Lacock

Included in the Domesday Book and established roughly 1,000 years ago, the historical village of Lacock offers a snapshot of England’s history. Located at the southwestern edge of the Cotswolds near Bath, Lacock was once a center for milling. Today, it’s home to multiple Grade I and II listed landmarks, from Lacock Abbey and St. Cyriac’s Church to the Sign of the Angel inn and Lacock Bridge, over the River Avon.

Lacock features on numerous Cotswolds itineraries and is often paired with visits to Bath, Stonehenge, or Salisbury. Small-group and private tours offer a personal way to explore the area.

• The Lacock Village Fair is held during the August bank holiday, and offers a festive way to experience the village.
• The Fox Talbot Museum, located within Lacock Abbey, celebrates the photographic achievements of former Abbey resident, Henry Fox Talbot.
• Most of Lacock is owned and maintained by the National Trust, and its stone and half-timbered houses provide a glimpse of historical British life.
• Christmas is a particularly festive time to visit the village, and its landmarks are outfitted with traditional decorations, homemade gifts, and seasonal treats.

Around 35 trains daily run direct from London to Lacock. The town is also served by National Express buses, and can be reached by car—it’s roughly a 2.5-hour drive via the M4. Alternatively, driving or coach tours from London take all the hassle out of visiting.

Lacock looks beautiful whether drenched in sunlight or dusted with snow. It’s best to visit during typical daytime hours in order to visit its major attractions and capture photos of the scenery. Lacock Abbey, the village’s top sight, is open daily; its hours vary throughout the year, so it’s worth researching specific times in advance.

Lacock has been used as a filming location for numerous television shows and Hollywood movies, including Downton Abbey, several films in the Harry Potter franchise, and the BBC’s Pride and Prejudice. Look out for familiar settings as you explore the town, from Church Street to the Lacock Abbey courtyard.