Category: About Salisbury

The New Forest is one of Wiltshire’s most historical landmarks, and just a 25 minute car drive from our caravan park.

it consists of over 26,000 hectares of crown land, bringing thousands of tourists to the heart of its heathlands every year. The park is rich in history, both factual and even paranormal.

So if you’re planning a stay at Coombe Caravan Park, then we highly recommend visiting the park to discover its spooky secrets for yourself! 

William the Conqueror

In 1079, William the Conqueror created this land as a means to hunt on, naming it the ‘Nova Foresta’ (literally translated in modern day as New Forest). He then enforced a law that stopped the local community from grazing livestock, erecting fences, forage or doing any activity that would otherwise hinder William’s hunting. 

After his death, the rights of the common people were restored in the 1217 Charter of the Forest; a document sealed by King Henry III. The charter was seen as a companion to the Magna Carta, one of which rests in Salisbury Cathedral to this very day. 

Even almost 1000 years later, the New Forest still retains its historic woodlands by the means of Verderers, Agisters, and Commoners. These are forestry officials, known as the Forestry Commission, charged with maintaining the law of the forest as set by William all those years ago. 

During WW1 and WW2

In the first world war, wounded soldiers were sent to Brockenhurst to be treated in makeshift hospital beds, where many of the soldiers sadly lost their lives.

The New Forest was also crucial for the strategic operations of British, US, and Canadian troops during the second world war. Brockenhurst, once again, was used as the central location for army generals, like Eisenhower, to have their meetings in preparation for D-Day. 

More information on how the New Forest was used during the war can be found on their website.

Add An Eye of Newt

Perhaps the most alluring aspect of the New Forest is its ties with the ‘otherworldly’. It should come as no surprise that people have reported hearing high-pitched screamings bouncing off the trees of the forest, where so many soldiers lost their lives. But there are even more stories of ghosts lurking in the shadows.

It is said that Beaulieu Abbey and Palace House are two of the most haunted places in England, with ghostly sightings dating as far back as the 16th century. Witnesses remarked on the appearance of monks, and Gregorian chants echoing over the vast ruins. 

Hurst Castle is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Charles I amongst other aristocrats who haunt the rooms of Breamore House.

If ghosts aren’t enough to put a chill up your spine then perhaps the village of Burley, which is said to have a history with witchcraft, will get your attention. Where ghosts can be found at Burley Lawn as well as the ghost of a cat that hangs around the Coven of Witches shop. 

Enjoy the Not-So-Spooky 

Talking to spirits might not be your cup of tea, which is why the New Forest is rich with possibility. Take your bikes down the well-trodden cycle route, or go for a stroll amongst the beautiful flora and fauna.

With the idyllic glades being a mere 25 minute car drive from our caravan park, you’re spoilt for choice. Don’t forget to pack a hearty picnic!

Salisbury Cathedral is arguably one of the oldest and most grand cathedrals in southwest England.

Built in the 13th century during the tenure of Bishop Richard Poore, the Anglican cathedral has become one of Wiltshire’s most well-known buildings with tourists flocking from the UK and overseas to view England’s tallest spires and expansive land. 

Artefacts worth seeing

Its unique Early English Gothic architecture includes the world’s oldest functional verge and foliot clock. It was built in the late 14th century and originally residing in the bell tower before being restored in the 1950’s and moved to the West front of the cathedral. 

The other, perhaps most significant artefact located in the cathedral is a copy of the Magna Carta, of which only four copies have remained since the early 13th century, with Salisbury Cathedral’s being the most preserved.

The Magna Carta is a royal charter of rights agreed to by King John of England at Runnymede, and served as a peace treaty between the King and rebel barons that ultimately fell through resulting in the First Barons’ War. The other copies reside at the British Library and Lincoln Cathedral. 

Interestingly, it is one of only a few cathedrals that does not have a ringing bell; with Ely and Norwich being the other two. The mediaeval clock does, however, ring the time with bells every 15 minutes. 

Breathtaking views

As mentioned, Salisbury Cathedral has the largest cathedral close in the UK at 80 acres.

The close includes Sarum College – a centre for theological studies up to postgraduate level, The Salisbury Museum, Arundells, Mompesson House (as featured in the film Sense and Sensibility), and an array of cafes and eateries to be enjoyed en route. 

There are guided tours as well as self-guided walks for the more spontaneous travellers. Information on these can be found on the National Trust’s website. 

These beautiful views were also appreciated by Suffolk artist John Constable, who was commissioned by the Bishop of Salisbury to paint the cathedral in the early 19th century.

If you look closely, you will see the painting also includes the bishop and his wife in the bottom left corner to mark Constable’s respect and appreciation. 

Salisbury Cathedral present-day

The cathedral is a living church which means that services, weddings, and concerts still occur regularly.

Visitors to the cathedral can book a tower tour that offers panoramic views across Salisbury and the water meadows, as well as an aerial view of the inside of the cathedral.

It is approximately 5 miles away from our caravan park, and 9 miles from Stonehenge if you wanted to do two trips in one day. 

It is argued that Stonehenge is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the UK. With over a million tourists flocking both nationally and internationally each year, the site, which is located in Salisbury Plain (10.5 miles/19 min drive from our caravan park), has been at the centre of both historical fact and conspiracy theories alike. But what is it about this particular structure that has created so much mystery and intrigue?

The history of Stonehenge

Stonehenge is thought to have been created some 5000 years ago in the Neolithic period, which saw the final stage of the Stone Age before moving to the Chalcolithic and Bronze Age. It comprises roughly 100 slabs of stone laid out in a circular pattern and what is really interesting is that some of the stones were made of dolerite bluestone, which was found to have originated in Wales, implying that the monument was in fact built in several phases. After all, how else would they have been able to shift tons of stone over 200 miles away?

Conspiracies about Stonehenge

Conspiracy theories ranged from old folklore which claimed Stonehenge was built by Merlin (yes King Arthur, Sword in the Stone Merlin), who magically transported the stones to Salisbury, to modern day theories of it being a landing site for alien spacecraft.

It’s clear that theorists fall into one of two categories; they either believe it to be a holy site or they believe that it was one of the first instances of a scientific observatory. Evidence suggests that Stonehenge was used not only as a burial ground, but also as a ceremonial site or a religious pilgrimage destination.

The formation of the stones

The formation of the stones also bears significance, with many historians and astronomers believing that it could have served as an astronomical calendar, though critics argued that our cloudy British skies would have made it fairly challenging to see much of anything!

And so, it seems that we have reached an impasse between the different theories surrounding Stonehenge and how it came to be. What can’t be argued is the sheer magnificence and scale of the monument, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Wiltshire plains.

Stay with us when you visit!

If you’d like to visit Stonehenge to see the archeological mysteries for yourself, but aren’t sure where to stay, we offer sites to pitch your tent or motorhome, as well as static caravans with all the technology and amenities that you could need for your stay. Contact us at enquiries@coombecaravanpark.co.uk or visit https://www.coombecaravanpark.co.uk/caravans-and-camping/