If you’re looking for a weekend away packed with history, character and stunning countryside, Salisbury should be high on your list. Home to one of Britain’s most iconic cathedrals and surrounded by the rolling landscapes of Wiltshire, it’s the kind of destination where you can spend your days exploring ancient landmarks, picturesque villages and scenic walking trails.
What many visitors don’t realise, though, is that Wiltshire is also one of the region’s best places to eat. From elegant country house restaurants and award-winning pubs to charming village inns and innovative city eateries, the county punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a foodie road trip or simply looking for an excuse to get out of town, these are the 11 places that deserve a spot on your itinerary (and if you read right to the end, there’s even a chance to win a two-night stay at one of them!).
Fisherton Mill Gallery Café, Salisbury
Tucked inside a converted Victorian mill, this café pairs great seasonal lunches with top-notch coffee, cakes and a creative atmosphere. It’s a Salisbury favourite for good reason.
Grey’s, Easton Grey
Grey’s keeps things smart but never stuffy, serving polished modern British dishes in elegant surroundings. The cooking is precise, seasonal and quietly impressive.
The Great Bustard, Salisbury
A country pub that makes the most of Wiltshire’s produce, especially local game when it’s in season. Expect generous flavours and cooking that’s rooted in the countryside.
Hop Pole Inn, Limpley Stoke
Right by the canal, this is the sort of pub you stumble across and want to stay all afternoon. Good British cooking, friendly service and a lovely setting seal the deal.
Pipit Bakery, Bradford on Avon
Small bakery, big reputation. From sourdough to flaky pastries, everything is made with real care and worth getting there early for.
Red Lion at East Chisenbury
One of Wiltshire’s standouts, serving seriously good seasonal food in a relaxed village pub. It nails that balance of special enough for a celebration but easy enough for Sunday lunch.
The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford
A classic country inn with stylish rooms and food that’s a cut above the average pub. Seasonal British dishes and warm hospitality make it an easy favourite.
Pythouse Kitchen Garden
Set beside its own kitchen gardens, the menu changes with what’s growing. Fresh, simple cooking and a peaceful setting make it feel like a real escape.
The Longs Arms, Bradford on Avon
A traditional village pub that gets the basics absolutely right, with local ingredients and well-cooked British classics. No gimmicks, just consistently good food.
The Somerford Arms, Little Somerford
Friendly, laid-back and big on local produce, this is the kind of village pub everyone wishes was their local. Honest cooking and a warm welcome keep people coming back.
Whatley Manor, The Dining Room, Easton Grey
This is Whatley Manor’s flagship restaurant, where refined tasting menus showcase top-class technique and seasonal ingredients. It’s elegant without feeling intimidating.
Win a two-night stay at The Beckford Arms with Sawday’s
And if all this good foodiness has you dreaming of a Wiltshire escape, we’ve got the perfect excuse to book one. In association with Sawday’s, we're giving one lucky Good Food Guide reader the chance to win a two-night stay at The Beckford Arms, one of the pubs with rooms in the Sawday’s collection of special places to stay. This beautifully restored country inn on the edge of the Fonthill Estate is consistently ranked among the finest places to stay and eat in the South West. Expect roaring fires in winter, a sun-soaked terrace in summer, stylish rooms and a restaurant where seasonal menus celebrate the best local produce, from estate-sourced ingredients to game, British beef and fresh fish from the Cornish coast. It’s the sort of place where long countryside walks naturally lead to a pint by the fire and an exceptional dinner, making it the ultimate base for a foodie weekend in Wiltshire.
Enter our prize draw now for your chance to experience it for yourself, and explore more special pubs with rooms in the Sawday's collection here.
