Woolton Hill is situated 4 miles south of Newbury, just to the west of the A343 Andover Road.
Traditionally, this was the area where drovers stopped overnight with their sheep, before descending to the Newbury Market, hence the name.

The Chase, a National Trust woodland (scene of the recent 3rd Battle of Newbury - see Newbury By-pass) is situated to the north-east of the village.

These days, Woolton Hill and the surrounding area serves largely as a commuter belt for the major towns in the area, Newbury, Andover, Reading and Basingstoke, as well as London, to which there is a rail link from Newbury.

The village has a pub, the Rampant Cat, where you can partake in good ales and fine food.

At the Village General Store in Broad Layings, Raj and Sue offer a Post Office, Off Licence, Newsagency and Video Hire.

The Country Store, at the other end of the village stocks a range of local produce.

Within the village are situated St. Thomas' Infant and Woolton Hill County Junior Schools, which are attended by children from Highclere and Penwood as well as Woolton Hill.

The Surgery is a partnership of four doctors and also offers a Practice Nurse and other medical services.

Woolton Hill has a recreation ground with play equipment for younger children and tennis courts.

The parish church, St Thomas, is presided over by Revd. David

A major part of the village is dominated by Gainsboro Stud, the home of many thoroughbred horses.

© 1998-2000 PfX Services