Best Kept Village 2026

What the Judges said:

We began our tour of the village at the Royal Oak, which was extremely welcoming and attractive with its rows of hanging baskets, and neat gravelled area in front. The car park also was clean and tidy, and the garden, shaded by trees, well maintained.

Beyond the pub, the stream area was particularly interesting, with an explanation of the well-thought-out plan for its upgrading. Reading the plan, we could see that action had already begun with clearing, and erection of a new seat. We understand from a resident that water voles have been seen, which is encouraging for the ecology of the area. It was extremely good to see how the community had got together to plan the changes proposed.

Just beyond the stream, the old churchyard conservation area was delightful, with a seat under the yew. However, the seat could do with upgrading, and attention to the brambles and elders growing through it!

The "library", or ex-phone box, was a delight, with its tiltometer and seat. Congratulations.

The village hall, with its clapboard exterior, was clean and neat, the noticeboard up-to-date, and very few weeds. Indeed, the village was remarkably weed-free and the verges well kept. Likewise, the footpaths were well maintained, and those that we visited were clear and easy to use.

Around the village, gardens were generally nicely maintained, bright and cheerful, and the whole appearance welcoming and nicely looked after.

The churchyard was exquisite, neatly mown and strimmed around the gravestones, and obviously well loved.

From the village website, it was evident that there is a very strong community spirit in Swallowcliffe, a feeling enhanced by our tour around the village. We gave the village very high marks, and were delighted to award it first place in the Laurence Kitching award.