Latest news with #FonthillEstate
BBC News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
EV charging 'superhub' to be built at A303 Chicklade services
Construction for a new service station with ultra-fast electric car chargers is starting soon on the InstaVolt will replace the existing services at Chicklade, ten miles from Stonehenge in Wiltshire, with a 30-charger "superhub" alongside a large cafe and farm will start in August with the opening expected in late spring A303 near Stonehenge is very popular and often congested, particularly during holiday seasons. Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, which has a network of charging sites, said: "Chicklade is the next step in our mission to combine scale, sustainability and convenience."As EVs become more accessible and with the private sector committing significant investment, we're proud to be building the infrastructure that will keep the country moving."Similar to InstaVolt's site in Winchester, Chicklade will be using solar power and large batteries, and will provide discounted charging in summer. The site is located on the 9,000-acre Fonthill Estate, which has been working with the company on the plans for two estate commented: "This partnership represents a long-term, sustainable investment that supports our local community, enhances the regional road network and contributes meaningfully to regeneration and job creation across the area."The government recently announced that larger EV hubs will now be signposted to drivers on major A roads for the first is hoped this will show non-EV drivers that charging is available and minister Lilian Greenwood said the government was making it "cheaper and easier" to own an EV, and that a new chargepoint was being installed in the UK every hour.
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The 'beautiful walk' around a Wiltshire lake featured in Johnny Depp's hit rom-com
Wiltshire has plenty of stunning landscapes to explore throughout the seasons, and one beauty spot makes for the perfect escape. Fonthill Lake lies just to the south of the village of Fonthill Bishop and is known not only for its serene scenery but also its links to the silver screen. Those who enjoy the great outdoors have taken to TikTok and AllTrails to share their love of the area. Just a little over one hour away from Swindon, the lake has been described as the perfect place for a long dog walk and to enjoy nature. And there's another reason some visit Fonthill Lake too, as it was here that the river scenes in the 2000 film Chocolat, which starred Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp, were filmed. Where was Chocolat set in Wiltshire? Fonthill Lake, based on the Fonthill Estate, set the scene for the early noughties film that starred Johnny Depp as a 'river rat'. In the film, chocolate shop owner Vianne (Juliette Binoche) uses her confectionery skills to bring life to a little town, while falling in love with river-traveller Roux (Johnny Depp). It was shot between France and the UK. The privately-owned Fonthill Estate includes farmland, woodland and formal gardens. The lake was created in the mid-18th century by building a weir below fish-ponds fed by the brook for Alderman William Beckford, the builder of the house. It is also recorded as Grade II* on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. Fonthill Lake walk Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of around two hours to complete, according to AllTrails. The area is popular for birding and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Recommended reading: Is Corsham worth a visit? Rivals TV set and rich history 'Beautifully historic' Wiltshire town once a 'vast royal forest' When 'poshest village' Biddestone played host to Hollywood AllTrails says: 'Drive down from Fonthill Bishop alongside the lake and there is an area here where free parking can be located. 'The route is easy to follow and well used. There is a café in Fonthill Bishop just down from the church where good tea and coffee is served with many local snacks available. 'It is a beautiful walk.'
