Attractions and Places To See around Ramsbury - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Ramsbury, a village in Wiltshire, England, offer a blend of historical landmarks and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by the River Kennet and surrounding countryside, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration. Visitors can discover ancient sites, significant historical buildings, and diverse natural habitats. This region serves as a gateway to exploring the North Wessex Downs and its rich heritage.
Best attractions and places to see around Ramsbury
- The most popular attractions is Wayland's…
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow
Highlight • Historical Site
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Combe Gibbet
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Marlborough Town Centre
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Devil's Den Dolmen
Highlight • Historical Site
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Crofton Locks and Pumping Station
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Devil's Den stone monument is a Neolithic dolmen (burial chamber) located in Wiltshire, near Marlborough, not Sturminster Newton. The structure features a massive 17-ton capstone resting on two upright sarsen stones. Local folklore claims that if water is poured into the hollows on the capstone, the Devil himself will come during the night to drink it. It was largely reconstructed in 1921 after the chamber collapsed.
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Replacements and Legacy: The original gibbet from 1676 eventually deteriorated. The current gibbet is actually the seventh to stand on the site. Previous versions were replaced due to rotting, being struck by lightning, vandalism, or being blown down by strong winds. The current replica was erected in 1992. While the gibbet was only ever used for the display of George Bromham and Dorothy Newman, its grim history has made it a local landmark and a popular spot for walkers, hang-gliders, and paragliders, offering expansive views across Berkshire, Hampshire, and Wiltshire. The story of the murders even inspired a 1948 silent film called "The Black Legend," made by a young John Schlesinger.
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The Gibbet's Purpose: After their execution, their bodies were brought back to Inkpen and prepared for public display. A large, double gibbet was hastily erected on the long barrow. The bodies of George and Dorothy, bound in chains, were then displayed on either side of the gibbet on March 6, 1676, as a stark and gruesome warning to the local community to deter similar crimes. The location was chosen due to its prominence and being on the border of the two parishes, as there was a dispute over which parish should bear the cost of the gibbet.
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The Murders and Gibbeting: The Crime: George Bromham, a married farm labourer from Combe, and Dorothy Newman, a widow from Inkpen, were having an illicit affair. To be together, they murdered George's wife, Martha Bromham, and their son, Robert. Accounts vary, but it's believed they waylaid Martha and Robert and beat them to death with staves near where the gibbet now stands. One dramatic, though likely far-fetched, version suggests George killed his wife by thrusting her head into a hornet's nest. The Witness: The crime was reportedly witnessed by a villager known as "Mad Thomas," who alerted the authorities. Trial and Execution: George Bromham and Dorothy Newman were tried at Winchester Assizes. They were found guilty and hanged in Winchester on March 3, 1676.
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Beautiful lil town, some lovely walks through the trees too
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In a field on Fyfield Down, 1 mile east of Marlborough, Wiltshire, stands the prehistoric burial chamber known as The Devil’s Den or Clatford Bottom Stone, a Neolithic monument from 5,000 years ago that is also known as a Dolmen (stone table). Get up here on a clear day, nice and early, and you'll witness the most amazing sunrise.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical landmarks can I explore in and around Ramsbury?
Ramsbury and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the 13th-century Holy Cross Church, which may have origins on an 11th-century cathedral site and houses Anglo-Saxon carved stones. Another significant historical site is Wayland's Smithy Long Barrow, a Neolithic chambered long barrow managed by English Heritage. Additionally, the 17th-century Axford Farmhouse includes an attached 13th-century chapel, and the imposing Ramsbury Manor, built in the 1680s, is a Grade I listed country house.
Are there any Roman sites near Ramsbury?
Yes, you can visit the Littlecote Roman Villa, which is walkable from Ramsbury. This site is home to one of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the UK, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's Roman heritage.
What natural attractions are there to visit in Ramsbury?
For nature lovers, Ramsbury Meadow is a nature reserve located on the River Kennet flood plain, featuring boardwalks and diverse wetland plants and wildlife. You can also enjoy scenic walks alongside the River Kennet itself, which flows through the village. The wider countryside, including Stanton Great Wood, offers ample opportunities for exploration.
What unique local experiences does Ramsbury offer?
Ramsbury provides several unique local experiences. You can take tours and enjoy tastings at the Ramsbury Estate Brewery, Distillery, and Oil Press. For an interactive way to explore the village, try the Ramsbury Treasure Trail. The Ramsbury Experience offers off-road countryside safari tours of the estate, and guided foraging tours are also available for those interested in identifying seasonal edible plants.
Where can I find good walking routes near Ramsbury?
The area around Ramsbury offers numerous walking opportunities. You can find various running trails, including the 'Ramsbury Village – Holy Cross Church, Ramsbury loop', by visiting the Running Trails around Ramsbury guide. The River Kennet and Ramsbury Meadow also provide pleasant local walks. For more strenuous options, The Ridgeway, Britain's oldest road, can be accessed nearby.
Are there opportunities for cycling or mountain biking around Ramsbury?
Absolutely. The region is well-suited for cycling. For road cycling, you can explore routes like the 'Marlborough Town Centre – Pewsey White Horse loop' by checking the Cycling around Ramsbury guide. Mountain bikers can find trails such as the 'Stitchcombe Switchback – Ramsbury Distillery Company loop' in the MTB Trails around Ramsbury guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Ramsbury?
Yes, Ramsbury offers several family-friendly options. The Ramsbury Treasure Trail is an interactive way for families to explore the village. The Ramsbury Meadow nature reserve provides boardwalks for easy exploration and wildlife spotting. Nearby, Crofton Locks and Pumping Station is a historical site with facilities, a cafe, and a picnic area, making it suitable for families. Marlborough Town Centre is also listed as family-friendly.
What is Combe Gibbet and what views does it offer?
Combe Gibbet is a man-made monument erected in 1676 on Gallows Down. While it has a macabre history, it offers expansive and wonderful views from its prominent location, making it a popular viewpoint in the area.
Can I visit Marlborough from Ramsbury?
Yes, Marlborough is a nearby town that offers additional opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. Its Town Centre is known for its independent shops, cafes, and interesting history, including a prehistoric tumulus in the Marlborough College grounds.
What is the Devil's Den Dolmen?
The Devil's Den Dolmen is a Neolithic burial chamber and part of a passage grave located on Fyfield Hill, just outside Marlborough. Named after a local legend, this historic site features massive standing stones and a capstone, offering a moderate trail for visitors to explore its ancient history.
What can I expect at Crofton Locks and Pumping Station?
Crofton Locks and Pumping Station features a pretty set of nine locks on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The pumping station is known for its historic steam engines, and the site includes a cafe, gift shop, and picnic area. It's also an important habitat for wildlife, including swans, ducks, and various other birds and reptiles.
Are there any pubs or cafes in Ramsbury for refreshments?
Yes, Ramsbury has local establishments where you can find refreshments. The Bell at Ramsbury is a local pub that also serves as a starting point for the Ramsbury Treasure Trail. Additionally, nearby towns like Marlborough offer many cafes and independent shops for a bite to eat.
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