Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Beautiful Village of Lacock, UK
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Lacock Abbey Grounds, Lacock, UK
If I could transport myself anywhere on any given day, it would be to somewhere in the Cotswolds. The charm is unmatched, and you're sure to fall in love with it immediately. On my recent trip to London, I made it very clear that we absolutely had to visit the Cotswolds. Enter: Lacock. I picked Lacock because of its ties to Harry Potter, and because it seemed simple to get to from London. It was quite possibly the best decision I've ever made.
Here's everything you need to know if you plan on visiting the charming and beautiful village of Lacock, Chippenham.
How to Visit Lacock Village from London
By Car:
Lacock is about 2.5 hours away from London's city centre by car. We opted not to rent a car and drive as we were only going for the day. The idea of driving in the UK (opposite side of the road to Canada) didn't seem worth it for us! However, renting a car in London allows you more freedom to explore other nearby Cotswolds towns while visiting Lacock Village.
By Bus:
National Express offers daily services to the Cotswolds via various villages, with the closest bus station to Lacock being Chippenham station. While there's no direct National Express service to Lacock, you can take the local X34 bus with Faresaver from Chippenham to the village. The bus ride takes about 20 minutes, and the stop in Chippenham is a 10-minute walk from the station. You'll be dropped off right in front of The George Inn in Lacock, located in the heart of the village.
By Train:
As mentioned, the only way to reach Lacock from Chippenham station is via the local bus service. We chose to take the train from London to Chippenham. You can catch a train from London's Paddington station to Chippenham with GWR, which operates several times a day. Book your tickets online and scan the QR code at the train station for easy boarding.
Pro Tip: You select seats when booking, but many passengers don't stick to their assigned spots. Arrive early if you want to claim your chosen seat!
Once at Chippenham station, take the X34 bus with Faresaver into Lacock village. The bus ride takes approximately 20 minutes, and the bus stop is a 10-minute walk from the train station.
What to Pack
For a day trip to Lacock, pack light but come prepared for the UK's unpredictable weather. Here are some essentials:
Umbrella: Stay dry while exploring the cobblestone streets. This travel umbrella fits in a pocket!!
Light Raincoat or Leather Jacket: Opt for rain- and wind-resistant outerwear. I love my Columbia rain jacket!
Comfortable Shoes: Stick to sneakers or flat boots—cobblestones and heels don't mix.
Power Bank: Keep your phone charged while navigating and taking photos. I swear by my Anker Power Banks.
Cash: Most places do accept card payments now, but in the smaller villages like Lacock, some merchant appreciate you paying in the local currency!
Where to Stay
Lacock is a small village with limited accommodation options. If you have time to stay overnight, here are the best choices:
The George Inn: Conveniently located right where the local bus drops you off, this inn is full of classic English charm. Rooms are around $150 per night—a worthwhile splurge for a cozy stay.
Red Lion B&B: Located in the town centre, the Red Lion boasts an adorable back garden and classic decor. Expect to pay about $100 per night depending on the season.
Sign of the Angel: For fans of dark academia aesthetics, this inn on Church Street is a must. It exudes English charm, and while the restaurant is currently closed, the cozy ambiance makes it worth a visit.
What to add to your itinerary
If you're looking for more recommendations other than "walk around the small streets and cry over how charming they are" while visiting (tbf this is still a strong recommendation lol), here are the best not-to-be-missed spots in Lacock Village!
Lacock Abbey: Hands down the BEST thing to see in Lacock. The Abbey was founded in the 13th century and has such an intense history and the most beautiful grounds! Visiting the Abbey will take about 3 hours if you take your time, so make sure you budget your time accordingly. I'd strongly recommend taking your time walking through the grounds and visiting the Greenhouse and Rose Garden if they're open! Tickets will cost you about 15 GBP ($25 CAD), which is generally a bit pricy BUT I think it was absolutely worth every penny.
Henry Talbot Museum: Along with access to the Abbey and grounds, your Abbey ticket will also allow you access to the Henry Talbot Museum located on the property (hence the "worth every penny" claim). The museum is dedicated to the birth of photography itself, and definitely has the coolest collection of cameras through the ages, along with award winning and incredible canvas paintings.
Explore the small shops: The shops in Lacock is a home-owned businesses, and are such lovely places to visit on your trip! I'd recommend checking out the Lacock Bakery, the National Trust gift shop, CoCo Chemistry for some delicious chocolate, Barty's, and The Lacock Shop & Deli.
Visit some spots from Harry Potter: So we all know by now how much I love Harry Potter, and my decision to visit Lacock was initially 100% to see some of the Harry Potter filming locations. If you're a fan as well, you'll want to visit:
Lacock Abbey - used for filming Hogwarts corridor, Quirrel’s classroom in the first film, and courtyard scenes in the films
Horace Slughorn's house - private residence located at 4-6 Chapel Hill
The Potter's house - private residence located at 21 Church St
Where to eat
The town's hotels: The George Inn, Red Lion B&B and Sign of the Angel all run restaurants in addition to their hotel properties. Make sure you check availability before-hand as they are smaller businesses and opening hours may vary during the week!
Lacock Shop & Deli: The perfect spot for a quick local artisan shop and to grab some quick food on the go! They have sandwiches, salads, quiche (we got the caramelized onion and brie and it was to die for), and local produce & necessities if you need to grab some groceries.
The Stables Cafe: Located at the end of High Street, The Stables Cafe offers teas and cakes, as well as some more hearty lunch options!
King John's Hunting Lodge: If you're in the mood for a classic English meal and something hearty, this restaurant is your spot! They have an outdoor garden and eating area as well, for those days where it's not so chilly or rainy.
Whether you're in Lacock for a few days or a few hours, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this village. It absolutely oozes English charm, and is the perfect place for a quiet and slow travel experience. We absolutely loved it and are so glad we went. I highly recommend you consider visiting for your next UK adventure!
Have questions? Let me know in the comments, I'd be happy to help you plan your trip here :)