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Yearly Archives: 2020
New Salisbury Trails App explores the City’s rich heritage and hidden histories
Residents and visitors to the Cathedral City of Salisbury can now download a new app to discover the stories behind the people and events that shaped the city’s history.
The free, easy to use location-aware app, called Salisbury Trails, guides people to Salisbury’s key landmarks, historic sites and cultural and arts venues. It will help people find the city sights close to them and discover the stories behind them, or people can follow a themed trail to explore the city’s rich heritage and uncover hidden histories. It includes historic photos, engravings and information from the archives of the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre that show how Salisbury has changed over time.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Deputy Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Heritage, Arts and Tourism, said: “We are delighted to launch this new and exciting app that highlights the unique and wonderful sights of Salisbury. Recent events have combined to reduce visitors to the city centre and footfall for our local businesses. The walking trails and other features of the app are a great opportunity for more residents and visitors to safely explore the city and also take the opportunity to visit and enjoy our local shops, cafes and cultural venues, while respecting social distancing and the other current COVID-19 guidelines.
“The app also provides a digital space we can use in the future to encourage more use of other market towns and places of interest as we develop trails across the whole county.”
Currently the app has three themed trails:
· A Medieval Meanderings trail takes people on a walk through Salisbury’s medieval streets and into historic buildings.
· A trail that takes people through the trials and tribulations experienced by the city with Witchcraft, Riots and Treason.
· Inspired by Salisbury Civic Society’s book Salisbury in detail, the #LookUpSalisbury trail highlights some of the strange and fun features of the city’s historic buildings including a bear, a lion and the mythical symbol of Wessex – the Wyvern
New trails will be added over the coming months with opportunities for residents to contribute content and share their stories.
The app is available free for download to Apple and Android devices via the Apple App-Store and Google Play
Salisbury has been a special place for centuries. Today, it is the perfect place to find space and time. The Stonehenge Travel Company are considered the Wiltshire touring experts. Book a guided sightseeing tour of Salisbury / Stonehenge and explore this wonderful county for yourself.
The Stonehenge Travel and Tour Company
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
http://www.StonehengeTravel.co.uk
The Wiltshire Travel Experts
Forest of the Sarsens: birthplace of Stonehenge
An amazing archaeological survey confirms West Woods as ‘the most likely source area for the sarsens at Stonehenge’, a connection long anticipated by 16th Century antiquaries and more recent megalithic investigators.
West Woods, a handsome sweep of beech woods sweeping off of the Marlborough Downs, were originally part of the Royal Hunting Forest of Savernake, until the bounds were altered in 1330. It is bisected by the mysterious Wansdyke earthwork – a ditch which runs to the edge of Bristol and was possibly a demarcation of the southern extremity of the Danelaw. This runs the length of the woods – half hidden beneath the stately canopy of beech trees like Kipling’s ‘Way Through the Woods’. On the southern edge, near Clatford Farm, there stands a long barrow. Bronze Age microliths have been found, and the woods have long been a source of charcoal. These days it is popular with…
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Salisbury features in England Originals marketing campaign.
SALISBURY has been selected as one of 16 destinations to receive a boost to its tourism sector, through further funding and a fresh marketing campaign.
On every street corner there is something new to explore. Half-timbered Tudor buildings, quirky streets and alleyways, historic archways, foodie spots, a fantastic creative scene and independent retailers all make for fantastic photo opportunities – enough to make your Instagram followers green with envy.
The city will be featuring in a new promotional initiative for England Originals, supported by additional Discover England funding.
Tourist information company VisitWiltshire helped to secure the funding, administered by VisitEngland’s £5million domestic marketing recovery campaign, and says it will be instrumental in delivering Salisbury-focussed marketing activity over the next six months
Tourism and hospitality businesses that will feature in the campaign include Salisbury Cathedral and attractions within the Close, Milford Hall Hotel, English Heritage and the Stonehenge Tour, Wiltshire Creative, Stonehenge Campsite, Allium Salisbury and The Red Lion Hotel.
Discover the timeless natural beauty of the River Avon running through the city, sit back and enjoy a drink at one of the many pubs. Feeling active? Explore the many cycling and walking routes taking you into the surrounding countryside.
VisitWiltshire will also be working with England Originals to develop new travel itineraries and tour programmes featuring Salisbury, to encourage young, international travellers to visit and explore the city.
Andrew Stokes, director at VisitEngland, said: “Millions of jobs and local economies depend on tourism right across the country and the industry needs all of us to make sure it gets back on its feet.
“This funding will encourage people to get out and discover the outstanding destinations and quality attractions on our doorstep and also keep England’s tourism products and experiences front-of-mind for future international travellers.
“Now in its fifth year the Discover England Fund is all about embedding these amazing tourism products and reaching new audiences to drive visitor growth and boost local economies.”
Fiona Errington, head of marketing at VisitWiltshire, said this was “great news” for Salisbury, adding: “This funding will support marketing activity that will help promote the city.
“Those who are interested in visiting the city can visit our website where we have listed tourism and hospitality businesses that have secured the ‘We’re Good to Go’ mark, that helps people plan their trip and travel responsibly.”
Full story: The Salisbury Journal
The Stonehenge Travel and Tour Company
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
http://www.StonehnegeTravel.co.uk
The Wiltshire Travel Experts
Wiltshire has been named Best UK destination.
WILTSHIRE has beaten Birmingham, Bristol, Devon, Isle of Wight and London in being named the ‘Best UK Destination’.
The annual Group Leisure and Travel (GLT) awards, now in its 24th year, took place online on Wednesday, giving a nod to Salisbury Cathedral, Stonehenge and Longleat during the ceremony as Wiltshire took the best destination title.
In the lead up to the event finalists in 20 categories were announced in the GLT magazine’s September edition, recognising the best providers, attractions and destinations as voted for by group travel organisers.
Tourism company VisitWiltshire accepted the ‘Best UK Destination’ accolade on behalf of the county.
Florence Wallace, head of travel trade at VisitWiltshire, said: “We’re thrilled that Wiltshire was recognised at the GLT awards and would like to thank all the group organisers and tour operators who voted for our beautiful county as the Best UK Destination.
“In a particularly challenging year, this is a very welcome and we’re honoured to accept the award on behalf of all Wiltshire’s tourism and hospitality businesses.”
The online awards ceremony was presented by magician and TV presenter Ben Hanlin, who said: “We’ve had 116 finalists and 20 winners, congratulations to everyone. It was an absolute pleasure to host the awards and it’s great that the GLT team has been able to make it happen.”
Wiltshire has been a special place for centuries. Today, it is the perfect place to find space and time. The Stonehenge Travel Company are considered the Wiltshire touring experts. Book a guided sightseeing tour of Stonehenge and explore this wonderful county for yourself.
Full story: Salisbury Journal
The Stonehenge Travel and Tour Company
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
http://www.StonehnegeTravel.co.uk
The Wiltshire Travel Experts
£29 Stonehenge Tour. A new guided tour to help you discover our countries’ most prehistoric wonders…
Through these difficult times we have been given the chance to connect with our loved ones at home, and as the country slowly opens up again we have the chance to reconnect with it as well. The natural world has had a chance to recharge and now why not venture out and finally discover the beauty and intrigue of Wessex’ neolithic history and Stonehenge itself.
Stonehenge and the beautiful wessex landscape are on your doorstep, discover them with us!
We are offering a 4 hour Stonehenge tour, an indepth and holistic experience at an unbeatable price. The best way to truly learn about the ancient wonder of Stonehenge and its surrounding area; touring and examining the beauty, history and mythic background with an expert local guide.
Some of our country’s most fascinating history lies at your doorstep.
Stonehenge, the UNESCO world heritage site, may be the country’s most famous landmark, its construction still baffling historians today and delighting any and all visitors. But we’ll take you beyond it , on a guided walking tour. First exploring and appreciating its ancient monoliths, before moving onward to the surrounding area which boasts burial mounds and primordial pathways cut into the chalke.
… Find out the details of this year’s amazing discovery at Durrington walls, of the ‘Vast neolithic circle of deep shafts’….
We’ll visit Durrington Walls, the ancient settlement that housed the builders of stonehenge and Woodhenge – Stonehenges’ equally mysterious and ancient cousin, a complicated network of wooden posts that has to be seen to be believed.
Returning to the comfort of our luxury minivans, you will also enjoy a stunning drive through the vistas of the Woodford Valley and stop at Old Sarum – an iron age fort whose history spans 5,000 years and involves Romans, Saxons and even Victorians, just ask your guide…
It has never been a better time to visit Stonehenge and its breathtaking landscape which literally bulges with history. Our luxury minivan tour can take groups of up to 8 passengers plus your driver / guide to a variety of beautiful and fascinating spots in the Wiltshire area.
Not just Stonehenge…
Our expert local expert guides create the premier tour experience. They will bring to life the histories and the myths that saturate every inch of Wessex’s verdant ground. Find out the full range of theories of how Stonehenge was constructed as well as the traditional myths which are thousands of years old and have been passed down generations…
…find out all the facts and fictions of this famous landscape, any and all questions are welcome.
Our guides are locals who proudly maintain up to date knowledge of all the areas’ archaeological and historical concerns, and have an especially good eye for a local pub. They transform the experience of visiting the area, unlocking its secrets and ensuring you maximise your enjoyment – making it an event to remember!
So hop aboard…
Each tour can be taken at the pace that suits you, don’t hesitate to give us a ring and find out how we can make the tour work for you!
We can’t wait to see you.
The 4 hour guided tour departs from Salisbury every day and is only £29 per person (cheaper than a taxi service). Our popular Stonehenge inner circle experience can also be arranged on request. Full day private guided tours for individuals, families and small groups can easily be arranged with departures from Salisbury, Bath, Southampton and even London.
WE’RE GOOD TO GO. APPROVED WILTSHIRE TOUR OPERATOR. WE TAKE EXTRA CARE SO YOU STAY SAFE! CLICK HERE
Email the Salisbury and Stonehenge experts today for a prompt reply.
The Stonehenge Travel and Tour Company
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
http://www.StonehnegeTravel.co.uk
The Local Travel Experts
WE’RE GOOD TO GO. APPROVED WILTSHIRE TOUR OPERATOR. WE TAKE EXTRA CARE SO YOU STAY SAFE!
In the wake of the current Covid-19 pandemic public transport and big coach tours has become less of a safe prospect and unsurprisingly less appealing. Social distancing is now essential for the wellbeing of the general populace as well as essential in blunting the spike in new Coronavirus cases. It can be hard It can be hard maintaining proper social distancing measures on large coach group tours, so for the good of Wiltshire tourism, we are offering our private guided tour services as an alternative and crucially safe option. We take extra care so you stay safe!
APPROVED COVID19 SAFE BUSINESS. The Stonehnege Travel Company has followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, has a Risk Assessment in place and a process to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
Why risk it? Due to COVID-19 private hire transport is much safer than using crowed coach tours, especially with the fastidiously precautions we have put in place; going above and beyond the necessary precautions recommended by the government, whilst also providing a high quality of service and an extremely comfortable journey.
APPROVED COVID19 SAFE BUSINESS. Our business has followed government and industry COVID-19 guidelines, has a Risk Assessment in place and a process to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.
Ultimately, Travel in Wiltshire can be as safe and enjoyable as it always has been. The UK has an abundance of rural tourist destinations which are as beautiful and historically laden as any in the cities. If you follow the critical advice from health experts and book privately, it is easy to stay totally safe and have a fascinating vacation simultaneously. So why not take the private tour option this year or next and keep your family safe, whilst still showing them the time of their lives!maintaining proper social distancing measures on large coach group tours, so for the good U.K tourism, we are offering our private guided tour services as an alternative and crucially safe option. We take extra care so you stay safe!
Private Salisbury transfers allow for collection right from your hotel door, reducing the risk of exposure from low to near non-existent.
Advice from medical experts has recommended avoiding crowded public places. One of the best ways to do this and still enjoy the rich delights of British tourism is to book yourself a private tour experience as opposed to crowded coach trips or making your own way on public transport. Here I hope to relay 5 key benefits of a private tour, especially in the face of the worlds current Coronavirus fears.
- Avoid busy coaches and crucially reduce exposure to the Corona virus. A fact to which I have already alluded, but it is a crucial one to remember. Coaches buy nature thrust one into close proximity with a large group of strangers. It is entirely possible to get coach tours refunded and switch to a private tour – a lot of 3rd party online companies will offer refunds as close to 48 hours before departure.
- No need for public transport or busy coach stations – with collection straight from your hotel door. The coach station’s themselves, as well as train stations and underground stations, pose a similar risk to the public. Private tours allow for collection right from your door, reducing the risk of exposure from low to near non-existent.
- Coach trips cause large crowds at various monuments. Numerous coaches arrive at the same time to create ‘peak times’, which again pose a risk in the current climate. A private tour has the luxury of choice. Avoiding these peak times will not only lower risk of exposure but also make for a more relaxed atmosphere at any given monument, leaving you in peaceto admire our cultural history.
- Safety for the whole family. Private tours are ideal for keeping your children out of harm’s way. Private tours are perfectly suited to families, keeping everyone together with no one else to interrupt the family quality time, apart from an experienced and knowledgeable guide, whilst minimising the potential exposure of your children.
- The flexibility of private tours allows for a more sequestered experience at every turn. Private tours are ideal for finding delightful rural places to enjoy lunch, in quiet village locations. Once again, you can avoid the often-hectic services on UKs motorways and cafés/restaurants near to monuments.
Private transfers allow for collection right from your hotel door, reducing the risk of exposure from low to near non-existent
We have implemented the following actions to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 Virus:
Our Licensed Driver / Guide… are fully briefed on the symptoms associated with Covid-19 and what is required of them to act with the utmost propriety. Before your vehicle even arrives, the vehicle will be sanitised internally and door handles will be cleaned. All drivers will have washed their hands thoroughly and will be wearing a face mask, at all times. Hand sanitiser will be provided, ready and waiting for all customers.
Our Insured Vehicles… have been specially adapted for your safety, with purpose-built Perspex divides installed between driver and passengers eliminating the risk of any contamination.
Picking you up… Your driver will not shake your hand – you will be asked if you would like your driver to load the luggage or if you would prefer to do this yourself. Unless all seats are required, you will be asked to sit in the rear of the vehicle, to maximise social distancing at all times. Our 9 seat minvans will be reduced to 7 seats for your safety.
Even After you have arrived at each of your tourist destinations your driver / guide will be busy meticulously repeating this process to the letter, while you can carry on your day with your peace of mind intact.
In these strange times, the safety of both our staff and our clients is of paramount importance, and, as always, the comfort of our clients remains at the heart of our business. These special safety measures have been brought in in addition to the abundance of premium tour services we offer.
Getting around safely is essential, so in this scary time don’t take unnecessary risks and travel in safety and luxury with us – professional, comfortable and most importantly safe. See you soon.
Due to this pandemic, the demand for private guided tours is increasing rapidly throughout this summer. BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR / TRANSFER NOW – CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
Email the Salisbury and Stonehenge experts today for a prompt reply
The Stonehenge Travel and Tour Company
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
The Local Travel Experts
Incredible Discovery at Durrington Walls, near Stonehenge.
Join us on a guided tour and learn more about this amazing new discovery
This week has seen one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in recent years.
For centuries, archaeologists as well as the public have marvelled at the sheer richness of neolithic history concentrated in the Wessex area. Whether it’s the world famous mystery of Stonehenge, Avebury stone circle or Durrington Walls (possibly the largest neolithic settlement in Europe). With such a historic landscape, so rigorously examined over the years, new discoveries are often few and far between or small in scale. This week however, archaeologists have discovered a gigantic neolithic circle of deep shafts surrounding Durrington Walls – a discovery of seismic proportions.
A new circle discovered near Stonehenge, is more than 10 metres in diameter and five metres deep. Photo taken by Stonehenge Dronescapes.
“This is an unprecedented find of major significance within the UK,” said archaeologist Vincent Gaffney.
The neolithic settlement, thought to be where the builders of Stonehenge…
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Wilton House, Wiltshire. This historic site helps bring Jane Austen’s novel Emma to life.
Wilton House is not new to the spotlight, having played a part in season 3 of Netflix’s The Crown as some of the interiors of Buckingham Palace and as the interior of Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice. The house returns for another Jane Austen adaptation in Emma as Donwell Abbey, also known as Mr. Knightley’s estate. Home to the Earls of Pembroke since 1544, Wilton House is known for its incredible 17th-century interiors and extensive art collection. See filming of Emma video here.
Wilton House, home to the 18th Earl and Countess of Pembroke, provides a fascinating insight into British history.
In 1544, King Henry VIII granted Wilton House—originally a 9th-century nunnery—and its land to William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, and it’s been kept in the family ever since, for over 475 years (the 18th Earl of Pembroke and the Countess of Pembroke are the current owners of the home). A program to ensure the restoration of the Palladian-style home was started by the 17th Earl of Pembroke, and it continues to this day through funding from the Wilton House Trust. This program also includes new additions, such as the creation of several gardens on the estate, as well as the restoration of the South Front of the home, which includes the incredibly opulent state rooms.
In addition to being used as a filming location for Emma and The Crown, Wilton House can also be seen in two other Jane Austen film adaptations: Pride & Prejudice (2005) and Sense & Sensibility (1995). Click here to see the full list of shows filmed at Wilston House
Wilton House is a short drive from Stonehenge and makes a great day touritinerary with a private guided tourfrom Salibury, Southampton, Bath or London.
Picture Perfect Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a favourite with filmmakers, taking centre stage in a whole range of productions from swashbuckling adventures to Jane Austen classics. Wiltshire continues to be popular with television and film crews, making an ideal location for anything from traditional period dramas to gothic horror films featuring Hollywood stars. Find out more about some of our film and TV locations at the Visit Wiltshire website
Wilton House website
Discover the filming locations of Emma.
WILTSHIRE FILM & TV LOCATIONS
The Stonehenge Travel and Tour Company
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
The Local Travel Experts
COVID19 SAFE TRAVEL: WILTSHIRE PRIVATE HIRE TRANSPORT OPERATOR
In the wake of the current Covid-19 pandemic public transport has become less of a safe prospect and unsurprisingly less appealing. Social distancing is now essential for the wellbeing of the general populace as well as essential in blunting the spike in new Coronavirus cases and easing the strain on the NHS. It can be hard maintaining proper social distancing measures on public transport, so for the good of the local area, we are offering our private tour services as an alternative and crucially safe option. We take extra care so you stay safe!
Due to COVID-19 private hire transport is much safer than using public transport, especially with the fastidiously precautions we have put in place.
Why risk it? Due to COVID-19 private hire transport is much safer than using public transport, especially with the fastidiously precautions we have put in place; going above and beyond the necessary precautions recommended by the government, whilst also providing a high quality of service and an extremely comfortable journey.
We have implemented the following actions to help prevent the spread of the Covid-19 Virus:
Our Licensed Drivers… are fully briefed on the symptoms associated with Covid-19 and what is required of them to act with the utmost propriety. Before your vehicle even arrives, the vehicle will be sanitised internally and door handles will be cleaned. All drivers will have washed their hands thoroughly and will be wearing a face masks, at all times. Hand sanitiser will be provided, ready and waiting for all customers.
Our Insured Vehicles… have been specially adapted for your safety, with purpose-built Perspex divides installed between driver and passengers eliminating the risk of any contamination.
Picking you up… Your driver will not shake your hand – you will be asked if you would like your driver to load the luggage or if you would prefer to do this yourself. Unless all seats are required, you will be asked to sit in the rear of the vehicle, to maximise social distancing at all times. Our 8 seat minvans will be reduced to 6 seats for your safety.
Even After you have arrived at your destination your driver will be busy meticulously repeating this process to the letter, while you can carry on your day with your peace of mind intact.
In these strange times, the safety of both our staff and our clients is of paramount importance, and, as always, the comfort of our clients remains at the heart of our business.
PROUD TO BE SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY: 25% Discount for any NHS staff and frontline workers
These special safety measures have been brought in in addition to the abundance of premium services we offer. We offer spacious 8 seat minivans with ample luggage space, driven by highly experienced and certified tour drivers, offering more than just transport; Our friendly drivers are also experienced tour guides and are happy to share local history with you on your journey. We also offer free Wi Fi on board as well as panoramic windows for amazing views in transit.
Town and Country service. Salisbury / Wilton / Tisbury / Shaftesbury / All of Wiltshire
At this time the travel services we offer include:
- Airport transfers
- Chauffeur work
- Movement of staff, relatives and customers
- Business trips – A great and safer alternative to public transport. Door-to-Door service significantly reduces exposure at this difficult time
- Nationwide movement of important documents, packages and equipment.
- Wait and return journeys to essential business meetings and conferences.
Getting around safely is essential, so in this scary time don’t take unnecessary risks and travel in safety and luxury with us – professional, comfortable and most importantly safe. See you soon…………………
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON COVID-19
Monumental Lockdown: A period of Rejuvenation for Stonehenge
On the 23rd of March, Boris Johnson announced strict ‘lockdown’ measures to curb the spread of the Coronavirus. This followed similar measures put in place worldwide. Subsequently, people have been restricted to their homes, allowed out only for essential work and shopping. Global tourism has been placed in indefinite suspension.
One of Britain’s rarest – and strangest – birds is back at Stonehenge. The Great Bustard was affectionately christened by Stonehenge staff as “Gertrude”
Although a grave shame, the restrictions are essential for the fight against the terrible Coronavirus, and there are even environmental positives to the lockdown. The break in tourism has given the worlds cities and monuments a well needed break, a chance to rejuvenate. A silver lining in the crisis, appears to be a global drop in air pollution – Paul Monks, professor of air pollution at the University of Leicester, told the Guardian: ‘this fact ‘this…
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Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours 