20 Attractions to Explore Near North Wessex Downs AONB

Combe Gibbet is a double gibbet standing 25 feet high on the summit of Inkpen Beacon, about four miles south of Hungerford, but clearly visible from the town in fine weather. It marks the boundary between Inkpen and Combe and stands in the middle of a neolithic long-barrow. a gibbet is a name for any device that is used to carry out a public execution, the term gibbeting more commonly refers to hanging gallows.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Wayland's Smithy is an atmospheric historic site about a mile's walk along the Ridgeway from the Uffington White Horse. This two-phase Neolithic tomb was a mortuary structure of stone and wood. After a short period of disuse, this was encased within a second, larger, barrow double its height, which remained in use for about 100 years. Archaeologists have established that the monument was built by pastoralist communities shortly after the introduction of agriculture to Britain from continental

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.

Uffington ‘Castle’, which occupies the summit of Whitehorse Hill, is a rare and outstanding example of a large Iron Age hillfort. The famous White Horse is the oldest chalk-cut hill figure in Britain, perhaps over 3,000 years old. It consists of a large enclosure, measuring about 220 metres by 160 metres, surrounded by a wide chalk-stone bank or inner rampart about 12 metres wide and 2.5 metres high, and formerly lined with sarsen stones.

Uffington 'Castle', which occupies the summit of Whitehorse Hill, is a rare and outstanding example of a large Iron Age hillfort. It consists of a large enclosure, measuring about 220 metres by 160 metres, surrounded by a wide chalk-stone bank or inner rampart about 12 metres wide and 2.5 metres high, and formerly lined with sarsen stones. It covers about 32,000 square metres and is surrounded by two earth banks separated by a ditch with an entrance in the western end.

The Vale and Downland Museum is situated in the bustling market town of Wantage and has lots to offer for a fun, interactive family day out. It offers a wide range of services, including galleries interpreting the cultural heritage of the Vale of White Horse region, temporary exhibitions, a library, a gift shop, and a cafe with a delightful terrace and patio garden.

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.

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.

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