We're always looking at new destinations to showcase the wonders of our world. Product Manager for UK holidays Gary Crompton created our Ancient Stones & Treasures of Wiltshire holiday and joined customers on its first-ever tour.
What makes Wiltshire a great county to visit?
"Wiltshire is a county close to my heart," says Gary about why he wanted to showcase it on our new holiday.
"It's a magical landscape of ruined castles, ancient stone circles, giant chalk horses carved into the hillside - and a slower pace of life.
"It's also an area we haven't previously ventured into. I thought 'if I've got a passion for these things, I'm sure our customers will as well.'"
Based in the county town of Salisbury, this six-night holiday includes many fascinating and exclusive excursions with plenty of time to explore Salisbury itself.
"Salisbury is a great base. It's a beautiful city that has the feel of a market town. Our hotel is a historic, Grade II-listed property, full of Georgian character, located directly across the road from Salisbury Cathedral. It takes its name from the old myth about how the new cathedral was built when Old Sarum fell out of use. It's a great legend!"
With our hotel's perfect location, one of the highlights of the holiday is walking across the road to the cathedral. Dating from 1220 and featuring impressive architecture and exquisite stonemasonry, as well as Britain's tallest spire, it's a mind-blowing edifice.
"It always baffles me how they managed to build something so intricate and detailed all those years ago," says Gary.
While its exterior is stunning, a fully guided tour of the inside reveals many timeless treasures too.
"Seeing an original Magna Carta was a highlight for me," continues Gary. Signed by King John in 1215, this significant document defended the rights and freedoms of the nation's individual citizens. There are four remaining originals, but the one in Salisbury is the best preserved.
What were Stonehenge and Avebury like?
"I guess most people have seen Stonehenge before, viewing it from 30 feet away on the path behind the rope fence, but to step over that threshold and into the heart of the 5,000-year-old monument is very special," says Gary about our private experience in the Inner Circle at sunset (or sunrise on September dates).
At solstice, this sacred space is filled with druids and pagans celebrating this spiritual time. However, our group were the only ones entering the circle.
"It was magical," continues Gary. "It was almost like you had entered another world. There was no sound other that birds singing as they went to roost. It was like time had stood still and the world outside didn't exist anymore.
"It was a very moving experience. I was walking around with the megaliths tower over me. I saw a customer standing still and said to her 'this is very special, isn't it?' She turned to me with tears rolling down her cheeks and simply said, 'I'm overwhelmed by it'. That's the power this place has over people."
Stonehenge isn't the only Neolithic site we visit in Wiltshire. About 20 miles north is the village of Avebury. Surrounding this chocolate-box village is an astonishing display of prehistoric sculptures.
"Stonehenge absolutely steals the show but, for me, Avebury is just as good," says Gary.
"The stone circle is huge; it totally envelops the village. Having a thatched pub in the middle of it just adds to the drama. We had a National Trust guide for our one-hour walking tour, answering questions and informing us about how it was built and changed over the years.
"The group really enjoyed their free time after to explore, too. Plus, lunch in the Red Lion was lovely and the service was great. We couldn't have asked for more."
What were the other highlights of the tour?
Wiltshire's history stretches from the Neolithic period about 5,000 years ago to modern day. Throughout that time, it has played a crucial role in the development of England as a nation, as well as in the spreading of our rail network.
In the 1840s, the Great Western Railway built its base in what was then a small market town. Since then, Swindon has flourished due to the railways that connected London with Wales and the southwest. Our tour also looks into this history during a visit to STEAM: The Museum of the Great Western Railway.
"This was really good," says Gary. "The guides were so enthusiastic, and the group were really engaged by them. There's also a wide collection of locomotives and rolling stock to explore, so it makes for a great afternoon."
Journeys on heritage railways are always popular with our customers, recalling the romantic golden age of travel. On Ancient Stones & Treasures of Wiltshire, we enjoy two trips on heritage railways: the Swindon & Cricklade Railway and the East Somerset Railway.
"Both are fantastic," says Gary. "On the Swindon & Cricklade, the First Class seats we sat in were genuinely the most comfortable I've ever experienced in a heritage carriage. The countryside the trains travel through is amazing too, which really adds to the joy."
Travelling further back in time, to the late 14th -century, a visit to Old Wardour Castle reveals tales of battles and intrigue from the Middle Ages to the English Civil War.
"It's such a brilliant castle to visit," continues Gary. "It's set in some of the most beautiful countryside you'll ever see. From one side, it looks like a normal castle but, from the back, it's a total ruin.
"It endured a three-month siege during the civil war which ended in 1644 when Henry Arundel blew up one side of it, forcing the residents to surrender. You can still climb to the top to get stunning views."
Did our customers enjoy the first-ever tour?
"They loved it!" enthused Gary. "It couldn't have gone any better. The feedback we've had so far was great.
"The group were enthusiastic and eager to explore Wiltshire's ancient history, rich heritage and the steam trains. Throw in stunning views and rolling hills and we were always on to a winner!
"What I loved most was seeing the group get involved. Everyone got on and it was nice to sit and have dinner each night with a like-minded group. It was a lot of fun to spend time with them all. They were really engaged."
Experience Wiltshire with Great Rail Journeys
"Wiltshire is such a beautiful, magical place. The landscape; picture-postcard thatched villages; and so much to explore. If you like your history, heritage or steam trains, this is the tour for you," concludes Gary.
We're excited to show you the wonders of this incredible county and offer tours in the summer months as well as an idyllic festive break.
- Uncover the Ancient Stones & Treasures of Wiltshire from May to September
- Or enjoy A Wonderful Wiltshire Christmas in December
- Alternatively, discover the Neolithic sites of the Northern Isles on our popular Orkney & the Shetland Isles tour.
