Time seems to have slipped past Lacock, leaving its 13th-century essence untouched. Honey-coloured stone cottages stand sentinel, whispering tales of medieval merchants and robed monks. Yet, behind these timeless facades, Lacock hums with present-day life. The National Trust, keepers of this time capsule, carefully preserve the exterior, allowing the heart of Lacock to beat within its unchanged walls.
The imposing Lacock Abbey, founded in 1232, dominates the village. The abbey became a grand Tudor mansion, home to the Talbot family, pioneers of photography. Their legacy lives on in the Fox Talbot Museum, a treasure trove of early photographic inventions.
Quaint charm and medieval vibes make Lacock a film favourite. Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and The Other Boleyn Girl have graced its streets.
Lacock Abbey isn't just a building; it's a vibrant tapestry woven through centuries. Founded as a nunnery in the 13th century, it transformed into a fortified stronghold, then bloomed into a haven for photography pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot. Explore grand halls where noble laughter once echoed, and wander silent medieval cloisters where whispers of the past linger.
Talbot's legacy lives on in the Fox Talbot Museum, a treasure trove of early cameras and the world's oldest surviving photograph. Step outside into picturesque gardens, where meandering paths weave through centuries-old trees. Visit Talbot's restored Botanic Garden, a lush testament to his passion for capturing nature's beauty.
Lacock's timeless charm has captivated the silver screen too, appearing in Harry Potter, Downton Abbey, and even Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Address: Lacock Abbey, Lacock, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 2LG
Telephone: 01249730459
Email: Send email
Website: Lacock Abbey (National Trust)
Admission times: See website for details
Admission charge: See website for details
Accessibility: Blue Badge parking is available in the Hither Way car park. There is an accessible toilet in the courtyard and a RADAR accessible toilet in the village. Access to the Abbey includes steps and uneven floors - a virtual tour is available. There is an accessible toilet.
Refreshments: There is a cafe and tea room.
Car park: Yes
Shop: There is a National Trust gift shop, second hand bookshop, and plant shop.
Toilets: Yes
This spectacular Georgian house with fabulous brickwork and creeping ivy was used as a film location in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince.
The property served as the Muggle house where Horace Slughorn stayed. The occupants were away on holiday so Slughorn used a Freezing Charm on the burglar alarm. It was here that Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore, persuaded Horace to return to Hogwarts in order to return to his his previous role as Potions Master.
Location: Cantax Hill, just before the road splits off into Chapel Hill.
Note: This is a private residence so please be considerate.
Feeling in a magical mood? Then these Harry Potter Tours are just for you. The private guided tours visit popular Harry Potter film locations and will even magic you away to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. The experienced driver-guides will take you to all the London fim locations and also further afield to visit Oxford, Alnwick Castle, Gloucester Cathedral, Durham Cathedral, and of course, Lacock Abbey.
Not far from the Abbey towards the end of East Street, is a triangular-roofed stone building known as the Tithe Barn. The barn was built in the 14th century, as part of the Lacock Abbey complex. It was used to store the tithes, which were a tenth of the produce grown by the villagers, that were paid to the church. The barn is a large, rectangular building with a stone slate roof and wooden doors. The interior is vast and open, with a raised-cruck roof that is supported by massive wooden beams.
The Lacock Tithe Barn is now a popular venue for weddings, events, and exhibitions. There is a small museum on the ground floor that tells the story of the barn's history and is also open to the public for tours.
Staying in London and don't want the hassle of driving yourself? Then take a private chauffeur-driven tour to Lacock Tithe Barn. Get picked up from your London hotel and travel in comfort to the historic Village and Abbey. Tours can be customised and combined with other popular UK tourist attractions.
Directions from A4 (Chippenham): Lacock is just is 3.7 miles from central Chippenham. Once you leave Chippenham, pick up the A4 at Bridge Centre Gyratory, by taking the 2nd exit onto Bath Road/Rowden Hill/A4. After 2.1 miles, at Lackham Roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto A350. After 1.0 mile turn left into Mons Lane. Take a slight right and follow Cantax Hill into Lacock.
We are eager to improve and add to the Lacock Village content on this website. If you would like to contribute or submit a review of Lacock then please email details to us. If you have any photos of the Village and Abbey you'd like displayed on the website then email details—we'll then reply so you can send in photos. Thank you.
Staying in London and don't want the hassle of driving yourself? Then take a private chauffeur-driven tour to Lacock. Get picked up from your London hotel and travel in comfort to the historic Village and Abbey. Tours can be customised and combined with other popular UK tourist attractions.
