20 Attractions to Explore Near Combe Gibbet

The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty have been described as “the cornerstone of southern England’s ancient chalk landscapes”. It’s England’s third-largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It includes the bright, bare uplands of the Marlborough, Berkshire and North Hampshire Downs and sweeps on its western edge to a crest above the White Horse Vale.

Highclere Castle is a majestic country house situated in a 5,000-acre estate is in Hampshire, England. It has been home to the Carnarvon family since 1679. The Castle’s history also includes a fascinating connection with ancient Egypt, as the 5th Earl, with Howard Carter, discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in 1922. It has been used as a filming location for several films and television series and it also holds ticketed events, such as the Battle Proms picnic concert, a

The only operating windmill in Wessex, set in a stunning location in the heart of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wiltshire. Picnic area and site accessible all year round. Guided tours, refreshments and stone ground flour available during opening times. Fabulous walking and great views – a very special place.

Sandham Memorial Chapel was commissioned by Mary and Louis Behrend as a memorial to Mary’s brother, Lieutenant Henry Willoughby Sandham, who died at the end of World War One. The Chapel is set amidst lawns and orchards with views across Watership Down. This beautiful garden and the surroundings increase the beauty of this area.

Crofton Beam Engines, set in unspoiled Wiltshire countryside close to the old market town of Marlborough, is an ideal spot for exploring the Kennet and Avon Canal, with The Engineman’s Rest Café, picnic area and gift shop on site. The steam-powered pumping station is preserved and operates on selected weekends.

Welford Park is a private estate with a fabulous snowdrop collection. They thrive on chalky soil. Parkland and gardens surrounding an elegant Queen Anne manor. The gardens are best known for the Snowdrop Woods, with early flowering snowdrops in bloom through February and early March. The estate opens its grounds to the public every year for about four weeks to enable visitors to see the carpets of snowdrops that line the riverbanks and flow through the nearby woods.

West Berkshire Museum is housed in two of Newbury’s best-loved historic buildings. This permanent exhibition tells the story of West Berkshire. From the rocks under your feet to the stories of the people who have lived here; our early ancestors, to well know characters like Jack of Newbury to our most recent family: they have created the towns and villages, roads and canals, fields and farms, industries, pastimes and organizations that we know today.

The Donnington Castle is a ruined medieval castle that was held by the Abberbury family from 1287. It consists originally of a curtain wall with four round corner towers, two square wall towers, and a substantial gatehouse, constructed around a courtyard in the style typical of the fortified residences of the period. The site is under the care of English Heritage and is protected from unauthorised change as a scheduled ancient monument.

The Nature Discovery Centre is a 35-hectare nature reserve in Thatcham in Berkshire. It provides a wonderful day out for all the family! Walk around Thatcham Lake, visit our reedbed nature reserve, feed the ducks, and let off steam in the adventure playgrounds. Enjoy delicious, organic refreshments served in our Lakeside cafe.

Savernake Forest is the only privately owned forest in England and is among the oldest woodland areas in the country. The forest stretches south from the historic market town of Marlborough, covering some 4500 acres. The history of the forest goes back for a thousand years or more! Its long history has left us with an outstanding legacy of old trees, rich landscapes and diverse habitats. One of the country's oldest trees, the Big Bellied Oak, is very noticeable on the side of the A346.

Whitchurch Silk Mill is a 19th-century water mill that weaves English silk fabrics using 19th century machinery. is the oldest silk mill still weaving silk in its original building. It includes the original mill wheel and Victorian machinery, fabulous fabrics on the looms, a shop to indulge in silk products from the Mill, plus a peaceful setting by the River Test, with a café for light lunches and refreshments.

The Hawk Conservancy Trust is an award winning visitor centre and conservation charity that has worked for many years in the fields of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research of birds of prey. You will witness some of the most spectacular flying displays in the UK, as well as having the opportunity to meet an owl. It is also the site of the National Bird of Prey Hospital, a veterinary hospital that takes in injured birds of prey

Bombay Sapphire Distillery is in a conservation area with over 1000 years of history. The distillery showcases the care, skill and artistry behind every drop of Bombay Sapphire, and allows you to discover the flavours of the botanicals which make Bombay Sapphire gin so unique.

The building was originally the foundry for agricultural engineers, Whatley & Hiscock, and now provides an easily-accessible, airy and spacious setting housing wonderful collections that are sure to bring back memories. The company's collection of historic farm machinery forms the core of the museum collection.

Bucklebury Farm Park is an animal park located at Bucklebury in Berkshire, England. The Farm Park consists of mostly Animals, Play equipment, Deer and Woody's Cafe which opened in 2013. Bucklebury Farm Park also houses a revolutionary Jumping Pillow which is one of only few in the UK. It was one of the iconic locations in this area which gives you a new experience.

Ashdown House, originally a hunting lodge, looks more like a tall doll's house stranded on the Berkshire Downs. Although the architect is uncertain, it is thought that Craven commissioned Captain William Winde to build the Dutch-style mansion as a hunting lodge and refuge from the plague.

A stunning collection of dramatic and rare plant species and creatures of the rainforest that thrive in tropical temperatures. A visit to The Living Rainforest is a rare opportunity to see some of the wonderful plants and wildlife that the world is losing as rainforests disappear. The Living Rainforest has been accredited by the Council for Learning Outside of the Classroom and awarded the LOtC Quality Badge. Each year around 25,000 children visit the Living Rainforest as part of their school's

The Ridgeway in Oxfordshire stretches 85 miles from Overton Hill near Avebury, Wiltshire, to Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring, Buckinghamshire. It has been used for 5000 years by many different groups of people; travelers, farmers, and armies. Today it is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders, and disabled people using mobility scooters. One of the good trekking destinations and also a beautiful place flourished with natural beauty.

The Army Flying Museum is located beside the Army Air Corps Centre in Middle Wallop, close to Andover in Hampshire. The museum is about the history of flying in the British Army, from the Balloon sections of the Royal Engineers, through the establishment of the Royal Flying Corps in 1912 and Air Observation Post Squadrons. It contains flight simulators, an outdoor play park with interactive aviation-themed play pieces, and a control tower based on that at Middle Wallop.

The famous White Horse is the oldest chalk-cut hill figure in Britain, perhaps over 3,000 years old. Nearby Dragon Hill, a natural mound about 10 metres high, is named for its association with the legend of St George.