Press Release 28 November 2016
Westbury
History and Town Information
Located on Wiltshire’s Western border, nestling below Salisbury Plain lies the small market town of Westbury. This former mill town still retains many of its old buildings including those formally associated with the cloth industry. Westbury has had a market from 1252 and sent representatives to parliament following reforms as a famous “rotten borough”. There has been a charted market since 1461.
Featured in the Domesday Book, Westbury is home to the oldest of Wiltshire’s white horses and the town’s most famous feature – the Westbury White Horse. This is thought to be over 300 years old and its location on the side of a steep hill means that it can be seen from many miles away.
The population of Westbury and surrounding villages is approximately 18,000.
Things to See and Do
A walk to the large Iron Age hill fort at Bratton Camp and the Westbury White Horse is a highlight of the area and thoroughly recommended. There is stunning countryside and great opportunities for walking, cycling, pony trekking, kite flying, hand gliding and paragliding.
All Saints’ Church, which is open to visitors daily, stands in the centre of the town surrounded by cottages and footpaths at the head of the Market Place. It is a Grade 1 Listed building, dating from the second half of the 14th century with some later additions, but standing on the site of an even older Saxon church. It boasts the third heaviest peal of eight bells in the world, fine stained glass and an Erasmus Bible.
Visit The Laverton Institute near the beginning of the Bratton Road which hosts a free public exhibition on Victorian Westbury (open weekdays 9:30 to 4:30) as well as a famous stained glass window. From here you can follow the Blue Plaque Trail that highlights 10 buildings of special interest and takes you through Westbury’s medieval heart. There is also a World War One Trail in the town. Details of the trails can be obtained online or from the Laverton, library and heritage centre.
Visitors can learn more about Westbury’s fascinating early industrial heritage and see a collection of historic photos at Westbury Heritage Centre in the High Street.
Westbury has a famous Victorian swimming pool which is still open to the public which has been in near continuous use for 130 years.
The 14th century St Mary’s, Old Dilton, can be found a short distance away, down a pretty wooded lane near the River Biss, on one of the many walking paths around the town. This delightful little church has an unusual tiny squatted stone spire, resembling an inverted ice cream cone. It also has its original Georgian box pews and no electricity.
The Three Daggers Brewery in the nearby village of Edington is a unique experience with its own micro-brewery, farm shop, public house with accommodation and restaurant.
Annual Events & Entertainment
Westbury’s Christmas celebrations begin at the end of November with the Christmas Tree Festival in All Saints and its annual light switch on at the beginning of December.
The Westbury Festival is now in its 10th year and takes place in September/October with a variety of events. The Festival highlights the wealth of local talent and also the history, cultural facilities and the beautiful surrounding Wiltshire countryside.
Don’t miss the Annual Donkey Derby in May at the White Horse Country Club and the bi-annual Summer Street Fayre next due in July 2018.
For one week in August every year since 1956, Edington Music Festival (21 – 28 August 2017), takes place in a magnificent 14th century priory church. 90 of the UK’s top choral singers and organists come together to sing some of the most beautiful music ever written.
Where to Eat and Shop
There is a lively mix of independent shops in Maristow Street, Edward Street and Westbury High Street as well as a number of pubs, coffee shops & restaurants. There are also several supermarkets and convenience stores. For Westbury Food and Drink, there are gastro or traditional pubs plus a range of restaurants to suit all tastes which are extremely popular with visitors.
Nearby, Edington Farm Shop sells locally sourced meat, cheese, bread and home-grown fresh fruit and vegetables. There is a wide selection of wines, beers and ales. Integrated within the shop is a micro-brewery, with a viewing gallery to watch the brewing process!
Where to Stay
Redwood Lodge is a lovely family-run guest house in the heart of Westbury. It has 9 en-suite bedrooms including two family rooms. Prices are from £65 - £95 per room per night (including breakfast).
Cuckoos Rest Campsite and Fishing Lake is a quiet and family run business offering gravel pitches for caravans with electric hooks, tent pitches and shower and toilet facilities. The 6.5 acres of land with some of the best coarse fishing lakes in the West Country. New for 2017 will be lodges on the lakes, a swimming pool, café and children’s soft play area. Plus it’s child and dog friendly!
The Three Daggers in nearby Edington is an award-winning, 5 star, mid-18th century bed and breakfast. Three fabulous luxury bedrooms from £75 - £120 per room per night (including breakfast).
Connectivity
Westbury is exceptionally well positioned for all UK major road and railway connections. The mainline railway station of Westbury has trains running from London Paddington to Penzance and Portsmouth to Cardiff. There are direct trains from Bath and Salisbury.
Westbury is only 18 miles from the M4. The nearby A303, A350 and A36 roads make it easily accessible from all directions. In the town centre there is ample car parking with two large car parks.
What’s Nearby?
For visitors staying in Westbury there is a range of things to see and do only a short drive away. So if you fancy a fun packed day out, how about a visit to Longleat or a more leisurely stroll around the nearby town of Bradford on Avon? Alternatively, you can take a walk at nearby Shearwater, Heaven’s Gate or Cley Hill.
For further information please see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/westbury
For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860
Note to editors: VisitWiltshire is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend. Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 29,000 jobs.
For more information on Westbury please visit www.westburytowncouncil.gov.uk
Images for Westbury can be downloaded from our Flickr gallery via this link https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/64b2i1 Photos may be used in print and/or online for the promotion of tourism to Wiltshire and any photos used must be credited to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk, unless otherwise stated in the title of the photo. Full terms and conditions can be found here.