For someone who’s never been to Wiltshire before: what’s the very first place you’d take them – and why that spot, specifically?
I would take them to The Beckford Arms, Fonthill Gifford. It was the starting place for our life in Wiltshire and for Bramley. My husband, Charlie, and I drove down from London because we’d heard that a pub had become available to rent. We turned off the A303 and drove through the most amazing arch, past a beautiful lake (it felt like we’d taken a wrong turn!) and we arrived at the Beckford. We knew as soon as we walked through the door, we knew it was the pub for us. I was tasked with finding bathroom products for the rooms above the pub and, having been disappointed by the single use plastic options on the market, decided to create Bramley. It’s still my favourite pub in the world.
If you only had one day in Wiltshire and could only show someone three places, where would you take them – morning, afternoon and evening?
In the morning, I would take them for a stroll down Tisbury high street. It’s small but mighty with some amazing independent shops and a fabulous coffee shop, Coffee Angels. We would then nip to the Compasses Inn, Chicksgrove, for lunch followed by a walk in Stourhead and then back to the Beckford Arms for supper by the fire.
Complete this sentence: ‘If you only see one thing in Wiltshire, make it…’
Image: Alexander London/ Unsplash
Salisbury Cathedral at night. It really is an impressive sight as you drive into Salisbury, it makes me happy every time I see it.
What’s your favourite place in Wiltshire that most visitors don’t know about – but absolutely should?
Roche Court Sculpture Park in East Winterslow always has really interesting sculptures to look at and gardens to explore. It often has different guest artists too so you never know what you might see when you visit.
Which three shops in Wiltshire do you always find an excuse to visit?
Daisy’s Shop in Tisbury, a treasure trove of second-hand clothes; Fox & King, an independent book shop, also on Tisbury high street and Dairy House Antiques in Semley. About four years ago I decided to not buy any new clothes for a year and it was so freeing – I hardly ever buy anything new and, if I do, I buy from small, independent companies.
Where do you go for a really good lunch and what do you order?
Corsham House – the menu changes daily but whatever I order I make sure I always have the Corsham chips with chicken salt, it never disappoints and the staff are great too.
You’re splashing out on a hotel: where do you go?
The Rectory Hotel in Malmesbury. It’s a beautiful hotel that has a pub, The Potting Shed, attached so you can spend two nights there and eat out at both. The rooms are beautiful and the staff really friendly. There is also a swimming pool, so great for summer stays.
And for a pampering/wellness fix?
The Bramley treatment cabin at Teffont House. You can treat yourself to a two-hour ritual followed by a sauna and cold plunge and then a long lunch afterward. Dreamy.
What about for a great coffee/tea fix?
I like to head to Bird & Carter in Wilton for my coffee fix. It’s slightly out of my way but worth the trip and I quite often can’t resist their chocolate Guinness cake – it’s absolutely delicious.
Who is your favourite local artist or maker – and where can people find their work?
I have organised various charity fundraisers, such as secret postcard sales and art trails for my children’s primary school, so have got to know the local artists incredibly well, which makes it really hard to choose from. A special shout out to Anna Cecil, Hannah Fowler and Tom Hoar, who are all on Instagram. Many artists I admire sell via Cricket Fine Art Gallery in Hungerford so that would definitely be worth a visit.
Favourite local florist?
Sprout & Flower in Mere have a beautiful selection of flowers and you can stock up on local veg and grab a coffee whilst you’re there.
Where do you go when you’re celebrating?
Teffont House hotel in Teffont has the most beautiful restaurant and garden and is my go-to for celebrating. The food is next level and the whole experience is a real joy. It’s also home to the Bramley Treatment Cabin so, if I’m celebrating, I’ll treat myself to ritual there.
And for a proper culture fix?
Messums West, Tisbury. We’re so lucky to have a world-class art gallery on our doorstep and all their exhibitions are so inspiring.
Where do you go when you need a big view?
We go up to the Fovant Badges which is a hop, skip and a jump from our house. You get an amazing 360-degree view and it’s a fabulous place to watch the sunset.
Finish this sentence: ‘If you really want to experience Wiltshire properly, you should ___.’
Do the White Horses trail. There are eight horses on hillsides round Wiltshire and it’s a fun way to see the county.
Guide To Wiltshire
What is Wiltshire best known for?
Wiltshire is perhaps most famous for its prehistoric landmarks, including Stonehenge and Avebury, but there's much more to the county than ancient stones. Think glorious rolling countryside, handsome market towns, magnificent country houses and some of England's loveliest traditional pubs.
What are the prettiest towns and villages in Wiltshire?
Castle Combe and Lacock are among Wiltshire's most picturesque villages, while Tisbury, Bradford-on-Avon and Malmesbury are well worth exploring for their historic buildings, independent shops and charming streets.
Where are the best places to eat in Wiltshire?
Wiltshire has a thriving food scene, particularly when it comes to country pubs. Chloë Luxton recommends The Beckford Arms in Fonthill Gifford, The Compasses Inn in Chicksgrove and Corsham House for lunch. For a special occasion, her choice is Teffont House.
What are the best things to do in Wiltshire?
Walk around the magnificent gardens at Stourhead, visit Salisbury Cathedral, explore the contemporary art at Messums West or Roche Court Sculpture Park, and seek out the county's famous chalk white horses. There are plenty of independent shops, galleries and antique dealers to discover along the way.
Is Wiltshire worth visiting for a weekend?
Absolutely. Its combination of beautiful countryside, excellent pubs, independent shops and cultural attractions makes Wiltshire ideal for a weekend escape. Base yourself in a village such as Tisbury or Fonthill Gifford, or book a stay at The Rectory Hotel near Malmesbury.
