Reviews

In July 2025, our visit to Pewsey Vale was nothing short of awe inspiring. As a travel writer and content creators, we’re always on the lookout for destinations that blend authenticity, beauty, and storytelling potential – and Pewsey Vale delivered on every front.

One of the standout aspects of this trip was just how exceptionally well-organised everything was, even before we arrived. The entire experience had been planned with such intricate thought, care, and precision – not only to make the most of our time in the region but also to support my personal access needs.

This kind of thoughtful, inclusive planning is still far too rare in travel – and it made a huge difference. What could have been a physically demanding or overwhelming trip became instead a completely positive, uplifting experience. It was, in every way, a breath of fresh air. Special thanks must go to Susie Brew, whose professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail really stood out. From our first contact, Susie went above and beyond to ensure the itinerary worked for us – not just in terms of logistics, but with compassion, flexibility, and genuine care. Having someone so in tune with accessibility, wellbeing, and thoughtful travel completely shaped our experience for the better. It felt like we were in incredibly capable hands from start to finish.

Beyond the personal touches, what also really impressed us was the clear commitment to sustainable tourism. The itinerary was designed to reduce car use, promote walking and local transport, and highlight community-based experiences – from local farms and independent cafés to artists, guides, and heritage sites. That level of intentional, sustainable planning was the real highlight of the trip. It didn’t just make the experience better – it made it meaningful. From the moment we arrived at Pewsey Station, we were immersed in a gentle, slow – paced rhythm that immediately felt like the countryside break we never knew we needed, both mentally and physically.

Our stay at Cocklebury Farm was a peaceful rural escape, and the welcome hamper full of local farm to table produce was a thoughtful touch that set the tone for what was to come. Waking up in the Wild Bee accommodation, surrounded by wildlife and rolling fields, was like being part of a nature documentary.

Woodborough Yard was a real highlight – lunch at Sticks & Stones was vibrant and flavourful, and our facial at Equilibrium Clinic was a refreshing reset. We especially loved the hands-on glass fusion workshop with Lizzie at Merlin Glass Studio, which let us tap into our creative sides in such an inspiring space.

Dinner at The Seven Stars Inn was your classic countryside pub experience (the food – phenomenal!), and our early morning wildlife walk with Mark at Cocklebury Farm felt genuinely special. We even spotted a hare bounding through the fields, but the highlight was seeing the local cows grazing a fresh open field. It bought a tear to my eye seeing animals so open and free to roam. Exploring the Pewsey Downs National Nature Reserve and walking to the Giant’s Grave with local guide Alan Coxon from Roaming The Paths was a standout moment. The views were a never ending of green, and the stop at Honeystreet Mill Café for lunch gave us time to reflect on the vastness of the landscape. We loved visiting the Crop Circle Visitor Centre – a quirky and unexpected gem!

Another favourite day included discovering Pewsey’s history via the Heritage Centre, a gentle walk to The Scotchel Nature Reserve, and the warmest welcome at The Bruce Arms (known for being on the list of Top 500 pubs in the Telegraph).

Our afternoon tour of Wilton Windmill and Crofton Beam Engines, capped with dinner at The Swan Inn, gave us a real appreciation for the industrial heritage within Wiltshire. Spending our final evening at No 10 B&B in Great Bedwyn was the perfect end to our country escape. We managed to squeeze in a stroll to St Mary’s Church to see the tomb of Sir John Seymour, and yes, we did grab that famous lardy cake from the village Post Office!

This trip reminded us why we do what we do. Pewsey Vale is a true hidden beauty – for mindful travellers, slow adventurers, and creative souls alike. It’s a place rooted in community, history, and natural beauty – and thanks to the incredible work of Visit Pewsey Vale and Suzie Brew, it’s a place that welcomes everyone.

Huge thanks for hosting us with such care and intention. We left feeling inspired, supported, and already thinking about our return.

Jessica and Wayne Heather, Holiday With The Heathers
www.holidaywiththeheathers.com

Artist & Writer

A newcomer to Wiltshire. I discovered Pewsey Vale and things were never the same. To date I’ve had 38 attempts to capture its magic, shapes, contours and quirks in my drawings and paintings. These are the places and views are things that keep me and many other people coming back to Pewsey Vale. Special? Oh yes, it is an area, it is also an idea: landscape, industry, towns and active farming. A canal cuts through and embellishes. It is full of oddness and loveliness. I have a friend who lives in Honeystreet. What a name to embellish any headed notepaper.

A favourite place? The Alton White Horse. This is the gateway to a magnificent backdrop of tracks fences, trees that bend with the wind but will not ‘bow their knee’. What was my first surprise? Pewsey Hill and east to The Devils Grave. And looking down on the village one crisp April day. Since then I have become involved with Made in Pewsey Vale Gallery, a creative collective. I’m interloper who has been made most welcome. Beyond expectations? Oh yes. Two days ago I was lead up to Adam’s Grave by fellow painter Lucy Ball. Lucy moved into the areas two years back.

We just wanted to get out into the landscape and draw. We did. “Lucy’s View” was a bit of a schlep but look West! So much to enjoy.