Choosing Wiltshire as a Place to Live

A Costello Lettings Area Guide

There is something wonderfully timeless about Wiltshire.

A county of rolling chalk downs, ancient landscapes, beautiful villages and historic market towns, Wiltshire offers a way of life that feels distinctly English — while remaining exceptionally well connected to some of the South of England's major towns and cities.

For those looking to escape the pace of city life without feeling completely removed from it, Wiltshire can offer an appealing balance of countryside, community, convenience and character.

From the honey-coloured streets of historic market towns to quiet country lanes and handsome village properties, Wiltshire offers an enormous variety of places to call home.

So, why choose Wiltshire?

A County Rich in History

Wiltshire is perhaps best known for its extraordinary history.

The county is home to some of Britain's most recognisable prehistoric monuments, including Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as ancient landscapes, historic estates and villages that have developed over centuries.

But Wiltshire's history isn't simply something to visit.

It forms part of everyday life.

Historic churches, traditional pubs, listed buildings, country estates and beautiful period homes are woven into many of the county's towns and villages.

For those who appreciate architecture and character, Wiltshire offers plenty to discover.

The Wiltshire Countryside

For many people, the countryside is the reason they begin looking towards Wiltshire.

The county is characterised by rolling chalk landscapes, open farmland, woodland and wide rural views.

The North Wessex Downs National Landscape stretches across parts of Wiltshire, creating an extraordinary setting for walking, cycling and country living.

There is a particular appeal to living somewhere where the countryside isn't an attraction you have to drive to.

It's simply outside your front door.

This makes Wiltshire particularly appealing to families, countryside enthusiasts and those looking for a quieter pace of life.

Wiltshire's Market Towns

One of Wiltshire's greatest strengths is its market towns.

They offer a useful balance between rural living and everyday convenience, often combining independent shops, cafés, restaurants, schools and local amenities with beautiful surrounding countryside.

Salisbury

Perhaps Wiltshire's best-known city, Salisbury combines a fascinating history with a vibrant modern community.

Its magnificent cathedral, historic streets and close proximity to the surrounding countryside make it an attractive choice for those wanting more amenities while still enjoying a distinctly rural setting.

Salisbury is also particularly appealing to commuters, with rail connections towards London Waterloo and other destinations.

Tisbury

Nestled within the Nadder Valley, Tisbury offers a quintessentially rural lifestyle.

Surrounded by countryside and close to the Cranborne Chase, it is particularly attractive to those looking for village living without sacrificing local amenities.

Its railway station also provides useful connections for commuters.

Warminster

Located close to the Wiltshire countryside and within easy reach of Bath, Warminster offers a practical combination of town amenities and rural surroundings.

Devizes

With its historic streets, independent businesses and famous market-town character, Devizes is an appealing choice for those wanting traditional Wiltshire living with plenty on the doorstep.

Marlborough

Marlborough is one of Wiltshire's most desirable market towns, known for its attractive high street, historic architecture and surrounding countryside.

Its position close to the M4 also makes it particularly interesting to commuters.

Bradford-on-Avon

Sitting on the edge of Wiltshire and close to Bath, Bradford-on-Avon offers beautiful historic architecture, riverside walks and a strong sense of community.

It is particularly attractive to those who want countryside character while remaining within easy reach of a city.

Village Life in Wiltshire

If your ideal home involves a period cottage, a village green and countryside beyond the garden, Wiltshire has plenty to offer.

The county is filled with small villages, each with its own character.

From traditional stone cottages to converted barns, country houses and contemporary rural homes, the property landscape is wonderfully varied.

Village life can offer a slower pace and a strong sense of community, while many villages remain within easy reach of larger towns.

For buyers and tenants considering a move to Wiltshire, exploring the villages around the major market towns can often uncover some of the county's most charming properties.

A Commuter's County

One of Wiltshire's greatest advantages is its position.

For those wanting a rural home without completely giving up access to larger employment centres, certain parts of Wiltshire offer excellent connections.

The county has rail links towards London, Bath, Bristol and Southampton, while the M4 corridor provides an important east-west road connection.

This makes Wiltshire particularly attractive to those looking for the increasingly popular combination of:

Country home + flexible working + access to the city.

You can have the countryside at home while still being able to reach larger towns and cities when required.

The Wiltshire Lifestyle

Wiltshire lends itself naturally to outdoor living.

There are miles of footpaths, bridleways and country lanes to explore, alongside historic sites, National Landscapes, rivers and open countryside.

Weekends can be spent exploring a country estate, walking through the downs, visiting a farmers' market or enjoying lunch at a traditional village pub.

There is also a strong local food and drink culture, with independent producers, farm shops, vineyards, breweries and restaurants contributing to the county's appeal.

It is a lifestyle that feels slower without feeling stagnant.

Family Life

Wiltshire can be particularly attractive to families looking for more space and access to the outdoors.

Many communities offer a combination of local schools, sports clubs, independent businesses and community activities, while larger towns provide additional amenities.

For families moving from more densely populated areas, the opportunity to have a larger home, garden and countryside nearby can be a significant attraction.

And with a wide variety of towns and villages to choose from, families can decide how rural they want their lifestyle to be.

Finding Your Wiltshire

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that there isn't one version of Wiltshire.

You might choose:

Salisbury for city amenities and excellent transport connections.

Marlborough for sophisticated market-town living and easy access to the M4.

Tisbury for beautiful countryside and village character.

Devizes for historic market-town life.

Bradford-on-Avon for period architecture and proximity to Bath.

Warminster for practical town living surrounded by countryside.

Or perhaps a small village tucked away between them all.

The beauty of Wiltshire is that you can choose the pace and setting that suits you.

Why We Love Wiltshire

At Costello Lettings, we believe choosing a property is only part of choosing a home.

You are choosing a lifestyle.

You're choosing the village you wake up in, the countryside you walk through, the shops you visit, the school your children attend and the community you become part of.

Wiltshire offers all of this alongside some truly beautiful homes.

Whether you are looking for a country cottage, a family home, a village property or a larger rural residence, there is an enormous amount to discover.

And sometimes, the best properties aren't necessarily in the places everyone is talking about.

They're down the country lane you've never driven down.

Thinking about moving to Wiltshire?

Whether you are relocating to the county, moving within Wiltshire or considering letting a property here, Costello Lettings would love to help.

We can offer a local perspective on the property market and help you understand the different towns, villages and lifestyles Wiltshire has to offer.

Your next home could be somewhere you've never considered before.

Costello Lettings — Property with a personal perspective.