Intriguing Imber

In a remote location on the chalk downland of Salisbury Plain, the village of Imber has remained ghostly and silent for over 60 years.

No one has lived there since 1943 when it was evacuated during the Second World War so it could be used to train soldiers. After the war ended it was decided that the village was still needed for Army training and despite public protests the official inquiry went in the Army's favour.

The picturesque village, with its traditional thatched cottages, died 64 years ago. Today most of the original houses, pictured opposite, have been replaced by fake buildings, erected by the Army but there are still a few original structures dotted in between, many of which are now in a sad state of disrepair. The only recognisable building is St Giles Church, the only building in the village that is not now owned by the Ministry of Defence.

The public has a chance to discover Imber for themselves on various open days throughout the year, this usually includes the Easter weekend, the first Saturday in September for St Giles' Day and the period between Christmas and New Year.

An Imber Day was also introduced so previous residents could return annually to tend graves, meet old friends and participate in Eucharist and evensong at St Giles' Church.

Discovering Silbury Hill

While exploring Wiltshire, try and get to see Silbury Hill. This strange site, amid the chalk escarpments of the Marlborough Downs, is one of Wiltshire's most enduring mysteries.

The hill is thought to have been built about 2,500BC, which makes it the tallest prehistoric man-made mound in Europe. It is also one of the five largest man-made mounds in the world, with a base covering five acres and being 130ft high.

It has been excavated three times, but no human remains have been found, only remains of pottery. Recent excavations by the hill's guardian, English Heritage, have discovered that the hill was built in a spiral fashion. The spiral was possibly used as a pathway during construction or for ceremonial processions.

Archaeologists calculate that Silbury Hill took 18 million man hours to shape 248,000 cubic metres of earth on top of a natural hill.

Explore Avebury

Located in the midst of a rich prehistoric landscape, the village of Avebury is home to another great megalithic monument.

This World Heritage Site is one of Europe's largest prehistoric stone circles, pictured right, and was recently voted the country's third most spiritual place.

Mostly dating to around 2,600-2,500 BC, the site, which covers about 28 acres, is a huge circular earthwork ditch, originally about 30ft deep, and a bank about a quarter of a mile in diameter which encloses an outer circle of standing stones.

There are also two inner circles. The northern inner circle, of which only a few stones remain, apparently consisted of two concentric circles.

At the centre of the northern circle stood a trio of very large stones, two of which survive, called the Cove. At the centre of the southern circle stood a tall stone called the Obelisk. Its site, as with the other missing stones at Avebury, is now marked by a concrete pillar.

This enchanting site is open all year round.

Horsing around

  • Wiltshire is the county for white horses.

    Of the 13 white horses known to have existed in the county, eight are still visible

  • The Westbury White Horse is the oldest in the county, dating back at least 300 years.

    It is also one of the best situated, on a very steep slope overlooking a panoramic view. There is a car park above the horse on Westbury Hill, allowing visitors to appreciate its breathtaking location.

  • Other famous examples of white horses include the chalk carvings at Hackpen Hill, which is near Wroughton; Pewsey, Cherhill and Marlborough.