Cholderton

Cholderton, officially West Cholderton, is a peaceful village just off the A338, on the Hampshire/Wiltshire border, in the stunning Bourne Valley. There are thatched cottages and a very old church at the top of steep lane with a traditional lychgate leading into its churchyard. 

The village has some local shops and is close to the A303, just 10 minutes from the bustling town of Amesbury and only 25 minutes to the cathedral city of Salisbury with all it has to offer. Salisbury Reds offers a bus service through the village. 

This is a close community, with a village hall and a historic thatched pub, The Crown Inn, which dates back more than 350 years. It’s a traditional, cosy pub with a garden and heated covered areas and is very family-friendly. It hosts popular village events all through the year, from quiz nights and live much to their fun showcase, the Crown Festival. 

Nearby is the Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm with its farm shop, array of animals from Highland cattle to alpacas, geese and peacocks, children’s play areas, zip wires, activities and café. It also has a vineyard, Bluestone, where it produces award-winning English sparkling wine. 

There’s an imposing manor house which was built in the 1600s which was ravaged by fire in 2012. The owners lovingly repaired and restored it and it’s a credit to them. 

The Choldern Estate is a 1000 hectare organic farm established since 1885 by ‘Inky’ Stephens who invented the famous blue-black ‘Stephens’ ink. As well as the farm shop, the estate has a wedding venue and self-catering holidays. It’s also home to the peaceful 15-acre, Michael’s Wood, which was planted in the late 1880s and today has the Michael’s Wood Natural Burial Ground. 

There’s a an interesting blog about the village from ‘Things Helen Loves’ along with some lovely village photos, if you’d like to take a closer look.