East Knoyle is a village and civil parish in Wiltshire.

The village lies just west of the A350 approximately 9 miles south of Warminster and 5 miles north from Shaftesbury in Dorset.  It is perhaps best known as the birthplace and family home of Sir Christopher Wren who is commemorated on a stone alongside the main road and described as a Mathematician, Architect and Patriot.

The parish includes the hamlets of Milton, Holloway Underhill, Upton and The Green.

East Knoyle was part of the Ancient Hundred of Downton and unusually for England the parish registers survive dating from 1538 and which are housed in the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre.

St Mary’s Church

The Church of England parish church St Mary’s was began before 1066 (the Norman Conquest) and is Grade I listed.  Pevsner described its chancel as “Norman in its bones” and wrote that it’s 17th century plaster decoration a “surprise and delight” …and “that it ought to be the purpose of a visit from every Wiltshire tourist”.

Clouds House

Clouds House is Grade II listed country house northwest of the village . It was built in 1886-91 to designs of Philip Webb for Percy Wyndham and is one of Webbs grandest designs.

Village Life in East Knoyle

The village has a thriving community with activities such as book and gardening clubs, bell ringing, choir,  art and theatre groups, moviola, Royal British Legion (ladies and gentlemen).

There is a village hall complete with medieval hall and kitchen which can be hired for events and celebratory occasions.  The village has a community owned village shop and post office (Wrens shop) which was opened on 2006 by author Terry Pratchett.

The Fox and Hounds pub

A country 15th century thatched pub with open fires, magnificent picturesque view over the Blackmore Vale together and a warm welcome.  Fresh local produce and a fantastic menu with daily specials.  Wines and local ales are available and special gluten free meals can be catered for.

Property for Sale in East Knoyle

If you are looking for property for sale in East Knoyle then contact us. We have many listings in the area and will be sure to help you find your perfect rural home.

West Knoyle is a small village and civil parish in Southwest England, close to the southern edge of Salisbury plain. The village is 2.5 miles east of Mere and 8 miles south of Warminster. The A303 trunk road passes about 0.75 miles north of the village.

The Monarchs Way long distance footpath passes through the village. Mackintosh Davidson Wood or Hang Wood to the southeast is a 20.3 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, notified in 1986. This beautiful, varied wood is a mixture of newly planted areas and ancient semi-natural woodland (more than 400 years). Fields, rides, glades and open areas add variety and increase wildlife habitat. There is information at the site and is well worth a visit.

Bush Farm Bison Centre

Take a tour and see the Bison, Elk, Raccoons, Guanaco and chipmunks. There are 30 acres of oak woodland walks with secret gardens together with picnic and play areas to enjoy. There is a museum and a display of Native American art and artefacts. Try the restaurant for refreshments and light meals or the shop where you can buy bison or elk meat. Have a go at making your own bison burgers as enjoyed by the BBC film crew who visited here to film Countryfile.

Property for sale in West Knoyle

If you are looking for property for sale in West Knoyle then contact us. We have many listings in the area and will be sure to help you find your perfect rural home.

Dinton is a pretty thriving village with a host of amenities situated approximately 8 miles west of Salisbury and 5 miles to Wilton. Dinton nestles the river Nadder, which forms the boundary at the south end of the village with the wooded ridge of The Hanging to the North.

The B3089 runs through the centre of the village with a large park providing recreation for all ages with playgrounds, football and cricket pitch.

Historic Dinton

Philips House

Dinton has a wealth of history and is home to several National Trust Properties including Philipps House (to the east of Dinton village), Little Clarendon, Hyde’s House, Dinton Lodge and Lawes Cottage.

Dinton services and amenities

Village hall

Dinton Village Hall holds a host of regular activities such as whist drives, table tennis and Aikido for the more enthusiastic. It also is home to a pre school with both morning and afternoon sessions. The hall can be hired for one off occasions such as birthday parties, balls or meetings and can seat up to 100 guests. There is a small kitchen and tables, chairs, crockery and cutlery hire is also available.

Church

The Parish Church is Grade 1 listed.  It was begun in the late 12th Century and the north door survives from the earliest work while the rest of the church dates largely from the 13th and 14th centuries.

Dinton Pre-school

Dinton Pre-School is unique in its setting and character. In 1975 the Pre-school opened in Mrs Clark’s living room with a handful of children, gradually over the years the school expanded and moved in to purpose built premises adjoining National Trust parkland that the children have access too as part of their pre-school day.

Dinton Primary School

Dinton C of E Primary school is a small rural primary school teaching girls and boys from Reception level (age 4-5) up to Year 6 (age 11) with 119 children on roll. Dinton Primary School is pleasantly situated in wooded grounds with its own sports field, playground, adventure playground and swimming pool. In addition to the four main classrooms, the school has a multi-purpose hall, small group teaching areas and an outdoor classroom. The school prides itself in creating a sense of community with pupils, staff, governors and parents working together to ensure that the children are challenged to reach their full potential.

The community shop

Re-opened by local villagers and now staffed by young and old volunteers, Dinton community shop shows how close knit the village community is. With a range of local deli and butcher treats and fresh baked breads and pastries, this is the perfect one stop shop. There is a small coffee area and part time post office operating on site. Worth a visit!

Nadder Valley Pizzas

New to Dinton and opened in April 2016 is the first rural pizza delivery in the area. Run by local lady, Elly, a village resident, Nadder Valley Pizzas provides delicious homemade pizzas with good quality local ingredients.

Pubs in Dinton

Dinton is lucky to have not just one pub but two and both locals and visitors sing their praises regularly.  Take a look on Trip Advisor at the reviews and the 4/5 star ratings!

The Wyndham Arms

A friendly pub with a superb menu, excellent food and huge portions are on offer at the Wyndham including the renowned Sunday lunch.  Book early to avoid disappointment!

The Penruddocke Arms

The Penruddocke Arms is a friendly family run pub offering lunch and dinner which are rated as excellent and reasonable on the pocket!  Bed and a hearty breakfast are also on offer.

Events in Dinton

Every year, the Dinton Fireworks show at Philips House attracts many visitors, with spectacular professional firework displays, stalls and fairground attractions.

Rural property for sale in Dinton

Rural View are local to Dinton and one of the managing partners even lives here! If we can help find those hidden rural property gems in Wiltshire, finding a house for sale or rent in Dinton, please contact us.

One of the prettiest villages in Wiltshire is the picturesque parish of Teffont. It is a rural idyll of two halves: Teffont Magna and Teffont Evias.

Much of the ancient parish of Teffont in Wiltshire lies on the chalk downs by that rise between the valleys the the Wylye and Nadder. Nestled below the downs at Springhead a stream emerges which runs through the village. There is an abundance of history from the area dating 846 AD encompassing the Ice Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Saxons, Normans, Romans up to the 19th Century. At the time of the Norman Conquest the village was divided into two being Teffont Magna and Teffont Evias.

The scenery is spectacular and walking through the area is not to be missed. The village hosts a summer fete in July every year so come along if you are passing through the area and enjoy a warm welcome from the locals.

Teffont Magna

Also known as Upper Teffont lies along the main road and along a road which leads to the downs. Several cottages, which are built of local stone and date from the 17th and 18th Century are built along the bank of the fast flowing stream with stone bridges spanning the stream to the road.

Teffont Evias

A chocolate box village, peaceful and beautiful. Take time to enjoy the walks following the stream through the village. Cottages date from the 16 Century with thatched roofs and arched leaded windows.

Teffont Churches

Teffont Magna st edward king of the saxons. church of england

The church is a very simple one dating from the 13th Century with a well worn flagstone floor. The porch shelters some interesting graffiti etched on to the door jambs and appear to be medieval ships. Hanging from a beam is the original 13th Century bell which although now cracked and not in use is thought to be one of the few in England from that period. The carved oak screen (originally a rood screen) dating from the 16th Century is one of the few which survived in Wessex during the Reformation.

teffont evias st michael and all angels church of england

It has been suggested that there probably was a church here in 1100 but records show the church was here in 1200. The church is built of local Chilmark stone (similar to that of Salisbury Cathedral). In the north east corner of the church is an impressive tomb with three stone effigies in armour. The oldest is that of Harry Ley who purchased the manor of Teffont Evias from Henry VIII in 1534 and died in 1537.

amenites in teffont

howard’s house

A 1623 Dower House is now a wonderful hotel with a very pretty terrace and gardens in which you can enjoy a morning coffee, lunch or a welcome glass of wine during the summer. Elegant interiors and delicious food are served in the restaurant. The bedrooms mix old and new providing a comfortable but not overly plush or fussy accommodation. Fresh flowers, cracking fires, deep sofas and newspapers give a warm homely feel to this beautiful Grade II listed property dating from 1623.

Howard’s House offer Gourmet Getaways including a 7 course tasting menu and a hamper of homemade goodies to take home with you. If romance is in the air why not stay in the Four Poster bedroom! Don’t forget to bring your walking boots or wellies and enjoy the many outdoor pursuits the area has to offer.

manor farm livery teffont magna

Manor Farm offer full outsized outdoor school together with a sandbarn, hard standing areas, horse walker and a 60 x 20 metres incorporating mirrors for training mirrors and a Martin Collins activ-track surface. They also offer a wide range of livery services too which range from full to holiday.

Zoe Gregory is the on site yard manager who has previously worked for an international gold medal eventer as well as competing herself in all disciplines. She has evented up to intermediate level and advanced level dressage.

property for sale or rent in teffont

Are you looking to move to the Teffont Area. With its pretty stone cottages and thatched roofs, this is a picture perfect place to buy a rural property. If you are thinking of selling your house in Teffont or looking for a property for sale or rent, we can help.

Swallowcliffe is a small village in the heart of Wiltshire with less than 200 residents. It lies 13 miles (21kms) to the city of Salisbury. There is a strong sense of community within the village and there are many events and things to do in and around the village.

History of swallowcliffe

From medieval times until the 20th century Swallowcliffe remained a rural backwater with its inhabitants engaged in agriculture and associated crafts and trades.

The industrial revolutions saw a shift with workers leaving for the towns and cities whilst the demand from incomers who sought accessible country abodes to “improve” for full or weekend use expanded. By the Millenium the transformation of the old village was clear with only a few inhabitants could claim to be “born and bred” in Swallowcliffe.

Swallowcliffe archeological discovery

A Saxon bed buried dating to the 17th Century was discovered with a reused Bronze Age barrow on Swallowcliffe Down in 1996. The burial was that of a young female aged between 18 and 25 laid on an ash wood bed with elaborate iron work fittings and surrounded by a collection of high quality grave goods (see full report by English Heritage).

Things to do in Swallowcliffe

With less than two hundred residents one can expect to discover a strong sense of community with many events and things to do around the village such as music evenings, the Swallowcliffe Society together with computer, art, debating and luncheon clubs.

The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe

There has been a local pub in Swallowcliffe since 1852. In 2015 The Royal Oak Swallowcliffe was rebuilt and refurbished using local craftsmen and artisans.

A pretty village pub, The Royal Oak offers delicious food and 6 bedrooms for overnight stays. Offering wines, spirits and local ales and as well as tasty lunch and dinner menus, The Royal Oak is a wonderful blend of traditional 19th architecture and fresh modern interior design.