The Wiltshire market town of Wilton offers a unique day out and boasts a history dating back to the eighth century.
Lying three miles west of Salisbury, the ancient capital of Wessex gave its name to the famous Wilton Carpets factory as well as the county itself.
Estate agents Strutt and Parker lists Wilton among its top 10 market towns, hailing it as a “quintessential” Wiltshire market town “steeped in history”.
Historic Wilton House is on the outskirts of the town, home to the 18th Earl and Countess of Pembroke and built on the site of a 9th century nunnery.
It houses an exhibition of Lord Pembroke’s classic car collection, which includes a silver Aston Martin Vanquish, 1966 Jaguar E-type and black 1972 Datsun 240Z.
Wilton House has also featured in film and TV series, including Bridgerton, The Crown, Flog It! and Tomb Raider.
The grounds feature an Italian garden with terrace and parterre dating back to the 1820s as well as a Palladian bridge.
There is also a garden centre on the grounds of Wilton House with a cafe which is popular with locals.
Wilton boasts a number of independent shops and eateries, with market day falling on a Thursday. Down the road from the Market Square on the approach to Wilton from Salibsury is The Guild shopping village, partly housed in former carpet factory buildings.
Cuckoo Café in Silver Street serves a full English as well as coffees, teas and cakes while Cafe Blend in North Street offers breakfast, brunch and lunch options.
Pubs include The Bear Inn, Pembroke Arms, The Wheatsheaf and Greyhound Inn, 17 century coaching inn serving cask ales and with a wide-ranging menu which includes beer battered cod and chips, sirloin steak, scampi and more.
The Pembroke Arms serves dishes using locally sourced ingredients, with its pies hailed by the venue for particular attention.
A short walk from the Market Square lies the Grade I-listed Italianate St Mary and St Nicholas Church, designed by Victorian architects, Thomas Wyatt and David Brandon.
The Romanesque style church is dominated by a 33 metre high bell tower, but is also known for its stained glass and mosaics.
Ideal for a day trip and a base to explore the wider area, Wilton has accommodation at family run pub, The Wheatsheaf, and at the Pembroke Arms.
Wilton is about 15 minutes from the centre of Salisbury by car. Buses are also available from Salisbury, taking a similar time.
The town itself is on the A36, which links Southampton, Hampshire, and Bath in Somerset. The nearest train station to Wilton is at Salisbury.
