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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.
Based at Bradford on Avon Wharf, 400 yards from the town centre and only a few steps from the…
Ever wanted to learn about crop circles? Or wanted to meet crop circle enthusiasts to share…
Roaming the Paths is based in Pewsey, in the heart of Wiltshire. We have a wide variety of…
We are a family run business, established in 1989. You are welcome to visit without obligation, and…
Bath has a variety of markets. The Guildhall indoor market is open Monday to Saturday. Green Park…
Active England Tours showcase the real England and include cycling and walking tours, family…
Number of results: 183
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Bristol
Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour commences in the venue barns with a presentation, followed by a vineyard walking tour, and concluding with a tasting session.
Tours last approximately 90 minutes, depending on group size.
Please…
Bristol
Explore Bristol's Harbourside by ferry, go on a trip with friends or colleagues, or simply get from A to B without worrying about traffic
Swindon
In Butterfly World and the animal paddock meet the otters and meerkats and visit the Craft Village offering a huge range of beautiful and interesting handcrafted gifts. Take refreshments in the 'Butterfly Cafe' overlooking the butterfly garden.
Hungerford
Hungerford Wharf used to be a busy industrial wharf but now is a popular area to relax, read about the history and watch the boats.
Keynsham
Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park is a perfect family day out whatever the weather.
Avon Valley is a place to meet animals of all shapes and sizes, including Shetland Ponies, Pigs, Goats, Donkeys, Rabbits, Snakes, Alpaca, Wallabies, Red &…
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…
Henley-on-Thames
Home to the Stonor family for over 850 years, Stonor Park dominates a magnificent view of the beautiful deer park, woodland and 17th century gardens. Beyond the warm red brick Jacobean façade, a stroll through the house is a walk through history. …
Yattendon , Thatcham
West Berkshire Brewery is an independent brewery nestled in the heart of Berkshire with over 23 years of brewing experience. With our new state of the art brewery and packaging line we proudly produce traditional cask ales and innovative craft beers…
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…
Windsor
The Changing of the Guard is one of the highlights of a visit to Windsor. A band usually accompanies the guard march, although this is subject to weather conditions.
Tetbury
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum managed by Forestry England, is a remarkable place for people to enjoy and learn about trees.
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…
Newbury
Shaw House is one of the best preserved Elizabethan mansions in England. Over the centuries Shaw House has welcomed royalty, seen action during the Civil War, housed soldiers during World War II and schooled generations of local children. The House…
Henley On Thames
Barn Galleries is a family business founded in 1991 with our first exhibition, ARTSPACE.
Oxford
Locally based independently owned and run cycle hire and holiday provider – showcasing the best of the Cotswolds by bike.
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