The beautiful county of Wiltshire sets one of the most magical scenes for winter retreats. Brimming with invitation, its picturesque villages, market towns and bucolic countryside are all home to an array of things to see and do. Wrap up warm in your cosiest layers or seize the opportunity to sit back and relax. Whether you’re looking forward to dining in Michelin recommended restaurants, enjoying cultural immersion, or simply finding somewhere luxurious to unwind, there are endless reasons to book a winter escape in Wiltshire
From walks in crisp air to the coolest attractions to the cosiest places to recharge, here are some of the top reasons to get you started.
A largely rural realm, Wiltshire is blessed with rolling swathes of countryside peppered here and there with characterful hamlets and towns. Encompassing part of the Cotswolds, it also features a number of picturesque villages that attract visitors from near and far with their photo-worthy appeal. Needless to say, if you’re searching for beautiful landscapes to set the backdrop for winter walks, there’s nowhere finer to look than Wiltshire.
For some of the most memorable walking opportunities, head to Bratton Downs to see Wiltshire's oldest remaining white horse (Westbury) and an Iron Age hillfort (Bratton Camp). Or, tread in the footsteps of the silver screen with a walk around the National Trust’s Lacock village – one of our favourite walks. For a serene riverside stroll, you can walk along the banks of the River Avon in Melksham, or for some woodland inspiration, venture to Savernake Forest, where ancient trees and shy deer await during magical winter escapes.
Wiltshire is home to some of the UK’s most iconic historic attractions, from the enigmatic Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circle to grand country estates like Stourhead. A treat throughout the year, these attractions are especially inviting during winter escapes. For an unforgettable day trip, Stonehenge is particularly atmospheric in winter, when its towering standing stones cut striking silhouettes across frost-tinged countryside.
If you’re lucky, you may even be able to enjoy them with a backdrop of snow. Beyond Stonehenge, the 800-year-old Salisbury Cathedral with its dramatic Gothic architecture is a great destination in winter. As well as having the tallest spire in Britain, it houses the best-preserved Magna Carta in existence and the oldest working clock in Europe. Closer to Christmas, the cathedral also hosts carols by candlelight for added magic. Elsewhere, The Wiltshire Museum in Devizes is perfect for those who are hoping to learn about the area’s fascinating history. Meanwhile, Longleat offers an unmissable taste of the wild.
What better way to warm up from the winter chill than with a hearty meal? Whether you’re seeking delicious dining for romantic date nights or somewhere cosy to hunker down with a pint and pub grub after a long walk, there are countless options during winter escapes in Wiltshire. For Michelin star acclaim, The Dining Room in Malmesbury, Restaurant Hywel Jones by Lucknam Park, and Bybrook in Castle Combe can all be found in Wiltshire and promise mouth-watering repasts.
Pythouse Kitchen Garden in Tisbury promises quirky vibes and great food, set within a Victorian walled garden, and Bunch of Grapes in Bradford-on-Avon tempts with both pub and deli dining. Closer to home, offering you utmost comfort and ease during your stay in Wiltshire, our 2 AA Rosette restaurant at Beechfield House in Beanacre serves up the finest, freshest dishes from leisurely lunches and afternoon teas to dreamy dinners.
As the season evolves, all manner of festive celebrations start taking place in Wiltshire in winter. From Christmas markets and pantomimes to ice skating and light shows, the holiday cheer is there for all to enjoy. Starting in November and running into December, Salisbury Christmas Market is a particularly beloved celebration that takes place most years and welcomes Christmas shoppers with food and gifts stalls galore.
Longleat’s Festival of Light is also a highly anticipated festival that occurs annually and transforms the safari park into a nighttime spectacular illuminated by thousands of multi-coloured bulbs and displays. Here at Beechfield House, our talented team of inhouse chefs fuel the festivity with specially curated Christmas menus. Providing tempting seasonal dishes for you to enjoy throughout December, there’s no better time of year to plan a winter escape in Wiltshire. We’ve even got you covered for Christmas Day lunch and Boxing Day dinner!
With its short daylight hours and chillier temperatures, winter is undoubtedly the season for slowing down and taking stock. The ideal time to enjoy a winter escape in Wiltshire and take a break from the everyday, it provides a wonderful opportunity to reset internal rhythms and embrace a gentler, more balanced pace. And, with Wiltshire’s peaceful countryside and beautiful settings, there’s not a more perfect backdrop for some much-needed downtime.
Providing the perfect base for exploration and relaxation, we offer a range of luxurious rooms at Beechfield House, each designed for pure comfort. Complete with the cosiest furnishings and tranquil garden views, each one has its own unique character and benefits from super king-size beds topped with Egyptian cotton bedding, fluffy robes, and Temple Spa toiletries. Amongst our collection, we also offer family and dog-friendly rooms, so everyone can enjoy the best winter break together.
If you're looking for the ultimate winter escape, we look forward to welcoming you at Beechfield House. Nestled in the heart of gorgeous Wiltshire countryside, we provide a luxurious base from which to enjoy all that this wonderful region has to offer. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat, a romantic getaway, or a family holiday, Beechfield House has everything you need. Book your room today.