Things to Do in Calne

Things to Do in Calne, Wiltshire - Calne Attractions

Things to Do in Calne

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Top Attractions in Calne

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What travelers are saying

  • Andy C
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a great few hours wandering around the buildings. I found all the volunteers to be very friendly and passionate about the vehicles, motor bikes and displays.
    Written March 1, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Newryoneisback
    Newry, UK1,894 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We were touring around Wiltshire for two weeks and arrived at Avebury Neolithic stones to take in the site.

    We had visited Stonehenge a few days earlier.

    After a few hours among the stones I recalled that we were close by the Cherhill White Horse, so off we went to explore.

    We drove through the sleepy village of Caine in search of the white horse, but we couldn’t find it. We passed a pub of the same name but nowt, not even a brown heritage sign.

    We spied a local out walking a dog, drove up to her, scaring the daylights out of her, to seek help. I think she thought we were nuts.

    Essentially her message was ‘it’s behind you’ ‘you can’t miss it’.

    We did note to her that we couldn’t even find an English heritage sign and again her answer was plain - there isn’t one. Odd folk around here.

    So we doubled back the main road a few minutes and there it was. We genuinely hadn’t seen it as it was behind us so if you are driving from the village toward Marlborough village you’ll see it - no sign needed but in truth it would help.

    This original size of this horse was 165 feet (50 m) by 220 feet (67 m). It was made under the guidance of Dr Christopher Alsop of Calne in 1780.

    He was Guild Steward of the Borough of Calne, and had been called “the mad doctor”. Guild Stewards were members of the English High Church Christian socialist association.

    He apparently gave instructions to a team of workers from a distance, using a megaphone standing below a place coincidentally called Labour-in-Vain Hill - ya couldn’t make it up.

    The horse is now looked after by the local Parish Council who appear not to see a need for a heritage sign for tourists like us.

    It underwent some serious restoration in 2002 as over the years the horse had become faded and the outline needed to be re-cut. This meant that 160 tonnes of fresh chalk had to be moved to the top of the hill, packed on to the horse, and held in place by wooden boarding.

    Since 2002 the locals haven’t laboured in vain and the horse is maintained by weeding and re-chalking every two years. This is done by the Cherhill White Horse Restoration Group with the help of the local scout group.

    Historically, Wiltshire had thirteen white horses but now only eight survive due to lack of management. 

    The oldest white horse in Britain is at Uffington Castle in Oxfordshire which is thought to date back to the Bronze Age some 3000 years ago.
    Written August 8, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • MartinaCaterina
    Swindon, UK85 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is such an important future of Calne. Access to free open countryside on our doorstep is a wonderful gift.

    We always feel better when we visit here. Taking in the surroundings, listening to birds, noticing nature. It’s been so good for our mental and physical health. The cycle path is a gem and you can cycle all the way to Chippenham.

    I hope the land is never built upon.
    Written March 27, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Deb T
    Derry Hill, UK144 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A mass of beautiful colours and wonderful views. My husband and I took an impromptu stroll around the woodlands on a glorious sunny morning. I was concerned how I’d cope, having recently learnt to walk again following surgery, but it was fine with plenty of resting places along the way to sit and enjoy the sights. If you are in the area be sure to stop and enjoy this gem.
    Written January 10, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Matthew Bell
    Royal Wootton Bassett, UK29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a great day had by all, my son has his 5th birthday party here and the group loved seeing all the animals and getting to feed them. Great place.
    Written May 27, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • rushmore
    Bexhill-on-Sea, UK49 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A fantastic museum with a great insight to the town and local history well worth a visit the lady in the museum really was able to give a personal feel to the history of the town
    Written June 2, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Susan R
    Dartford, UK5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is as soon as you go on the gate. Charming and and selection of animals. Took my 3 year old grandson and watched chicks hatching he loved it and it was so easy for him to look at all the animals
    Written July 24, 2017
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • John W
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a gem of a place! If fine sculpture, stunning views and generous hosts are important to you, the Talos Art Gallery will deliver by the bucketload! The Summer Exhibition (2023) presents some breathtaking sculpture in idyllic surroundings. A very modest entry fee secures access to an immensely pleasurable couple of hours, an opportunity perhaps to acquire some genuinely fabulous artwork, and indulge in some very fine home-made baking!
    Written June 4, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter B
    Banstead, UK80 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a great flat walk between Calne and Chippenham. It starts close to the Heritage Centre in Calne and end close to the centre of Chippenham in an estate just outside. When we wen it was muddy in laces and very muddy at the half way point where the path leaves the track and then returns - under the bridge - so beware. Its a great walk through the countryside and very quiet just before the recent shutdown. A lot of cyclists use this so beware - we were walking.
    Written March 26, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sam C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good market with lots of different stalls and friendly people. Apparently it runs on the second Saturday of each month. C
    Written March 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aaron B Cain
    33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Morgan's Hill is a great scenic location with lots to offer both hikers as well as anyone who wants to take their dogs along.

    Great view from the top of the hill, excellent mix of terrain to keep canines happy and convenient parking

    I would highly recommend a visit
    Written December 30, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • 923Dan
    Swindon, UK3,067 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Passing through Calne on the A4, stopped off to see the Head - a GIANT metal head sculpture.
    Not everyones cup of tea, but still a strangely wonderful pierce of modern art.
    Well worth a look if in Calne
    Written July 8, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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