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Pepperbox Hill
Chalk ridge landmark with far-reaching views and rich natural heritage
Pepperbox Hill, A36, 6 miles south of Salisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3QL
Important notice
Temporary access restrictions are in place at Pepperbox Hill to allow the cattle space during calving. Full public access will be restored by mid-June.
Opening times for 19 April 2024
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk MTWTFSS12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293012345OpenPartially openClosedCar park has wheelchair accessible gates, however there is a 2m height barrier. The circular route around site is on an uneven, sloped, grass path.
By road
The A36 from Salisbury to Southampton runs past the site. At the top of a hill there is a byway sign posted Pepperbox Hill, running north-east from the main road. Steep uphill turn off the A36, with car park set off to the right. Please note that the approach road to the car park is an unsurfaced byway which is maintained by Wiltshire Council. The byway is subject to weather related erosion, particularly at the point where it meets the A36
Parking: There is parking for about 20 cars with a height restriction of 2m
On foot
Various footpaths and bridleways link Pepperbox Hill and Grimstead Down to the local villages. Grimstead Downs is a 3km walk via bridleway and footpath from Whiteparish. Pepperbox Hill and Grimstead Downs can also be reached on foot from East Grimstead using a 2km route along footpaths and byways
By train
West Dean train station is 2km from Grimstead Down and 8km from Pepperbox Hill
By bus
Wilts and Dorset X7, Salisbury to Southampton service and Wilts and Dorset 34, Salisbury to Romsey both stop at Pepperbox Hill, Whiteparish
By bicycle
Linked by roads and bridleways to National Cycle route 24 at East Grimstead or West Dean
Pepperbox Hill, A36, 6 miles south of Salisbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 3QL
Highlights
Folly
Eyre's Folly sits on the top of Pepperbox Hill and was built in the 17th century.
Nature
Diverse habitat, produced by the scrub-grassland mosaic, supporting several rare species including orchids, juniper and yew woodland.
About Pepperbox Hill
Commanding the high point on the chalk ridge south-east of Salisbury, Pepperbox Hill is topped by an early example of a brick folly. Thought to have been built by Giles Eyre of Brickworth House, it may have served as a viewpoint for ladies following the hunt, a haunt for highwaymen and a lookout post for the home guard.
Surrounding the folly is a diverse habitat, produced by the scrub-grassland mosaic, supporting several rare or uncommon species including orchids, juniper and yew woodland.
The adjacent chalk downland is a significant site in Wiltshire for rare butterfly species, including the duke of burgundy.
Our work
Article
Our work at Pepperbox Hill
Discover how exactly National Trust rangers are helping orchids and butterflies to thrive, with a little help from a hungry herd of local cattle.
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Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Pepperbox Hill.