Landscape of Downton

Key facts

OS grid ref: SU180215
Postcode: SP5
Post town:  Salisbury
What3words: ///darkens.hairspray.traps
Unitary Authority: Wiltshire
Parliamentary Constituency: Salisbury

Downton

Downton is a large, ancient Wiltshire village set in a stunning landscape of chalk downs and water meadows. The crystal clear waters of the River Avon flow past the quaint cottages and weeping willows of the village. The hamlets of Charlton-All-Saints and Standlynch are nearby.

The village is around six miles south of Salisbury in the Avon Valley and just outside the New Forest National park. It’s a drive of around 15 minutes to Salisbury with its shops, restaurants, bars, heritage, culture and amenities. The train from here to Waterloo takes less than 90 minutes. Fordingbridge in the New Forest is a 10-minute drive away.

Downton has a thriving community with a parish website, clubs and activities and a village hall with a stage. There are recreation areas – including a football pitch, bowling green and leisure centre with a gym and tennis courts.  The high street is bustling with shops and a café, pharmacy, library and GP surgery.

There are play areas, public gardens and allotments. Downton Moot Garden, set in eight acres and alongside the River Avon, was created in the early 18th Century out of the ruins of a 12th Century earthwork castle. It’s open to the public, 365 days a year from dawn to dusk and has a schedule of events and activities.

There’s a pre-school nursery, the Downton C of E Primary school and the Trafalgar Secondary School and there’s a bus service operated by Salisbury Reds.

Downton was home to the author William Golding, best known for his novel ‘Lord of the Flies’.

History

There’s evidence of people living at Downton for thousands of years – with Iron Age, Roman and Saxon settlements. Early Neolithic artefacts and the remains of a Roman Villa are housed in Salisbury Museum.

The village also has the earthworks of a Norman motte and bailey castle lying within 18th Century Moot landscaped gardens that overlook the river.

In the 19th Century, Downton became known for its bustling tannery industry, which contributed to the village’s economic growth.

 

Walking and cycling

The location of Downton makes it perfect for walking and cycling. If you’d like to explore on foot this is a circular walk from Local Walks around the water meadows, setting off from Downton Moot Park.

Explore our
Patch

It’s safe to say that we live in one of most beautiful places in the British Isles, with everything from the culture and heritage of a city and the buzz of a market town, right down to the quietest rural villages. Each area has its own unique charm, so explore our patch to uncover where is perfect for you.