Wilton to Warminster


Stourhead


Leave Salisbury on the A36 westward and within a few miles you arrive at the village of Wilton. When you consider its size relative to the great city of Salisbury, it is surprising how much Wilton has to offer the visitor. Dominated by Wilton House it is also home to the famous carpet factory and shopping village.


Wilton House opened its doors to the general public on the 1st May 1951 and this 460-year-old building with its history, architecture, art treasures and 21 acres of gardens and parkland has attracted visitors from all over the world.


The house stands on the site of a ninth century nunnery founded by King Alfred. Here you will experience living history at its very best. Take time to uncover its secrets as you wander through the magnificent rooms, marvel at the architecture, soak in its fine paintings or be swept off your feet by its spectacular gardens.


Wilton House is one of the Treasure Houses of England and you can be sure the house, its grounds, adventure playground and restaurant will provide an exciting and memorable day out.


Close-by is the Wilton Shopping Village, located on the site of the Wilton Carpet Factory. The shops are situated within the old factory buildings some dating as far back as the 18th century, you will find an interesting mixture of factory outlet and high street retailers. From the specialist Whiskey shop to that new carpet for your lounge these can all be found at the Wilton Shopping Village along with ladies and gents clothing, shoes, jewellery, golf equipment and much more.


You can relax in the air-conditioned Village Restaurant or if you prefer sit outside at Wafers coffee shop and watch the world go by or even feed the ducks.


Parking is free and you will find a very relaxed atmosphere in which to spend a stress free hour or two or even go on a fascinating tour of the carpet factory.


Wilton Carpets as we know them today were created by a French carpet weaver brought to England by the Earl of Pembroke in the early part of the 18th Century to teach the local weavers his skills. By the end of the century Wilton and its carpets were famous.


In 1835 redundant looms were brought from the bankrupt Axminster factory in Devon and set up in Wilton. Although the power loom has long since taken over from the hand loom, the Wilton Carpet Factory continues to produce top quality Wilton and Axminster carpets, which are installed in prestigious locations throughout the world.


Continue west using the B3089 and where it joins the A303 you will find signs to Stourhead, a truly great National Trust garden. An outstanding example of the English landscape style, this splendid garden was designed by Henry Hoare II and laid out between 1741 and 1780.


28 The Tourist Handbook Wessex 2011


Classical temples, including the Pantheon and Temple of Apollo, are set around the central lake at the end of a series of vistas, which change as the visitor moves around the paths and through the magnificent mature woodland with its extensive collection of exotic trees.


From Stourhead travel back along the same route and you will soon pick up signs northward for Warminster, which is a fine example of a Wiltshire market town - fine old buildings reflecting the wealth of the area - and wonderful open downland close-by, since it lies on the edge of Salisbury Plain.


To the west of the town you will see the brown tourist signs to Longleat. Whatever the tastes of your family this is a place that you should definitely visit - allow a full day for there is so much to see.


Longleat House is widely regarded as the best example of high Elizabethan architecture in Britain and one of the most beautiful stately homes open to the public. The magnificence of the House itself is matched by the splendour of its surroundings; a spectacular mixture of landscaped parkland, lakes and formal gardens.


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