Tourist Information

How to get here.... Malmesbury's Railway Station is just a thing of the past, but Chippenham just ten miles away and Swindon at seventeen are both situated on the main railway line from Paddington to the West Country. There is a good Bus Service between Malmesbury and either town or a choice of taxi companies to complete your journey. If travelling by motorway leave the M4 at Junction 17. If your approach is more leisurely then we'll leave you to do you own map reading but this should at least locate the town for you.

The Tourist Information Centre
The Town Hall Cross Hayes Malmesbury Tel.01666 823748. Fax.01666 826166	Opening times Mon - Fri 9am - 4.50pm (Fri 4.20pm) Bank Holidays 10am to 4pm

These are the principal establishments, The Tourist Information Centre will be pleased to advise you of others around the town. See also the pages of SmoothHound where some bookings may be made "on-line".

Caravan Sites.

• Burton Hill Caravan Park
  Burton Hill
  Malmesbury
  Wiltshire
  SN6 0EJ
  Tel.01666 826880
  Email stay@burtonhill.co.uk

Places to Visit
In The Town The Abbey with its Norman arch of the South Porch entrance, Stained glass in the nave by William Morris & Co, the designs by Sir E. Burne-Jones and the tomb of the Saxon King Althelstan, first king of all England. Also a window showing Elmer the flying Monk. Among the tombs outside, look for the grave of Hannah Twynnoy, killed by a tiger!
Abbey House Gardens 2006 marks the 10th anniversary of the decision to create Abbey House Gardens by the owners Ian & Barbara Pollard. The new Season will see a host of celebratory events and a book. The admission rates for 2006 will be £5.50 for Adults, £5.00 Concessions, £2.00 Children. Family ticket for 2 adults with 2 children £13.00. Season tickets available. Open daily 21st March to 21st October between 11.00am - 6.00pm . The Abbey House Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 9AS Tel.01666 822212 Email: info@abbeyhousegardens.co.uk
Athelstan Museum The Cross Hayes Malmesbury Wiltshire SN16 9BZ Tel.01666 829258 Email: admin@athelstan-museum.org.uk Spend an hour or so checking out the town's past. King Athelstan, Thomas Hobbes, the Civil War in Malmesbury and Malmesbury lace. Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun 10.30-16.30

Further Afield

• Westonbirt Arboretum

  Westonbirt Arboretum contains one of the finest a collections of trees and shrubs in the world. There are over 18,000 trees, covering some 600 acres. The Arboretum was founded in 1829 by Robert Holford, the estate remained in the same family and was improved upon by successive generations until it passed to the forestry commission in 1956.
  The Arboretum is is famed for its show of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias. In the spring the wild flowers of Silkwood are especilly popular.
  Westonbirt Arboretum is open every day of the year. There is a Visitor Centre, Plant and Gift Shop and Cafe.
  Find it just north of the A433. Leave Malmesbury on the B4040 (Sherston road) and turn right in Easton Grey.

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• Bourton-on-the-Water

  About twenty six miles north of Malmesbury, just off the A429 Fosse Way, lies the large village of Bourton-on-the-Water. The River Windrush, spanned at intervals by six low bridges, runs through the centre of the village, of traditional Cotswold stone buildings. Though some shops in the main street serve the residents with their daily needs, most are here to cater for the tourists, and there are lots of those!
  After visiting the model village, museum and exotic bird park you have a choice of specialist gift shops plus several pubs, restaurants and cafes.

  Lots to see, but often crowded

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• Car Racing & Karting at Castle Combe Circuit
  Signposted from A420, Chippenham - Bristol.
  Also hosts special days for many classic car clubs.
  Check local press or What's On Page for details of current events.
  

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• Woodchester Mansion

  Tucked away in a wooded valley is the unfinished work of a master Victorian architect. 140 years old yet never finished or lived in, Woodchester Mansion still has its wooden scaffolding, unfished plaster work, missing floors. Not a ruin, just stuck in a time-warp.
  Open on the first weekend of each month from Easter 'til October. 11.00am - 4.00pm. About 16 miles from Malmesbury, signposted from Coaley Peak picnic site on the B4066 Dursley to Stroud road.

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• Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway

  Yes the GWR again. Thirteen miles of live steam railway based at Toddington, the GWR hope eventually to retore the line from Stratford to Cheltenham. A great day out on the railway for all ages..Weekends, Bank Holidays and daily through the school holidays. Check with their talking timetable on 01242 621405. They also run Wine & Dine evening excusions and footplate experience courses. Drive it yourself!
  Toddington is north of Malmesbury on A429 to Cirencester then Stow on the Wold, turn left at Stow on to the B4077.

Always check opening times and prices before making a long jouney.

Contributions from individuals and organisations in the Malmesbury area are always welcome.
Please email yourguide@zetnet.co.uk