 Places
to visit
There are many attractions in this part of South
Wiltshire that can easily be visited from Dowtys.
However, you could enjoy leaving your car in the
driveway and walk from the house into the wonderful
woods and downland surrounding Dowtys. You can walk
for miles without crossing a single road! The owners
can organise guided walks to find the best wild flowers,
or can give you detailed suggestions. Off-road biking
is another popular activity and guests may lock up
their bikes securely at Dowtys. Packed lunches can
also be provided by arrangement.
Salisbury City with its magnificent 13th century
Gothic Cathedral (www.salisburycathedral.org.uk )
having the tallest spire in England, and an original
copy of Magna Carta (1215) in the Cloisters, is only
8 miles away. There are guided tours of the Cathedral,
including a trip for the adventurous – a tour
inside the roof space and up 332 steps into the tower!
This thriving market City also has a wide range of
shops, restaurants, 2 museums, a theatre, a cinema,
an open air market on Tuesdays and Saturdays and
lots of pubs! The National Trust’s 18th century
Mompesson House (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) in the
Close is well worth a visit. Two miles north of the
city is Old Sarum (www.english-heritage.org.uk/oldsarum)
- the remains of a prehistoric fortress, a Norman
palace, castle and cathedral. There are fine views
over Salisbury from Old Sarum and history relates
it is from Old Sarum that an arrow was shot to determine
the site of the “new” 13th century cathedral!
Wilton, the former capital of Wessex, is our nearest
town and Wilton House (www.wiltonhouse.co.uk) is
open from Easter – October. A fine stately
home privately owned by the Earl of Pembroke, with
magnificent gardens, an adventure playground for
children and a Garden Centre. The Italianate
Church is also well worth a visit. Wilton has a popular
Shopping Village with a wide range of shops.
16th century Heale House (www.healegarden.co.uk)
in the Woodford Valley has a stunning garden through
which the River Avon flows. Here you can see an authentic
Japanese Tea house! The garden is famed for its snowdrop
and aconite walks in Spring.
Visit the romantic ruins of 14th century Old
Wardour Castle (www.english-heritage.org.uk/oldwardour) near
Tisbury, peacefully situated by a lake and with some
excellent walking in the vicinity.
The World Heritage site of Stonehenge (www.english-heritage.org.uk/stonehenge)
is 12 miles from Dowtys. This mystical ancient stone circle has inspired people
from all over the world. The prehistoric Avebury stone circle (also a World
Heritage site) should be visited by those with an interest.
Longleat (www.longleat.co.uk) a fine Elizabethan
home with the famous Safari Park, is between Dowtys
and Bath.
Bath which is approximately one hour’s drive,
is another World Heritage City, having some of the
finest Georgian architecture in the UK, with Roman
Baths and thermal Spa.
Stourhead (www.nationaltrust.org.uk)
a fine Palladian mansion with 18th century landscaped
gardens and
lake, with temples and gothic ruins is within 30
minutes drive.
Architectural and historical tours can be arranged
with a “Blue Badge Guide” to maximise
your visit to these attractions.
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