Warminster dates from Saxon times.  Once occupied by Iron Age people who left their hill forts and barrow mounds behind. Battlesbury Camp is one of the key Iron Age hill forts in Britain.

Peaceful and prosperous,  in the Middle Ages the town became famous as a corn market, (it was second to Bristol in the West of England). Many of the buildings in the Market Place, derived from the great corn market days, when they were used as stores and warehouses, or as inns and boarding houses for the buyers and sellers who came from miles around.

During the Civil War (1642-1645) the town changed hands at least four times between the Royalist and Parliamentary supporters. When James II came to the throne in 1685 the local gentry and the Wiltshire Militia supported him against the Duke of Monmouth who was defeated.

Warminster Festival

Warminster festival is a greatly anticipated event.  There are a variety of activities for all the family, including; A Skate park competition, Fiesta-style Street Fair,  an Anglo-Japanese Workshop, Morris dancing, A variety of Brass & Silver Bands, A concert of Sacred Music at St George's Church, A concert by musicians from The Purcell School and A Competition for the Best Decorated Business fascia.

The entire event lasts a whole week and is usually held in the month of September.

Warminster Carnival

Warminster Carnival is comprised of a bright and colourful array of floats. There are also a parade of performances from the local majorettes.

The event is held in the evening in October.

The Athenaeum

The Athenaeum is located in the High Street of Warminster's town centre, it unites theatre, cinema, art gallery, coffee lounge and bar.  Theatre performances usually consist of not only local proletarian talent but also stars from the entertainment sphere.

Longleat

Longleat is fun for all the family, widely recognised for it's exciting safari park and miraculous grounds.  Attractions include; The butterfly garden, King Arthur's mirror maze, The Adventure Castle, The Blue Peter Maze, Pets Corner, A Large Maze, Longleat House, Safari Boats and various gift shops.

Phone Warminster: 01985 844400 for more details or visit www.longleat.co.uk

Centre Parcs

Longleat a simply stunning Leisure Village. The landscape is spectacular. Hundred-year-old Giant Redwoods tower above forest glades of every shade of green. A lofty boardwalk meanders through banks to link the hilltop and the valley below.  Stunning cycle paths give awe-inspiring views across the knolls and down to the lake,  a tremendous setting for water sports. Take a short break (midweek or weekend) or stay for a week or two!.  Choose from a standard villa or wooded apartments. 

Call Warminster: 01985 84800 for more details or visit www.centreparcs.co.uk

Stourhead

Stourhead is a scenic National Trust Estate, an awe- inspiring example of British landscaping.  Tour the beautiful grounds, observe the striking 1720s mansion, previously belonging to the Hoare family, owners of Britain's only autonomous private bank.  Scale King Alfred’s Tower, a captivating red-brick creation built in 1772 by Henry Flitcrof.  It is almost 50m high and give panoramic views over the estate.  Have a picnic in fine weather or visit one of the sumptuous restaurants.   Entry is free to National Trust members.  Call:  01747 841152 for more details, or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Battlesbury Hill

Once an impressive Iron age hill fort with triple fortifications and storage pits, situated on the edge of Warminster. It provides far reaching, spectacular outlook towards Longleat and the Deverills.

Dewey Museum
 

The Dewey Museum contains a wide range of exhibits and archives, displaying archaeology, natural sciences and social history.  Admission is free and the museum is open Mon-Tues 1000-17000, Wed 1000-1300, thur-Fri 1000-1900, Sat 0900-1600. Closed Apr 9-12, Dec 24-27 & 1 Jan.

Emergency Utility Numbers

Electricity- Southern 0845 770 8090

Gas- Transco 0800 111999

Water- Wessex Waters 0845 7300600

Blood Donors

National Call Centre- 0845 7711711

Citizens Advice Bureaux

Trowbridge 01225 777724

Councils

Warminster Town Council 01985 214847

Wiltshire County Council 01225 713000

Hospitals

Warminster Community Hospital, The Avenue, Portway  01985 212076

Police

Station Road, Warminster 01985 847000

Births, Deaths and Marriages

 Barton Lane, Mere, Warminster 01747 860450

Social Services

Adult- 01985 220700 Children- 01985 218021

Tourist Information

01985 218548

National Rail Enquiries

Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call 0845 748 4950

Members of Parliament

Andrew Murrison, Conservative Office Trowbridge 01225 752141 murrisona@parliament.uk

Emergency Vets

Garston Vets Ulster Lodge Surgery, 92, East St, Warminster, Wiltshire BA12 9BG- 01985 213350

Manor Farm Surgery 01985 850752

Shop mobility

John Pomeroy- 01985 214910

Badger Line

http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/somerset/home -Information on local badgerline bus times and fares

Standerwick

Standerwick Market Place has a Cattle Market every Wednesday, there are also car boot sales on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Farmers Market

The farmers market is held every 3rd Friday of each month in the central car park by the library in Warminster, from 9.00-1.30