Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Imber 'Ghost' Village Opens Roads for Rare Holiday Visits Through Jan. 2

Rare holiday access lets visitors support conservation at St Giles Church.

Overview

  • Public roads into Imber are open from 8am on December 29 until 8am on January 2 for the village’s limited winter access period.
  • Entry is restricted to about a dozen days each year, including Easter, a summer day, and a carol service before Christmas.
  • St Giles Church is open 11am to 4pm on open days with free entry, and donations go to the Churches Conservation Trust for upkeep.
  • Volunteer custodian Neil Skelton reports heavy turnout, citing around 4,000 visitors on a summer bus day and roughly 3,000 over a bank holiday, with annual takings of £15,000–£20,000 from refreshments and merchandise.
  • Imber was evacuated in 1943 for military training and remains under MoD control, with most cottages ruined while the Grade I-listed church and the former pub still stand.