Wiltshire is packed with family adventures that do not require expensive admission tickets. Across the county, parents, grandparents and carers can discover prehistoric monuments, medieval buildings, country parks, free museums, wildlife reserves and attractive town walks.
Although Wiltshire is landlocked and does not have traditional seaside beaches, its lakes, rivers, wetlands and waterside parks provide plenty of opportunities for children to enjoy nature and outdoor space.
This guide brings together 15 free and low-cost family days out across Wiltshire and neighbouring Swindon. Opening hours, parking charges, facilities and access arrangements can change, so always check the official visitor information before travelling.
1. Avebury Stone Circle and Village
Why it is good for families
Avebury gives families the chance to walk among one of Britain’s most impressive prehistoric landscapes. Unlike many major heritage attractions, the stone circles can be explored without paying an admission charge.
What children can do
Children can walk between the stones, explore the enormous bank and ditch, look for sheep and imagine how the monument may have been built thousands of years ago. Families can extend the visit along West Kennet Avenue or towards surrounding landmarks.
Cost
The stone circle and henge are free to visit during reasonable daylight hours. Parking charges apply to the National Trust car park unless visitors qualify for free member parking.
Location and travel tips
Avebury, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, SN8 1RF.
The village can become very busy at weekends, during school holidays and around seasonal events. Arriving earlier in the day can make parking easier.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a picnic and use an appropriate open area, taking care not to obstruct paths or disturb livestock. The village also has cafés and other refreshments, but these will increase the cost of the day.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages. The ground can be uneven and muddy, so a robust pushchair is more practical than a lightweight buggy.
2. Trowbridge Museum and Art Gallery
Why it is good for families
Trowbridge Museum is a useful free indoor attraction, particularly on wet or colder days. It tells the story of the town and its importance in the West of England woollen-cloth industry.
What children can do
Children can explore historic machinery, textiles and objects linked to local working life. Family activities and changing exhibitions may also be available during weekends and school holidays.
Cost
Admission is free. The museum is generally open from Tuesday to Saturday, but families should check current opening arrangements before travelling.
Location and travel tips
The museum is located within The Shires shopping centre in Trowbridge.
Trowbridge railway station and town-centre bus stops are within walking distance. Several public car parks serve the shopping centre and surrounding streets.
Food and picnic notes
Food should not be eaten in the galleries. Families can bring a snack for afterwards or combine the museum with a picnic in a nearby park.
Age suitability
Best for primary-aged children and older visitors, although younger children can enjoy a shorter visit.
3. Chippenham Museum
Why it is good for families
Chippenham Museum offers an accessible introduction to the history, people and development of the town. It is small enough for children who may struggle with a long museum visit and can be combined with a town-centre walk.
What children can do
Children can look at historical objects, artwork and changing displays. The museum regularly promotes free creative sessions, trails and school-holiday activities.
Cost
Entry is free. The museum is normally open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm, although opening times should be confirmed before travelling.
Location and travel tips
9–10 Market Place, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3HF.
The museum is in the town centre and within walking distance of Chippenham railway station. Nearby council and shopping-centre car parks may charge.
Food and picnic notes
Combine the museum with a packed lunch beside the River Avon or in a local green space. There are also cafés and shops close by.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages, with the strongest appeal for primary-aged children and families interested in local history.
4. Lydiard Park, Swindon
Why it is good for families
Lydiard Park provides open countryside, woodland, lakeside scenery and a children’s play area on the western edge of Swindon. Families can spend anything from an hour to most of the day exploring the grounds.
What children can do
Children can use the play area, follow woodland paths, look for wildlife, play games on the open grass and explore the wider estate. Entry to Lydiard House, the walled garden and some events is charged separately.
Cost
The country park is free to enter, while pay-and-display parking charges apply.
Location and travel tips
Lydiard Tregoze, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN5 3PA.
The car park can become busy during events and sunny weekends. Check closing times and current payment arrangements before setting out.
Food and picnic notes
There is plenty of space for a picnic. Refreshments may be available on site, but bringing sandwiches and drinks will keep the visit economical.
Age suitability
Suitable for toddlers, primary-aged children, teenagers and adults.
5. Coate Water Country Park, Swindon
Why it is good for families
Coate Water combines a large reservoir, woodland, open grass, wildlife areas and family recreation. It is particularly useful for households wanting several different activities in one location.
What children can do
Children can walk around the water, use the play facilities, look for birds from the hides and enjoy seasonal water play when the splash park is operating. The reservoir covers around 56 acres and forms the centrepiece of the country park.
Cost
The park is free to enter. Parking charges and fees for certain individual activities may apply. Swindon Borough Council has also promoted the splash park as a free summer family activity.
Location and travel tips
Marlborough Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 6AA.
The park is approximately three miles south-east of central Swindon and close to Junction 15 of the M4.
Food and picnic notes
Take a picnic and choose a spot away from busy paths. Refreshment facilities may operate on site, but opening hours can vary.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages. Younger children need close supervision beside the lake and around busy cycling routes.
6. Langford Lakes Nature Reserve
Why it is good for families
Langford Lakes offers a peaceful wildlife day out in the Wylye Valley between Salisbury and Warminster. Its four lakes, bird hides and nature centre give children a chance to observe wildlife at close range.
What children can do
Children can look for kingfishers, lapwings and water birds, use the hides, follow the paths and keep a simple wildlife checklist. Swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing and other watersports are not permitted.
Cost
The reserve is free to explore, although donations help Wiltshire Wildlife Trust care for the site. Some organised family events may require booking or payment.
Location and travel tips
Steeple Langford, near Salisbury and Warminster.
Follow the reserve’s official directions carefully because countryside entrances can be less obvious than those of major visitor attractions.
Food and picnic notes
The Kingfisher Café overlooks the reserve, but taking drinks and snacks will reduce costs. Avoid feeding birds and take all rubbish home.
Age suitability
Suitable for most ages, including young children interested in birds and wildlife. Close supervision is needed around the lakes.
7. Warminster Lake Pleasure Grounds and Smallbrook Meadows
Why it is good for families
This destination combines a traditional town park with an adjoining wildlife reserve. Families can enjoy play and recreation around the lake before taking a quieter walk through meadows, marsh, wet woodland and chalk-stream habitats.
What children can do
Children can explore the pleasure grounds, look for ducks and water birds, follow nature paths and search for dragonflies, plants and insects. Smallbrook Meadows is formed from six small water meadows with ponds, rivers, hedges and wet woodland.
Cost
The pleasure grounds and nature reserve are free to visit. Charges may apply at nearby car parks or for organised activities.
Location and travel tips
Weymouth Street and Henford Marsh, Warminster, Wiltshire, BA12.
The sites are close to Warminster town centre and railway station. Paths through the reserve may become muddy after heavy rain.
Food and picnic notes
Use the pleasure grounds for a family picnic rather than eating within sensitive wildlife areas. Cafés and shops are available in the town centre.
Age suitability
The park suits all ages. The nature reserve is best for children able to manage natural and occasionally muddy paths.
8. Queen Elizabeth Gardens, Salisbury
Why it is good for families
Queen Elizabeth Gardens provides a relaxed green space just outside Salisbury city centre. Its riverside setting makes it a useful picnic stop or quieter break from shopping and sightseeing.
What children can do
Children can use the play area, explore the open lawns, watch the River Avon and enjoy simple games or a family nature hunt.
Cost
The gardens are free to enter. A public car park is located nearby, although parking charges may apply.
Location and travel tips
Cranebridge Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
The gardens are within walking distance of the city centre, railway station and bus routes. This makes them a practical option for families travelling without a car.
Food and picnic notes
The lawns are suitable for picnics. Bring a blanket and take all litter away, particularly near the river.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages, including babies in pushchairs and younger children.
9. Salisbury Cathedral Close Walk
Why it is good for families
The Cathedral Close offers an impressive historic walk without requiring families to purchase an attraction ticket. It includes beautiful architecture, open lawns, old buildings and views of Salisbury Cathedral.
What children can do
Children can look for unusual carvings, count historic doorways, sketch the cathedral spire and follow a short circular trail around the Close.
Cost
Walking through the Cathedral Close is free. Entry charges or donations may apply if families choose to enter individual attractions.
Location and travel tips
The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1.
The National Trust publishes a short circular route around this historic part of the city. Central parking is charged, while Salisbury railway and bus stations are within walking distance.
Food and picnic notes
Combine the walk with a packed lunch in Queen Elizabeth Gardens. Food should not be eaten in restricted or private areas of the Close.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages and generally manageable with pushchairs.
10. Lacock Village Walk
Why it is good for families
Lacock’s historic streets, traditional cottages and riverside paths make it feel like an open-air film set. Families can explore the village without buying admission to Lacock Abbey.
What children can do
Children can search for old signs, historic houses, the ford and locations they may recognise from film and television. The National Trust’s Lovers Walk follows village streets, tracks and field paths.
Cost
The village and public walking routes are free. Lacock Abbey is a separate paid attraction. Non-members currently pay to use the National Trust car park, while members receive free parking.
Location and travel tips
Lacock, near Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 2RQ.
Use the main Hither Way car park rather than trying to park in narrow village streets.
Food and picnic notes
There are cafés, pubs and shops in the village. A packed lunch can be eaten at a suitable point along the wider walk, provided gates, paths and private property are respected.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages. Some sections of the longer walk may be muddy or unsuitable for lightweight pushchairs.
11. Bradford-on-Avon Tithe Barn and Riverside Walk
Why it is good for families
The Tithe Barn is an enormous medieval building that children can explore in a relatively short visit. It can be combined with a walk beside the River Avon and through Bradford-on-Avon.
What children can do
Children can look up at the huge timber roof, imagine how the barn was used and explore the surrounding Barton Farm area. The building dates from the 14th century and is approximately 51 metres long.
Cost
Entry to the barn is free. It is normally open daily, although occasional events may affect access.
Location and travel tips
Pound Lane, Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, BA15 1LF.
The barn is within walking distance of Bradford-on-Avon railway station. Limited paid parking is available nearby.
Food and picnic notes
The riverside and surrounding green spaces provide options for a picnic. Cafés and shops are available in the town centre.
Age suitability
Suitable for all ages. Watch younger children around the river and on uneven historic surfaces.
12. Bratton Camp and Westbury White Horse
Why it is good for families
Bratton Camp combines ancient history, open downland and far-reaching views. Children can experience a substantial outdoor adventure without an entrance or parking charge.
What children can do
Children can explore the Iron Age hillfort earthworks, see the Westbury White Horse and look for birds, butterflies and wildflowers.
Cost
The site is free to enter and has a large free car park next to the hillfort. It is normally open during reasonable daylight hours throughout the year.
Location and travel tips
Bratton Road, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3EP.
Access roads are narrow, while the site itself has steep slopes and uneven ground. Wear strong footwear and check the weather before travelling.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a lightweight picnic or walking snacks. The exposed hilltop can be windy, so secure wrappers and take all litter home.
Age suitability
Best for confident walkers, primary-aged children and teenagers. It is generally unsuitable for lightweight pushchairs.
13. Ludgershall Castle and Cross
Why it is good for families
The ruins of Ludgershall Castle provide a short and uncomplicated heritage visit. It is a good choice for families who enjoy imaginative play but do not need a full day of organised entertainment.
What children can do
Children can explore the surviving walls and earthworks, imagine the medieval hunting lodge and look for the remains of the old village cross.
Cost
Entry is free, and the site can be visited at reasonable times during daylight hours.
Location and travel tips
Castle Street, Ludgershall, Wiltshire, SP11 9QT.
Facilities are limited, so plan parking and toilet stops before arriving. Keep children away from unsafe edges and unstable surfaces.
Food and picnic notes
Bring a drink and snack rather than planning a large picnic. Shops and other facilities are available in Ludgershall.
Age suitability
Best for primary-aged children and older visitors. Uneven ruins may be difficult for pushchairs and toddlers.
14. Barbury Castle Country Park
Why it is good for families
Barbury Castle offers sweeping countryside views, Iron Age earthworks and access to the Ridgeway. It works well for families wanting a walk, kite-flying weather or an outdoor history lesson.
What children can do
Children can explore the hillfort, look for birds of prey, follow sections of the Ridgeway and imagine life in an ancient settlement.
Cost
The country park is free to explore. Check current parking information before visiting.
Location and travel tips
Near Wroughton and Broad Hinton, south of Swindon.
The official car park opens from 7.30am and its gates are currently locked at 9pm. The site is exposed, so take warm layers even when the weather seems mild.
Food and picnic notes
Bring food, water and a windproof picnic blanket. Facilities are limited, so arrive prepared.
Age suitability
Best for confident walkers and school-aged children. Strong footwear is advisable.
15. Lower Moor Nature Reserve
Why it is good for families
Lower Moor provides lakes, meadows, streams and woodland in the north of the county. It is a peaceful choice for families who enjoy wildlife spotting and quieter outdoor walks.
What children can do
Children can search for birds, butterflies, wildflowers and signs of water voles or otters. The wider reserve includes meadow habitats, footpaths and lakes, while nearby Clattinger Farm is particularly known for its wildflowers.
Cost
The reserve is free to visit, with donations welcomed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.
Location and travel tips
Lower Moor Farm, near Cricklade and Oaksey.
Use the Wildlife Trust’s official directions and reserve map. Rural roads can be narrow, and paths may become wet or muddy.
Food and picnic notes
Bring water and a small packed lunch. Use appropriate seating or picnic areas, avoid disturbing wildlife and take all litter away.
Age suitability
Best for school-aged children, confident younger walkers and families with an interest in nature. Some paths may be difficult for lightweight pushchairs.
How to Keep a Free Wiltshire Day Out Affordable
A place can be free to enter while the overall day still becomes expensive. Parking, fuel, food and optional activities can quickly increase the cost.
Pack Food and Drinks
Bring sandwiches, fruit, refillable bottles and inexpensive snacks. A flask of tea, coffee or hot chocolate can remove the temptation to buy several café drinks.
Check Parking Before Travelling
Confirm the latest charges, accepted payment methods, gate times and height restrictions. Rural mobile reception can be unreliable, so do not depend entirely on using a parking app.
Combine Nearby Places
Pair Chippenham Museum with a riverside walk, combine Queen Elizabeth Gardens with Salisbury Cathedral Close, or visit the Tithe Barn before exploring Bradford-on-Avon.
Create Your Own Family Trail
Give children a list of things to find, such as a stone circle, five different leaves, a bird of prey, an old doorway or three objects beginning with the same letter.
Bring Suitable Clothing
Wiltshire’s hillforts, nature reserves and country paths can be windy, muddy or exposed. Pack waterproof coats, spare socks, sun cream and sturdy footwear.
Set a Clear Spending Limit
Tell children before leaving whether the day includes money for an ice cream, café visit or paid activity. This helps avoid pressure and disappointment later.
Respect Wildlife and Historic Sites
Stay on appropriate paths, shut gates, keep dogs under control, avoid climbing fragile remains and take all litter home.
Planning a Budget Family Day Out in Wiltshire
A successful family day out does not need to involve expensive tickets or a packed itinerary. Walking among ancient stones, exploring a free museum, watching birds from a hide or sharing sandwiches beside a lake can create memories without placing extra pressure on the household budget.
Choose one main destination, check the latest practical information and pack what your family will need. With its historic towns, open downland, country parks, museums and nature reserves, Wiltshire offers affordable adventures throughout the year.
