Things to do
around Aldbourne

Aldbourne sits on the edge of the downs, and it's the kind of village you come to when you want space and quiet rather than a long list of attractions. Within a couple of miles you'll find five places to visit, four spots to eat and drink, and one activity, which tells you something about the pace here: this is walking country, with chalk tracks, wide skies and the sort of archaeology that sits in the landscape rather than behind a ticket barrier. If you like your history unfenced and your views earned on foot, you'll get on well with it.

A good few hours might start with coffee and something from the counter at Aldbourne cafe and deli, then head out to High Clear Down or The Giant's Grave, where the ground itself carries the story and the paths give you long looks across the surrounding country. Walkers with more time can pick up the Ridgeway Circular Route and make a proper morning or afternoon of it. Come back into the village afterwards for a proper sit-down meal at The Aldbourne Kitchen, and add Lewisham Castle if you've still got daylight left.