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A deserted village that is inaccessible to the public for 310 days each year is scheduled to reopen this month.
Imber Village, located on Salisbury Plain, has origins that trace back to the Domesday Book and has also been utilized as a military training ground.
Eerie Imber has been uninhabited for yearsCredit: Alamy
An abandoned tank in a fieldCredit: Alamy
The fascinating area will welcome curious tourists from December 29 to January 1, 2026.
While the village is no longer intact, several empty houses and cottages are available for exploration.
A pub named The Bell Inn still stands.
Other remaining structures include the manor house, Imber Court, a farmhouse, farm cottages, a small schoolhouse, and four housing blocks constructed in 1938.
The nearby St Giles’ Church, which dates back to the 13th century, was designated a Grade I listed building in 1987.
A representative stated: “St Giles Church will be open to visitors from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.”
“Light refreshments will be offered.”
The village last welcomed visitors in August, where they encountered numerous warnings.
Signs in the area still read: “Danger. Do not leave the carriageway.”
A record of the Wiltshire village from 1086 indicates that it was an isolated community heavily reliant on agriculture.
Having been owned by the Ministry of Defence since 1932, visitors are permitted on-site for only a few days each year.
These openings typically occur once in spring, summer, and during the Christmas and New Year period.
In 1943, its population of around 150 was evicted to create a training ground for American troops during World War II.
The site remains under the control of the Ministry of Defence, despite efforts from some locals to reclaim it.
However, this is not the only location in the UK that has been abandoned.
Residents of Hirta, one of the largest islands in the St Kilda archipelago, were evacuated from their homes in 1930.
The residents were relocated on the HMS Harebell and were resettled in areas such as Inverness and Fife.
Though they never returned, the island has begun to welcome tourists in recent years.
Another “ghost town” has also transformed into a tourist attraction.
Visitors are also reminded about the risk of ‘unexploded military debris’Credit: Alamy Live News
A number of signs warn visitors not to enter an abandoned pubCredit: PA
When will Imber Village reopen to the public?
Imber Village is set to reopen from December 29 to January 1, 2026.
What is the history of Imber Village?
Imber Village dates back to the Domesday Book and was used as a military training site. Its residents were evicted in 1943 to make room for American troops during World War II.
What structures can be found in Imber Village?
Visitors can explore several empty houses, cottages, The Bell Inn, Imber Court, and the nearby St Giles’ Church, among other buildings.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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