Lacock is a picturesque village in Wiltshire, just 13 miles east of Bath. It’s known for its well-preserved medieval and Georgian buildings, making it a popular filming location for movies and TV shows such as Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice.
Although still home to many residents, the village is managed largely by the National Trust, including Lacock Abbey. I recently visited the village, and although I’ve visited much of the UK, Lacock was one of my favourites. Although quaint, there was plenty to see and do, and I felt like I had stepped back in time.
I visited Lacock after staying at Bowood Hotel, which was just a 10-minute drive away. I’ve always wanted to visit the historic village, so this was the perfect opportunity.
Lacock is easily accessible by car, with a large National Trust car park on the outskirts. It doesn’t have a train station, but nearby ones include Bath and Chippenham.
After parking in the National Trust car park and taking a short walk into the village, we arrived, and I could not believe how quaint and cute Lacock was.
It’s easy to see that little has changed in 200 years, with streets lined with timber-framed homes and independent shops, and a bakery. There’s also a 14th-century tithe barn in the village, which was incredible to visit.
The Fox Talbot Museum is well worth a visit as it explores the history of photography and Lacock’s role within it.
It was so interesting to learn that the village was once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the photographic negative.
A highlight of the trip was stepping inside Lacock Abbey, which has more than 800 years of history. It was founded by one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages, Ela, Countess of Salisbury, who founded it in 1232.
It has then been altered by various important people over the years, and was lived in by William Henry Fox Talbot in the 1800s. Matilda Talbot was surprised to inherit Lacock in 1916, and in 1944 gave the estate to the National Trust.
The timeless nature of the architecture makes the Abbey the perfect location for filming. The Abbey is also surrounded by gorgeous gardens, which are well-maintained and lovely to walk through.
I’d highly recommend visiting Lacock and spending a few hours exploring and learning about its history.
