Wiltshire:
1. Avebury Stone Circle
Explore the world’s largest stone circle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike Stonehenge, you can walk among the stones and feel their ancient presence. Nearby, visit Silbury Hill and West Kennet Long Barrow for more prehistoric sites.
2. West Kennet Long Barrow
Walk inside one of the largest Neolithic tombs in Britain. It’s a peaceful site with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
3. Silbury Hill
Marvel at Europe’s largest prehistoric mound, whose purpose remains a mystery. It’s an impressive sight and part of the Avebury complex.
4. The Close, Salisbury
Stroll around the historic Close, a green space surrounded by medieval buildings and the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral.
5. Lydiard Park
Enjoy a walk in this beautiful park, featuring a lake, woodlands, and the historic Lydiard House. It’s a great spot for picnics and family outings.
6. Caen Hill Locks, Devizes
Witness the impressive flight of 29 locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal. It’s a perfect place for a leisurely walk or to watch narrowboats navigate the locks.
7. Marlborough Mound
Climb this Neolithic mound for panoramic views of Marlborough and the surrounding area. It’s a peaceful spot with a rich history.
8. The Pepperbox, Whiteparish
Visit this 17th-century folly atop Pepperbox Hill. Enjoy the scenic views and learn about its intriguing history.
9. Wilton Windmill
Explore the only working windmill in Wessex. While milling days are limited, the site offers a glimpse into traditional milling techniques.
10. Salisbury Arts Centre
Enjoy free art exhibitions and community events at this vibrant arts venue housed in a former church. Check their schedule for upcoming free events.
11. Young Gallery, Salisbury
Visit this free art gallery located within Salisbury Library. It houses over 4,000 works, including paintings, prints, and sculptures.
12. Imber Village (Open Days)
Explore this abandoned village on Salisbury Plain during its annual open days. Discover its wartime history and eerie atmosphere.
13. Larmer Tree Gardens
Wander through these Grade II* listed gardens, once the first public gardens in the UK. Enjoy the Victorian architecture and peaceful surroundings.
14. King Alfred’s Tower
Climb this 205-step tower for breathtaking views across Somerset, Wiltshire, and Dorset. The surrounding area is perfect for a scenic walk.
15. Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Explore this stunning landscape with rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages. It’s ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching.
For more ideas on budget-friendly activities, check out these free things to do in Wiltshire.
Devon
1. Dartmoor National Park
Explore the rugged beauty of Dartmoor, with its rolling hills, granite tors, and wild ponies. It’s a fantastic place for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
2. Exmouth Beach
Enjoy a day at the beach in Exmouth, one of Devon’s most popular seaside spots. Whether you’re walking along the coast or relaxing by the sea, it’s perfect for families.
3. Torquay Harbour
Take a stroll around Torquay’s picturesque harbour. Watch the boats, enjoy the sea breeze, or take a walk along the promenade.
4. The Tarka Trail
Follow the scenic Tarka Trail, a 180-mile path through Devon’s countryside. It’s great for cycling, walking, and wildlife spotting, and offers beautiful views of rivers, woods, and farmlands.
5. The Valley of the Rocks
Located near Lynton, the Valley of the Rocks is a spectacular spot with dramatic cliffs, rocky outcrops, and views across the Bristol Channel. It’s a perfect spot for a peaceful hike.
6. Wistman’s Wood
Take a walk through Wistman’s Wood, one of Dartmoor’s most famous ancient oak woodlands. The mystical landscape makes it an unforgettable place to visit.
7. The Royal William Yard
In Plymouth, visit the Royal William Yard, a historic naval site now home to shops, cafes, and beautiful waterfront views. You can wander around and soak up the maritime atmosphere.
8. Babbacombe Model Village
While entry to the model village itself costs, you can enjoy free walks around the Babbacombe Downs, offering spectacular views over Lyme Bay.
9. Woodlands and Forest Walks in Haldon Forest
Take a stroll or cycle through Haldon Forest, offering a network of trails for walkers and cyclists. With its vast woodlands and views across Devon, it’s a wonderful spot to explore.
10. Shaldon Beach
Enjoy a quiet day at Shaldon Beach, a family-friendly spot with sandy shores. It’s a great place to walk along the river or just relax and watch the world go by.
11. The South West Coast Path
Walk along the South West Coast Path, which stretches for 630 miles around the coast of Devon. Choose a section that suits you and enjoy Devon’s dramatic coastline and breathtaking scenery.
12. Cotehele Estate Gardens
While there’s a charge to enter Cotehele House, the estate gardens are free to explore. Take a walk through the lush gardens and enjoy the scenic views over the River Tamar.
13. Dartmouth Castle
While the castle itself has an entry fee, you can still walk around the castle grounds and enjoy stunning views over the river and coastline.
14. Exeter Quayside
Stroll along the vibrant quayside in Exeter. With its historic warehouses, shops, and cafes, you can enjoy the mix of history and modern culture. Take in the views of the River Exe and watch the boats go by.
15. Fingle Woods
Explore Fingle Woods in the heart of Dartmoor National Park. This area is home to ancient woodlands, offering scenic walking trails that follow the River Teign. It’s perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Somerset
1. Glastonbury Tor
Climb to the top of Glastonbury Tor for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The walk is free, and the site is steeped in history and myth, linked to the Arthurian legend.
2. Cheddar Gorge
Explore the stunning Cheddar Gorge, one of the UK’s most famous natural landmarks. You can enjoy a walk along the cliff tops or visit the free National Trust site for views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape.
3. Wells Cathedral
Visit Wells Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. While donations are welcome, entry to the cathedral is free, and you can admire the beautiful interior and exterior of this historic building.
4. Brean Down
Take a hike up Brean Down, a dramatic headland offering incredible views across the Bristol Channel. The walk to the top is free, and you can enjoy views of the coast and the countryside.
5. West Somerset Railway (Free Viewing Areas)
While taking a ride on the West Somerset Railway requires a ticket, you can enjoy free views of the steam trains at various points along the line, especially around Bishops Lydeard.
6. Clevedon Pier
Stroll along Clevedon Pier, a beautiful Victorian structure that juts out into the Bristol Channel. While entry to the pier itself has a small charge, walking around the area and enjoying the views is free.
7. Coleridge Way
Walk along the Coleridge Way, a scenic trail that takes you through the landscapes that inspired poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. The trail stretches for 36 miles and offers stunning views of Somerset’s countryside.
8. The Quantocks
The Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offers excellent walking and hiking opportunities. Explore the heathlands, woodlands, and ancient monuments while soaking in the natural beauty.
9. The Roman Baths (Bath’s Exterior)
While visiting the Roman Baths themselves requires an entry fee, you can still explore the exterior of the site and the stunning Bath Abbey area for free. Don’t miss the beautiful Georgian architecture and the surrounding Bath city centre.
10. Somerset Levels
The Somerset Levels is a vast wetlands area perfect for birdwatching and nature walks. The RSPB’s Ham Wall nature reserve offers free entry and is an excellent spot for spotting wildlife.
11. Glastonbury Abbey
Although there is an entry fee for the main site, you can visit the beautiful grounds and ruins of Glastonbury Abbey for free. The Abbey has a rich history, particularly linked to King Arthur and early Christianity.
12. Exmoor National Park
Explore Exmoor National Park, a stunning area of moorland, woodland, and coastline. You can enjoy scenic walks, wildlife watching, and explore some of the quaint villages and stunning viewpoints that Exmoor offers.
13. Hestercombe Gardens (Free Areas)
Hestercombe Gardens is a gorgeous location with formal gardens, woodland walks, and stunning views. While some areas require a fee, you can still enjoy the surrounding parkland and nature trails for free.
14. Porlock Weir
Visit Porlock Weir on the edge of Exmoor National Park. Walk along the harbour, watch the boats, and explore the coastal paths that offer breathtaking views across the Bristol Channel.
15. Dunster Castle (Free Grounds)
While the interior of Dunster Castle requires an entry fee, the grounds and gardens are free to explore. Take a leisurely walk around the castle’s historic parkland and enjoy the views over the surrounding countryside.
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