20 Things to do in Wiltshire this September

This year is passing us by as the first week of September is nearly upon us! Soon it will be that time of year again where we start to get winter clothes out of the loft, brush off our welly boots and collect firewood for the colder nights ahead.

The colder months certainly don’t mean doom and gloom and Wiltshire has plenty to offer. Wiltshire is glorious in all seasons and there’s plenty of things to see and do to keep you entertained. So, without further ado, here is a list of 20 things we highly recommend to make the most of your September.

1.    Stourhead Estate 
This September visit Stourhead Estate near Warminster. With a collection of colourful trees, a beautiful historical home with plenty of history, and King Alfred’s tower boasting some of the best views of the area, it’s certainly not to be missed.

2.    Savernake Forest
With tree’s over 1000 years old, the Savernake Forest is a great place to find that perfectly shaped leaf or to grow your autumn conker collection. Look out for the quirky names too like ‘Big Belly Oak’.  

3.    Take a Wiltshire Walk 
Wiltshire has an abundance of beautiful walks, long and short, to be explored this autumn. With the seasons changing, witness it first-hand this September and see where you can discover.

4.    Grab your Bicycle
There’s nothing better than riding along an open space with the wind flowing through your hair. Make a day of it and choose one of our many cycle routes and be sure to stop at a pub to give you a rest along the way. 

Immerse Yourself in Arts & Culture

5.    Marlborough Literature Festival 
The annual Marlborough Literature Festival is returning for its 9th year. There’s so many events to choose from, expect storytelling, workshops, poetry and talks for all ages. 

6.    National Theatre Live: ‘King Lear’ by William Shakespeare 
Staring Ian McKellan, this performance of Shakespeare’s famous King Lear is hot within its industry. Following sold-out viewings at the Chichester Festival Theatre, it will be at The Pound Arts Centre for one night only so book your tickets before they sell out quick. 

7.    The Miracle Paintings at Salisbury Cathedral 
Perfect for all the arty people out there, The Miracle Paintings by Professor Stephen Farthing RA include 13 beautifully created canvases to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Academy. Situated within Salisbury Cathedral it makes for a great day out in Salisbury.

Enjoy a Heritage Open Day

8.    Heritage Open Day at Crofton Beam Engines
The unique grade 1 listed Georgian steam pump and engine will be open for 4 consecutive days throughout September. Expect demonstrations and tours from the oldest working beam engine in the world. 

9.    Heritage Open Day at Mompesson House 
Enjoy free entry to Mompesson House, a Queen Anne townhouse located within the close of Salisbury Cathedral. Used during filming of the 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility, this hidden gem in the heart of medieval city is a must. 

Get the Adrenaline Pumping 

10.    Grand Finals Race Day Castle Combe Circuit 
Come along for the battle of all battles. Watch out for twists and turns at the Finals Race Day as the last champions are crowned before the season of racing ends. Also, the annual rally day on the Saturday 22 September will be a great day out for any car enthusiast. 

11.    Take a Safari
There’s no better way to see the Salisbury Plain than on a safari. Salisbury Plain Safaris offer safaris by 4x4 or horseback lasting around 2 hours, it’s definitely one for the bucket list?

12.    Make an Escape
Escape rooms in Wiltshire don’t only get the adrenaline pumping but is also great for time with family or friends. Look for clues, solve the puzzles and test your teamwork skills to escape before time is up.

Relax

13.    Time for a Spa Day
Once the kids have gone back to school, relieve some stress and tension and treat yourself to a spa day. Try out Lucknam Park, Whatley Manor or Woolley Grange Hotel.

14.    Dabble in a Spot of Shopping 
Maybe not completely relaxing but back to school shopping is a traditional way to start September. There’s plenty of places to get the back to school essentials including McArthurGlen Designer Outlet and Cross Keys Shopping Centre. For something more unique and to treat yourself after running around after the kids, then there are some great indie shops in Devizes, Marlborough and Bradford on Avon.

15.    Take a boat trip 
A great way to forget about all your worries is a boat trip along the Kennet and Avon Canal. Barbara McLellan boat trips offer a number of different trips throughout the year from day trips to Bath, lunches on board to Dundas Aqueduct and general trips along the canal.

 

Perfect Time with the Family 

16.    Sky Safari at Longleat
Returning for another year, the Sky Safari at Longleat will host over 150 balloons of different colours, shapes and sizes. On the Friday and Saturday night, watch the balloons fire up their burners and fly up and away over the grounds to a musical soundtrack. 

17.    Bowood Living Heritage Wiltshire Game and Country Fair
With something for everyone, the Living Wiltshire Game and Country Fair is a perfect day out for all the family. With a whole host of activities and entertainment set in the backdrop of the lovely Bowood House, it’s certainly one for the diary. 

18.    Make a Date for Dinner
It’s becoming roast dinner time again and what better way to get the family together for a big roast at a local Wiltshire pub. There are plenty of hidden gems within the county with so much charm and character perfect for a family get together. See what’s local to you here.

Embrace the Action 

19.    REME Museum Gnome Hunt 
The REME Museum Gnome Hunt is still on for a little bit longer. Follow the trail throughout the museum amongst military vehicles, archives and objects. 
 

20.    Military Spectacular 2018 at Longleat 
On Saturday 29 September to Sunday 30 September in association with the British Army supporting Education, Longleat will be celebrating our Armed Forces at their Military Spectacular. There will be an impressive display of combat vehicles, demonstrations, displays and musical processions. Don’t miss the spectacular glow-lit parachute display!

For more information on things to do this September be sure to check out our ‘What’s on’ page and if you fancy taking a break to Wiltshire take a look at our accommodation ‘Special Offers’ page. Also, be sure to add #timeforwiltshire to your social media pics, we love seeing what you’ve been up to!