A Sunny Stroll Through Lacock

Our next stop after our lovely time in Castle Combe was the village of Lacock, which we visited the following day. What a contrast it was! While Castle Combe is tiny and tucked away like a well-kept secret, Lacock feels more lively and spacious, with more shops to browse, more streets to wander, and more chances to get pleasantly lost.

Lacock is another village that feels like it’s been plucked straight from a period drama. Nestled in the Wiltshire countryside, it’s a true time capsule with its timber-framed buildings and old stone cottages that haven’t changed much in the past few hundred years (and that’s exactly how the locals like it!).

Lacock is owned almost entirely by the National Trust – yes, the entire village! That’s probably why it’s so beautifully preserved. It dates back to the 13th century and grew up around Lacock Abbey, which was founded in 1232. The Abbey has a rich history. After the dissolution of the monasteries, they turned it into a country house. Here is a fun fact: William Henry Fox Talbot, one of the pioneers of photography, once lived there. If you’ve seen Harry Potter or Downton Abbey, you’ve probably already caught a glimpse of Lacock on screen!

We skipped the Abbey this time. At £22 each, it felt a bit steep, and honestly, I wasn’t quite feeling it. Maybe next time. Instead, we spent our time exploring the village itself, which was plenty charming in its own right and bigger than Castle Combe, with more to see, and more shady spots to rest my not-so-cooperative back.

I loved how many houses had little baskets and tables outside selling homemade jams, cakes, plants and all sorts of trinkets – all on an honesty box system. So quaint! One house had a proper little village shop going on, with shelves of goodies. You could easily do a full picnic shop just wandering the lanes.

Speaking of food, we were almost tempted by the delicious-smelling Cornish pasties from the local bakery, which several people perched on nearby benches were eagerly tucking into. But the sun was blazing, and the shady courtyard at The Red Lion pub, with its colourful flower displays and comfy seats, was calling our name.

Cold drink in hand, flowers swaying gently in the breeze, and a classic Austin sports car pulled up right in front of us as if on cue. It felt like a scene from a film.

We wandered down all the little alleys and side streets, taking in the floral displays and soaking up the village atmosphere. Everywhere you looked, it was a picture of flowers tumbling out of hanging baskets, ivy climbing old stone walls, and beautifully maintained gardens behind crooked gates.

Parking was a breeze, too. A large, free car park is just a short walk through a lovely tree-lined path into the village. We could have parked the motorhome there if we needed to, but these days, we’re lucky enough to tow a little car with us, an absolute godsend for my mobility.

All in all, Lacock made for a perfect little outing. It was picturesque, peaceful, and full of character, with just enough comfort and shade to make it.