If you’re looking for a winter escape that blends cosy comfort with countryside charm, a stay at The Retreat at Longs Farm offers the perfect 2-day Wiltshire weekend getaway. Nestled in the peaceful village of Sutton Mandeville, the cottage provides a quiet, private retreat with starry nights, crisp air, and rural tranquillity. Yet you’re just a short drive from Salisbury, Wilton, and Shaftesbury, making it easy to combine relaxation with exploring historic towns, markets, and scenic winter walks. This itinerary shows how to make the most of a short but memorable Wiltshire break.
Friday: Arrival and Settling In
Afternoon Arrival
Check in to The Retreat and take a moment to unwind. Unpack at your own pace and enjoy the comfort of the cottage, perhaps settling into the cosy living room with a hot drink as you watch the winter light fall across the downs. Step outside briefly to breathe in the crisp air and admire the quiet village streets dusted with frost, or take a short stroll around the property’s grounds before the sun sets. As evening draws in, you might curl up with a book, play a game in the dining room with friends or family, or simply savour a glass of wine while planning the weekend ahead. The calm, peaceful surroundings make it easy to leave the week behind and slip straight into a relaxing winter escape.
Evening Dinner
Stay in and make the evening your own. Prepare a meal in the fully equipped kitchen and dining room, which seats eight, or make it extra special by hiring an in-house chef. We can provide recommendations of fantastic local chefs who will create a tailor-made meal for your group. Crack open a bottle of wine and settle in for the weekend ahead.
Saturday: Explore Wilton and Salisbury
Breakfast
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at The Retreat before heading out for a morning walk.
All-Day Excursion
Begin your day in Wilton, just a short drive from Sutton Mandeville. Explore Wilton House’s beautiful gardens and historic interiors. The quaint town has some quirky independent boutiques, charming shops, and cosy café’s to enjoy. Continue a couple of miles down the road to the medieval city of Salisbury. Here you can admire the impressive Salisbury Cathedral with it’s soaring spire (highly recommend a Tower Tour!) and medieval cloisters. Head into the market square to browse a mix of stalls offering everything from fresh meats, fish, fruit and veg, and cheeses, to clothing and more! A tempting variety of food options, including hog roast, nachos, pizza, and Thai, Indian, and South African cuisines, ensures you won’t have to worry about going hungry while you shop.
Evening Dinner
Dine at The Chapter House in Salisbury, widely regarded as the best steakhouse in the area. Expertly cooked, locally sourced steaks and a welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect end to a day of exploring.
Sunday: Local Walks and Pub Lunch
Brunch
Head to The Stalls Café for brunch – they have everything from fresh pastries and coffee to vegetarian dishes.
Morning Walk Options
There are dozens of great countryside walks near Sutton Mandeville for you to choose from. The Shire Rack and Garston Wood loop offers a scenic route across the chalk downs and through ancient woodland, where crisp air and open views make for a refreshing start to the day. For those interested in history, the Fovant Badges provide a gentle walk to see the striking chalk carvings commemorating soldiers from the First World War, set against the winter landscape. Alternatively, Burcombe and The Punch Bowl offers a quieter, circular walk with a mix of woodland and open fields, perfect for spotting local wildlife and enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside. Each of these walks is manageable in winter daylight hours and allows you to fully embrace the calm of the Cranborne Chase countryside.
Lunch
Finish your weekend with a warming pub lunch, the perfect end to a crisp morning in the Wiltshire countryside. The Compasses Inn serves hearty, locally sourced dishes in a cosy, welcoming setting. It’s the kind of place where you can linger over a long, relaxed meal. The Royal Oak offers classic pub fare beside a roaring fire, creating a comforting atmosphere to unwind. Both pubs are ideal for a leisurely Sunday lunch.
Afternoon Departure
Secure a late check-out so you can make the most of the beautiful cottage and surrounding countryside before your journey home.
Extra Night Option
Two nights can often feel a little too short to fully decompress. Consider adding an extra night to your stay. Guests who extend their weekend enjoy more relaxed walks, extra sightseeing, and a slower pace to unwind completely. We offer discounts for stays longer than two nights, making it easy to get the most from your winter escape.
Book The Retreat for your Winter Holiday in Wiltshire
Staying at The Retreat offers a unique blend of tranquillity and convenience. You can enjoy rural calm, starry nights, and private time away from the crowds, yet be within easy reach of civilisation, with Salisbury and Shaftesbury just a 20-minute drive away. Best of all, mid-week stays start from just £28 per person per night, making it an ideal choice for a winter escape in Wiltshire.
Click here to book your stay, or alternatively email hello@hostwithgrace.co.uk or call +44 (0) 7444 720 729.