Attractions and Places To See around Berwick St. Leonard - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Berwick St. Leonard offer a tranquil escape within Wiltshire's idyllic countryside. This small village provides access to historical landmarks and natural beauty. The region is characterized by its parkland setting, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore a mix of historical sites, natural viewpoints, and serene lakes.
Best attractions and places to see around Berwick St. Leonard
- The most popular attractions is Old Wardour Castle, a historical site and castle that was built at the end of the 14th century and suffered during the English Civil War. Its distinctive design and atmospheric ruins are said to have inspired the castle in the film "Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves."
- Another must-see spot is Shearwater Lake, a scenic lake with a traffic-free trail. Visitors can enjoy hiking or cycling around the lake, with a cafe available on the far side.
- Visitors also love Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point, a viewpoint with a trig point at 257 m. It offers views of Alfred's Tower at Stourhead and vast areas of Wiltshire and the West Country.
- Berwick St. Leonard is known for its historical sites, natural viewpoints, and tranquil lakes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore.
- The attractions around Berwick St. Leonard are appreciated by the komoot community, with 37 upvotes and 25 photos shared.
Last updated: August 16, 2026
Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point
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Church of St Peter and St Paul, Heytesbury
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In the 13th century the holder of the deanery became, and remained, the Dean of Salisbury. The college at Heytesbury and its property belonged to him. Most parishes came under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of the Diocese, but Heytesbury belonged to the Dean and was therefore known as a peculiar. The Cathedrals Act of 1840 dissolved the college and abolished the prebends.
The church itself is described by Pevsner as 'a large and impressive church, but an over-restored one'. The external view is dominated by its low, massive and square Norman tower in the centre. Most of the building dates from the late 12th, the 13th and the 15th centuries.
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Old Wardour Castle
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The castle may seem familiar as it inspired the castle in the film, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves.
Set amongst lovely parkland and overlooking a lake, it is a great place to visit. Managed by English Heritage, you can visit from 10am - 4pm over the weekend. Entrance costs £5.70 for adults. More information: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/old-wardour-castle/prices-and-opening-times.
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Philipps House in Dinton Park
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Once used by the YWCA as an artists retreat, you can now visit the park, which is under the management of the National Trust.
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Shearwater Lake
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Tips from the Community
Good climb, was across fields but fine today as they’ve been harvested. Might have been tricky earlier in the year
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beautiful location by the old castle in the winter
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Definitely worth a visit beautiful ancient castle and amazing history
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The house you can see in the park is Philipps House. The house nestles in the steep wooded banks behind it and looks out over the expansive parkland. It’s separated from the park by a special deer fence called a ha-ha which allows uninterrupted views across the park and stops deer and cattle from into the garden. The house was designed by Jeffry Wyatville in a Georgian style with Greek-inspired columns supporting the large portico front. It was named Dinton House after the park for the Wyndham family. It was later renamed to Philipps House when it was sold to Bertram Philipps. In 2023 a 25-year lease of the house was conditionally sold for £2m. https://www.struttandparker.com/properties/st-marys-road-6
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Amazing views of the hills. If your lucky you can see the gliders circling above from the Wing Farm Airfield
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an absolutely beautiful halfway point to sit and have a snack or two. the views are breathtaking.
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Cold Kitchen Hill has a trig point at 257 m. Alfred's Tower at Stourhead is visible, as well as vast swathes of Wiltshire and the West Country.
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he parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul was founded in the late 11th century. It was given to Salisbury Cathedral c.1115 by Henry I to form part of a living. The value of this church was soon increased by other gifts of property, and within a few years there were canons at Heytesbury. By c.1160 it was established as a collegiate church with a dean and four prebendaries, two each of priests and deacons. A collegiate church was effectively a 'mother church' with resident priests whose task it was to go out into the wider community as missionaries, with the aim of encouraging new 'daughter churches'. In the 13th century the holder of the deanery became, and remained, the Dean of Salisbury. The college at Heytesbury and its property belonged to him. Most parishes came under the jurisdiction of the Bishop of the Diocese, but Heytesbury belonged to the Dean and was therefore known as a peculiar. The Cathedrals Act of 1840 dissolved the college and abolished the prebends. The church itself is described by Pevsner as 'a large and impressive church, but an over-restored one'. The external view is dominated by its low, massive and square Norman tower in the centre. Most of the building dates from the late 12th, the 13th and the 15th centuries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit near Berwick St. Leonard?
You can explore several historical sites. The most prominent is Old Wardour Castle, a 14th-century ruin with a turbulent history, famously inspiring the castle in 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves'. Another significant site is St. Leonard's Church in Berwick St. Leonard itself, a 12th-century Grade-II listed church with Norman features. Additionally, the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Heytesbury is a beautiful Grade I-listed building with origins in the late 11th century.
Are there any natural attractions or scenic viewpoints in the area?
Yes, the region offers beautiful natural spots. Shearwater Lake is a stunning lake with a traffic-free trail perfect for hiking or cycling, and it even has a cafe. For panoramic views, visit Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point, which stands at 257 meters and offers extensive views of Wiltshire, the West Country, and Alfred's Tower at Stourhead.
What outdoor activities are available around Berwick St. Leonard?
The idyllic Wiltshire countryside around Berwick St. Leonard is ideal for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and gravel biking. For specific routes and trails, check out the guides for hiking, gravel biking, and MTB trails in the area.
Are there family-friendly attractions near Berwick St. Leonard?
Absolutely. Both Old Wardour Castle and Shearwater Lake are considered family-friendly. Old Wardour Castle offers an engaging historical experience in a scenic setting, while Shearwater Lake provides easy trails for walks and cycling, with a cafe for refreshments. The Church of St Peter and St Paul, Heytesbury is also a family-friendly historical site.
Can I go hiking around Berwick St. Leonard?
Yes, hiking is a popular activity. You can find a variety of trails, from easy walks around Shearwater Lake to more challenging routes. For detailed hiking options, including routes like the 'Fonthill Lake loop from Hinden', refer to the Hiking around Berwick St. Leonard guide.
What is the best time of year to visit Berwick St. Leonard?
The Wiltshire countryside is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling around Shearwater Lake and exploring historical sites. Autumn brings vibrant foliage, while winter can offer tranquil, crisp walks, though some trails might be exposed, like those near Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point.
Is there a castle that inspired 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves' nearby?
Yes, Old Wardour Castle, located approximately 4.3 miles from Berwick St. Leonard, is said to have inspired the castle in the film 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves'. Its distinctive design and atmospheric ruins make it a fascinating visit.
What are the entry costs and opening times for Old Wardour Castle?
Old Wardour Castle is managed by English Heritage. Entrance costs £5.70 for adults. It is typically open from 10 am to 4 pm over the weekend. For the most current information on prices and opening times, it's best to check the official English Heritage website.
Can I see New Wardour Castle?
New Wardour Castle is a Grade I-listed country house built in the Palladian style. While impressive, it is privately owned and not open to visitors. However, the Wessex Ridgeway trail passes right beside it, allowing you to admire its fine architecture and glorious parkland from a distance.
Are there any cafes or places to get refreshments near the attractions?
Yes, there is a cafe located on the far side of Shearwater Lake, where you can enjoy hot or cold drinks by the water. This is a convenient spot for refreshments while exploring the lake's trails.
What kind of views can I expect from Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point?
From Cold Kitchen Hill Trig Point, you can expect spectacular panoramic views. At 257 meters, it offers vistas of Alfred's Tower at Stourhead and vast areas of the surrounding Wiltshire and West Country landscape. Visitors often describe the views as very rewarding after the climb.
What is special about St. Leonard's Church in Berwick St. Leonard?
St. Leonard's Church is a significant 12th-century Grade-II listed church within the village. It retains much of its original Norman character, including a carved Norman tympanum over the south door and an Agnus Dei carving inside. The church also houses poignant 17th-century monuments and features a uniquely positioned 14th-century tower over the south porch. It is typically open during daylight hours and cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust. You can find more details at visitwiltshire.co.uk.
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Most popular attractions around Berwick St. Leonard
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