Come for a country cottage holiday in a pretty remarkable part of England. At just under 1,000 square kilometres of picturesque landscapes and beautifully scattered villages, Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs is just a taste of rural England and the perfect example of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
See a list of holiday homes in the Wiltshire Downs
Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs star of many a film
Nestled within four stunning South West counties, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire; this area has become synonymous with movie productions. Part of the cult Hollywood production Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves was filmed at Old Wardour Castle in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside. This 14th century castle which was partially destroyed during the English Civil War is now a Grade I listed building and tourists will love the complimentary audio tour, which brings the bloody reality of the many battles fought here to life. As well as Old Wardour Castle, film buffs will recognise the National Trust owned neo-classical gardens at Stourhead from the movie Pride and Prejudice. First opened in 1740, the estate at 2,650 acres has been described as ‘a living work of art’ with a Palladian lake, classical temples and a variety of rare and exotic trees among its lush, green landscapes. The perfect place to sit back, enjoy a picnic with a difference and pretend that you’ve turned into Colin Firth for the day!
A real holiday treat – see Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs from the air
Continue the glitz and glamour of a trip to Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs with a series of high-adrenaline activities like Aerosaurus Hot Air Balloons. As the largest company of its kind in the West country, it provides picture-perfect views of the rolling countryside way below you. Want to stay on solid ground? Why not get marvellously muddy and devilishly dirty on the tracks around Salisbury Plain in a Stonehenge All-Terrain Vehicle? A popular attraction for tourists of all ages, some of the locations that you will see and drive past have been shown on BBC1’s flagship TV show Top Gear. So maybe now’s the time to unleash your inner Jeremy Clarkson and create your own adventure today!
Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs are a haven for hikers and ramblers
Walks are a plenty in this part of the UK and Win Green is certainly one that is ready for you to explore. As the highest point in the area at 277 metres, you will not just enjoy a stroll out in the fresh air but also savour 80-mile panoramic views from as far as the Isle of Wight to the stunning Quantock Hills in the North West. A match made in heaven! A 3 mile walk around the beautiful nature reserve of Coombe Bissett Down is also a must. Love the birds and the bees? The flora and fauna are ablaze here in this hidden chalk downland valley and in summer especially, delicate hairbells, bee orchids, Adonis butterflies and skylarks are rife in this fantastic landscape. A wonderful walk needs a nice pub at the end of it and within the pretty little village of Coombe Bissett lies The Fox and Goose, a 150-year-old dog friendly inn that offers an excellent range of traditional homecooked food and local ales. Are you already imagining tucking in to your succulent Steak and Red Wine Pie with portion of chunky chips on the side?
Places to see in the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs
History is an important factor in Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs life and the Larmer Tree Gardens, affectionately known as the jewel of the Cranborne Chase and created by General Pitt Rivers almost 150 years ago, are a fantastic example of Victorian extravagance. So much so that they have been recognised by English Heritage as a Garden of National Importance. Furthermore 2018 is a key year at Larmer Tree. With forthcoming Spring events in March like Larmer Tree Races and April’s Wedding Fair, each set in one of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes, there’s no better place to see a blooming display of Camellias and Rhododendrons, as well as a group of Royal peacocks roaming around. Did you know that the Cranborne Chase was also a Royal deer hunting ground until the 17th century?
If you love animals like the deer and peacocks in the area, then you’ll love Bush Farm Bison Centre in South Wiltshire. With over 30 acres of tranquil lakes, beautiful oak woodlands and children’s playgrounds to explore, where better to see a variety of rare animals like American bison, elks, raccoons, rheas and quails. Like what you see? How about the taste? Bison meat is incredibly nutritious, very low in fat, the most flavourful red meat available to today’s consumers and in this instance, raised as naturally as possible. If you can’t get enough of Bush Farm, why not stay for the night glamping in ‘The Pod’? With a double mattress on the right and a single bunk on the left for your children, it is the ideal place for the family to be at one with the countryside and make the most of your weekend away.
Just a lovely destination for a family break
For nature spotting, stunning views, ancient history and the finest thrilling indoor and outdoor activities, Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs is the ideal place for you and the family to visit this year. Don’t believe us? Book a holiday to Wiltshire and the South West as soon as you can and see it all for yourself.
Useful Wiltshire associated pages
Family cottage holidays in Wiltshire
Stonehenge and weird and wonderful Wiltshire