The Chalke Valley

Overview

Regarded as one of the best places to live in the South West, the stunningly beautiful stretch of countryside known as the Chalke Valley stretches from the unspoilt village of Berwick St John near Shaftesbury through Coombe Bissett to Bodenham South of Salisbury.

The valley is not actually named after the river that runs through it, a pretty chalk stream called the River Ebble, but after a couple of its villages; Broad Chalke & Bower Chalke. Notable past residents of the Chalke Valley include Cecil Beaton, Anthony Eden, William Golding & Terry Pratchett.

This area remains as popular as ever and is stunningly beautiful being relatively sparsely populated with villages of varying sizes, large farms and agricultural estates. Consequently, availability of the best houses are always in short supply and many stay in the same hands for generations. The renowned week long Chalke Valley History Festival has established an excellent reputation for the calibre of its well known and respected speakers, superb displays and family activities.

Local pubs we like include:

• Horseshoe Inn – Ebbesborne Wake
• The Talbot – Berwick St John
• Queens Head – Broad Chalke
• White Hart – Bishopstone
• Horseshoe Inn – Ebbesborne Wake
• Yew Tree – Odstock
• The Radnor Arms – Nunton
• The Crown Inn – Alvediston

State Schools

Primary – Broad Chalke & Coombe Bisset.

Secondary – Bishop Wordsworth Boys Grammar & South West Wilts Girls Grammar.

Private Schools – Sandroyd, Port Regis, Chafyn Grove, Salisbury Cathedral School & Godolphin.

Rail links

Salisbury to London Waterloo from 1 hr 30 mins.