Tour English Heritage sites from your own home. Two Cornish castles are among the 29 locations brought to life on screen. Click here
10 virtual tours of the world’smost famous landmarks
COVID 19 SAFE TOURS
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
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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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Virtual tours – the new private way to sightsee?
While it’s important to follow Government advice right now, staying at home doesn’t have to mean depriving yourself of inspiration. A number of Wiltshire attractions are now offering virtual tours, granting enthusiasts access to all sorts of cultural delights – without compromising on safety. Grab a cuppa and take a look at these Wiltshire virtual tours below…
The Skyscape website has been created by English Heritage to enable people around the world to experience the skies above the iconic stone circle, to learn about movements of the sun, moon and planets and to see the solar alignment at Stonehenge
Stonehenge offers a live view of the stones 24/7 through the Stonehenge Skyscape website. Watch the sun rise and set amongst the stones.
Wiltshire Museum has organised an At Home section on their website featuring DIY craft blogs, learning resources for kids, object stories, interesting documents from the libraries and more.
Salisbury Cathedral are now regularly live-streaming their church services. And that’s not all; Peregrine Falcons have been breeding at the Cathedral for many years. The Cathedral operates live video footage of the nest in preparation for chicks.
STEAM Museum is hosting an ‘A to Z of STEAM’ on their twitter page, highting intriguing objects from its collection.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust give you the chance to see what’s happening at Wiltshire wildlife spot, Langford Lakes with the live webcam. The Wildlife Trust also have lots of activities and suggestions for things to do on their website, including a guide to spotting butterflies and advice on maintaining your wellbeing and connectivity to nature during lockdown.
Longleat have launched a 30 minute virtual safari tour narrated by Kate Humble, showcasing some of the animals that live at the park.
Hawk Conservancy Trust have launched Hawk TV, featuring video clips from behind the scenes including some of the birds having their annual health checks and a Peregrine Falcon being released back into the wild. Fascinating stuff!
Wiltshire Music Centre will be bringing us concerts to enjoy from home over the coming weeks, beginning with a wonderful video of their Celebrating Age Wiltshire concert featuring music and poetry.
Helen Browning’s Royal Oak has a number of recipes online for hearty cooking you can try from home.
Salisbury Museum have created a virtual tour of their current exhibition, Albert Goodwin: Visionary Landscapes which you can watch online during their closure.
Cotswold Wildlife Park have live webcams of some of their animals. Tune in to watch the meerkats and penguins go about their daily lives…
Museum of Army Flying has colouring sheets and other family-friendly activities and educational resources that can be downloaded from their website. Perfect for the kids while the schools are shut.
The Pounds Art Centre are uploading YouTube videos of reading and activity ideas, with lots more online content planned!
The Roman Baths you can take a Google Street View tour of the Roman Baths: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/walkthrough. See the Roman Baths on video: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/videos. Have a go at Roman-themed online games: https://www.romanbaths.co.uk/online-games
If you can’t come to Wiltshire, we’ll bring Wiltshire to you! Visit Wiltshire website
MORE VIRTUAL TOUR LINKS:
UK attractions with virtual tours so you can explore without leaving your house
More London and U.K Virtual tours here
Some European and worldwide virtual tours here
If this has whetted your appetite and you want to visit Wiltshire and learn more about the other monuments in the surrounding landscape then book a guided sightseeing tour with the local travel experts
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Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
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Are you arriving into Southampton via cruise ship? The advantages of a tour transfer service.
Are you arriving into Southampton via boat? Then making your way directly to London? Why not take a tour transfer and make the most of the historic and beautiful landscape that lies in between?
It is far too easy to storm up the M3, Southampton to London, oblivious to the history that is hurtling past you. Hampshire and Wiltshire play host to some of the country’s richest historical cities, so easily accessible from Southampton’s beckoning harbour. So instead of rushing past, take a tour transfer – spend a night in Winchester, or Salisbury – see Stonehenge and its surrounding area, teeming with Neolithic history. Turn a commute into an adventure, a private tour experience exhibiting the best of the area which you almost missed!
Visit Salisbury
Salisbury is Wiltshire’s historic capital – A tiny city of 40,000, with a thousand years of history. Just a 45 minute drive from Southampton, Salisbury is one of the finest possible pit stops for any lover of history and is simply beautiful to the objective eye.
Circa 1217 BC, after the clergy abandoned the truly ancient site of Old Sarum and the its cathedral, the formation of Salisbury began in earnest. The city quickly rose to prominence and was one of the largest cities in the country by the reign of Henry VIII (1491-1547).
The city didn’t remain so prominent but has always maintained a sense of bygone times and its former glory and one is confronted with an impression of England-past when exploring the various sights of the city.
Salisbury Cathedral, the tallest medieval cathedral in Europe, is the true bastion of Salisbury’s magnificent history. The main building was completed in 1258, the lofty spire added in 1320 raising the building to an astonishing 123m tall. The building has awed spectators for centuries; visible for miles around, it is a historic beacon that draws visitors to the city.
The city itself will not disappoint, with a wide variety of restaurants and pubs (some up to 800 years old) for you to explore and plenty of accommodation in which to rest.
Visit Stonehenge
Only 15 minutes out of Salisbury stands one of the world’s most intriguing monuments. The infinitely mysterious Stonehenge. Built over 4,000 years ago for unknown reasons, the ginormous stones – some of which were dragged 140 miles from wales – still stand erect, challenging and engaging us with their pure antiquity.
Spending a night in Salisbury makes this unforgettable landmark all the more accessible. A private guided tour will allow you to interact with the area surrounding Stonehenge, learning from an expert the history and the myths of Neolithic Britain. You won’t just see Stonehenge; you’ll discover the lesser known Avebury stone circle (the largest stone circle in Europe), West Kennet Long-barrow, Woodhenge and much more!
Visit Winchester
The city of Winchester can rival any of our county’s cities for pure historical value. From iron age beginnings, after roman occupation, it became the capital of Wessex and a powerhouse of a city after the Norman landings in 1066. Today, it has maintained a sense of this rich history, the highlight being the stunning cathedral, construction of which began in 1079. All of this can be enjoyed in just 25 minutes from Southampton and 45 minutes from Salisbury. Any tour can easily accomodate this charming Hampshire city.
This a small example of the rich history available to you when you disembark in Southampton, other locations include…. Taking an 8 seater private tour transferis a magical experience, turning transit into a truly enlightening experience – making the most of southern England’s historical effervescence.
- Southampton – Stonehenge – Salisbury – London heathrow Airport Terminals
- Southampton – Lacok Village – Cotswolds – Bath – Central london
- Southampton – Stonehenge – Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) – Southampton / London
- Southampton – Winchester – Stonehenge – Salisbury – Southampton
- Southampton – Stonehenge Access – Traditional Country Pub Lunch – Southampton/ London
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Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
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Faces of the past at Stonehenge over half term holiday. Make a day of it in Wiltshire.
Visit Stonehenge this half term and come face-to-face with prehistoric people.
Explore forensic archaeology this Half-Term at Stonehenge!
English Heritage experts how will show visitors how to use archaeological evidence and modelling clay to find out what their ancestors looked like thousands of years ago.
Visitors can have a go themselves and then take a look around the exhibition.
There is lots more to discover about the pre-historic site and what everyday life was like for the people of Stonehenge, in the galleries and Neolithic houses which are filled with replica stone age axes and tools, pottery, clothes and other objects.
Put yourself in the picture with Stonehenge’s new selfie wall in the exhibition everyone is talking about Your Stonehenge – 150 Years of personal photos.
People have been visiting Stonehenge for millennia and this special exhibition records day trips and memories from just the last 150 years.
The facial…
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The South West of England is an area alive with history. Our private guided trips are designed to maximize your experience of the area in whatever time you have available.
The South West of England is an area alive with history, a landscape overflowing with beauty, an expanse that beckons to all budding adventurers it is so saturated with culture! From some of Europe’s most important iron age monuments, through Medieval cities, to verdant scenery and breath-taking panoramas that could rival anywhere in the country.Stonehenge Travel is dedicated to exhibiting the best the South West has to offer; private tours to all its finest locations, in a combination that suits you.
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
Our bespoke tours allow you to make your journey though the South West truly unique. Expert local guides can give you a private exhibition of the countryside we hold dear- illustrating the history and myths that inspire our passion in the area in which we live. Our tours aim to be consistently entertaining and enlightening – unlocking the secrets of the area that larger tour bus groups miss and creating brand new experts in the process! Our itineraries aim to strike a balance between well-trodden sites of significance and lesser known areas – original, imaginative, well-paced and carefully considered. Crucially, our itineraries are built around you – let us know where you want to go.
Our private guided trips are designed to maximize your experience of South West Britain in whatever time you have available.
We strongly believe that if you’re only doing it once, you should do It properly! In total comfort in our eight-seater tour buses, with panoramic widows to take in the delights that pass you between all our destinations, with an expert tour guide, avoiding the crowds at all the finest destinations.
Our Stonehenge and Salisbury tours for example, both of which ensure both an enlightening and relaxing experience – tailored to your timeframe.
Taking in the enigmatic 4,000-year-old monoliths of Stonehenge, and the magnificent 120m spire of Salisbury cathedral in a time period that suits you, because whatever suits you is what suits us. You can see them quickly, or we can take you on a journey through Salisbury, learning about its rich history; stopping off at one of its many pubs and we can show you the area around Stonehenge, taking in the various sites of prehistoric significance.
And for the true lovers of the prehistoric mystery of Stonehenge… Our exclusive scheduled small group Stonehenge sunset / sunrise special access tours depart throughout the year.
Once the crowds have departed you can experience the ancient stones up close and personal. Our exclusive access allows you, on these special occasions only, inside the inner ring of the stones. You can interact directly with our nations Neolithic treasures as our guides give you an in-depth insight into the strange history of the famous monoliths
Book early to avoid disappointment!
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Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
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Why Visit Salisbury?
In 1549, when the infamous Henry VIII was on the throne, Salisbury was the 7th biggest city in the country and its cathedral was the tallest building – some must of predicted great things for the city at the time…
Today, Salisbury is the UK’s 262nd largest settlement- but it still has the UK’s tallest
cathedral, which itself possesses the largest cathedral close and the longest cathedral cloisters. Besides, Salisbury is still alive with the history of its former glory, every street steeped in intrigue or beauty of some kind, a truly delightful place to visit. Wandering the streets, you will give thanks that it hasn’t maintained its position in the top ten cities, but what will you see?
Salisbury Cathedral
Since 1258 Salisbury cathedral has been the most important building in Salisbury. And 
since the spire was added in 1320 it has towered over the city, standing at 123m. It is the unignorable pride of the city (The only reason we can call Salisbury a city at all).
A fine example of early gothic architecture, as a spectacle, the cathedral in itself is reason enough to visit. Those with a keener eye will also notice the tilt of its spire; caused by shallow foundations (and inspiration for William Golding’s The Spire)
Yet, inside the cathedral is where you can find one of the most valuable treasures of all – an original copy of the Magna Carta. Displayed in the cathedral’s chapter house, the 804 year old document is shielded from any natural light. The document represented an agreement to lessen the powers of the King, still considered an important early symbol of liberty today.
Salisbury Market
Salisbury’s market is a crucial part of its identity – and has been since it began in 1219! Today, the market runs twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays and is still as varied and vibrant as it has always been.
Other Buildings
Salisbury also contains a variable treasure trove of antiquated buildings.
One of the most famous is John a’Port’s House and William Russel’s House, located in the Market Place next to Guildhall. They are regarded as the oldest buildings in Salisbury – instantly recognisable by their twinned white and black timber frames.
Everywhere you go you encounter history – The Salisbury Tourist Information Centre on Fish Row occupies a 14th century former fishmonger. Even the Odeon Cinema on Salisbury’s New Canal inhabits a 15th century Tudor mansion.
And if you fancy some refreshments but still want to remain an antiquarian- The Haunch of Venison, a pub, is over 800 years old- complete with its own folklore – a severed hand and a secret tunnel leading to a church.
Old Sarum
As old as it is, Salisbury wasn’t always here! In fact, it was preceded by Old Sarum, a near prehistoric site, the remains of which are still visible today. 2 miles north of Salisbury or New Sarum, the settlement it was abandoned for in 1190- the walls of the cathedral close are built from stones taken from the site! Hand in hand, Salisbury and old Sarum bridge over 2,000 years of history. It is worth the walk up the hill to visit the ruins of Old Sarum – which hosted both Romans and Saxons in its time.
So why not visit Salisbury? Take a walk-through centuries of British history, see how it has blended with the modern day, see the magnificent cathedral that still towers over us, see the pubs, the market, the beautiful cathedral close, take a walk up to old Sarum and cast your mind back thousands of years- doesn’t sound like such a bad day?
Salisbury Guided Tours offer tours from Salisbury, Bath, London or Southampton.
We are a small family-run business based in Salisbury. We offer discreet, bespoke and entertaining private guided sightseeing tours in the comfort you deserve. Our tour itineraries are original, imaginative, well-paced and carefully balanced.
Salisbury Cathedral – click here
Visit Wiltshire – click here
The Stonehenge Travel and Tour Company
Stonehenge and Salisbury Guided Tours
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Ticking Stonehenge off your bucket list.
For people across the world- Stonehenge is a must see location, it’s majesty as well as it’s mystery has made it a mainstay on everyone’s bucket list.
However, here lies the problem. Is Stonehenge merely a pretty collection of stones which need only be sited to be ticked off the list? There is no doubt that the site itself, taken as it is, is fulfilling. However- the occasion of ticking such a magnificent and ancient spectacle off a list of things to do on this earth before you die, should be done properly. The site and the whole surrounding area deserve more than tentative voyeurism. To truly ‘tick off’ Stonehenge, one must engage with its history its myths and crucially observe the entire surrounding area which is a veritable tapestry of Neolithic history. A tapestry which considered in its entirety enriches the ultimate site to see- Stonehenge itself.
I want…
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