See & Do

The Beckford is in the Fonthill Estate, a stunning area of natural beauty with many fabulous walks into the countryside. Slightly further afield we are surrounded by numerous attractions and activities. Explore the city of Salisbury, a thirty minute drive away from the pub and discover its cathedral with the tallest spire in the country.

EVENTS

Brian Taylor Exhibition

31/03/2023

20 January – 31 March 2023 / Approximately 30 works by the artist Brian Taylor (1935-2013) will be on show in the exhibition including many bronze sculptures which have rarely been on public display since the early 1960s.

Ceramics Season

30/04/2023

13 February – 30 April 2023 / In 2023 the spring season at Messums celebrates contemporary ceramic across its various spaces with a programme of exhibitions and events that seek to showcase the richness and breadth of the medium, profiling a number of significant contemporary practitioners and focusing particularly on the importance of the journey of making.

Messums Book Club

06/04/2023

Messums new book club will meet on the first Thursday evening every month to debate works by some of the greatest thinkers and writers of our time. Starting with drinks at the bar we will gather in the barn to exchange ideas and views on the books and hopefully make some new friends.

explore

The Fonthill Estate

The Estate, which is ten thousand acres and right on our doorstep, consists of farmland, woodland and formal gardens. Whilst visiting you will not only be able to see the outstanding natural beauty of the Estate, but also its incredible history and all the activities that take place within it.

Salisbury

Salisbury is a medieval city, just nine miles south of Stonehenge. The City boasts stunning architecture, an array of independent shops and a thirteenth-century cathedral with the tallest spire in Britain. Salisbury is also home to the best-preserved of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.

experience

Wellness

The Potting Shed is a private and secluded boutique beauty studio hidden within the grounds of Bradley Park, Maiden Bradley in Wiltshire. The dream and long time ambition of experienced therapist Rebecca Prior, The Potting Shed offers conscientious clients vegan, cruelty-free, organic beauty treatments and holistic therapies.

The Potting Shed

Country Pursuits

The Beckford is at the heart of the British countryside and gives you the chance to live like a local with plenty of outdoor pursuits to keep you entertained. From famous Chalkstream fly fishing, with access to the best privately owned water in England, to deer stalking on nearby the Fonthill Estate.

Fly Fishing Deer Stalking Simulated Game Shooting

Landscape

There are many great walks in the surrounding landscape from romantic walks around the lakes to hikes for those slightly more advanced. Perhaps join local guide, Nick Cowen, for a guided walk through the Fonthill Estate or rent an electric bike from Cranks and Planks to explore the estate on two wheels.

Fonthill Estate Guided Walks with Nick Cowen E-bike Rental

Art

Portfolio Art Tours works with individuals and small groups to arrange bespoke tours on a timescale that suits you. Working principally in beautiful South-West England, they will arrange itineraries based on your preferences and showcase the best the region has to offer.

Messums Wiltshire Hauser & Wirth

History

For those with an interest in historic places and landmarks the Beckford is the perfect base to explore. Stonehenge is a short drive away, the Georgian city of Bath just forty-five minutes, The thirteenth century Salisbury Cathedral boasts both the tallest spire in Britain and the best preserved of only four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta is also a short drive away.

Bath Salisbury Stonehenge

Gardens

Explore the abundance of local gardens from those landscaped by Capability Brown on the Longleat Estate to The World-famous 18th-century landscape garden and Palladian mansion at Stourhead

Stourhead Longleat Hauser & Wirth