Biddestone Tourist Information
and Travel Guide
Biddestone is a small, rural and rather picturesque village in
north west Wiltshire, England,
with a population of a few hundred. It is situated near Castle
Combe (4 miles), Lacock (5 miles), Corsham, Giddeahall and Chippenham (4.7 miles).
Biddestone has a small Norman church (St.
Nicholas's), two pubs (the Biddestone Arms, and the White
Horse) and a duck pond situated in a green at the centre
of the village. There are also two smaller chapels,
one of which is closed, and the other recently reopened for its 150th anniversary in
2004. There is also a sports ground where football, cricket and tennis are
played. A new village hall was opened on this site in 2003.
The settlement dates from Saxon times, though
most buildings are from the late 18th century. Towards
the edges of the village, the buildings tend to be from the 20th
century.
Local industry is mainly agricultural,
however most working residents commute to neighbouring towns. As public
transport is limited to an infrequent bus service,
most travel by car. A sawmill on
Challows Lane is run by a local resident, producing items for many different functions.
There is plenty of bed and breakfast accommodation
in the village, providing a resource for tourism.
The brook called the Wavering flows through the village.
The classical village centre of Cotswold stone houses surround a large green and
duck pond. Just off the centre is a beautiful 12th Century Norman Church, and all around
the village are local footpaths for those who like a short or a longer walk.
Charming stone-built, tiled 18th century cottages and houses with gated, walled gardens
situated round a large village green and duck pond. This is most peoples idea of the
English country village.
The 17th century Manor House has older out-buildings and a large garden which occasionally
opens under the National Gardens Scheme.
The village inn, next to the duck pond, the village school, old stone barn and village
pump under a tiled roof all add to the charm.
Looking across the village green. The White horse Inn is on the right. The Biddestone
Arms is a little further on.
Wiltshire is renowned for it's eight white Horses, and is dissected by the Kennet
and Avon Canal. The area provides many opportunities for walking and cycling being
on the Macmillan way and Wiltshire Cycle Way.
For those
interested in golf there are six golf courses nearby. |
