Key facts
OS Grid Reference: SU139516
What3words: ///composers.dine.refusals
Postcode: SN9
Post Town: Pewsey
Unitary Authority: Wiltshire Council
Parliamentary Constituency: Devizes
Enford
The village name of Enford is as quaint as the village itself. It’s derived from the Old English, ‘Enedford’ meaning ‘duck ford’. Enford is a pretty village with the crystal clear water of the River Avon gently flowing through it, and with some homes having stunning riverside views.
The parish of Enford also includes nine small settlements along both banks of the headwaters of the river including Compton, Coombe, East Chisenbury, Fifield, Littlecott, Longstreet, New Town and West Chisenbury.
The village sits halfway between Salisbury and Marlborough, and 10 miles from Devizes. It’s 15 miles from Salisbury – a drive of around 35 minutes on the A345 – with its array of shops, restaurants, bars, heritage, culture and amenities. Trains from nearby Pewsey station reach Waterloo in less than 70 minutes. It’s also just a 15-minute drive from the bustling town of Amesbury with all its facilities. Salisbury Reds operates a bus service here with routes to Salisbury and Marlborough.
Enford has a rich history, and is surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Avon Valley and the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape). Walks along the river are a delight.
There is a village hall and recreation ground as well as a website and community newsletter.
The 350-year-old Grade II listed Swan Inn was saved by a small group of villagers who invested and saved it from the same fate as their local bakery, garage, post office and shop which have all closed over the years. Swans nest on the river just across the road from their namesake pub and are often seen with their cygnets from Enford bridge.
History
Enford has a long agricultural heritage supported by the river and water meadows. Its origins can be traced to the Domesday Book, where it is recorded as ‘Enedford’, derived from the Old English words ‘ēan’ or lamb and ‘ford’ and had 34 households with similar at nearby Compton.
Prehistoric settlements are evidenced by burial grounds of bowl barrows and there are signs of a Roman villa too.
Walking and cycling
The National Cycle Network runs directly through Enford and The Swan backs onto Salisbury Plain which is a popular walking spot.
If you’d like to explore the area on foot, then here’s a 3½ mile loop walk from Komoot that sets off from The Red Lion pub – and returns there of course – handy!