Welcome to the Highclere Society

Planning Activity - Several of this Spring's applications have now been decided - see the planning page
History Feature - With its strong agricultural background, the parish has a number of interesting barns. Read more.

The Highclere Society was formed in 1996 by local people who wanted to protect and enhance the village and its environment for the benefit of the whole community.

About Highclere

Highclere is a village in North Hampshire. It lies astride the A343 Newbury to Andover road on the north slope of the North Hampshire Downs, between the Downs and the valley of the River Enborne. Other local villages include Woolton Hill and Burghclere.

Having good communications links (A34, M4, trains from Newbury to London), it attracts professional people who want access to jobs, services and cultural opportunities, yet live in the countryside. The Society's greatest challenge is to maintain the rural ambience against the pressure for unsustainable development.

Some other facts:

• The parish has five settlements - Highclere, the Highclere Estate, Highclere Street, Penwood and Wash Water (a total population of around 1,700)
• It is approximately 5 miles deep and 1 mile wide
• The village is almost entirely within the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Its outstanding feature is Highclere Castle and the surrounding estate, the home of Lord and Lady Carnarvon
• The other main 'business' in the village is the thriving private Thorngrove School
• Highclere's quiet lanes attract walkers (and their dogs), horse riders and cyclists (although some parts are hilly!)
• There is a thriving community spirit, with the village hall hosting several groups as well as varied entertainment
• Now in its third year is the Highclere Film Club, which screens top class films twice a month.