Wiltshire's lost village of Imber to open for Platinum Jubilee weekend
Chance to explore abandoned village on Salisbury Plain
Last updated 30th May 2022
The public will be able to access an abandoned Wiltshire village with a fascinating history over the four day weekend to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
Imber on Salisbury Plain was deserted after being taken over by troops for training during the Second World War.
People living there were called to a meeting in November 1943 and given 47 days to leave.
After their evacuation American troops used the area to village to prepare for the invasion of Europe in June 1944.
Many of the Imber residents thought they would be allowed to return after six months but they were never allowed and the remains under the control of the MOD.
Although the village, which lies between Tilshead and Warminster, forms part of the army's training grounds it opens on several occasions during the year to the public and has become a popular tourist spot.
This week in recognition of Her Majesty's milestone it will open Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th from 11am to 4pm each.
When the village was evacuated it had a Baptist Chapel, a post office and pub called the Bell Inn which is still standing.
Well into the 60s the Ushers brewery continued to renew the licence in the hope that villages would return!
The Manor House known as Imber Court is also still intact whilst a number of council houses built in 1938 can also be seen.
Several empty style buildings were constructed in the 70s to aid training.
St Giles Church is one of the only remaining buildings to have stood the test of time and the only one that visitors area allowed to go in.
If you're planning on visiting Imber you can find out more here: www.imberchurch.org.uk