Lacock Abbey

Architecture

Saying a temporary goodbye to beautiful Bath, your first destination is one that most have heard of, many have yearned to witness, and endless have marveled at. The standing stones of Stonehenge are one of the grandest sites known today. Those who visit take a break from the modern world for a few moments and become transported back to a long-forgotten world, a world where spirituality, paganism, and worship defined people. But these aren't the only stones you should marvel at. In the sweet village of Avebury, visitors come to wander amidst the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world. Mixed in among manor houses and nature, this site truly is worth a visit. After lunch, travel deep into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a television and film location. The Abbey in the heart of the village has its own woodland grounds and a quirky country house with fascinating architectural styles. The last stop on your day trip is Castle Combe, often called one of the prettiest villages in England. Fans of movies like War Horse and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust may just recognize this spot, so get your camera ready. From here, it’s only a short drive back to Bath.

A day full of wonder awaits us today. Departing Bristol, your first stop for the day is the prehistoric monument Stonehenge. Many legends surround these incredible standing stones that weigh about 25 tons each and have attracted people from all over the world for years. Perhaps you believe they were created by Merlin, who magically transported them from Ireland. Maybe you believe Stonehenge is a landing site for alien spacecraft. They might remind you of the ruins of a Roman temple. You can't deny their magnificence, no matter what you believe. Avebury is your next stop. Enjoy your free time here: grab some lunch, wander around the area, and, of course, see the three stone circles. Avebury henge boasts the largest stone circle in Britain, so big it fits the entire quaint English village inside. So you can grab a pint and bite to eat while surrounded by a stone circle. Pretty magical, right? Your journey continues to the quaint village of Lacock. You have free time here, you might be interested in visiting the Abbey. Harry Potter fans will obsess over seeing the Lacock Abbey Cloisters, used as Hogwarts corridors in the movies. Visitors can also explore the medieval rooms and cloister court, before taking a look at the Fox Talbot Museum which explores the history of photography. Castle Combe is our last stop, often called one of the prettiest villages in England. Fans of movies like War Horse and Neil Gaiman’s Stardust may just recognize this spot, so get your camera ready. From here, it’s only a short drive back to Bristol.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Harry Potter at Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey, real-life film locations from the movie series. Explore historic streets and medieval chambers, then journey to Gloucester Cathedral, where Gothic architecture brings Hogwarts to life. Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter as you journey through Lacock Village and Lacock Abbey, iconic real-life film locations that have captured the imaginations of millions. Explore Lacock Village, a timeless gem boasting timber-framed cottages and historic streets frozen in time. Witness the magic of Lacock Abbey, its ancient walls echoing with the secrets of Hogwarts. Delve into the cloisters and medieval chambers that provided the backdrop for key moments in the Harry Potter film franchise. From the eerie corridors to the majestic halls, every corner holds a piece of cinematic history. Embark on a spellbinding tour through the majestic halls of Gloucester Cathedral. Marvel at the intricate Gothic architecture as you explore the corridors that doubled as the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Stand in awe beneath the soaring vaulted ceilings that served as the backdrop for numerous scenes in the beloved film series. From the hauntingly beautiful cloisters to the grandeur of the Cathedral, immerse yourself in the magic of cinema brought to life.

You head west out of London to village of Avebury. Here you can wander amidst the largest prehistoric stone circle in the world and admire the manor houses. After lunch, we travel deep into rural Wiltshire to Lacock village, famous for its picturesque streets, historic buildings, and role as a television and film location. The Abbey in the heart of the village has its own woodland grounds, and is a quirky country house with fascinating architectural styles. Our final stop of the day is at the ancient Roman Spa town of Bath. This city has been inhabited for around 2,000 years. You can enjoy Bath Abbey and the beautiful Georgian architecture at your own pace, or even visit the Roman Baths*. It’s a fascinating town to explore, so we give you plenty of time to wander around at your own pace before you return to London in the early evening. *Please note that your optional visit to the Roman Baths cannot be guaranteed, as sometimes tickets sell out.

Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter on this immersive tour that takes you to some of the most iconic filming locations from the beloved movie series. Explore the historic city of Oxford, where the stunning architecture of its famous colleges brought Hogwarts to life, before venturing into the picturesque village of Lacock, home to many unforgettable scenes from the films. The first stop is Oxford, one of England’s most beautiful and historic cities. Visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and step inside Duke Humfrey’s Library, which served as Hogwarts Library in the films. Wander through the magnificent Divinity School, instantly recognisable as the Hogwarts infirmary where Harry recovered after his encounters with magical creatures and dark forces. Next, you’ll visit Christ Church College, where you’ll see the hall that inspired the Great Hall in Hogwarts. Walk up the magnificent stone staircase, featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where Professor McGonagall first welcomes Harry to Hogwarts. As you explore, soak in the incredible history and architecture that make Oxford truly magical. You’ll also have some free time to explore the streets of Oxford. Next, you’ll travel to the quaint and picturesque village of Lacock, a real-life medieval gem that has remained beautifully preserved for centuries. This charming village has been used in numerous Harry Potter scenes, including those set in Godric’s Hollow and around Hogwarts. Enjoy included entry to Lacock Abbey, a historic former monastery that served as the backdrop for several Hogwarts scenes. Walk through the corridors of Hogwarts and explore the classrooms of Professor Snape and Professor Quirrell. The abbey’s grand interiors also provided the setting for Horace Slughorn’s hideout in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. You’ll also enjoy a guided walking tour in Lacock where you’ll see plenty more Harry Potter filming locations. Learn interesting facts and recognise settings from your favourite films! Whether you're a devoted Potterhead or a history lover, this tour offers an unforgettable experience blending cinematic magic, rich heritage, and stunning architecture.

Explore Wiltshire your way with this guidebook that illustrates a scenic 107-mile (173 km) point-to-point trip across 16 of the county’s most iconic and picturesque destinations. Designed for flexibility, the guide is organised into themed sections—covering West Wiltshire, the North Wessex Downs, and Stonehenge and Salisbury—so you only visit the places that you choose. __________________________________________________________________ WHAT TO EXPECT • This is an online travel guide – much like a digital book – ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go. • The guidebook offers an overarching plan to help shape your multi-destination holiday, with different ideas and sample itineraries. It shows how destinations can be combined to suit your timeframe – typically from 3 to 14 days. • It’s designed to help you decide where to go, what to see, where to stay, and to inspire your trip in a way that suits your interests. It also includes helpful tips such as how to get there and where to park. • Please note: the guide itself is not customisable. However, each route includes Uncover Britain’s own pre-populated Google Maps with suggested pins and directions, plus customisable directions by section using Google Maps. __________________________________________________________________ GO BEYOND THE CLASSICS WITH: • Stonehenge & Avebury – Discover ancient stone circles and UNESCO heritage sites steeped in mystery • Salisbury Cathedral – Visit the stunning medieval cathedral with Britain’s tallest spire and the world’s oldest working clock • Bradford-on-Avon – Wander through a postcard-perfect town with historic bridges and architecture • Lacock Village – Explore a charming village used as a film set for Harry Potter and Pride and Prejudice • Longleat House & Safari Park – Combine a stately home visit with an up-close wildlife adventure • Caen Hill Locks – Witness this remarkable feat of canal engineering in Devizes • Wiltshire White Horses – Seek out the striking chalk hill figures carved into the downs • Savernake Forest & the Ridgeway – Walk ancient trails through mystical woodland and rolling hills __________________________________________________________________ While you could search for places to go on your own, this guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey—so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go