Family-friendly activities in Wiltshire
Wiltshire boasts breathtaking countryside, quaint rural villages, and a wealth of historical monuments to explore. But it’s also home to unique and exciting places sure to pique your children’s interest. From drive-through safaris to a variety of watersports, we’ve rounded up some of the very best family-friendly activities in Wiltshire.
Longleat Safari
Avid watchers of the BBC TV show Animal Park will be familiar with Longleat Park and its impressive array of animals. From lions and African-painted dogs to koalas and crocodiles, it’s the perfect chance for you and your children to see and learn about some of the world’s most amazing animals.
Set off on a drive-through safari through Deer Park, Wolf Wood, Monkey Mayhem, Big Game Park, and more to experience these animals in open spaces. Or take a more hands-on approach on Longleat’s walking safari, which gives your children the chance to hand-feed colourful Lorikeet birds, visit England’s only koala, or handle familiar farmyard favourites. You can even watch one of the daily shows from the expert animal handlers.
Plus, there’s a Little Explorer’s Garden and Adventure Castle play park to explore if your little ones still have energy to burn after the excitement of the safari.
Adult tickets (16+) cost £42.95, while children’s tickets (3-16) cost £32.95 and under 3s go free. If you have the time to come back another day, their 2-day ticket offers even better value for money, and with so much to see and do, it is among our favourite activities in Wiltshire.
Cotswold Water Park
With over 180 lakes to explore, Cotswold Water Park is a great place for families to visit. As well as an array of watersports, like stand-up paddleboarding, boating and kayaking, you can try your hand at angling or relax at the inland beach. It’s even home to the largest inflatable waterpark, with action-packed obstacles sure to tire out even the most active of your family members.
If you’re looking for activities in Wiltshire where you can bring your dog along, there are miles of mainly flat off-road paths for you to explore on foot or bike at Cotswold Water Park. You can pick up a map detailing all the routes from the Visitor Centre in the grounds of the De Vere Hotel.
STEAM – Museum of Great Western Railway
Get up close to magnificent steam locomotives at the Museum of Great Western Railway. Learn about the history of the people who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway, or have a go for yourself at the interactive exhibits. From an authentic signal box to a steam train simulator and even a model railway, there is plenty to occupy all the family. Plus, regular events are hosted throughout the year, so it’s worth checking what’s on to make the most of your visit.
Tickets cost just £13.10 for adults and £9.70 for children aged 3-15, or family tickets are available.
Bowood House and Gardens
For under 12s, Bowood House and Gardens is home to some of the most exciting activities in Wiltshire. As well as aerial walkways, boat swings, jumping pillows and a pirate ship adventure playground, it is also home to Wiltshire’s most famous slide, the Space Dive.
For those with smaller children, the dedicated under-7s play area ‘The Den’ offers interactive indoor play with role-play equipment, while outdoors, they have exclusive access to a tractor trail, a sandpit and a woodland den.
Tickets include admission to the house, grounds, and play parks, so there’s plenty to occupy the whole family. Adult tickets cost £17.20, children’s tickets range from £10.50-£14.50, and family ticket options are available.
Salisbury Museum
Salisbury Museum is a fantastic family-friendly activity in the heart of the city. Based in King’s House, a Grade I listed building opposite the Cathedral, it houses collections ranging from prehistoric finds from Stone Henge to fine arts and fashion. The museum also hosts various family-friendly events, discovery days, and seasonal events to keep little minds actively engaged and foster an interest in uncovering the past.
With standard entry tickets costing just £10.95 and children’s tickets costing £5.40 and under 5s going free, it’s one of our favourite budget-friendly family activities in Wiltshire. Plus, it can be enjoyed, come rain or shine!
Avebury / Stone Henge
For families keen to discover more about the UK’s history, a visit to either of these two historic stone circles is a must whilst in Wiltshire. Although Stone Henge may be the better-known stone circle, Avebury is the world’s largest prehistoric stone circle.
Stone Henge and Avebury both host regular events throughout the year, with its activities in Wiltshire including ‘mini digs’, storytime events, and wildlife spotting adventures. There is also a museum at both sites where you can see some of the artefacts uncovered in and around these prehistoric sites.
Dogs are welcome at both sites, although access is restricted, so be sure to check where they are welcome before you visit.
Stone Henge is an English Heritage site, while Avebury is a National Trust run property, so entry is free if you are a member of the respective charities. Alternatively, you can pay on arrival or pre-book online.
Stay in the heart of Wiltshire
With so many family-friendly activities in Wiltshire, why not make the most of them by booking a stay at Beechfield House Hotel? Our luxurious accommodation in the heart of the Wiltshire countryside will be a welcome retreat after a busy day exploring. Plus, we welcome all members of the family, with dog-friendly rooms available so no one misses out on the adventure.
A warm welcome awaits all the family at Beechfield House Hotel.