Car Hire Somerset and Wiltshire - Mini guide to Somerset and Wiltshire

Stretching along the southern shore of the Bristol Channel, the remote West Country counties of Somerset and Wiltshire are bristling with mysterious ancient Celtic sites, quaint medieval towns, ruggedly beautiful countryside and magical Arthurian atmosphere.

Picturesque Wells is the perfect base for exploring the Somerset region due to its proximity to popular attractions such as the Wookey Hole cave system, scenic Cheddar Gorge and the mystical town of Glastonbury. Wells itself boasts a magnificent cathedral and numerous quaint historic buildings and charming narrow cobbled streets and lanes which combine to create an authentic traditional atmosphere. Closer to Bristol is the famous spa resort town of Bath, while to the west lie Bridgwater and the castle town of Taunton, both ideal locations for exploring the isolated Quantock Hills region.

Wiltshire can be discovered from two main locations, Salisbury in the south and Marlborough in the north. The county’s only city, Salisbury, is beautifully nestled between the Avon and Nadder river valleys and is near to the world-famous Neolithic site of Stonehenge and other notable prehistoric areas such as Danebury, Badbury, Figsbury, and the ancient hill fort of Old Sarum. Marlborough is conveniently situated near more mysterious prehistoric sites, including Avebury, Silbury Hill and the chamber graves of West Kennet. On the chalky hills of the surrounding country are intriguing gigantic drawings of white horses, the origins and purpose of which still confound experts.

Both counties abound in quality accommodation and excellent restaurants, with nightlife mainly confined to local pubs and bars. Opportunities for recreation are also plentiful, with bird-watching, hiking and camping being among the most popular activities.

From Wiltshire, excursions can be made south into Hampshire and to the Isle of Wight or north into Gloucester and the Welsh border counties, while Somerset is the gateway to Dorset and the extreme southwestern region of Cornwall.

London’s Heathrow International Airport serves direct flights from most world cities, and there is a myriad of frequent and reliable transportation options to the Somerset/Wiltshire region.