The charming market town of Wilton in Wiltshire, with its roots stretching back to the eighth century, offers a distinctive day out experience.
Situated just three miles west of Salisbury, this former capital of Wessex not only lent its name to the renowned Wilton Carpets factory but also to the county itself.
Strutt and Parker, the estate agents, have placed Wilton among their top 10 market towns, praising it as the “quintessential” Wiltshire market town “steeped in history”.
On the edge of the town lies the historic Wilton House, the residence of the 18th Earl and Countess of Pembroke, which stands on the site of a 9th-century nunnery.
The house showcases an impressive exhibition of Lord Pembroke’s vintage car collection, featuring gems like a silver Aston Martin Vanquish, a 1966 Jaguar E-type, and a black 1972 Datsun 240Z, reports the Express.
Wilton House has also served as a backdrop for various films and TV series, such as Bridgerton, The Crown, Flog It!, and Tomb Raider.
Visitors can explore the Italian garden complete with a terrace and parterre from the 1820s and a Palladian bridge within the grounds.
Additionally, there is a garden centre with a cafe on the premises of Wilton House, which is a favourite spot among locals.
Wilton is home to a variety of independent shops and dining spots, with the market day taking place every Thursday. Near the Market Square, on the route to Wilton from Salisbury, you’ll find The Guild shopping village, partially set in the old carpet factory buildings.
For those seeking a hearty meal, Cuckoo Cafe on Silver Street serves up a full English breakfast along with coffees, teas, and cakes, while Cafe Blend on North Street offers a selection of breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes.
Among the pubs are The Bear Inn, Pembroke Arms, The Wheatsheaf and Greyhound Inn, a 17th-century coaching inn known for its cask ales and extensive menu featuring dishes such as beer battered cod and chips, sirloin steak, and scampi.
The Pembroke Arms is renowned for its locally sourced dishes, with the venue’s pies receiving particular praise.
A stone’s throw from Market Square stands the Grade I-listed Italianate St Mary and St Nicholas Church, a masterpiece of Victorian architecture designed by Thomas Wyatt and David Brandon.
The Romanesque-style church is characterised by a towering 33-metre high bell tower and is also celebrated for its stained glass and mosaics.
Wilton, an ideal destination for a day trip and a base to explore the surrounding area, offers accommodation at the family-run pub, The Wheatsheaf, and at the Pembroke Arms.
Located just a 15-minute drive from the centre of Salisbury, Wilton is easily accessible by car or bus.
Situated on the A36, the town connects Southampton in Hampshire and Bath in Somerset. Salisbury is home to the nearest train station to Wilton.