Lovely Lacock Wiltshire
Toghill House was originally a rest stop for monks journeying between Malmesbury and Glastonbury, so we feel an affinity for nearby Lacock Abbey – once a medieval nunnery and today a major tourist attraction.
In modern times Lacock Abbey is, above all else, a place of pilgrimage for fans of the fictional boy wizard, Harry Potter, having served as a main location in the filming of the series of hit movies based on the books by JK Rowling.
We often host guests here at the Farm who are either excitedly en route to Lacock, or have already been to visit the village, house, museum and gardens that make up this very popular National Trust property.
It’s one of the places we’d heartily recommend to those exploring the local area, so we thought we’d put together a mini-guide to help you on your way:
Where is Lacock Abbey?
Lacock Abbey is in the village of the same name, close to Chippenham in Wiltshire – about 16 miles from Toghill House Farm. It takes around 40 minutes to reach Lacock from our guest house. Just programme your GPS for postcode SN15 2LG. The quickest route is to follow the A4 London Road from Bath until the Chequers Roundabout, where you take the fourth exit onto the A350, then follow the signs.
What to do and see at Lacock Abbey
Lacock Abbey is a rather quirky country house with twisted chimney stacks and mullioned windows, made up of a mish-mash of various architectural styles, set within its own woodland grounds.
Originally built in the 13th Century as an Augustinian nunnery, it was later turned into a country house which was built over the old gothic cloisters, with its main rooms on the first floor.
In the 19th Century it was home to the Talbot family. William Henry Fox Talbot is famous for his invention of the photographic negative, and his achievements are honoured in the Fox Talbot Museum on the ground floor of the house, where there’s always an interesting exhibition to see.
In the house itself you’ll probably recognise the halls and chambers that featured in the Harry Potter films.
As you explore you’ll realise that scenes in other TV and movie productions have been set here too including Pride and Prejudice, Wolf Hall, Cranford, The Other Boleyn Girl, and Downton Abbey.
You can enjoy a pleasant walk through the gardens, and through the picturesque medieval market village of Lacock itself, then fuel up at the Stables Café which serves drinks and snacks.
Good to Know before you Go
- Lacock belongs to the National Trust, and you’ll need to book your timed entry visit in advance.
- National Trust members have free entry.
- There is plenty of pay and display parking available close to the Abbey. Visitors are asked not to park in the village itself.
Lacock Abbey is just one of the wonderful places to visit within easy reach of Toghill House Farm. We’re always happy to share our tips and advice for days out and experiences to be enjoyed in our area. Why not contact us to arrange a stay at our cosy guest house while you discover the best of the west.