Guidebook for Malmesbury
Art & Culture
The current Malmesbury Abbey was built in the 12th century. This building is the third abbey to stand on this site. The first was St Aldhelm’s earliest church, before he oversaw the construction of a larger, stone complex of churches located where the current graveyard lies. The present Abbey dates from 1180 and was added to in the following 200 years with a great spire that was the tallest building in England at the time, and a tower at the West End. But in the late 15th century – a generation before Henry VIII’s cull of the monasteries – the great spire fell, followed by the tower 100 years later. Only the nave of this once huge abbey remains. (Extract from Malmesburyabbey.com)
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Malmesbury Abbey
Gloucester StreetThe current Malmesbury Abbey was built in the 12th century. This building is the third abbey to stand on this site. The first was St Aldhelm’s earliest church, before he oversaw the construction of a larger, stone complex of churches located where the current graveyard lies. The present Abbey dates from 1180 and was added to in the following 200 years with a great spire that was the tallest building in England at the time, and a tower at the West End. But in the late 15th century – a generation before Henry VIII’s cull of the monasteries – the great spire fell, followed by the tower 100 years later. Only the nave of this once huge abbey remains. (Extract from Malmesburyabbey.com)
You may recognise this unique Elizabethan manor house thanks to its on-screen popularity, with the likes of Poldark, the acclaimed Wolf Hall and BBC’s Lark Rise to Candleford all having filmed here. Built in 1383, just two families have owned Chavenage since Tudor times, making this a fascinating family home with relics dating back to the 17th Century.
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Chavenage House
You may recognise this unique Elizabethan manor house thanks to its on-screen popularity, with the likes of Poldark, the acclaimed Wolf Hall and BBC’s Lark Rise to Candleford all having filmed here. Built in 1383, just two families have owned Chavenage since Tudor times, making this a fascinating family home with relics dating back to the 17th Century.
Parks & Gardens
The Abbey House Gardens sit right next to the iconic Malmesbury Abbey and are over 1300 years old, with "the first King of England buried somewhere in the garden, two saints thrown down the well, and now considered one of the great gardens of the world." A truly spectacular garden that has been the location for TV programmes, hosts weddings, garden yoga and until 2019 was known for the Naked Gardener, Ian Douglas Pollard, who transformed the garden with fellow gardener Martin Roberts from a formal garden to today's stunning naturalistic riverside garden.
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The Abbey House Gardens
The Abbey House Gardens sit right next to the iconic Malmesbury Abbey and are over 1300 years old, with "the first King of England buried somewhere in the garden, two saints thrown down the well, and now considered one of the great gardens of the world." A truly spectacular garden that has been the location for TV programmes, hosts weddings, garden yoga and until 2019 was known for the Naked Gardener, Ian Douglas Pollard, who transformed the garden with fellow gardener Martin Roberts from a formal garden to today's stunning naturalistic riverside garden.
Stroll around the park and get eye-to-eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the Manor House lawns, walk with lemurs, ride on the train or explore the adventure playground; you won’t run out of things to see and do!
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Cotswold Villtafuglaparkur og garðar
Stroll around the park and get eye-to-eye with giraffes, watch rhinos graze on the Manor House lawns, walk with lemurs, ride on the train or explore the adventure playground; you won’t run out of things to see and do!
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation as a fun-filled day out where visitors of all ages can interact closely with animals to learn all there is to know about farming. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs and Highland Cattle. The Touch and Demonstration Barns can be enjoyed year-round thanks to their protection from the elements, with a fantastic Adventure Playground on offer for when the weather is behaving. The on-site restaurant, serving seasonal food and Adam’s own beer, is a hit with the adults.
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Cotswold Farm Park
Sitting in the heart of the Cotswolds, Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park has a long-standing reputation as a fun-filled day out where visitors of all ages can interact closely with animals to learn all there is to know about farming. As the home of rare breed conservation, visitors can meet over 50 flocks and herds of farm animals, including Gloucestershire Old Spot Pigs and Highland Cattle. The Touch and Demonstration Barns can be enjoyed year-round thanks to their protection from the elements, with a fantastic Adventure Playground on offer for when the weather is behaving. The on-site restaurant, serving seasonal food and Adam’s own beer, is a hit with the adults.
This spectacular 600-acre arboretum offers nature lovers of all ages a memorable day-out destination whatever the weather. Filled with over 15,000 trees from around the world, visitors can keep eyes peeled for specific species using the Arboretum’s Tree Spotter’s Guide, wander amidst the treetops on the award-winning STIHL Treetop Walkway or head off on one of the guided walks. Visitors in Autumn are in for a treat, as the trees put on an incredible leaf-changing display which carpets the area in red and golden hues.
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Westonbirt, Þjóðartrégarðurinn
This spectacular 600-acre arboretum offers nature lovers of all ages a memorable day-out destination whatever the weather. Filled with over 15,000 trees from around the world, visitors can keep eyes peeled for specific species using the Arboretum’s Tree Spotter’s Guide, wander amidst the treetops on the award-winning STIHL Treetop Walkway or head off on one of the guided walks. Visitors in Autumn are in for a treat, as the trees put on an incredible leaf-changing display which carpets the area in red and golden hues.
The spectacular gardens of Prince Charles’ own Highgrove Estate are open to the public between March and September, making it the perfect opportunity to discover the spectacular gardens which His Royal Highness has worked passionately to create over the past 30+ years. The gardens themselves are a series of interlinked spaces, each with their own character and purpose, bursting to life with a stunning display of colours throughout the seasons. After exploring the gardens, be sure to head to The Orchard Restaurant for a bite to eat, offering up delicious daily dishes created using the finest in organic ingredients.
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Highgrove Gardens
The spectacular gardens of Prince Charles’ own Highgrove Estate are open to the public between March and September, making it the perfect opportunity to discover the spectacular gardens which His Royal Highness has worked passionately to create over the past 30+ years. The gardens themselves are a series of interlinked spaces, each with their own character and purpose, bursting to life with a stunning display of colours throughout the seasons. After exploring the gardens, be sure to head to The Orchard Restaurant for a bite to eat, offering up delicious daily dishes created using the finest in organic ingredients.
This historic 3,000-acre estate owned by the Bathurst Family boasts a beautiful 19th Century parkland designed by Alexander Pope, which the general public are free to enjoy at their leisure. Accessible via entrance gates on Cecily Hill, little ones will love stretching their legs here, whilst older visitors will enjoy taking in the stunning landscapes. Dogs are welcome, too, just take care to stick to the designated walking areas.
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The Bathurst Estate & Cirencester Park
Park StreetThis historic 3,000-acre estate owned by the Bathurst Family boasts a beautiful 19th Century parkland designed by Alexander Pope, which the general public are free to enjoy at their leisure. Accessible via entrance gates on Cecily Hill, little ones will love stretching their legs here, whilst older visitors will enjoy taking in the stunning landscapes. Dogs are welcome, too, just take care to stick to the designated walking areas.
Outdoor Activities
An adventure paradise for all ages to enjoy, Cotswold Water Park is an extensive wetland area where a host of outdoor activities such as sailing, rowing, horse riding, shooting and even a purpose-built beach will keep all ages entertained, no matter what the weather
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Cotswold Water Park Information Centre
An adventure paradise for all ages to enjoy, Cotswold Water Park is an extensive wetland area where a host of outdoor activities such as sailing, rowing, horse riding, shooting and even a purpose-built beach will keep all ages entertained, no matter what the weather
Every year in May, one of the biggest events in the world’s equestrian calendar comes to the spectacular Badminton Estate for three days of thrilling competitions, amazing horse displays and over 500 stands dedicated to food, drink and country pursuits. A great day out for all ages, dogs are welcome to come along, too. Keep your eyes peeled for a royal or two, known to frequent the horse trials every year.
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Badminton Horse Trials
High StreetEvery year in May, one of the biggest events in the world’s equestrian calendar comes to the spectacular Badminton Estate for three days of thrilling competitions, amazing horse displays and over 500 stands dedicated to food, drink and country pursuits. A great day out for all ages, dogs are welcome to come along, too. Keep your eyes peeled for a royal or two, known to frequent the horse trials every year.
Every year in July, the skies above Fairford come alive with the world-renowned Air Tattoo; arguably one of the greatest airshows in the world. Drawing in over 185,000 people every year, The Air Tattoo welcomes over 300 aircraft from 30 nations around the world, with a thrilling programme of flying air displays taking place over the course of the event. An absolute must-visit for flying fans and adrenaline-junkies, with plenty on offer to keep others entertained, too.
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The Royal International Air Tattoo
Horcott HillEvery year in July, the skies above Fairford come alive with the world-renowned Air Tattoo; arguably one of the greatest airshows in the world. Drawing in over 185,000 people every year, The Air Tattoo welcomes over 300 aircraft from 30 nations around the world, with a thrilling programme of flying air displays taking place over the course of the event. An absolute must-visit for flying fans and adrenaline-junkies, with plenty on offer to keep others entertained, too.
Boasting no fewer than three courses, Minchinhampton is one of the finest golf courses in the Cotswolds, including two Championship courses and the original ‘old course’. Renowned for their immaculate presentation and excellent drainage, all three courses are open to visitors year-round, with tee bookings available to be made two weeks in advance by calling the dedicated Tee Bookings Line (found on website). Proper golf attire is required to be worn, along with golf shoes and socks.
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Minchinhampton Golf Club
Boasting no fewer than three courses, Minchinhampton is one of the finest golf courses in the Cotswolds, including two Championship courses and the original ‘old course’. Renowned for their immaculate presentation and excellent drainage, all three courses are open to visitors year-round, with tee bookings available to be made two weeks in advance by calling the dedicated Tee Bookings Line (found on website). Proper golf attire is required to be worn, along with golf shoes and socks.
A year-round, 18-hole course with a rich 125-year history, offering a fantastic day on the course for members and visitors alike. Designed by James Braid, this mature course boasts spectacular views towards Cirencester and the Marlborough Downs and is suitable for all grades of golfer. There’s also a driving range and short-game practice area, with buggy hire available.
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Cirencester Golf Club
Cheltenham RoadA year-round, 18-hole course with a rich 125-year history, offering a fantastic day on the course for members and visitors alike. Designed by James Braid, this mature course boasts spectacular views towards Cirencester and the Marlborough Downs and is suitable for all grades of golfer. There’s also a driving range and short-game practice area, with buggy hire available.
Relaxation
Arguably one of the finest spas in the south-west, if not the UK, Calcot Spa offers all you need for a day of R&R with more than a slice of luxury. Housed at the luxurious Calcot Manor hotel, Calcot Spa boasts a beautiful outdoor hot tub with roaring fire pit, a large indoor pool, tranquil relaxation areas and an extensive treatment menu. We can assure you you’ll want to spend the day here… and probably won’t want to leave!
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Calcot Spa
Arguably one of the finest spas in the south-west, if not the UK, Calcot Spa offers all you need for a day of R&R with more than a slice of luxury. Housed at the luxurious Calcot Manor hotel, Calcot Spa boasts a beautiful outdoor hot tub with roaring fire pit, a large indoor pool, tranquil relaxation areas and an extensive treatment menu. We can assure you you’ll want to spend the day here… and probably won’t want to leave!
The Aquarius Spa at Whatley Manor is a place to reset and recharge, with an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, heated stone recliners, salt scrub showers and thermal suite, plus a pampering menu of treatments to enjoy. There’s even a gym, should you want to energise before unwinding.
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Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa
The Aquarius Spa at Whatley Manor is a place to reset and recharge, with an indoor/outdoor hydrotherapy pool, heated stone recliners, salt scrub showers and thermal suite, plus a pampering menu of treatments to enjoy. There’s even a gym, should you want to energise before unwinding.
Food scene
Smoking Dog
62 High StGreat local pub with lots of character
Hobbs House Bakery
4 George StThe fabulous bakery, always selling delicious breads and snacks.
The Summer Cafe
4 High StDelicious fresh food and great atmosphere
Delicious pizzas, pasta and more. Great service, good prices and cool ambiance.
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The Birdcage
2 High StDelicious pizzas, pasta and more. Great service, good prices and cool ambiance.
A fantastic pub with a distinctly rustic-chic feel, The Potting Shed can be found in the pretty village of Crudwell just a short drive from Tetbury. Menus are creative, British and very much focussed on showcasing the best of the season’s produce, offering hearty classics and more refined mains. Cocktails here are also well worth the visit.
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The Potting Shed Pub
The StreetA fantastic pub with a distinctly rustic-chic feel, The Potting Shed can be found in the pretty village of Crudwell just a short drive from Tetbury. Menus are creative, British and very much focussed on showcasing the best of the season’s produce, offering hearty classics and more refined mains. Cocktails here are also well worth the visit.
La Campagna
Salisbury Road traditional Italian bistro with excellent food and great service