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The village of Box is uniquely situated at a Gateway to the Cotswolds National Landscape, on the historic Great Western Railway line and Great West Way, stretching along the beautiful By Brook valley only 5 miles east of the World Heritage City of Bath. Located in the rural county of Wiltshire, Box offers a place to stay, visit, enjoy, and relax in stunning surroundings, allowing opportunity to step back in time through its cultural heritage.
The area has been settled since Neolithic times. Box Roman villa is a Scheduled Monument, and a Roman Road forms the southern boundary of the Parish. The Parish contains many buildings of national importance. Grade I and II*, of outstanding importance, such as Box and Middle Hill Tunnel Portals, Drewetts Mill, Hazelbury Manor, Rudloe Manor, and the Churches of St Thomas a Becket in Box and St Christopher’s Church in Ditteridge. Grade II, buildings include such properties as Box School and the Poynder Fountain. The Parish has four Conservation Areas, areas of special architectural and historic importance, at Box, Ditteridge, Middle Hill, and Ashley.
Historic Box Mill was bought by Peter Gabriel in the 1980s and converted into his international renowned Real World recording studios. Notable artists who have recorded at the studios include Robert Plant, Deep Purple, Harry Styles, Coldplay, and Tom Jones, and it is the headquarters of WOMAD.
Box is probably best known for its Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s railway tunnel and quarried stone. Views of Box Tunnel combine with his Road Bridge and magnificent Middle Hill Tunnel to celebrate a wonder of the Victorian age and one of the finest views of a historic railway line in the country.
Box also lays claims to being the birthplace of Thomas the Tank Engine as the popular children’s entertainment character was conceived by Rev. W.V Awdry when he lived in Box.
Hillside and underground quarries provided stone not only for the honey-coloured historic buildings in the area but fine country houses such as Longleat and Lacock Abbey, properties in Bath, London and exported around the world. A quarryman’s village grew up on Box Hill, the ‘Hill of Stone ‘, with stone yards, shops, cottages for workers, pubs, and Methodist Chapel. Box was famous for Box Ground Stone, a durable stone. http://www.boxpeopleandplaces.co.uk/ has a wealth of information on the village.
Box Recreation Ground offers a children’s playground, football ground, bowling green and tennis courts. It has thriving men’s and women’s cricket teams who play on the cricket pitch which WC Grace graced. A Rock Circus, a magnificent circle of rocks fossils and minerals, forms the centre piece of the village. Lovar Garden, adjacent, with its pond and bog garden is a haven for wildlife and a habitat for flora and fauna.
Kingsdown Golf Club, founded in 1880, is the second oldest Golf Club in the West of England (behind Westward Ho!) and a popular destination for golfers of all abilities.
The Parish has over 100 Public Rights of Way making it a hugely popular destination for people looking to explore the glorious English countryside. Long distance footpaths The MacMillan Way and Cross Cotswolds Path cross the Parish. The Box Heritage Trail a circular walk of 4.5 miles offers magnificent views of the By Brook Valley and details of quarrying, milling and Brunel’s Great Western Railway. Footpaths and bridleways pass through Commons, woods, and meadows, areas of significant habitat value for our native species of wildlife, which in some areas have been improved with tree and hedge planting. Box Common at the top of Box Hill is an example of one of the splendid viewpoints around the Parish.
A range of walking maps give details of the paths, suggested routes, and points of historical interest including https://corshamwalkingfestival.org.uk/heritage-trails/
A variety of pubs, restaurants, cafes, and shops can be found in the area, with plenty of places to stay locally from cosy B&Bs to 5 Star hotels. The village has even got its own airfield!
Box Revels which takes place every end of May Bank holiday commenced life as a medieval celebration of the patronal day of St Thomas à Becket. Box Revels has had a lot of in-carnations since then and each year brings different themes and ideas, but the two purposes remain the same; to bring together the whole demographic of the village in fun and entertainment, and to raise funds for community groups and projects.
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Number of results: 184
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Bristol
Take a day outside of Bristol and spend a day with the Big Zoo Animals at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm home to Rhinos, Lions and Giraffes and now Elephants.
Stapleton, Bristol
Glenside Hospital Museum is located within the grounds of the old hospital, it aims to inform, educate and de-stigmatise mental illness and learning difficulties.
Housed in the original hospital chapel, a Grade II listed building, Glenside Hospital…
Swindon
Roves Farm is a family run, working farm open all year round. We welcome visitors of all ages to come and enjoy hands-on farm activities with our friendly animals, as well as experience the sights and sounds of a working farm.
This summer join the…
Bath
Through conservation, education and museums, Bath Preservation Trust ensures the future success of our beautiful heritage city.
Bristol
The Wave is an inland-surfing destination where everyone can surf and bodyboard on consistent safe waves every day of the year. It brings surfing, nature and a fresh way of thinking to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities - from a child…
Oxford
Walking and cycling tours fit for all the family.
Whitchurch
The oldest working silk mill in the UK still in its original building. A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Georgian water mill that weaves silk using 19th century machinery.
Newbury
Jubilee is a traditional narrowboat purpose built for carrying passengers. It has seating for up to 29 passengers and the sides can be opened up to the fresh air in fine weather, but with protection for colder days. Jubilee is crewed by volunteers…
Windsor
Explore Windsor on this captivating road and river adventure. Beginning in the heart of Windsor, viewing the must see sights before splashing down into the River Thames. All the while entertained by our knowledgeable and humorous live guides. If…
Newbury
Internationally recognised theatre set in Bagnor, Newbury which hosts up to 220 people.
Bath
In the heart of the city, Thermae Bath Spa is an award-winning Natural Spa where you can now bathe in Britain’s only naturally warm, mineral-rich waters as the Celts and Romans did over 2,000 years ago.
PEWSEY
Ever wanted to learn about crop circles? Or wanted to meet crop circle enthusiasts to share thoughts with? Or find out about the latest news? If so, come to the Crop Circle Exhibition & Information Centre at the brand new Honeystreet Mill Café at…
Crofton, Marlborough
Crofton Pumping Station was built in 1807-9 to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon canal which links London and Bristol.
Great gardens, great cake. Enjoy a quintessentially British day out at one of 3,700 exceptional, private gardens. Relax with friends and family and find inspiration in nature. All garden admission proceeds go to the National Garden Scheme.
Find your…
Oxford
Salter's Steamers are a family firm that has provided first-class hospitality on the Royal River Thames for over 150 year (est 1858). As one of the longest established firms on the Thames we own one of the largest and most exclusive fleets operating…
Oxford
Locally based independently owned and run cycle hire and holiday provider – showcasing the best of the Cotswolds by bike.
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