A Spotlight on Wiltshire
Landlocked between Somerset, Dorset, Berkshire and Gloucestershire, Wiltshire is the county that has been the South West’s best kept secret, however with superb walks, a treasure trove of historic sites and a fantastic foodie scene, Wiltshire is now a top choice for those looking for a countryside move.
Views throughout Wiltshire are a combination of the honey hues of the Cotswold stone vividly contrasting against cornflower blue skies or the sprawling green countryside. It’s no wonder that it’s a regular filming destination for period TV dramas, as well a regular stop for members of the Royal Family. Here are our favourite spots in Wiltshire if you’re thinking of making a move.
Sherston is a picture-perfect village, situated in the heart of the Cotswolds, it is known for its quaint, historic charm. Sherston’s high street is lined with beautiful, traditional buildings, including a 14th-century church and several old coaching inns. The village is surrounded by rolling hills and scenic countryside, making it a popular destination for walkers and hikers. Sherston also has a thriving community spirit, with several local events and festivals throughout the year including an annual carnival and a Big Picnic and Boules tournament – a delightful village that offers a glimpse into traditional English village life.
Thirty miles south of Sherston is the equally pretty village of Urchfont. With similar quintessential English village feel, Urchfont is well-known for its annual summer Scarecrow Festival. During the festival, the village is decorated with an array of creative and quirky scarecrows, which are designed and made by residents and visitors alike. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year and is a great opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate their creativity and sense of fun. Urchfont also has the benefit of being around 12 miles west of Marlborough – a charming market town, famed mainly for its top independent school, however shopping enthusiasts should also not miss Marlborough, with its lovely old buildings and trove of antiques shops.
Wiltshire’s public gardens are beautiful, with those at Stourhead, Bowood House, Abbey House Gardens and Larmer Tree all well worth a visit. Abbey House Gardens in Malmesbury, combines historic buildings (including the ruins of a striking 12th-century abbey) with appealing countryside walks; as does Lacock, a village owned by the National Trust with quiet lanes of medieval, half-timbered houses that are the setting for many films and popular TV series, Downton Abbey.
Castle Combe and Malmesbury are great places to go if you are a fond of the foodie scene – The Dining Room in Malmesbury offers a Michelin Starred experience with a 7 course set menu of creative cuisine, while Bybrook in Castle Combe is one of the last true country house hotels, a manor house that sits within 365 acres of manicured gardens – dining here, with its Michelin Star, is a very formal experience, but an unforgettable one at that!
History, food, countryside – Wiltshire ticks all the boxes in our opinion, so if you’re thinking of making the move – don’t hesitate, Wiltshire is a goldmine of great places to stay, see and enjoy!
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