The North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is all about chalk – more specifically, the magnificent sweeps of chalk downlands north of Salisbury. These gently rolling hills and undulating farmland, studded with picturesque villages, are mesmerizing. The AONB runs from Goring Gap to the east and incorporates the chalky uplands of the Marlborough, Berkshire and North Hampshire Downs, running west to the White Horse Vale. This is the third largest AONB, covering 668 square miles and running across parts of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Chalk streams are a prized feature here, with England accounting for 85% of the world’s total. The filtering effect of chalk ensures clear waters and a perfect habitat for water voles. Chalk grassland – traditionally popular for sheep farming – is less extensive today, and there are wooded plateaux, vales and river valleys to complete the rural idyll. Sarsen stones form the great stone circle, and the famous avenue at Avebury and Fyfield Down is a big attraction for visitors.

Top North Wessex Downs AONB Camping Options