Liddington: Chalk Downs, The Ridgeway and History

Liddington combines a distinctive hilly landscape with clearly visible traces of the village’s history. Liddington Hill rises above the village to more than 900 feet, or 275 metres. Its group of beech trees makes the hill visible from far away while also pointing to the special landscape of the chalk downs. Anyone looking for holiday accommodation in Liddington can therefore shape their stay around their own interests, choosing between walks, nature observation and historical discoveries.

Landscape and routes around Liddington Hill

The chalk downs along the route over Liddington Hill are a rare and special habitat for flowers, butterflies and birds. Rabbits, hares and deer can also be observed there throughout the year. This combination of open hill country and wildlife observation gives walks a distinct landscape character, without every outing having to be planned in detail.

The long-distance walking route The Ridgeway crosses the parish of Liddington from east to west. It runs along the top edge of the chalk escarpment that forms Liddington Hill. The Ridgeway is one of the 15 designated long-distance trails in England and Wales. The Liddington Hill Circular route is also worth considering when planning a day out: it follows The Ridgeway bridleway and includes a detour to the hill fort of Liddington Castle. This allows you to combine a walk with a historical destination.

Another option is the footpath along Liden Brook. This pleasant woodland walk offers a view of Liddington Manor, creating a different atmosphere from the open heights of Liddington Hill.

Liddington Castle and the history of the village

Liddington Castle is a well-preserved Iron Age hill fort and a Scheduled Monument. The fort contains archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, the economy of its inhabitants and the landscape in which they lived. It is therefore not only a destination along the circular route but also a gateway to the region’s early history.

The church of All Saints stands in the historic village centre. It has a 13th-century aisle, an Early English chancel and a short, three-storey tower dating from the Perpendicular period. All Saints is the oldest building in the parish of Liddington. Despite restoration in the late 19th century, much of the 13th-century building remains visible in the chancel and the north aisle.

The Liddington Conservation Area encompasses the historic village centre around All Saints and The Green. Anyone wishing to learn about the village’s history as well as explore the routes across the hill can plan this area as a separate part of their day. The combination of church, village centre and landscape makes Liddington a destination where nature and culture do not have to be reduced to a single theme.

Getting there and choosing the right type of stay

Bus route 46A is relevant when planning your journey. It runs between Swindon and Hungerford via Wanborough, Liddington, Aldbourne and Ramsbury. On the route to Liddington Hill, buses between Hungerford and Swindon stop at Foxhill Turn; there is no service on Sundays. Take this restriction into particular account when planning your day if you want to combine public transport with a walk.

When looking for accommodation, the experiences you want to have are the main factor in choosing the right type of trip in Liddington: The Ridgeway and Liddington Hill are ideal for active days in the chalk landscape, while Liden Brook, All Saints and the historic village centre offer different discoveries. This allows you to combine your search for a holiday apartment or holiday house with the question of which mix of nature, activity and history should define your stay.

You can also discover further destinations at Broad Blunsdon, Swindon, Highworth and South Marston.

To the main travel overview: Swindon.