WHY?

Tisbury is a hot ticket in this neck of Wiltshire, thanks to its thriving high street, lively festivals and world class art scene. It’s immersed in bucolic countryside (this is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), yet the mainline station will whizz you direct to London in under two hours. When it comes to property, you’ll find a seductive mix of ancient stone and Victorian redbrick houses (some very attractive newer builds too). The area is steeped in history – you’ll find magical Old Wardour Castle nestled in nearby woodland, while the churchyard at St John’s boasts a yew tree said to be a whopping 4,000-years-old. Yet despite these ancient links, there’s a cool edge to this part of the county. It’s very arty, eco and a bit off-grid.

EAT

Set in picture-perfect parkland on the nearby Fonthill Estate, you’ll find The Beckford Arms, a popular haunt. Other local faves include The Grosvenor Arms and The Lamb at nearby Hindon, plus Pythouse Kitchen Garden. This south facing paradise has a restaurant, cut flower PYO and seasonal supper clubs. 

In Tisbury itself, pop to Coffee Angels for Dusty Ape coffee, lunches and lashings of locally-sourced sweet treats. If it’s carrot cake you’re after, it has to be the charming Beatons Tearooms, where you’ll also find an excellent high tea. Over the road, Provenance sells an enticing array of charcuterie, cheese, salads and at-home meals. 

SHOP

The fab Tisbury Deli stocks locally-grown ingredients that will do your Ottolenghi recipe book proud. Think Andalucian olive oil, excellent cheeses and even a dedicated olive bar. Quiches, pork pies and scotch eggs are also all made on site. Once your foodie finds are ticked off, pop across the road for something to wash them down. Gardner & Beedle earns rave reviews for its impressive wine collection, and justly so. Alternatively, sidle down the hill to Flint & Fallow boutique, where you’ll find a meticulously curated collection of soft knits and glam jewellery. For all things floral, head to Flowers & Twine – alongside blooming bouquets, there’s a tempting array of locally-made ceramics and True Grace candles.

HEALTH & WELLBEING

It’s testament to the strong local community that Tisbury’s outdoor pool is still thriving, 60 years after it was built. It’s run entirely by volunteers, and has a packed timetable including lessons, family sessions and even the occasionala night swim. For Pilates and physio, head to Studio Zest in the centre of the village, where you’ll find a pristine reformer studio and treatment rooms. Or, for a more traditional gym set-up, the Nadder Centre has a fitness suite, as well as tennis and netball courts. The village has a well-respected GP too, and Tisbury Dental Clinic draws patients from miles around.

COMMUNITY

When kids aren’t burning off steam in the stunning countryside, you’ll find plenty to keep them entertained. The Nadder Centre runs activities including dodge ball, football and fun circuits, while Tisbury’s annual carnival has an impressive turnout every September. In fact, there’s tons to keep everyone busy, from markets to jazz afternoons and cinema nights. After some garden inspo? It’s also well worth popping to nearby Fonthill House and Hatch House when they open their gates to support charitable causes.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

The countryside here is positively bucolic, with stunning walks through nearby Fonthill Estate and beyond. By car, head to nearby Old Wardour Castle, where kids can go wild exploring the towers, turrets and ancient grotto. A short drive also takes you to Stourhead, a fabulous National Trust estate with beautiful lakeside walks.

CULTURE

There’s a festival vibe to this part of Wiltshire. Check out the feelgood VERVE Festival and the glorious End of The Road Festival which sells out every year at Larmer Tree Gardens, 20 mins from Tisbury. The annual Chalke Valley History Festival is also incredibly family-friendly, with tons interactive events and talks from the likes of Michael Palin and Sebastian Faulks. Even Al Murray made an appearance this year, and rapidly sold out. Dance more your bag? Every July, the crème de la crème of the ballet world star in a series of performances at nearby Hatch House.

One of Wiltshire’s biggest cultural attractions is also right here on your doorstep. Messums is a large contemporary art and event space in a thirteenth century tithe barn and dairy shed. The winning combo of cultural happenings and gallery restaurant lures creatives from all over the world. 

AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES

Properties in Tisbury have an overall average price of £425,630. Detached houses sell for an average price of £532,500, while semi-detached sell for an average of £471,000, and terraced homes for £314,100.

HOT PROPERTY

NURSERIES

Tisbury Pre-School is Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ and offers two free trial days for your child. If you like an outdoorsy education, you’ll find Brambles in nearby Hindon, which has won multiple awards for its nature-based approach. 

SCHOOLS

Both Wardour Catholic Primary and St John’s Primary have are rated Ofsted ‘good’. Salisbury (20 mins away) has two excellent grammars, Bishop Wordsworth’s and South Wilts, while Gillingham School is a sought-after state senior. You’re excellently placed here for the independent sector too – Port Regis and Sandroyd are both within reach and there is a clutch of excellent secondaries in the area, including Godolphin, Warminster, King’s Bruton, Clayesmore and Sherborne boys and girls.

BEST KEPT SECRET

Rudyard Kipling’s parents are buried in the churchyard at St John’s, the parish church. Old Wardour Castle was used as a location for Robin Hood Prince of Thieves. Lord Locksley, played by Brian Blessed, met his untimely death at the castle after an attack by the Sheriff of Nottingham’s henchmen.

COMMUTE

Train it direct to London Waterloo in 1hr 50min, Salisbury in 15 mins or Exeter in 1hr 36mins. You’re also just 5 mins from the A303, which takes you to London in just over 2hrs.  

View the full Top 300 Best Places to Live