Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY? </h2>



<p>Looking for leafy village life, but with a buzz? Welcome to Holt – a thriving Wiltshire hotspot where countryside charm meets cool café culture. Just five mins from Bradford-on-Avon and 25 mins from Bath, this village has it all: two proper pubs, a destination café, Ofsted Outstanding preschool, and stylish lakeside co-working at <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/work/review-glove-factory-studios-holt-coworking-office-space-near-me-wiltshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glove Factory Studios</a>. Add in two National Trust gems and nearby Bradford-on-Avon, and you’ll see why homes here are snapped up in seconds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Wild-Herb-at-Glove-Factory-Studios.jpg" alt="Wild Herb at the Field Kitchen, Glove Factory Studios" class="wp-image-33781" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Wild-Herb-at-Glove-Factory-Studios.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Wild-Herb-at-Glove-Factory-Studios-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/Wild-Herb-at-Glove-Factory-Studios-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wild Herb Café</figcaption></figure>



<p>By day, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wildherbatthefieldkitchen/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wild Herb Café</a> is the beating heart of Holt, thanks to its superb coffee, pretty lakeside position and excellent menu. Food here is truly flavoursome, nourishing stuff, from warming soups in winter to chilli and hearty stews.</p>



<p>For a Sunday roast, afternoon pizza or evening meal, head to the excellent <a href="https://www.tollgateinn.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tollgate Inn</a>. The burgers here are legendary, there&#8217;s a pizza barn out back and on a Thursday night you can even BYO (fizz at the ready). Fish and chips fan? You’ll find an excellent portion (including great gluten free options) at <a href="https://www.theoldhamtree.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Ham Tree</a> round the corner.</p>



<p>A skip up the hill takes you to <a href="https://merkinsfarm.com/our-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Merkins Farm</a>, a hugely popular café with an epic view over Wiltshire’s rolling fields. The breakfasts here are a perennial fave, as are the (enormous) milkshakes. You can’t book though, so get in early.</p>



<p>A five minute zip in the car takes you into Bradford-on-Avon. The pretty town is brimming with options too, including Muddy Award-winning restaurant, <a href="https://www.thebunchofgrapes.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bunch of Grapes</a> and <a href="https://ravelloboa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ravello</a>, an excellent family-run Italian. <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/timbrells-yard-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Timbell’s Yard</a>&nbsp;is a stylish riverside coaching inn in the heart of town, perfect for a party. You&#8217;ll also find great coffee at <a href="https://www.little-rituals.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Rituals</a>, and freshly baked delights at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pipitbakery/?hl=en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pipit</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>Holt Superstore has you covered with a Post Office and daily essentials. For everything from gifts to art and vintage fashion finds, pop five minutes down the road to Bradford-on-Avon. In the centre of town along The Shambles,&nbsp;<a href="https://previoushomewares.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Previous</a>&nbsp;stocks a beautiful mix of stylishly curated gifts, while&nbsp;<a href="https://dibleandroy.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dible &amp; Roy</a>&nbsp;is hard to beat for fabrics and interiors finds.&nbsp;<a href="https://christinesboa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christine’s Sustainable Supermarket</a>&nbsp;keeps the town in everything from zero-waste groceries to fresh Bertinet pastries. After the stinky stuff? Head up the hill to Christophe&#8217;s fabulous&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cheese-shop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cheese Shop</a>, where you’ll find a tempting array.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Holt-Wiltshire-1000x667.jpg" alt="Holt Wiltshire" class="wp-image-37582" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Holt-Wiltshire-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Holt-Wiltshire-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Holt-Wiltshire-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Holt-Wiltshire.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You’ll find tons to keep you fit here in Holt, from Pilates and HIIT sessions at <a href="https://www.glovefactorystudios.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glove Factory Studios</a> to yoga at the village hall. Keen tennis player in your midst? Holt has two courts and a thriving club scene, as well as a pickle ball court. Hot off the press: a new gym is soon set to open at Glove Factory Studios, so watch this space. </p>



<p>Brave souls flock from far and wide to join the <a href="https://glovedippers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glove Dippers</a>, who swim in the village’s wild swimming lake. This hugely popular spot draws a regular crowd, who are often spotted warming up by the fire at Wild Herb Café, coffee and croissant in hand (their breakfast brioche is the ultimate treat). If you prefer to get a sweat on, pop to the delightful Black Swan Sauna, which has lakeside views and cold plunge tubs.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/11/Vitality-Day-Spa-team-Insta-Lander.jpg" alt="Vitality Spa in Bradford-on-Avon" class="wp-image-29359" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/11/Vitality-Day-Spa-team-Insta-Lander.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/11/Vitality-Day-Spa-team-Insta-Lander-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/11/Vitality-Day-Spa-team-Insta-Lander-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/11/Vitality-Day-Spa-team-Insta-Lander-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>For practical bits and bobs, like GP surgeries, dental care and pharmacies, you’ll find all you need within a four-mile radius. Nearby towns Bradford-on-Avon, Melksham and Corsham all have you covered. If you’re partial to a facial or massage, <a href="https://vitalitydayspa.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vitality Day Spa</a> in Bradford-on-Avon is hard to beat. More of a wellness sanctuary than a hotel-type spa, this is a positive haven, with extremely skilled therapists. Just up the road, <a href="https://luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk/locations/woolley-grange/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woolley Grange Hotel</a> has two lovely pools and a spa. It’s currently having an exciting refurb, so watch this space.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Community is strong here, and Holt likes a party. The June safari supper sees everyone out in force, all in the name of charity. During summer months, crowds gather at The Tollgate for Friday night live music sessions, while the weekly pub quiz is hotly contested. The August scarecrow trail sees visitors flocking to the village from far and wide, then onto Glove Factory Studios for a fizz fuelled BBQ. Seasonal supper clubs at the Wild Herb Café are always a sell-out, thanks to the divine food and chilled lakeside vibes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/03/The-Courts-Garden-Holt-Sophie-Baton.jpg" alt="The Courts Garden Holt" class="wp-image-36083" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/03/The-Courts-Garden-Holt-Sophie-Baton.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/03/The-Courts-Garden-Holt-Sophie-Baton-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/03/The-Courts-Garden-Holt-Sophie-Baton-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/the-courts-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Courts Garden</a> is a must-visit. As National Trust properties go, this is a bit of a hidden gem. Think glassy ponds, a shady arboretum and great forest school play area for the kids. Room for more? Just up the road you’ll find Great <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wiltshire/great-chalfield-manor-and-garden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chalfield Manor</a>, a stunning 15<sup>th</sup> Century estate. If you think it’s familiar, you’re not wrong. Several big hitters have been filmed here, including <em>Poldark</em>, <em>Persuasion, Wolf Hall</em> and <em>The Other Boleyn Girl</em>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>



<p>A two-mile hop takes you to Bradford-on-Avon, where you’ll find lovely indies, restaurants, the Kennet and Avon canal, and a thriving outdoorsy scene. Barton Farm, the pretty riverside area, is hugely popular with rowers, paddle boarders, hardy swimmers and walkers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>Keep close tabs on Glove Factory Studios, a gorgeous industrial heritage building which has been converted into offices and coworking. It hosts everything from food festivals to inspiring talks on diverse subjects from sculpture to branding. You&#8217;ll currently find sculptures by Emily Young (she&#8217;s known as Britain&#8217;s greatest living stone sculptor) dotted around the grounds. </p>



<p>A five-minute drive takes you to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wiltshiremusic.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Wiltshire Music Centre</a>, a 300-seat concert hall in Bradford-on-Avon. It plays host to world-renowned classical, folk and jazz artists as well as being the venue for both of Wiltshire’s youth orchestras (classical and jazz). It’s also a great community hub for activities like children’s music groups, Pilates sessions and educational events like “My Science Fair.”</p>



<p>Just the other side of town, Iford Manor’s annual jazz festival is a guaranteed sell-out. During the summer months you’ll also find open-air theatre and concerts at locations including The Hall, a stunning Jacobean estate just two miles from Holt.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>The majority of properties sold in Holt during the last year were detached properties, selling for an average price of £544,500. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £323,000, with terraced properties fetching £376,750.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Best-Places-to-Live-Holt.jpg" alt="Best Places to Live Holt" class="wp-image-38379" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Best-Places-to-Live-Holt.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Best-Places-to-Live-Holt-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Best-Places-to-Live-Holt-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/10/Best-Places-to-Live-Holt-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This barn conversion in nearby Woolley Green has vaulted ceilings, underfloor heating and oodles of space. On the market with <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/166884041#/?channel=RES_BUY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cobb Farr</a> for £1.45m.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.holtpreschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt Preschool</a> operates from a shiny new building, which oozes eco credentials. Children enjoy weekly forest school trips to The Courts Gardens and care is rated Ofsted Outstanding.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.holtprimaryschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holt VC Primary</a> is hugely popular and has an Ofsted rating of Good. From there the majority of children move on to <a href="https://www.st-laurence.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Laurence</a> in Bradford -on-Avon, which is also rated Good. Independent schools within easy reach include <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/stonar-school-near-bath-atworth-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonar</a>, <a href="https://www.heywoodprep.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heywood Prep</a> (which runs a mini bus from the village), <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/national-school-reviews/dauntseys-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dauntsey’s</a>, <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/kingswood-school-bath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingswood</a>, <a href="https://dorsetsomerset.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/national-school-reviews/prior-park-college-bath/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prior Park</a> and King Edwards in Bath.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Do you remember TV character, Basil Brush? Derek Fowlds, who presented the show, was a Holt local. When he sadly passed away in 2020, Basil Brush read the eulogy at his funeral.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Mainline stations Chippenham and Bath stations are 11 and 10 miles away respectively. London Paddington is just over 1 hr from Chippenham. The closest station is Bradford-on-Avon, which takes you directly to Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Weymouth.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 260 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Holt

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