Words on Wednesday

Built in 1755 to act as a grand arrival to the Estate, it is listed Grade 1 for its historical importance.

The 18th century Fonthill Arch, the historic entrance to the Fonthill Estate lies only a mile or so off the A303 in Wiltshire. This lodge has been transformed into a characterful holiday cottage, run by the Beckford Arms which is a pub with rooms on the estate. If you look closely you will see a Green Man carved in the archway.

View of The Arch from within the estate

We were staying, not in this lodge, but in a delightful B&B just around the corner. On our first night we walked through this entrance into the Fonthill estate parkland for about a mile (25 mins walk) to the Beckford Arms for a meal.

Through the arch there is a lake on the left, a cricket pitch on the right. You are in a valley with not a single house in view, just trees and sheep and horses and glimpses of the lake.

The tranquil lake on the estate – sadly there is no public access to walk around it.
The Arch – on the way back as the sun was setting.