Celebrating 50 years as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The North Wessex Downs became a protected landscape in 1972 – protected by law for the nation. But for hundreds of years its natural beauty has inspired poets and painters, writers and wanderers. We hope to inspire you with our selection of fifty things that are not-to-be-missed: places, experiences and wildlife which we think deserve a special mention.
Thank you to everybody who contributed to the selection process – particularly to members of the Council of Partners for their input. Not everything made the cut – there is simply too much to choose from!
Please share your journey through the list via our social media channels using #northwessexdowns50 – we’d love to see your images and know what you think about our choice.
What would you have included?
You can also explore the locations included in our list of 50 Things on our Interactive Map.
Four County Tops
The North Wessex Downs AONB spans four counties – Berkshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire – and includes all four county tops.
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Sunrise at Adam’s Grave
This high point on Pewsey Downs provides some of the best views in the AONB! What better place to watch the sun come up?
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Marlborough
An archetypical English market town in the rural north east corner of Wiltshire surrounded by the glorious countryside.
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Sarsen Stones at Lockeridge Dene
Explore this intriguing site with its landscape of sarsen stones
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Hungerford
Hungerford, steeped in history and immersed in antiques, lies at the very heart of the North Wessex Downs AONB and is easily accessible by train.
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‘Chocolate Box’ Villages
Thatched roofs, cottage gardens and village pubs! The protected landscape of the North Wessex Downs includes its picture-perfect villages.
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Pewsey Vale by Bicycle
Great cycling is to be found in the Vale of Pewsey, both on and off road
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