Living in Chalke Valley
The Chalke Valley stretches out along twisting lanes from Salisbury to Shaftesbury through quintessentially English villages and hamlets, against a backdrop of the rich, lush landscapes of the rivers Ebble and Chalke. This is rural Wiltshire at its best.
Patchwork farmland, chalk downland, rolling hills, rich green water meadows and sprawling bluebell woods, the valley is part of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (National Landscape). Both the Ebble and the Chalke are rare ‘chalk streams’ – created when a river rises from springs with a chalk bedrock creating crystal clear water – a fly fisherman’s dream.
It’s no wonder the Sunday Times has ranked the Chalke Valley in its ‘Best Places to Live’ list – it definitely is a great place to live for those who love the peace of the countryside and a timeless, rural village life.
Yet despite its tranquillity, the valley is also close to the cathedral city of Salisbury, with its shops, restaurants, pubs, culture, heritage and facilities. From here, the Exeter to London line takes you to Waterloo in less than 90 minutes. That’s why it’s increasingly popular with those moving from London or the big cities.
House hunters are spoilt for choice. With idyllic, chocolate box cottages through to larger, country-style family houses, there is a wide variety of properties dotted throughout the Chalke Valley’s pretty villages, many with access to excellent schools and facilities.
Each year, the unique Chalke Valley History Festival attracts visitors from across the UK and beyond – a celebration of the history of the region with a blend of talks, discussions, living history shows and an on-air show.
