Dating from Saxon times, Warminster lies to the south west of Salisbury Plain, beneath the chalk downland with its abundant flora and fauna, and at the head of the enchantingly beautiful Wylye Valley with its attractive villages and impressive landscape. The town boasts many historic attractions as well as nature trails, meadows and grassy marshlands. All of these provide plenty of opportunities for cycling and walking activities, as well as water sports at the nearby Shearwater Lake. Warminster has, for many years, had very close links with the military and is still considered an important military centre.