A campervan trip around Wiltshire and Somerset

You’ve just bought your new campervan from Chelston. So, what kind of campervanner are you going to be? If you’re the kind of person who likes a blend of history, natural beauty and quirky English charm, then a road trip around Wiltshire and Somerset is the one for you. From world famous ancient megalithic sites to opulent stately homes, picturesque countryside and historic cities, this route in the south-west of the country will give you everything you need. This edition of our blog is a handy guide to some of the most fascinating stops you can make along your way around this fantastic region.

Avebury is famous for its standing stones, with one of the largest gatherings in one place in all of Europe. The Avebury henge and stone circles are part of a larger prehistoric landscape that also includes the nearby West Kennett Long Barrow, Silbury Hill, Windmill Hill and Cherhill Down. This is a must-visit area – and, unlike Stonehenge, visitors can walk freely amongst the stones. Avebury is also home to the Alexander Keiller Museum, where you can learn more about the archaeology and history of the area.

No trip to Wiltshire is complete without visiting Stonehenge, forty minutes’ drive south of Avebury. This is perhaps the most iconic and mysterious prehistoric monument in the world. Standing on Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge consists of a ring of standing stones, with theories about its purpose ranging from a religious temple to an astronomical observatory. The recently updated visitor centre provides a wealth of useful information about the site. Although you can no longer walk amongst the stones themselves, a well-designed path offers a walk around it with excellent views and photo opportunities – so it’s definitely a good one for your Instagram! Thankfully, plans to tunnel a major road beneath Stonehenge have been shelved.

Half an hour west of Stonehenge is Longleat, a stately home renowned for its Elizabethan architecture, stunning gardens and (what once was) the UK’s first ever safari park with a variety of animals including lions, tigers and giraffes. A peaceful boat ride takes you close to gorilla island, where a colony of gorillas has lived for decades. In the summer moths it’s possible to purchase a VIP experience that gets you up close to these magnificent animals. The expansive grounds at Longleat also feature a hedge maze and adventure playgrounds. The house itself is an Elizabethan marvel, with richly decorated interiors and priceless artworks offering grand culture lovers something special to see.

A 50 minute drive south east of Longleat takes you to Salisbury, a historic city particularly well known for its stunning medieval cathedral (especially to Russian tourists). Salisbury Cathedral boasts the tallest church spire in the UK, and its Chapter House is home to one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta. Salisbury itself is a vibrant city with a rich history so the various museums are worth exploring. Otherwise, take a stroll through the charming streets, bustling market square or down the peaceful riverside.

Crossing into Somerset, and hour-and a half drive from Salisbury will see you arrive at a small town steeped in myth and legend. Glastonbury has religious and historical associations and is thought to be the burial place of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. The Abbey is the oldest above-ground Christian church in the world, and legend has it that it was built to house the Holy Grail, after the death of Jesus Christ. Climbing up Glastonbury Tor gives you views over the Somerset Levels and beyond. The town itself is vibrant and eclectic, with a mix of shops, cafes and alternative culture. Once a year at nearby Worthy Farm, the Glastonbury Festival takes place. This music and counter-culture celebration has, arguably, lost some of its impact over the years as it has been subsumed into the mainstream – but it’s still a highlight of the great British summer. Whether you’re into music, history, spirituality, religious mythology or simply enjoying a unique vibe, Glastonbury is a must-stop.

A 15 minute drive north of Glastonbury is the city of Wells. This is the smallest city in England, though it’s home to one of the most impressive cathedrals in the country. With its stunning West Front adorned with hundreds of medieval statues, Wells Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The Chapter House, scissor arches and clock are all worth seeing. Next to the cathedral is the Bishop’s Palace, surrounded by a moat and home to successive Bishops of Bath & Wells for over 800 years. The gardens here are a tranquil place to wander.

Twenty minutes north west of Wells is the stunning Cheddar Gorge – England’s largest gorge and a true natural wonder. Dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery offer the perfect landscape for hiking and rock climbing. The area is also famous as the discovery site of Cheddar Man. Britain’s oldest complete human skeleton was found in Gough’s Cave. You can explore this and other caves and learn about the history and geology of the area. The village of Cheddar is, of course, known globally for its cheese and purists will love visiting the only place in the country where Cheddar cheese is actually made in Cheddar.

Finish up your journey in the historic city of Bath, around an hour north-east of Cheddar Gorge. Renowned for its stunning Roman Baths and beautiful Georgian architecture, Bath is a bijou city with much to impress. The Roman Baths is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world, and walking around it offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient life. The city’s top-notch Georgian architecture is epitomised by the Royal Crescent (make sure to visit the museum) and the Circus. Bath Abbey, with its incredible fan vaulting, is another highlight. The city is also famous for its literary connections, particularly with Jane Austen, who lived here for several years. Visit the Jane Austen Centre to learn more about her life and works.

Heading around Wiltshire and Somerset in a campervan gives you a rich variety of experiences – from feeding gorillas to eating proper Cheddar cheese to walking the most ancient monuments and the potential burial site of the Holy Grail to strolling through historic cities and driving through stunning natural landscapes. The region you’ll travel through on this extra-special campervan route is one of England’s most captivating. Enjoy all of the things we’ve mentioned here and let us here at Chelston know of other Somerset and Wiltshire gems you discover!