Attractions and Places To See around Bishops Cannings - Top 20

Bishops Cannings is nestled in the picturesque Vale of Pewsey, offering scenic countryside views. To the north, you can explore the Marlborough Downs, which includes elevated areas like Morgan's Hill and Roundway Hill. The Kennet & Avon Canal also runs through the parish, providing a scenic towpath for walks and opportunities to see minor tributaries like Etchilhampton Water.

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit the impressive Grade I listed St. Mary the Virgin Church, known for its Norman and Early English architecture. A section of the ancient Wansdyke earthwork, dating from between 400 and 700 AD, also crosses the parish. Additionally, nearby prehistoric sites include Silbury Hill, the largest artificial mound in Europe, and West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic chambered tomb.

The Kennet & Avon Canal offers scenic towpath walks through the parish. You can explore points of interest like a famous swing bridge and World War II pillboxes. A notable section is Caen Hill Locks, an impressive set of 29 locks engineered in the 18th century, which provides excellent opportunities for strolls and offers local cafés.

Many attractions around Bishops Cannings are suitable for families. The Avebury Stone Circle is a fascinating Neolithic site where children can explore and touch the ancient stones. Walking along the Kennet & Avon Canal towpath, especially around Caen Hill Locks, is also a popular and engaging activity for all ages. The area's circular walks are generally accessible and offer beautiful scenery.

Bishops Cannings is an excellent base for outdoor activities. For hiking, you can find moderate routes like the 'Bishops Cannings, Kennet & Avon Canal & The Wansdyke loop' or explore 'Morgan's Hill & North Down Roman Road loop'. If you're interested in gravel biking, routes like the 'Caen Hill Locks – Canal Towpath Cycle Route loop' are available. Mountain biking trails also exist, such as the 'Ridgeway & St Alfred's Way loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the hiking, gravel biking, and MTB guides for Bishops Cannings.

Yes, a significant ancient earthwork in the area is the Wansdyke. This linear earthwork, believed to be a defensive structure dating from between 400 and 700 AD, crosses the parish of Bishops Cannings. Its remains north of the village are still impressive and offer a glimpse into ancient history.

St. Mary the Virgin Church is a Grade I listed building and a prominent landmark in Bishops Cannings. It's often described as a 'little Salisbury cathedral' due to its distinctive and unusually large size for a small community. The church features architecture from the Norman period, with Early English design elements, and boasts a 135-foot spire. It also contains an early organ from around 1593 and four of its original eight bells from 1602. You can find more historical details on the Wiltshire Council website.

The area around Bishops Cannings is home to several significant prehistoric burial sites. The most notable is West Kennet Long Barrow, a Neolithic chambered tomb built around 3650 BC, which is one of Britain's best-preserved. You can even go inside some of its chambers. Other prehistoric long barrows, such as Kitchen Barrow, Shepherd's Shore Long Barrow, and Horton Down 1 Long Barrow, are also found within or very close to the area.

For elevated landscapes and views, the Marlborough Downs to the north of the parish are ideal. Areas like Morgan's Hill and Roundway Hill offer fantastic vistas over the surrounding countryside. The towpath along the Kennet & Avon Canal also provides scenic views, particularly around the impressive Caen Hill Locks.

Yes, there are circular walks designed to help visitors experience the local scenery and landmarks. An easy 4.5-mile circular walk starts from St. Mary's Church, guiding you through quiet lanes, along the Kennet & Avon Canal, and across field tracks, offering opportunities to enjoy the village's beauty and the surrounding downland.

Silbury Hill is unique as the largest artificial mound in Europe, comparable in height and volume to the Egyptian pyramids. Its purpose remains a mystery to historians, as there are no burials within it, but experts believe it was completed around 2400 BC. It's a fascinating site managed by English Heritage.

Visitors particularly enjoy the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Many appreciate the opportunity to get up close and even touch the ancient stones at Avebury Stone Circle, noting its impressive scale and free entry. The scenic walks along the Kennet & Avon Canal, especially around Caen Hill Locks, are also highly praised for their beauty and the chance to see wildlife. The historical depth of sites like West Kennet Long Barrow and Silbury Hill also captivates many.