Avebury
(tel 01672 539250)
(open daily all year)
Impressive prehistoric site with the remains of three stone circles enclosed by a wide, circular ditch and bank. Finds from the site are on display in the small Alexander Kieller Museum.

Lacock Abbey
(tel 01249 730227)
(NT,open Wed-Mon, Apr - Oct)
A 13th century nunnery converted into a country house at the Dissolution of the Monasteries, situated in the charming National Trust village of Lacock.

Longleat House, nr Warminster
(tel 01985 844400)
(open Apr - Dec daily)
Home of the marquess of Bath, Longleat House, dates back to 1580. Built in the Italian Renaissance style, highlights include splendid tapestries, the Victorian kitchens, Elizabethan gallery and great hall. Many other attractions are to be found at Longleat from a Safari Park to the world's longest hedge maze. This is a popular day out for all the family.

Mompesson House, The Close, Salisbury
(tel 01722 335659)
(open Apr - Oct, Sat - Wed)
One of the finest Queen Anne houses in Britain with an attractive walled garden where teas are served. Features include ornate plasterwork, an elegant oak staircase, fine period furniture and a collection of 18th century drinking glasses.

Salisbury Cathedral
(tel 01722 555120)
(open daily year round)
The 404ft towering spire of Salisbury Cathedral, considered to be a feat of medieval engineering, dominates the historic city of Salisbury. Other features of the cathedral include the largest cloisters in the country and the octagonal Chapter House containing a fascinating 13th century frieze. Visitors can join a free 45-minute tour of the church or pay to join a tour, which depart at least once daily, to the roof and spires.

Stonehenge, near Amesbury
(tel 01980 624715)
(open mid-Mar - Oct daily)
Probably the most impressive prehistoric structure in Europe, Stonehenge dates back to 2800BC and current historians believe it may have been built by the Greeks as some kind of observatory. To avoid the crowds and be able to fully experience this mystical place, try and visit early morning or in the evening.

Stourhead House and Gardens
(tel 01747 841152)
(House open Apr - Oct, Sat - Wed, gardens daily)
One of Europe's most beautiful 'house and garden' sights. The 18th century Palladian House was built by an extremely wealthy banker called Henry Hoare, also known as "Henry the Magnicent". It contains a unique collection of Chippendale the Younger furniture together with exquisite Chinese and French porcelain and other objets d'art. The delightful gardens are considered to be one of the finest examples of English 18th century "natural" landscaping, with 100 acres of lakes and follies, park and woodland.

Wilton House, nr Salisbury
(tel 01722 746729)
(open daily mid-Apr - Oct)
Wilton House, designed by Inigo Jones, contains one of the most lavishly decorated rooms in the history of interior design, namely the Double Cube Room, and features in many period films including Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility. Other attractions include some great old master paintings, a collection of 7000 toy soldiers and 200 dressed teddy bears. The House is surrounded by 21 acres of landscaped parkland featuring water and rose gardens.