Local attractions & places of Interest

Abbey House Gardens

A beautiful, romantic and unique 5-acre garden in Malmesbury's historic centre created by "The Naked Gardeners" Ian & Barbara Pollard (dressed for the public), perfect for a day's get away from it all. Two gardens in one; the planting is bold, full of colour, variety and interest with many contrasts and plenty of rare specimen trees and shrubs. From spring bulbs, through roses, herbaceous borders, fruit cordon to autumn colour; no wonder visitors come from all over the world.

Admission: Adult £6.50, Concessions £5.75, child £2.50. No dogs. No smoking.
Opening Times: 11.00am - 5.30pm daily, 21st March - 31st October
Amenities: Tea room, plants for sales
Disabled Facilities: Excellent wheelchair access to view majority of garden. All access WC.
Location: M4, junction 17 to Malmesbury on A429. Next to Malmesbury Abbey in the Town Centre. Nearby parking, follow brown signs to car park.
Tel: 01666 822212
Web: http://www.abbeyhousegardens.co.uk

Avebury

Perhaps not Britain's best known stone circle, but the largest in Europe. Avebury formed the centre of one of the most impressive Neolithic ceremonial landscapes in Britain. Visit Avebury Manor built during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the Alexander Keiller Museum offering an insight into the archaeology of Avebury and the surrounding monuments, The Great Barn, Dovecote and St. James' Church which dates back to before the Norman Conquest.

The village boasts a National Trust Shop, The Henge Shop, Post Office and store and café. Why stop for a drink at The Red Lion complete with thatched roof, old beams and large fireplace situated in the heart of the stone circle.

West Kennet Long Barrow is one of the largest Neolithic burial tombs in Britain and constructed about 3700BC. The Barrow is reached by a footpath _ mile from the A4 at West Kennet.

Bowood House & Gardens

Bowood is the magnificent 18th Century family home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne set in beautiful parkland. The interior contains remarkable works of art in the exhibition rooms. For children under the age of 12 years, Bowood has an outstanding adventure playground, complete with life-size pirate ship, giant slides, chutes and high level rope walks. During the flowering season, there is a 60-acre area of rhododendron walks.

Admission: Please check website for details
Opening Times: 19th March - 4th November 2008
Location: M4, junction 17 off the A4 in Derry Hill village, mid-way between Calne and Chippenham.
Tel: 01249 812102
Web: http://www.bowood.org

Castle Combe

Breathtakingly beautiful and overflowing with character, this 15th Century village nestled in the Bybrook valley, is the archetypal English village, winning various awards over the years. The street leading down from the Market Cross to the Old Pack Bridge, which crosses the Bybrook, hasn't changed much in 500 years.

Web: http://www.castle-combe.com

Castle Combe Circuit

Wiltshire's fastest sporting venue, where you can watch, drive, ride or compete. Our great value race meetings provide hours of entertainment a family of 4 can enjoy from just £24.00. With a great calendar of events starting on Easter Monday there will be an event for everyone to enjoy. From Mini days, Motorcycle days, Japfest, Rallyday, Eurofest and our much acclaimed race meetings. Don't forget too that you can experience the thrills of driving at Castle Combe Circuit in your own car, on your own motorcycle, use our saloons, racing cars or Lotus Elises on a Racing School day or enjoy the Castle Combe Rally School, a great addition to our driving experiences.

Admission: Varies subject to events
Opening Times: Various throughout the year - check the website for details
Amenities: Various fast food outlets and Tavern Clubhouse with bar. Spectator terracing and banking and easy access with free parking.
Disabled Facilities: Disabled Facilities: Dedicated wheelchair viewing area. Disabled toilets
Location: M4 junction 17 & 18. Circuit well signposted off the B4039. 1 mile from Castle Combe village.
Tel: 01249 782417
Web: http://www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk

Chippenham Museum & Heritage Centre

Discover the rich and fascinating history of this ancient riverside market town. Learn the story of the town and its people from prehistoric times to the present day. Displays focus on Chippenham's links to Alfred the Great, the town's celebrated cheese market, the Victorians and Brunel's world famous Great Western Railway.

Admission: Free
Opening Times: 10.00am - 4.00pm daily. All Bank Holidays except Christmas.
Amenities: 8 galleries featuring creative and innovative displays. An education wing and children's activities, public research room and heritage shop. Tours by arrangement.
Disabled Facilities: Disabled access. Guide dogs welcome.
Location: Chippenham Town Centre. 10 Market Place, Chippenham
Tel: 01249 705020
Email: heritage@chippenham.gov.uk

Corsham Court

Corsham Court is a privately owned stately home, with an internationally famous collection of old master paintings.

Opening Times: 20th March - 30th September. Daily except Fridays & Mondays (but inc. Bank Holidays) 2pm - 5.30pm. Open weekends 1st October - 19th March 2pm - 4.30pm. Closed throughout December.
Tel: 01249 701610
Web: http://www.corsham-court.co.uk

Lacock Village, Lacock Abbey & Fox Talbot Museum of Photography

Lacock is the quintessential rural English village, complete with lime-washed, half-timbered stone houses, dating from the 13th Century and untouched by modern development. The village is a firm favourite with film-makers and has been seen in many TV and film productions, including, Cranford, Pride & Prejudice, Emma, The Mayor of Casterbridge, Harry Potter and The Other Boleyn Girl.
The Abbey is at the heart of the village and was founded in 1232, before being converted into a country house c.1540. The atmospheric, monastic rooms include medieval cloisters, a sacristy and chapter house and have survived largely intact.
The pioneering photographic achievements of William Henry Fox Talbot (1800 - 1877) can be experienced in the Fox Talbot Museum. His descendents gave the Abbey and village to the National Trust in 1944.

The village boasts a National Trust Shop, craft shops, inns, tearooms and a bakery
Further details of the village, Abbey and phootographic museum can be found on the National Trust website.

Location: M4 Junction 17. off A350 south of Chippenham.
Tel: 01249 730459
Web: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main

Lady Margaret Hungerford Almshouses & Schoolroom

Attractive and unique comlex of 17th Century Almshouses, schoolroom, Warden's House and Stables, built by Lady Margaret in 1668 for "6 poor people and 10 poor scholars". Schoolroom with original 17th Century furniture and exhibition room. Beautifully restored it retains many original features.

Admission: Adult £2.50, Concessions £2.00 Child 50p
Opening Times: Easter - 30th September Tue, Wed, Fri & Sat 1.30pm - 4pm.
Amenities: Tours available by appointment. Guides, books & gifts.
Disabled Facilities: Disabled access to ground floor and gardens. Adapted WC. Free access for carers.
Location: M4 Junction 17. Off A4 between Chippenham and Bath near town centre on B3353.
Tel: 01249 715035

Sheldon Manor Gardens

A romantic garden and orchard with an old fashioned rose garden May/June. Formal and informal gardens. Ancient chapel in the grounds.

Admission: Adult £4.50, Children under 12 yrs free.
Opening Times: Thursdays 2-4pm Easter - October
Amenities: Car parking. Guided group tours by appointment.
Disabled Facilities: Grounds have steps.
Location: M4 junction 17. From Chippenham A420. Sign posted left 1 mile at Allington Farm.
Tel: 01249 653120
Email: sheldonevents@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.sheldonmanor.co.uk

Westonbirt the National Arboretum

Westonbirt is a wonderful world of trees and is beautiful at any time of the year. Set in 600 acres of glorious Cotswold countryside, it has 17 miles of paths along which to stroll and over 18,000 numbered trees, with 100 champions. Famous for its autumn colour Westonbirt in spring is also beautiful, ablaze with colour from rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and bluebells. Summer brings cool leafy glades, and exciting events programme including 'The Festival of the Tree' and outdoor concerts. The Enchanted Christmas event includes a bewitching trail of lights illuminating the woods to the sound of carol singers and the smell of roasted chestnuts. Add to this a shop, plant centre and a superb restaurant, you have a perfect day out.

Admission: Adult from £5.00 - £7.50, Child £2.00 Family tickets available
Opening Times: Every day of the year. Mon - Fri 9.00am - 8.00pm (or dusk if earlier) Sat & Sun 8.00am - 8.00pm (or dusk if earlier)
Location: On A433, 3 miles south of Tetbury, Gloucestershire
Location: Festival of Wood, Outdoor concerts and Enchanted Christmas
Tel: 01666 880220
Web: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt

Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre

Your passport to the past

Whether you are researching your ancestors, local history, or require professional assistance on other heritage matters, you will find information and advice at the Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre. Wiltshire & Swindon Archives Service holds over seven miles of records going back 800 years and our Wiltshire Studies collection contains thousands of printed and pictorial items. The county Archaeology Service and the Wiltshire Buildings Record hold records for a wealth of archaeological sites, historic buildings and the evolving landscape of Wiltshire and Swindon. Help and advice for museums and heritage groups is available through our Museums Service, which is complemented by our aware winning Conservation team. Whatever your enquiry, you will always be assured of a warm welcome.

Admission: Free
Opening Times: Tue - Sat 9.30am - 5.30pm Archaeology and Wiltshire Buildings Record by appointment.
Amenities: Car Park, disabled access, lockers, drinks and snacks machine
Location: Centre of town, 250 metres from the railway station Cocklebery Road, Chippenham
Tel: 01249 705500
Email: heritageadmin@wiltshire.gov.uk
Web: http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/history-centre.htm