What's on in Wiltshire this August

August is just around the corner and the summer is well and truly here...

August in Wiltshire means long walks in the countryside, relaxing in pretty beer gardens and weekends packed with fun open-air events. So, what's on this month? There are classic car shows and classical concerts, indulgent foodie festivals and family-friendly carnivals, thrilling race days and unusual expeditions. Whatever you fancy, there are plenty of exciting events taking place across the county in August! 

Fairs and Carnivals
Carnivals have been coming to the historic market town of Malmesbury every summer for almost 100 years. This August, there are walks, music, theatre and open gardens to enjoy. But if you can only make it to one event, make sure it is the Carnival Procession on 31 August, when the whole town turns out to watch the spectacular carnival procession. 

Love classic cars? You're in luck! Bowood's Classic Car & Motorcycle Show on 18 August is the perfect opportunity to get your fix of motoring heritage, with an exciting display of vintage, classic and modern vehicles on display. While you're there, you can explore Bowood's stunning gardens and grounds.

Just over the county border in Gloucestershire, the Great British Food Festival takes place on 10 and 11 August. Packed with tasty treats, the festival will feature some of the finest local and regional artisan producers alongside real ale, wine bars, craft stalls, children’s entertainment, top chef demos, cake competitions and more. Yum!

And if you're a lover of gin, head to Trowbridge on 31 August for the Gin Society Festival. There will be tasters, masterclasses, cocktails, live entertainment and the chance to taste a wide variety of delicious gins. 
 

Family Fun
The school holidays are in full swing, and there are plenty of activities and events taking place in Wiltshire aimed at parents and children. Head to Salisbury Racecourse on 14 August for their Summer Holiday Family Race day. There will be plenty of free activities and entertainment aimed at children alongside thrilling racing for the adults. 

Or, solve a mystery at Chippenham Museum. A crime has been commited and little detectives are invited to help find the culprit by following the trail of clues every day during the school holidays.

Meanwhile, children aged 6 to 11 years old can curate their own museum at Avebury where they will be encouraged to create their own display using a variety of objects. 

If you want to get the whole family outside into the fresh air, make your way to the magical tree garden at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, where kids go free throughout August. There will be a special family activity trail and a busy programme of arts and craft events to help you keep the kids entertained while the whole family explores outside in the sunshine together.  
 

Unusual and Unique Events
Every August, the 14th century Priory Church of St Katherine and All Saints in Edington welcomes visitors from around the world for the Edington Music Festival. The festival celebrates music within the liturgy and features organ recitals and sacred music performed by some of the UK's top choral singers and organists.

Finally, jump on a lovely vintage bus and head across Salisbury Plain for Imberbus day on Saturday 17 August. This is a rare opportunity to explore the 'lost' village of Imber, a deserted village located within the British Army's training grounds on Salisbury Plain. No one has lived here since 1943, and the village is normally out-of-bounds to the public. A truly unique summer experience!

We hope you have a wonderful August in Wiltshire - have a look at our late availability offers to find somewhere to stay.