of is incredible. From the trig point at the centre of what was an Iron Age hillfort, you can see Alfred’s Tower at Stourhead and even as far as the Mendip Hills on a clear day. And for those who love a conspiracy theory, the site is said to be a famous UFO hotspot.
Kennet & Avon Canal
Stretching through Wiltshire, the Kennet and Avon Canal has features peaceful towpaths winding through the idyllic countryside. As well as scenic walks, there are plenty of dog friendly activities to enjoy along the waterfront including boat trips, kayaking, paddle boarding and a number of great Wiltshire pubs. The Hourglass is located next to the stunning waterways on the outskirts of the picturesque town of Devizes, and is a popular choice. Call ahead and ask for a table on the terrace.
Picture-Perfect Villages
In the North West of Wiltshire, step back in time in the Cotswold villages of Castle Combe and Malmesbury. Famous for iconic honey-coloured stone buildings, perfect cottage gardens and lush green landscape, this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is definitely worth a visit. Castle Combe in particular, is a bit of an Instagram sensation with its beautiful bridge the backdrop to many viral images and reels. If you manage to get a paw-fect portrait of your pooch, don’t forget to tag us @dogfriendlydestinationsuk.
Harry Potter fans will want to head to the tiny village of Lacock. Owned almost entirely by the National Trust, it’s said to look much like it did two centuries ago. It featured in three of the Harry Potter films, and, more recently, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. See if you can spot James and Lily Potter’s home on Church Street, and Budleigh Babberton where Horace Slughorn hid from the Death Eaters.
Visit between 1st September and 31st March to enjoy the grounds of Lacock Abbey – one of the most recognisable filming locations. Dogs, unfortunately, aren’t allowed in the abbey itself, so take it in turns to pop in and stroll along the iconic corridors of ‘Hogwarts’.
Stourhead
First opened in the 1740s, Stourhead is a stunning National Trust site famous for its Palladian House, landscaped gardens, classical temples and rare exotic trees.
Dogs are welcome all year round in the garden and across the wider estate, as well as in the shop, restaurant and courtyards. They can’t go inside the main house or garden buildings, but we think they’ll love tackling one of the four recommend trails found at this beautiful Wiltshire estate.
Try the gentle 2.5 mile Bonham Wood walk, or the more challenging 6 mile Whitesheet Hill walk for a heartier hike.
Where to stay in Wiltshire
While Wiltshire may not have originally been on your radar as a dog friendly destination, there is so much to explore and enjoy. With UK coastal destinations becoming increasingly busy, it offers a peaceful alternative with a plethora of dog friendly places to visit. Check out these fantastic dog friendly places to stay in Wiltshire so you can extend your visit and spend some discovering this incredible country for yourself.
