Press Release 18 April 2017
Ludgershall, Tidworth and Salisbury Plain
History
Found in the Domesday Book of 1086 is a listing for Ludgershall on the eastern edge of Salisbury Plain. Dating from 1103, Ludgershall Castle was originally a royal hunting lodge; today its ruins are in the care of English Heritage. From the castle grounds there are splendid views and local walks to nearby Collingbourne Woods.
The small town of Tidworth lies close to the Wiltshire/Hampshire border. If you are travelling through, keep an eye out for clues to its long and interesting history. The Iron Age earthworks on Sidbury Hill, the Norman church of Holy Trinity, the thatched cottages, Station Road, St Mary’s Church and Tedworth House cover the centuries of this village’s existence.
Sitting on the edge of the town, is Tidworth Mortuary Chapel. The old St Mary’s Church within the town was demolished in 1784 by permission of the Bishop of Winchester and this material was used to build the Mortuary Chapel. The chapel later fell into a state of disrepair until the Town Council took ownership of it in 2006 and refurbished it in 2008. Visitors can access the churchyard at any time, however visits inside must be organised in advance with Tidworth Town Council.
Salisbury Plain is famous for its rich archaeology which includes the World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. The Plain is sparsely populated, largely as a result of the establishment of military training, and it is the largest area of calcareous grassland, an ecosystem associated with thin basic soil as on chalk, in north-west Europe. It is a haven for wildlife with species that live exclusively in this environment.
Things to see and do
Explore the ruins of 12th century Ludgershall Castle on the outskirts of Ludgershall and visit the Medieval Cross in the centre of the village. Free and open to visitors anytime.
In Tidworth visit St Mary’s Church which has an extravagantly rich interior that was designed by the architect of London’s Alexandra Palace. St Mary’s is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust alongside 20 other historic churches around Wiltshire.
Salisbury Plain supports many species of wildlife including the rare Marsh Fritillary butterfly and the Stone Curlew. The area has also seen the reintroduction of the Great Bustard.
Salisbury Plain Safaris run tours for up to six people around various themes including nature, the military or off-roading.
The “lost” village of Imber which was evacuated in World War II and has stayed in the Ministry of Defence’s hands ever since, is still a significant place on the Plain. Its church, St Giles, opens to visitors at certain times of the year such as Easter and Christmas. There’s a walk between West Lavington and the Imber Range Perimeter Path which runs for about 6 miles and takes 2 hours.
Connecting Wiltshire has details of a cycle route from Salisbury to Stonehenge.
Annual Events & Entertainment
Tidworth hosts 10k and 3k runs to raise funds for local charity the Stars Appeal.
Where to eat
The Solstice Bar & Grill at the Holiday Inn Salisbury-Stonehenge is an AA rosette award-winning restaurant pairing classic comfort food with innovative specialties.
The Stonehenge Inn offers a carvery seven days a week and The Red Lion Freehouse not far away, in East Chisenbury, is run by two well-travelled and practiced chefs and holds a Michelin star.
Where to stay
Manor Farm B&B is a Grade II Listed period farmhouse in Collingbourne Kingston with three comfortable and spacious rooms. You can even fly to Manor Farm as they have their own small private airstrip!
Brunton Farmhouse is a late Georgian house with many original features with two traditionally furnished rooms.
Connectivity
Tidworth is within easy driving distance of Salisbury (15 miles) and Marlborough (14 miles) and is just north of the A303. Ludgershall is five minutes’ drive to the east of Tidworth. Salisbury Plain is crossed north to south by the A360.
What’s nearby?
If you like golf, check out Tidworth Garrison Golf Club which was designed by legendary golf course architect HS Colt or Upavon Golf Course which has stunning views across Salisbury Plain. Skydive Netheravon has some of the best instructors in the country and the largest drop zone in Europe. Manningford Trout Fishery is one of Wiltshire’s best known fisheries across three different lakes.
For further information go to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/ludgershall and www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/tidworth
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.
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Images for can be downloaded from our Flickr gallery:
- Ludgershall - https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/1M30L3
- Tidworth - https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/FDy717
- Salisbury Plain - https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/8kNmK7
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