Tucked into the rolling hills of county Wiltshire is a collection of quaint model villages with old English names like Swallowcliffe, Lower Chicksgrove, and Teffont Magna, and quietly nestled in the middle of it all lies the 14^th-century coaching inn, The Compasses.

Inside, it oozes character, but tall people watch your head;  it’s all flagstone floors, low oak beams, and how’s the weather up there in this one! Foodwise, its prime scotch egg territory with all the pub classics, plus a generous list of local tipples, and on the fishing front the River Nadder is a short trundle along the country lanes. It’s another Wilde Trout favourite! Welcome to the Compasses Inn.

This corner of Wiltshire is quietly revered by anglers, and The Compasses Inn makes a superb base for exploring the local waters. The River Nadder flows close by, a little-known chalkstream tributary to the Hampshire Avon, it is often overlooked in favour of the more famous Rivers Test and Itchen.

But do not be fooled, this beautiful headwater stream offers some tremendous sport in quintessential rural surroundings, with nothing to disturb you except the occasional baa from a nearby flock of sheep.

Staff are used to muddy waders and early starts, and the pub’s hearty breakfasts and late-afternoon pints provide exactly the right bookends for a day on the water.

The inn sits in one of the prettiest pockets of the Nadder Valley, midway between Salisbury and the Cranborne Chase. Hills, meadows and wooded combes wrap the hamlet of Lower Chicksgrove on all sides.

A short walk away lies Teffont Magna a cluster of honey-coloured stone cottages, fed by chalk springs that run right beside the road through the village. One sneeze at the wheel and you’re up to your axles in clear water! It feels deeply rural but is surprisingly accessible — a short drive off the A303 and within easy reach of Salisbury, Shaftesbury and Wilton.

The Compasses Inn is one of Wiltshire’s most atmospheric old pubs — a 14th-century coaching inn with all the trimmings; stone walls, low oak beams and a medieval thatched roof. Long a resting place for travellers moving through the Nadder Valley, it remains a timeless rural bolthole: warm and gently worn-in.

Inside, the Compasses has the comforting patina of a pub that has found no need to reinvent the wheel. Flag stone floors, open fires, oak settles and candlelit corners give it the feel of a storybook inn. A few subtle touches bring it to life — soft lighting and well-chosen textiles sit at ease alongside its medieval bones. In summer, the garden spills out towards the fields; in winter, it contracts around the hearth in a way that makes you want to linger. It’s the sort of place where a day on the river, a pint by the fire and a restful night all feel naturally part of the same rhythm.

Rooms are above the pub and a nearby outbuilding. Expect proper beds, crisp linen, and modern bathrooms. They’re the sort of rooms designed for comfortable sleep rather than theatrics, just what you need after a day on the river. Service follows the same philosophy: friendly, unfussy and rooted in local knowledge. Arrive with wet boots, dogs, fishing gear or none of the above — you’ll be welcomed the same.

The kitchen has built a loyal following for its seasonal, well-crafted cooking. Menus change with what’s available locally: game when it’s on the hills, hearty pies, properly roasted meats, and lighter dishes built around fresh vegetables and herbs. The bar pours local ales and a sensible wine list, and on busy evenings the pub hums with exactly the sort of conviviality you hope for in a village inn. Sunday roasts are particularly well regarded.

For an inn with such heritage, charm and culinary strength, we think The Compasses offers good value. Rooms are fair, portions are generous, and nothing feels inflated or over-polished. A genuine village pub with excellent food, cosy rooms and direct access to some of Wiltshire’s loveliest countryside and chalkstream fishing.