Downton

About

Downton is a large ancient village situated 6 miles south of Salisbury, and just outside the New Forest National Park with thriving pubs, cafes, and shops.

It was a ‘rotten’ borough returning two members of parliament in the 19th century. Evidence of this can be seen in The Borough’s wide greens and the preserved burgage numbers on many of the old properties.

The village has riverside walks, old mills reflecting its industrial past, and parks include The Moot. The Moot is a landscaped garden by the river Avon created in the early 18th century out of the ruins of a substantial 12th century earthwork castle, open every day from dawn to dusk. There is a Heritage Trail around the village and its main features.

Every May the Cuckoo Fair attracts around 20,000 visitors to over 250 craft and other stalls, plus live music, dance, and other entertainments. 
The village is also well known for its fishing, its two award winning local breweries, award winning distillery and as a centre for exploring the River Avon, New Forest and Cranborne Chase.