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Wiltshire Travel Resources

Wiltshire Travel Resources

Wiltshire Southwest England, England Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps for the Destination

  • Google Maps:

    A comprehensive app for navigation and finding points of interest.

  • Trainline:

    For checking UK train times, planning routes, and purchasing tickets. It gives real-time updates.

  • National Express:

    For booking and managing long-distance coach travel.

  • Local Bus Apps:

    Stagecoach Bus / Salisbury Reds apps for timetables and route maps.

  • Met Office:

    The official UK weather forecasting app.

Useful Websites for Additional Planning

  • Visit Wiltshire:

    (visitwiltshire.co.uk) The official tourism website for Wiltshire.

  • National Trust:

    (nationaltrust.org.uk) For detailed information on properties like Lacock Abbey.

  • English Heritage:

    (english-heritage.org.uk) For sites like Stonehenge and Old Sarum.

  • Great Western Railway (GWR):

    (gwr.com) The main train operator for much of Wiltshire.

  • The Ridgeway National Trail:

    (nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/the-ridgeway/) For planning walks along this ancient path.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps are for serious walkers, cyclists, and drivers. They show public footpaths and points of interest. See OS Explorer 130 Salisbury & Stonehenge and OS Explorer 157 Marlborough & Savernake Forest. Regional Travel Guides also cover Wiltshire.

OS Explorer Maps

Books About the Destination

"Sarum" by Edward Rutherfurd, a historical novel charting Salisbury's history. "Stonehenge: A New Understanding" by Mike Parker Pearson explores archaeological findings. "Notes from a Small Island" by Bill Bryson shares humorous travel insights.

Local Publications

Local newspapers like the Salisbury Journal and Wiltshire Gazette & Herald provide local news and community event listings. Free Local Tourism Leaflets are available at tourist information centers, hotels, and attractions.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Numbers and Contacts

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 999 (free from any phone).
  • Non-Emergency Police: Dial 101 for non-urgent matters.
  • NHS Non-Emergency Medical Advice: Dial 111 for non-life-threatening medical advice.
  • Embassy/Consulate Information: All foreign embassies and consulates in the UK are in London.

Hospital and Clinic Locations

  • Salisbury District Hospital: Odstock Rd, Salisbury SP2 8BJ.
  • Great Western Hospital: Marlborough Rd, Swindon SN3 6BB.
  • Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH): Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG (serves western Wiltshire).
  • Pharmacies: Useful for minor ailments.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries and Films

  • "Harry Potter" series: Filming locations for some scenes were at Lacock Abbey and village.
  • "Pride and Prejudice" (2005): Filmed partly at Lacock.
  • Various documentaries on Stonehenge, Avebury, and British history.
  • Travel vlogs or documentaries on YouTube showing Wiltshire's beauty.

Music and Art to Experience

  • British Folk Music: Often evokes the landscapes and history of rural England.
  • Classical Music: Explore classical music inspired by the English countryside (Vaughan Williams, Elgar).
  • British Landscape Painters: Artists like John Constable and J.M.W. Turner capture the English countryside.
  • Salisbury Cathedral Choir: Seek out recordings if you enjoy choral music.

Online Communities and Forums

  • Travel Forums: Websites like TripAdvisor forums for Wiltshire or wider UK travel.
  • Reddit: Subreddits focused on UK travel or specifically Wiltshire.
  • Facebook Groups: Many exist for UK travel or Wiltshire visitors.

Critical Information

Safety & Emergency Contacts

Emergency Numbers

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): Dial 999.
  • Non-Emergency Police: Dial 101.
  • NHS Non-Emergency Medical Advice: Dial 111.
  • All foreign embassies and consulates in the UK are in London.

Lost Documents

  • Passport: Report to police immediately for a crime reference number.
  • Contact your country's embassy for an emergency travel document.
  • Bank Cards: Contact your bank immediately to cancel lost or stolen cards.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers separate from your wallet.

Natural Disaster Protocols

  • Flooding: Pay attention to local weather warnings, especially during heavy rain.
  • Follow advice from emergency services or local authorities.
  • In any emergency, dial 999.
  • Hotel staff can also provide guidance.

Solo & Family Travel Advice

Solo Travel Tips

  • Safety: Wiltshire is a safe county for solo travelers. Take usual precautions in towns at night.
  • Social: Stay in B&Bs for interaction with hosts. Pubs are good places to strike up conversations.
  • Workshops: Consider signing up for a workshop or class to meet others.

Family Travel Tips

  • Attractions: Many attractions have family tickets and child-friendly activities (e.g., Bowood House & Gardens).
  • Food: Most pubs and restaurants offer children's menus. High chairs are usually available.
  • Packing: Bring familiar snacks, small toys, and a Portable first-aid kit for minor scrapes.

Group & Accessibility Considerations

Managing Group Logistics

  • Accommodation: Holiday cottages or multi-room hotels often suit groups, offering shared spaces.
  • Transport: Renting a larger vehicle or minibus is often efficient for rural area exploration.
  • Dining: Book tables in advance for groups, especially at popular restaurants, to secure seating.

Accessibility Information

  • Contact Directly: Always contact attractions and accommodation directly to confirm specific accessibility needs.
  • Research Routes: Research accessible routes for walks or transport if needed.
  • Refer to section 11.4 for more detailed accessibility information.

Language Learning

Language Learning Resources

  1. For non-English speakers, apps like Duolingo or Babbel can teach basic English phrases.
  2. This can improve interactions with locals.
  3. Focus on common greetings.
  4. Practice polite phrases.
  5. Learn simple questions.

Cultural Immersion Through Media

  1. Explore documentaries on Stonehenge or British history.
  2. Listen to traditional British folk music or classical pieces inspired by the English countryside.
  3. Look at works by British landscape painters.
  4. Engage with online communities and forums for travelers.
  5. Watch travel vlogs or documentaries on YouTube demonstrating Wiltshire's beauty.

Further Cultural Exploration

Films & TV

"Harry Potter" series (Lacock Abbey, village). "Pride and Prejudice" (2005) partly filmed at Lacock. Documentaries on Stonehenge.

Music & Art

British Folk Music, Classical music inspired by English countryside (Vaughan Williams). British Landscape Painters (John Constable, J.M.W. Turner).

Online Engagement

Travel Forums (TripAdvisor), Reddit subreddits on UK travel or Wiltshire, Facebook Groups for visitors.

VAT Refund Information

The UK no longer operates a VAT Retail Export Scheme for international visitors. VAT refunds are generally not available on goods bought by visitors for personal use.

Further Exploration

Digital Tools for Your Trip

Navigation & Transport Apps

  • Google Maps:

    For real-time navigation and finding points of interest.

  • Trainline:

    Check UK train times, routes, and buy tickets.

  • National Express:

    Book and manage long-distance coach travel.

Site-Specific & Weather Apps

  • Local Bus Apps:

    Stagecoach Bus / Salisbury Reds for local timetables.

  • Met Office:

    Official UK weather forecasts.

  • National Trust / English Heritage:

    For finding properties and visitor information.

In-Depth Print Resources

Detailed Maps

Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (130 Salisbury & Stonehenge, 157 Marlborough & Savernake Forest) are ideal for detailed topographical insights. Regional Travel Guides also cover Wiltshire comprehensively.

View OS Maps

Literary Connections

"Sarum" by Edward Rutherfurd offers a rich historical narrative. "Stonehenge: A New Understanding" by Mike Parker Pearson delves into archaeological findings. Bill Bryson's "Notes from a Small Island" provides humorous observations.

Local Media Insights

Local newspapers like the Salisbury Journal and Wiltshire Gazette & Herald cover local news and events. Free local tourism leaflets often include maps and discount vouchers.

Health & Safety Information

Medical Contacts

  • Salisbury District Hospital: Odstock Rd, Salisbury SP2 8BJ.
  • Great Western Hospital: Marlborough Rd, Swindon SN3 6BB.
  • Royal United Hospitals Bath (RUH): Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG.
  • NHS Non-Emergency Medical Advice: Dial 111.

Consular & Lost Documents

  • All foreign embassies and consulates in the UK are in London.
  • Passport procedures: Report to police immediately if lost/stolen; contact your embassy.
  • Bank card procedures: Contact your bank immediately to cancel lost/stolen cards.
  • Keep these emergency contact numbers separate from your wallet.

Cultural & Natural Insights

British Heritage Appreciation

  • Appreciation for traditional English village life and its enduring charm.
  • Insights into British heritage and the ongoing conservation efforts by organizations.
  • Firsthand observation of the dedication in preserving historical sites and landscapes.

The Power of Landscape & Nature

  • Recognition of how the natural environment, especially the chalk downs, influenced settlement patterns.
  • Appreciation for the serene beauty of the countryside.

Travel Smart Tip

Check visa requirements and passport validity well in advance to avoid travel disruptions. This ensures a smoother journey.

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