How to Make the Most of a Visit to Downton Cuckoo Fair: A Local's Guide

Downton’s Cuckoo Fair is back on this Saturday 2 May between 10am and 4.30pm. With it being Wiltshire’s largest and most popular free event, visitors can expect plenty of things to see and enjoy as the village’s wide Borough fills with craft and food stalls, live entertainment, and much more throughout the day.  You can find further information on what to see and all the timings at cuckoofair.co.uk. With the event attracting over 20,000 visitors, it can get very busy throughout the day. We’ve got some insider tips on how you can enjoy the fair.

1.Arrive Early

There’s lots of places serving breakfast goodies with bacon rolls a particular favourite. It’s easier to get around the many stalls and the produce market before they get too busy (and potentially sell-out!). If you don’t have one, pick up one of the free leaflets with a map and more information to help you enjoy your day and then enjoy watching the procession at 10.45 which includes the Sarum Morris Dancers, the Downton Band, the Cuckoo Fair Princess and much more.

2.Know Where to Park

Visitors driving to the fair should use the designated car parks which are sited on the approaches from the north, south and east. They all cost £10, so have the cash payment ready. There are no other charges for coming to the fair. The south car park on the Trafalgar School site is best for those that need wheelchair access.

Or use the X3 bus which travels every 30 minutes throughout the day between Salisbury and Bournemouth (morebus.co.uk/services/WDBC/X3).

3.Bring Cash if you can.

Bring some cash if possible. Although many stallholders will accept card payments, some local groups will need cash. Also, the mobile networks can struggle to cope with the increased demand of an extra 20,000 people in the area and so phones and portable card machines might not connect easily. There are two cash machines in the village. One at the Co-op in The Borough and one at the Asda Express service station on the A338.

On previous Cuckoo Fair days, there have been long queues for cash and the machines have run out before the end of the day. To be sure, have some cash with you.

4.Where to Find Quiet Places

If you want to take some time out away from the hustle and bustle of the fair, you can find some quite places. The area around the Baptist Church in South Lane (behind The Goat) will be quieter and buy some tea and cake. Further east along The Borough you can find a lovely walk by the river; just before the bridge, follow the footpath sign to Charlton All Saints. It will also be peaceful further along the High Street at St Laurence Church or in the historic Moot Gardens which can be found by walking through the High Street and turning right onto Moot Lane.

Whether rain or shine, there’s lots to do and it’s worth a whole day just to soak in the atmosphere.