Walking, Cycling, Golf & Horse Riding
We are a five minute walk away from the Avon Valley Path which runs from Salisbury to Christchurch and 1 mile from the New Forest Boundary with unlimited walking and cycling. Bring your own bikes or hire locally. There are at least 4 golf courses within a 10 mile radius. Horse riding can be arranged with the nearby stables. We welcome cyclists and walkers and provide maps, a first aid kit, and secure storage for your equipment.
History & Heritage
The City of Salisbury is dominated by its magnificent 13th Century Cathedral, its 123m/404ft Spire is the tallest in Britain and can be seen from all over the city and surrounding area. The Cathedral is also home to the finest original copy of the Magna Carta which celebrates its 800th anniversary in 2015, plus, the oldest working church clock in Britain. Within the local area, there is the Stonehenge World Heritage site, Old Sarum Castle, Mompesson House, Wilton House and Old Wardour Castle. Romsey Abbey, Broadlands House, Winchester Cathedral
and Portsmouth, with its Naval Heritage Centre, The Mary Rose, HMS Victory, HMS Warrior and Spinnaker Tower are all within a 45 minute drive.
Gardens & Stately Homes
Breamore and Wilton House both have collections of fine paintings. Mottisfont Abbey and gardens must be visited in June when the old-fashion roses are at their most fragrant. Exbury Gardens in the New Forest is world famous for its rhododendrons, azaleas & camellias. Stourhead is a fine 18th century landscape garden with something to offer, whatever the season.
Other Activities
For those who want to explore a little further afield; The Isle of Wight Brownsea Island, Dorset´s Hardy Country, Shaftesbury, Bath, and Longleat are just a few of the destinations to choose from. We are 20 miles from Bournemouth and Southampton for shopping centres and major theatres/music venues.
Local Events
Salisbury International Arts Festival is a major two week event over held annually at the end of May and beginning of June. The traditional Cuckoo Fair takes place in Downton on the May Day Bank Holiday.
Eating Out
There is a superb choice of local pubs, restaurants and takeaways. Salisbury and Fordingbidge have Farmers markets which offer local cheese, meat, vegetables and wine. Downton has two award winning breweries, The Hopback Brewery and The Downton Brewery, their prize winning ales can be enjoyed in many of the local pubs.