North Wessex Downs AONB Map
Hotels within the North Wessex Downs AONB From Hotel Finder UK
The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a captivating region in southern England, spanning across parts of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, and Wiltshire. Covering approximately 668 square miles, it was designated as an AONB in 1972. The area is characterized by its diverse landscapes, which include open chalk downlands, rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque river valleys.
Visitors to the North Wessex Downs AONB can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as walking, cycling, horse riding, and wildlife watching. The area offers an extensive network of footpaths, bridleways, and quiet country lanes, perfect for exploring the region's breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Some suggested popular destinations and attractions near the North Wessex Downs AONB from Hotel finder UK include:
1. Avebury: This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the largest stone circle in Britain, dating back to the Neolithic period. Avebury is an important prehistoric site and offers a fascinating insight into the area's ancient past. 2. White Horse Hill: Home to the famous Uffington White Horse, an ancient chalk figure carved into the hillside, White Horse Hill offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for walking and picnicking. 3. The Ridgeway National Trail: This 87-mile long-distance footpath stretches across the North Wessex Downs, offering walkers a chance to explore the region's diverse landscapes, historic sites, and picturesque villages. 4. Highclere Castle: The filming location for the popular television series Downton Abbey, Highclere Castle is a stunning Victorian country house set within beautiful gardens and parkland. The castle is open to the public for tours and special events throughout the year. 5. Watership Down: Made famous by Richard Adams' novel, Watership Down is a beautiful area of rolling chalk downland that provides excellent walking opportunities and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. 6. Silbury Hill: The largest man-made prehistoric mound in Europe, Silbury Hill is an enigmatic monument dating back to the Neolithic period. Visitors can walk around the base of the hill and learn about its history at the nearby visitor centre.