Coombe Bissett Down

Coombe Bissett Down is a nature reserve on the outskirts of Salisbury, where dogs on lead are welcome across accessible trails and chalk downland. Open all day, every day, it's a properly peaceful escape for owners who prefer uninterrupted walking over crowds and car parks.

The reserve sits on chalk grassland rich in wildflowers and butterflies, with paths that wind through open countryside. Dogs must stay on a short lead to protect ground-nesting birds and grazing livestock, but there's still plenty of freedom to explore the kind of landscape that makes Wiltshire feel timeless.

Note that the terrain isn't suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs, so plan accordingly if you're bringing kit or companionship that needs smooth surfaces. It's a straightforward, unpretentious spot for a quiet stomp with the dog in tow.