Last weekend, I decided it was time for a little getaway. Stonehenge had always been on my list, and I figured now was the perfect moment to explore it. With Poole being just a short drive away, I packed my things and set off on Friday evening for a two-day adventure.

Friday Evening: The Journey Begins

I left Poole as soon as the workday ended, looking forward to a weekend of exploration. The drive was smooth, and within an hour and a half, I was nearing my accommodation in Amesbury, just a stone’s throw from Stonehenge. I’d booked a room at The Stones Hotel, a lovely place with just the right mix of comfort and charm. After checking in, I had a quick bite at the hotel’s restaurant and then headed to bed early, excited for the next day.

Saturday: Stonehenge and Its Mysteries

The next morning, I was up early and headed straight for Stonehenge. I had heard that it gets busy, so I wanted to beat the crowds. As I walked through the visitor centre and learned about the stone circle’s history, I was struck by how mysterious it all felt. The monument is older than anything I could have imagined, and standing there, looking at the stones, I felt a real connection to the past. I used the audio guide to learn about its origins, and while there’s still so much we don’t know, I could almost feel the weight of its history in the air.

After spending a good couple of hours at Stonehenge, I made my way to Avebury, just a short drive away. Unlike Stonehenge, Avebury is less crowded, and I loved walking among the stones, feeling like I had the place to myself. The village that surrounds the stone circle is charming, and I wandered around, enjoying the peace of it all.

By this time, it was lunch, so I headed to Amesbury for a bite at The George Hotel. It’s a cozy spot with hearty, traditional British fare, and the perfect place to relax after a morning of exploration.

In the afternoon, I took a detour to Cranborne Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The walk was peaceful, and I enjoyed the views of rolling hills and farmlands. If you’re looking for days out in Wiltshire, this area is perfect for a quiet afternoon surrounded by nature.

Saturday Evening: Salisbury and Dinner

I headed to Salisbury for the evening to finish off the day. The town is just a short drive from Amesbury, and I wanted to check out the iconic Salisbury Cathedral. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and the spire is so tall that it dominates the skyline. I spent some time in the cathedral, admiring the architecture and soaking in the atmosphere.

For dinner, I treated myself to a lovely meal at The Red Lion, a traditional pub with great local dishes. I enjoyed a relaxing meal and took in the warm, friendly atmosphere of Salisbury before heading back to my hotel for the night.

Sunday: Salisbury and Old Sarum

The next morning, I was up early again, ready to make the most of my last day. I started with a visit to Old Sarum, a hill fort that once housed the original Salisbury Cathedral. It was amazing to walk around the ancient site, and the views of the surrounding countryside were stunning. I could easily have spent hours there, but by then, it was almost time for lunch.

I grabbed a quick bite in Salisbury, before starting my drive back to Poole. The weekend had been a wonderful mix of history, nature, and relaxation, and I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about it. Stonehenge was just as incredible as I had imagined, but it was the surrounding area – from Avebury to Cranborne Chase and Salisbury – that made the trip truly special.

I made it back home in the early afternoon, feeling grateful for the escape and already planning my next adventure. If you’re looking for something similar, Wiltshire really does have so much to offer, whether you’re exploring ancient history, hiking through stunning landscapes, or simply soaking up the peaceful atmosphere.