The River Avon, which flows as far as Christchurch, runs through the parish of Figheldean from north to south. In the upper chalk downland of Figheldean, alluvial and gravel deposits lie alongside the river. This brings together two tangible themes: the river and the chalk landscape, alongside the historic church, archaeological traces on Figheldean Down and public rights of way.

Church: building phases and restorations

The Church of St Michael and All Angels in Figheldean has structural elements dating from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries and was restored in 1851. The church also has a medieval south porch, which was restored in 1902. The porch contains effigies of knights, which are thought to date from the 13th century.

The chronology helps put things into context: the 1851 restoration concerned the church, while the 1902 restoration concerned the south porch; the dating of the knights’ effigies to the 13th century remains tentative. Building phases, later restorations and the effigies can therefore be considered as distinct aspects of the local architectural history.

Figheldean Down and its archaeological landscape

Figheldean Down comprises interrelated prehistoric field systems, linear earthworks, enclosures and burial mounds. The Down is regarded as one of the most significant and best-preserved fossil prehistoric or Romano-British landscapes in southern Britain. The focus is therefore an assemblage of different traces, rather than a single monument.

If you are interested in historic landscapes, Figheldean Down offers a different focus from the church: here, several kinds of archaeological traces are linked. The field systems, earthworks, enclosures and burial mounds make up this variety; its special significance relates to the landscape in southern Britain.

Paths and directions

Public rights of way in the parish of Figheldean include footpaths, Byways Open to All Traffic, Restricted Byways and an approved alternative route. These different designations provide a useful reference point for planning your route on a map. For walkers, the parish council recommends the Ordnance Survey map OS Map Explorer Series Sheet 130 “Salisbury and Stonehenge”.

If you are planning a walk, you can use this map recommendation as a starting point for finding your way and adapt your route to suit your interests. Local rights of way cover several categories, so you can plan your specific route using the map and the route designations shown.

Figgle Fest and the multi-court

Figgle Fest takes place on the playing field beside Figheldean Village Hall. Its origins date back to a picnic in the park that began on this playing field in 2012; the event was named Figgle Fest in 2013. If the festival is a reason for your trip, check the event dates and arrangements in advance, as these may change.

The multi-court at Figheldean Village Hall is marked out for tennis, basketball, netball and five-a-side football. If you are planning to use the court, check the current markings and facilities in advance if needed, as both may change.

Discover more destinations: Stapleford, Cricklade, Andover, Shrewton, Alderbury, Sutton Benger, Manningford Abbots, Redlynch

For the main travel overview: Wiltshire.