If you’re looking for something to do this Father’s Day then consider immersing yourself in timeless pleasures in Wiltshire with dad. VisitWiltshire have put together a few suggestions for days out and events, gifts for dad, Sunday lunch suggestions and special offers. There’s so much to see and do – so why not extend your visit and stay.
Activities for Outdoorsy Dads.
Whatever the weather, get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. Wiltshire offers amazing rural walking, cycling and fishing, as well as horse riding, golf and much more.
Practice your swing at the Sleight Valley Golf Driving Range, near Devizes or play on the oldest golf course in Wiltshire at Kingsdown Golf Course, near Corsham.
Hire a canoe or bicycle at Towpath Trail Bike & Canoe Hire in Bradford on Avon. There are several locations for fishing in the county, including more than 70 lakes at the Cotswold Water Park.
Pewsey Vale Riding Centre in Marlborough offers amazing ‘hacking out’ accessing 1,500 acres of private land and Rein and Shine, near Purton has superb family facilities and professional tuition.
Fun for All the Family
Set your dad a challenge at an escape room. Live Escape Salisbury has just opened its new game ‘Spectre’ where you have to solve the clues, using your creativity and skills to find the key to escape in 60 minutes.
For railway enthusiasts visit STEAM – Museum of the Great Western Railway where you can climb aboard famous locomotives, be an engine driver or have a go at changing signals! You can also hop aboard steam or diesel trains at Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
Test your combat skills at Virtual Warfare, an indoor military warfare game near Salisbury, where you are immersed in the action. Alternatively, if fancy yourself as a racing driver, next door you’ll find Wessex Raceway Indoor Karting with its unique 700m asphalt track where adult go karts can reach up to 50mph.
If it’s animal fun you’re after, Wiltshire has an array of animal attractions including Longleat, with its famous safari park, Elizabethan stately home and many other attractions. There’s also Cholderton Charlie’s Farm, Studley Grange Butterfly World and Craft Village and Tractor Ted’s Farm at Bowood House and Gardens.
Dads go free with a paying child, at Roves Farm in Sevenhampton, on Sunday 18 June for their Father’s Day Bug Hunt. Over the Wiltshire border, Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre are offering a 50% discount to dads visiting on Sunday 18 June.
Wiltshire Entertainment and Events
The Amesbury Carnival and Show includes ‘Stone Age’ games and a fun fair plus lots of family entertainment. It will take place in Holder’s Field on Saturday 17 June.
The Pound Arts Centre in Corsham has a Dancing with your Dad – a Father’s Day special event on Saturday 17 June from 10.15am; sessions are free but spaces are limited.
Join the Warminster Wobble which takes place over the weekend of Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 June. A free event with bike rides and entertainment suitable for all the family.
Find out about the slow food movement at Slow Pig 2017 – Rare Breed Farm Tour and Tasting event at Buttle Farm on Sunday 18 June from 2pm. Meet 6 different breeds, taste the charcuterie made on the farm and have a magnificent pork supper. £15 per person, pre-booking essential suitable for age 8 years + only.
Food and Drink for Dad
Take dad to the Taste of Corsham event on Saturday 17 June. It is an interactive food and drink experience with artisan market stalls, masterclasses, guest speakers and entertainment.
Book the Speedy Meals course at Vaughan’s Kitchen in Devizes on Saturday 17 June where dad can be inspired to liven up his culinary skills.
Treat dad to a special lunch as a number of Wiltshire pubs and hotels are offering special Father’s Day lunches on Sunday 18 June. These include Holiday Inn Salisbury – Stonehenge; a BBQ at Stanton Manor House near Chippenham; lunch and boules tournament at Woolley Grange Hotel, Bradford on Avon; and Bowood Hotel Spa and Golf Resort.
Gifts for Dad
Treat your dad to a Wadworth Brewery Tour for two for only £24. Includes tour of the brewery plus tasting session. Valid for 1 year from date of issue.
Purchase a gift voucher from The Farm Cookery School for a parent and child class on Sat 7 October. Dads can learn how to make soups, breads and biscuits. Only £40 and runs from 2pm – 5pm.
Book tickets to the Stonehenge Campsite Summer Solstice Festival from 18 – 22 June. Fantastic music, entertainment and workshops with entrance to summer solstice and transport included. £25 per head per night, minimum 2 night stay.
Father’s Day Offers
The Highworth Hotel, Bar and Restaurant is set within an elegant Georgian townhouse in the centre of Highworth overlooking the High Street. They are offering two nights in a superior double bedroom with a three course dinner on the first night and great cooked breakfast each morning for £219.
The Cosy Club, Salisbury are giving away a free pair of Cosy Club branded slippers to every dad who orders a main meal on Sunday 18 June – while stocks last.
There are plenty of places to stay in Wiltshire – choose from country houses, city breaks, farm stays, hotels or B&Bs. Please check out www .visitwiltshire.co.uk/accommodation for details.
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
