Things to do in Warminster, Wiltshire
The town sits on the River Were southwest of Salisbury Plain. Its origins go back to Saxon times although the remains of ancient iron age hill forts testify to a much older settlement here.
Warminster has strong links with the military as it is the base for the School of Infantry, now known as the Warminster Training Centre.
The Town Hall is particularly interesting as it was built by the Marquis of Bath in 1837 as a copy of one wing of Longleat House.
As well as St Denys Church, the 13th century St. Lawrence Chapel and Warminster School are all worth admiring architecturally.
Things to do in Warminster
Visit Warminster Maltings
Warminster is home to Warminster Maltings - the oldest working Maltings in Britain.
Go on Safari at Longleat
Warminster is the home of the world-famous Longleat House and Safari Park. Longleat has become even more famous in the UK thanks to the popular TV series Animal Park. Fans of the series won't want to miss the chance to explore Longleat and meet the animals for themselves.
Longleat Safari Park has a railway, and boat rides that the children will love, as well as the magnificent house and formal gardens landscaped by Capability Brown for the grown-ups.
Experience Stonehenge
Warminster is only 17 miles from Stonehenge. This mysterious prehistoric structure has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and, along with the larger stone circle at Avebury, is one of Britain's most famous and awe-inspiring attractions.
Walking and Cycling
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Warminster makes an excellent base for walkers and cyclists.
Alfred's Tower on Kingsettle Hill marks where King Alfred the Great raised his standard against the Danes in 878 and also offers excellent local views.
Warminster is a good base for visiting other interesting local towns such as Westbury, Melksham and even historic Bath.
Shopping
Warminster offers lots of great options for shoppers. If you're staying in self-catering accommodation nearby, or just want to stock up with essentials, the town has a great range of supermarkets to choose from, including Iceland, Lidl, Waitrose and Morrisons.
The Three Horseshoes Walk shopping centre is home to 17 shops, including branches of many popular chains such as Superdrug, Thorntons, Greggs, Costa Coffee and many more.
Restaurants and Places to Eat
The Old Fire Station
With a wonderful wood-fired oven, and lots of fire station memorabilia on display, The Old Fire Station offers a memorable dining experience.
The Weymouth Arms
Offering a light lunch menu as well as a full a-la-carte menu with both vegetarian and meat dishes featuring local ingredients, you're sure to find lots to enjoy at the Weymouth Arms.
The Weymouth Arms also has a well-stocked cellar with a range of local and guest ales, and a wine list that includes many fine organic wines.
If you're staying in self-catering accommodation nearby, there's even a takeaway service.
Hotels and Places to Stay
Travelodge Warminster
Travelodge is a name you can rely on for budget-friendly accommodation with a high standard of presentation, cleanliness and service.
Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa
If you're looking for a luxury hotel, The Bishopstrow Hotel & Spa might have just what you need. With acres of grounds to explore as well as a beautiful swimming pool and luxurious spa, you can have the relaxing break you deserve.
With a range of stylish Georgian rooms in the main house and courtyard, as well as spacious suites, your stay is sure to be a comfortable one.
Historic Warminster
The town prospered in the Middle Ages from its wool trade and consequently, it has some fine historic buildings. It had a busy corn market and many of the old buildings in the town would have been built as storehouses for grain. The old inns accommodated the buyers and sellers who visited Warminster to trade corn.
It is surrounded by yews in the churchyard which were often planted to ward off evil spirits. The trees are so old they probably pre-date Christian times. The church has a splendid organ that was originally intended for Salisbury Cathedral.
Throughout the 17th century, Warminster had a bell foundry, run from 1620-1686 by John Lott.
John Lott cast bells for Warminster Tower and many other churches in the area. Churchwarden accounts at Frome Church show John Lott certainly worked on the bells there.
Warminster was a major coaching centre in its day and the Anchor Inn, the Bath Arms and the Old Bell Inn date back to that era.
Some photos courtesy of Visit Wiltshire.
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Self Catering
Days Out in Warminster
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Longleat (4 Miles)*
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Stourhead (8 Miles)*
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Farleigh Hungerford Castle (9 Miles)*
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Westwood Manor (9 Miles)*
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Courts Garden (10 Miles)*
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Great Chalfield Manor and Garden (11 Miles)*
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Old Wardour Castle (12 Miles)*
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East Somerset Railway (13 Miles)*
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American Museum in Britain (13 Miles)*
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Prior Park Landscape Garden (13 Miles)*
Places to Visit near Warminster
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Westbury (4 Miles)*
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Frome (6 Miles)*
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Nunney (8 Miles)*
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Bradford-on-Avon (9 Miles)*
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Market Lavington (10 Miles)*
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Brewham (10 Miles)*
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Melksham (11 Miles)*
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Bruton (13 Miles)*
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Devizes (13 Miles)*
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Shaftesbury (13 Miles)*
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