Lacock

Standing at the gates of Lacock Abbey, the unspoilt medieval village of Lacock is situated in delightful Cotswold countryside. With pre-Saxon origins, a planned village was established in the 13th Century for the estate workers of the abbey. From the 14th to the 18th Century the wool trade brought wealth to the village which, with its many inns, thrived as a staging post until the mid-18th Century. The abbey has featured in recent Harry Potter films and the well preserved village has been the setting for many period dramas such as Pride and Prejudice, Moll Flanders and Emma.

This compact walking Spy Trail routes around the square pattern of streets where you’ll see the 14th Century Tithe Barn, pretty stone cottages and limewashed half timbered buildings. Wander back in time; see the old stocks, the first floor door of a weaver’s cottage and the ornate archway of a wool merchant’s house. Imagine a bustling market-place outside the Church of St. Cyriac and perhaps pick up plants from cottage stalls or visit one of today’s regular craft markets for products from local craftsmen, designers and artists.

With level terrain, walking in Lacock is a pleasure for all levels of ability. You’ll walk in lanes where traffic is minimal and there’s a choice of outlets for refreshments including several pubs, tea houses and a bakery. Opposite the Fox Talbot Museum there’s a picnic area with a playground and toilet facilities are signposted nearby. The Trail will take about 1.5 hours but you might want to allow longer to learn about the history of photography at the Fox Talbot Museum or to visit Lacock Abbey with its woodland gardens and ancient cloisters.

Lacock is well signposted from the A350 a few miles south of Chippenham. Follow the signs to the main car park (free to National Trust members or £2 at February 2011). There’s parking for the disabled at The Red Lion (SN15 2LQ). Lacock is on the Chippenham to Frome bus route (Faresaver X34/First 234) which passes Melksham station and close to the stations at Chippenham and Trowbridge.