Viral video reveals the haunting beauty of Imber, England's frozen ghost village
A ghost village in Wiltshire has drawn fresh attention after a visitor shared her experience online. Imber, abandoned since 1943, remains under military control but opens briefly each year. A recent video of the deserted settlement has now gone viral, sparking curiosity about its past and present.
Imber Village was once home to around 150 people. In 1943, the British Army requisitioned the area for training, asking residents to leave with the promise they could return after the war. That day never came, and the village has stayed empty ever since.
Today, the Ministry of Defence still uses the site, allowing public access only a few times a year—at Easter 2025, Christmas, and in August. During one of these rare open days, a visitor named Carma explored the abandoned streets and crumbling houses. She also visited St. Giles church, the sole original building left standing, dating back to the 12th century.
Her TikTok video of the trip quickly gained traction, racking up over 85,000 views. Viewers left comments expressing interest in seeing the ghost town for themselves. The footage also captured a parade of vintage buses and wartime artillery, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the place.
Imber remains closed for now but will reopen for Easter 2025 and August. Exact dates are listed on the Imber Church website.
The village's brief public openings offer a glimpse into a frozen moment in time. With no residents ever returning, Imber's abandoned streets and historic church continue to attract visitors intrigued by its wartime legacy. The viral video has only heightened interest in this rarely seen corner of England.
