Cranborne Chase, home to Downton Distillery is a large area of chalk downland and ancient woodland spanning parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire in southern England. It covers approximately 983 square kilometers (around 380 square miles).
It is an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), which highlights its exceptional landscape quality. The area features rolling chalk downlands, ancient woodlands, river valleys, and diverse wildlife habitats home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It is particularly noted for its wildflower-rich meadows, which support rare species of butterflies and birds. The area is recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve, meaning it has some of the best stargazing opportunities in the UK. The lack of light pollution allows for clear views of the night sky, making it a special place for astronomy enthusiasts.
It was historically a royal hunting ground, dating back to medieval times. The "chase," a type of private hunting area where the landowners (in this case, often royalty) had exclusive rights to hunt. This history is still evident in the landscape, with ancient boundary markers and remnants of old hunting laws. The landscape is dotted with a prehistoric and historic sites, consisting of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments, Iron Age hillforts, and Roman roads.
The Royal Oak, James May's pub near to the Fovant Cap Badges, is located in the village of Swallowcliffe, below Antsy Down. The Distillery is found on Wick Down overlooked by Gallows Hill on the South East of the Chase.
