and if you're really lucky you get a Spitfire flying over your head, from nearby Compton Abbas airfield. Come to think of it, the grass airstrips of the chalk, and their role in the evolution of aviation, would make a nice story. Tragically the Old Sarum WW1 hangars burnt down recently - arson.
The most extraordinary thing about Compton Abbas airfield (no longer as charming since Guy Ritchie bought it IMHO) is that that's where Asil Nadir fled the UK from. Bonkers story, involving false moustaches and a handgun abandoned in a hedge. Would make quite a good Guy Ritchie film...
I agree it's lost some of its old world charm since Ritchie took over, but the last time I was there the food was good and lots of planes to watch, including I think it might have been 3 converted Spitfires. Didn't know the Asil Nadir story. There should be a plaque to commemorate it.
Ah, I had a slightly meh experience for lunch but it might have improved now. I found out about the Asil Nadir escapade after I had written my Dorset book, annoyingly.
Will there be a second edition?
That might be testing readers' patience a bit far.
We saw a fair few propeller planes but no spitfires alas!