Wiltshire’s ancient landscapes and sweeping countryside offer some of the most scenic and serene picnic spots in the UK. Whether you’re dining near prehistoric stone circles, hilltop White Horses, or in peaceful arboretums, don’t forget your Sunday Afternoons sun hat to stay safe and stylish under the southern skies.
20 Must-Visit Picnic Spots in Wiltshire
- Avebury Stone Circle – Dine among ancient stones in this mystical UNESCO World Heritage Site with open grassy spaces.
- Westbury White Horse – Hilltop views and wide open skies make this an iconic countryside picnic location.
- Savernake Forest – Ancient woodland with dappled shade, trails, and secluded picnic clearings.
- Lacock Abbey Grounds – Historic estate gardens with manicured lawns and Harry Potter filming charm.
- Stonehenge Landscape (National Trust fields) – While direct access is limited, the surrounding fields offer peaceful viewing spots for a magical lunch break.
- Stourhead Gardens – World-famous landscape gardens with lakeside temples, grottos, and formal lawns perfect for picnics.
- Old Sarum, near Salisbury – Picnic on the ramparts of this Iron Age hillfort with panoramic views of Salisbury Cathedral.
- Heaven’s Gate, Longleat – Wooded walking trails lead to open picnic spots with views over the Longleat Estate.
- Coate Water Country Park, Swindon – Family-friendly green space with lakeside tables, play areas, and open lawns.
- The Ridgeway National Trail – Find a quiet moment for a bite on one of Britain’s oldest walking paths with endless Wiltshire views.
- Pewsey Downs – Tranquil chalk hills with panoramic viewpoints and few crowds—bring binoculars and a picnic rug.
- Wilton House Grounds – Grand estate just outside Salisbury with sweeping green space and riverside views.
- Great Chalfield Manor Gardens – A charming, lesser-known National Trust gem with formal gardens and picnic spots.
- Shearwater Lake – A hidden woodland lake near Warminster with quiet benches and lovely waterside views.
- Clouts Wood Nature Reserve – A quiet haven for wildlife lovers looking for a secluded picnic among ancient trees.
- Calne Heritage Quarter – Riverside walks, town gardens, and benches make this a charming urban escape.
- Ramsbury Meadows – Picturesque village green with a peaceful river and shaded areas under trees.
- Figsbury Ring – Prehistoric earthworks with big skies and quiet, open space to unwind and enjoy lunch.
- Malmesbury Abbey Gardens – Historic backdrop with beautifully landscaped grounds and floral displays.
- Castle Combe Bybrook River – One of England’s prettiest villages offers postcard-worthy picnic spots beside the bridge and river.
Outdoor Essentials Checklist
- Sunday Afternoons sun hat
- Lightweight cooler bag for picnic snacks and local Wiltshire produce
- Recycled-fabric blanket or compact picnic mat
- Reusable water bottle (hydration essential on the Ridgeway!)
- Camera or smartphone for capturing ancient views
Don't forget to take your rubbish home with you, and help keep our countryside clean.
Share Your Wiltshire Picnic
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