Each year, for a week at the end of June, the Chalke Valley plays host to the largest gathering in Britain dedicated to the past.

The usually sleepy valley, which stretches from Salisbury in Wiltshire to Shaftesbury in Dorset and encompasses much of the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, welcomes 25,000 visitors to the Chalke Valley History Festival, including eminent historians, writers and other household names.

A blend of literary talks, discussions and panels alongside living history and historical experiences takes place throughout the week on a 70-acre farm near Broad Chalke, nestling below surrounding ancient chalk downs.

The ever-popular event, which aims to promote the understanding of history to all ages – especially children, has put the area firmly on the map. Recently crowned Sunday Times Best Place to Live in the South West, it’s easy to see why the area has enduring appeal, with its unspoilt countryside and choice of quintessential villages.

The River Chalke itself, a tributary of the River Ebble, is a short chalk stream flowing 1.2 miles through the valley from Mead End near Bowerchalke to join the Ebble at Mount Sorrel, just upstream of Broad Chalke. Positioned about halfway along the 13 miles of the Chalke Valley, Broad Chalke is a particularly sought-after village, with its brick and flint houses, an excellent primary school, pub, GP surgery and Chalke Valley Stores providing a shop and café. Nearby Bowerchalke is equally sought after and has a well-established market in the village hall on Saturdays, a fantastic cricket club which is popular with all ages, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, dating back to the 13^th century and the resting place of Sir William Golding, renowned author of Lord of the Flies, who lived nearby.

The surrounding countryside is a diverse natural landscape with a rich archaeological and historical significance. Rolling chalk grassland, ancient woodlands and chalk escarpments provide a beautiful backdrop for walking and cycling across the Chalke Valley.

With everything from chocolate box cottages to larger country houses, there is a wide variety of properties dotted throughout, suiting a range of buyers.

It’s no surprise that the Chalke Valley commands the premiums demonstrated in the heatmap below. Parts of the SP7 and SP5 postcode areas, where the Chalke Valley sits, saw an average second hand sale price of more than £800,000 in the 12 months to February 2023.

While for one week in 52, history takes centre stage, the Chalke Valley’s appeal to its residents is a year-round affair.

Further information

Contact James McKillop

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