Renowned for its high quality environment this largely rural area is agricultural in character. The countryside remains unspoilt by development, creating a total contrast to the everyday hustle and bustle of city life.

If you want to really change gear and slow down your pace, this is exactly the place to do it. With over 30 nature reserves, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), numerous country parks and miles of woodland, this area is an ideal safe haven for families.

Savernake Forest near Marlborough, the only privately owned forest in Britain is maintained by the Forestry Commission. They operate a campsite and car park and have a number of barbecue hearths available for rent. West Woods near Marlborough are celebrated for their bluebells in May and the Roundway Down and Covert nature trail near Devizes provides splendid views over the surrounding countryside.

Enjoy the gentle, relaxing pace of canal cruising on the calming water of the Kennet and Avon Canal. It is perfect for fishing, walking, cycling and observing wildlife. Watch the world drift by from one of the many canal-side tearooms or pubs, and perhaps sample a glass of the local Wadworth beer.

The area provides great walking opportunities, from a stroll through country lanes and byways to treks across the Wiltshire Downs for the more adventurous. Both the Ridgeway and massive post-Roman earthwork of the Wansdyke cross the area, and a long distance trail links all eight of Wiltshire’s famous hillside chalk horses.

During the summer months, magnificent formations of crop circles tend to appear on the landscape. Most frequently they appear near the sites of ancient monuments that are themselves considered to be built on sites of powerful energies. Man-made or mystery, it must be remembered that in most cases they appear on private land – please seek permission from the landowner before entering the land. Ordnance Survey maps and detailed walking trails of the area are available from our Tourist Information Centres.