20 picture-perfect villages in Wiltshire

In no particular order we have shared some of the most picture-perfect villages to visit here in Wiltshire. 

1.    Castle Combe

Oh Castle Combe, a filmmaker’s paradise! This picturesque village has often starred on the big screen including War Horse and Stardust. Look out for the cottages selling homemade cake outside their doors and the nearby hamlet of Tiddleywink too! 

2.    Lacock

Lacock, near Chippenham, is another village which has regularly starred on screen. The National Trust have preserved this village and keen photographers will take great delight in capturing some of the village’s architecture. If you fancy staying in the village then check out the Sign of the Angel.  

3.    Sherston

Within the Wiltshire Cotswolds, the village of Sherston comes complete with honey-coloured cottages and broad High Street. The village holds an annual boules tournament and carnival in the summer. According to Wikipedia, soul singer Marvin Gaye was a frequent visitor to the village as it was home to his friend Lady Edith Foxwell. The village is also just a short distance from Westonbirt Arboretum.  

4.    Tisbury

Tisbury is the largest village in Wiltshire’s Nadder Valley and sits within the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village centre buzzes with independent shops and the countryside surrounding the village lends itself to great walks. 

5.    Dinton

Not far from Tisbury is the village of Dinton. Flanked by the River Nadder, Dinton is also home to Philipps House and Dinton Park, an area owned by the National Trust. The Monarch’s Way long distance footpath crosses nearby to the village and Dinton is also home to some pretty cottages and beautiful farmhouses. 

6.    Avebury

It’s not every day that you get a stone circle within a village but you’ll find just that at Avebury. The village was built around the original site and you’ll find a wealth of history here including the Avebury Avenue, West Kennet Long Barrow, Silbury Hill and Avebury Manor and Gardens. Manor Farm B&B offers accommodation right in the village centre. There are also a couple of shops including The Henge Shop and National Trust Shop.

 
7.    Grittleton

Grittleton has a history dating for many centuries and lies near to the Fosse Way, Roman road. One of the most notable buildings in the village is Grittleton House. Formerly an independent school, Grittleton House is now a wedding and event venue and was built between 1832 and 1856 for London lawyer, Joseph Neeld. 

8.    Broad Chalke

The village of Broad Chalke lies in the Chalke Valley, to the south of Salisbury. One of its most endearing features are the watercress beds, fed from the spring water. You will also find a bustling village shop and community centre, nature reserve and lush countryside views. 

9.    Stourton

The small village of Stourton can be found in the west of Wiltshire, close to Mere. The village is home to Stourhead House & Gardens and many of the village buildings below to the National Trust. As well as Stourhead, you’ll find the pretty church of St Peter’s, a farm shop, the Spread Eagle Inn (with rooms as well).

10.    Ramsbury

Approximately 5 miles from Marlborough is Ramsbury. The village has a wealth of history and can be traced from Saxon times. The Bell at Ramsbury sits proudly in the centre of the village and offers award-winning dining and luxury accommodation. Nearby you’ll find the Ramsbury Brewery, Distillery and Smokehouse. 

11.    Wootton Rivers

Between Pewsey and Marlborough in the Vale of Pewsey is the small village of Wootton Rivers. The village has several listed buildings including the parish church of St Andrew and is also home to the Wootton Rivers Lock, along the Kennet & Avon Canal. The nearby Savernake Forest is a popular spot in autumn with the fantastic colours of the beech trees. 

12.    Sandy Lane

Think typical chocolate box thatched cottages and you’ll have an idea of what Sandy Lane looks like. The village formed part of the Bowood estate and even the church has a thatched roof! 

13.    Ashton Keynes

Ashton Keynes can be found in the Cotswold Water Park area and is home to the young River Thames. The Cotswold stone features in the majority of the village’s houses and walkers can enjoy picking up the Thames Path or shorter walks in the Cotswold Water Park area. 

14.    Slaughterford

The small village of Slaughterford sits within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty between Castle Combe and Box. Like many of the villages nearby to it, it is home to cute cottages made of the honey-coloured Cotswold stone. 

15.    Teffont

Teffont is another village found in the pretty Nadder Valley and is approximately eight miles west of Salisbury. The geology of the area is pretty special, and nearby Chilmark Quarries extended under Teffont and provided much of the material used in the building of Salisbury Cathedral. The village was originally two: Teffont Evias and Teffont Magna but now is technically one parish due to the close proximity of the two villages. 

16.    Biddestone

The village green and duck pond can be found in the heart of Biddestone and the village houses several Grade II Listed properties. Biddestone also starred in Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death in 2014.  

17.    Iford

The hamlet of Iford can be found in the Frome valley, near to Bradford on Avon. The area is probably best known for the Peto Gardens which sit beside Iford Manor. These gardens are usually open from April – October and contain water features, terraces and sculpture that could easily be found in a grand Italian estate. During the summer, Iford Arts Festival comes to the village bringing opera, jazz and classical music concerts within this intimate setting. 

18.    Stratford-sub-castle

As its name suggests, Stratford-sub-castle sits beneath a castle, the old castle of Salisbury – Old Sarum. This linear village is home to a Grade I Listed church, thatched cottages and several walking routes taking you to the river, Old Sarum and the surrounding countryside. 

19.    Steeple Ashton

Near to Wiltshire’s county town of Trowbridge, Steeple Ashton and sits next to Keevil Airfield, a former Royal Air Force station used in WWII. Within the village look out for the lock-up, market cross and village pump. 

20.    Aldbourne

Near to Marlborough, Aldbourne sits within the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. As well as St Michael’s parish church, a couple of pubs and a bell foundry. According to Wikipedia, people from Aldbourne are nicknamed ‘Dabchicks’ after the little grebe. 

If you have any other favourites you’d like to share with our readers please use the comment box below. We look forward to welcoming you to explore our villages soon!