Living in Warminster

The vibrant, up and coming town of Warminster blends beautiful countryside and charming history.  

Set against a dramatic backdrop of brooding hills and on the edge of the Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, (now referred to as National Landscape) the small rural town is just four miles from Center Parcs and Longleat Safari Park and within easy reach of both Bath and Bristol. 

It has a thriving community – including the residents of Warminster Garrison, a military garrison of the British Army – with a library, museum, sports centre and a good range of independent shops and restaurants.  

The Athenaeum Theatre is a Grade II listed 19th Century building and Wiltshire’s oldest working theatre, and the town’s Lakeside Pleasure Grounds boast tennis courts, a skate park, children’s play activities and a boating lake leading to the Henford’s Marsh nature reserve.  

There are plenty of annual events to look forward to, including the popular family Spring in the Park event, live music at Inspire, and Warminster Carnival.  

Property prices in this rural town remain lower than in nearby Frome, making it an attractive choice for buyers looking for a home with every amenity on the doorstep, alongside good access to beautiful countryside – you’re not far from famous landmarks like Stonehenge (25 mins), either! 

Homes for sale in Warminster

Location

Warminster has excellent travel links and is just 35 minutes in the car from Bath and an hour from Bristol, with London just over two hours away by train. 

Schools

Wiltshire is home to schools renowned across the UK, such as Dauntsey’s, The Godolphin School, Warminster and Marlborough College. Warminster itself is a popular choice for families with school-age children, with several primary schools and secondary schools Kingdown School, Warminster School and Bishopstrow College 

Shopping

This friendly market town has many independent shops, boutiques and cafes, and a popular Christmas market.  

Restaurants & pubs

You’ll find plenty of choice for a good meal out, from the town’s Old Fire Station with its wood-fired pizza oven and local beers, to the George Inn country pub serving a taste of the Mediterranean on the banks of the beautiful River Wylye just over two miles outside town. 

Culture

Wiltshire’s Heritage Open Days offer the chance to find out more about local heritage by allowing access to interesting properties like Warminster Maltings – the only stand-alone malthouse of its type in the UK.

You can also follow the Blue Plaque Trail walking tour that takes you to 20 of the finest historic buildings in Warminster, including the 13th Century Chapel of St Lawrence, and The Old Bell, Wiltshire’s oldest surviving inn. 

History

Warminster – or Wereminster – derived its name from the Minster church that was built within a loop of the River Were in Saxon Times.

By the middle of the 17th Century, it was the greatest corn-market by much in the Westand the fame and fortune which ensued was encouragement for other trades such as malting, cloth production and iron founding. Corn and cloth gave rise to much of the architecture seen in the town centre today.   

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.