Bishopstrow

This small village on the edge of Warminster, set along the River Wylye, blends rural charm with a touch of quiet luxury. Historically tied to the church and local estates, it is home to elegant period buildings and the well-known Bishopstrow House. Today it feels tranquil and refined, with countryside walks, a close-knit community, and easy access to nearby town amenities.

• Bishopstrow Schools: The village doesn’t have a dedicated school – the nearest primary schools fall in neighbouring villages/towns (e.g., Chapmanslade, Dilton Marsh, Warminster).

• Bishopstrow Church: St Aldhelm’s Church, Bishopstrow (Church of England parish church)

Edington

Nestled at the foot of Salisbury Plain, Edington is steeped in history and best known for the 14th-century Edington Priory Church, a striking landmark of medieval architecture. The village played a role in Anglo-Saxon history and later religious life. Today it retains a timeless feel, with a strong sense of heritage, an active community, and scenic surroundings.

• Edington Schools: Edington children typically attend Bratton Primary School in nearby Bratton (as Edington’s own school closed).

• Edington Church: Priory Church of St Mary, St Katherine and All Saints, Edington – historic parish church and former priory church.

Bratton

Lying beneath the chalk hillside crowned by the famous Westbury White Horse, Bratton is a village rich in both history and natural beauty. Its roots stretch back to Saxon times, and nearby Bratton Camp recalls Iron Age settlement. Today it is lively and welcoming, with a popular pub, village shop, and a strong community spirit shaped by its dramatic landscape.

• Bratton Schools: Bratton Primary School – local primary school for ages 4-11

• Bratton Churches: St James the Great Church, Bratton (Church of England parish) and Bratton Baptist Church (non-conformist chapel).

Chapmanslade

Chapmanslade and its attendant hamlets of Huntenhull Green, Short Street and Thoulstone are popular spots to live because of the village’s central location, lying an equidistant 3.5 miles from the larger towns of Westbury, Warminster and Frome (across the border in Somerset). The village itself lies along an extended high street stretching about a mile long, with a mix of housing styles, and a village school and parish church in the centre. There’s a jolly pub – the Three Horseshoes – and a restaurant/entertainment venue known as Thoulstone Park.

• Chapmanslade Schools: Chapmanslade Church of England Primary School – village primary school

• Chapmanslade Church: St Philip & St James’ Church (sometimes referred to as St Philip and St John) – Church of England.

Dilton Marsh

Spread out and less tightly clustered than many Wiltshire villages, Dilton Marsh has a more open, informal character. Once associated with weaving and rural industry, it later attracted writers and artists, including George Orwell who lived nearby. Today it is a friendly, lived-in community with a station, school, and local amenities, offering a balance of countryside and connectivity.

• Dilton Marsh School: Dilton Marsh Church of England Primary School – village primary school (part of ACORN Education Trust)

• Dilton Marsh Church: Holy Trinity Church, Dilton Marsh (Church of England parish church) and Old Dilton St Mary’s Church (historic church, now preserved).

Heytesbury

A quiet village strung out along its own main road to the south of the busy A36 trunk road, just a few miles from Warminster, Heytesbury could almost be termed a “hidden gem”. There are some lovely homes here, old and new, including some created from converting the servants’ section of Heytesbury House estate, once the family home of famous wartime poet Siegfield Sassoon.

• Heytesbury School: Heytesbury Church of England Primary School

• Heytesbury Church: Church of St Peter & St Paul, Heytesbury (Church of England parish)

Chitterne

Set along a quiet stretch of the Wylye Valley, Chitterne is actually two historic settlements – Chitterne St Mary and Chitterne All Saints – now joined as one. With ancient churches and flint cottages, it reflects centuries of rural life. Today it is peaceful and picturesque, with a strong local identity and easy access to the surrounding downs.

• Chitterne School: There is no village primary school; nearest options include Wylye Valley CE Primary (Codford/Warminster) or other nearby village schools

• Chitterne Churches: Chitterne has historic parish churches, such as the Church of St Andrew and Church of All Saints / St Mary.

Norton Bavant

A small and picturesque village just east of Warminster, Norton Bavant sits gently within the Wylye Valley landscape. With its historic church and traditional cottages, it has long been part of the area’s agricultural life. Today it remains quiet and understated, valued for its rural charm and close proximity to the town.

• Norton Bavant Schools: Without its own school, children typically attend schools in the neighbouring villages.

• Norton Bavant Church: Church of England All Saints Church.

Knook

Tucked into a bend of the River Wylye, Knook is a tiny and secluded village surrounded by open countryside and ancient earthworks. With roots reaching back to early settlements, it offers a sense of deep rural continuity. Today it is peaceful and unspoilt, with a handful of houses, a church, and an atmosphere of calm isolation.

• Knook Church: Knook’s parish church often shares services with Heytesbury benefice (historically linked to Heytesbury St Peter & St Paul)

• Knook Schools: Knook has no school of its own – children attend schools in nearby villages or Warminster town.

Stockton

This attractive Wylye Valley village is known for its long, linear layout following the river and road. With a fine historic church and traditional stone houses, it reflects centuries of farming life. Today Stockton is well-kept and welcoming, with a village pub, active community, and easy access to beautiful walking country along the valley.

• Stockton Church: St John the Baptist Church, Stockton (Church of England parish church)
• Stockton Schools: The village does not have its own school, so children attend schools in nearby villages or travel to Warminster town.

Corsley

Corsley Heath on the A362 road between Warminster and Frome is actually a collection of small settlements (including Lane End, Sturford, Dertfords, Longhedge, Whitbourne Moore, Temple and Whitbourne Springs) that make up the parish of Corsley. Much of Corsley was originally part of the Longleat Estate and, in fact, part of the renowned Longleat Safari Park is within the parish boundary. Within sight of Corsley is Cley Hill, a scheduled ancient monument significant for its geology and archaeology.

• Corsley Churches: St Margaret’s Church, Corsley (Church of England parish church) and St Mary’s Church, Temple, Corsley (historic chapel/Arts & Crafts era church).

• Corsley Schools: There is no village school – current nearest primaries include Chapmanslade and Dilton Marsh CE primary schools.

Upton Scudamore

This tiny village just two miles north of Warminster made a name for itself back in the 1850s when the then church rector designed a small organ to fit in the village church and had the local blacksmith build it. Scudamore organs then became a “thing” for small village churches across the land, and for a time they were sold for £80 each from the Scudamore Organ Manufactory. Today Upton Scudamore and its hamlet of Halfway is tranquil and rural, with a population of around 300 living in spacious, comfortable homes.

• Upton Scudamore Church: St Mary’s Church, Upton Scudamore (Church of England)

• Upton Scudamore Schools: The village is served by nearby primary schools such as Chapmanslade and Dilton Marsh CE Primary, and other schools in Warminster and the surrounding area.