Visiting Lacock Abbey was on our list of National Trust properties to visit for a couple of years before we actually got around to visiting. The village of Lacock is near Chippenham in Wiltshire (SN15 2LG) is a 13th century market town which is very picturesque and pretty during all the seasons of the year.
History Of Lacock Abbey
Lacock Abbey was founded by the 3rd Countess of Salisbury in 1229. The abbey was used as a nunnery before becoming a family home in Tudor times.
William Henry Fox Talbot moved to the abbey in 1827. He became famous for creating the earliest surviving photograph negative in 1835 which was taken of a small window in the abbey.
The National Trust was gifted Lacock Abbey in 1944 by Matilda Talbot who inherited it in the early 1900’s.
Things To Do At Lacock Abbey
There are plenty of things to do at Lacock and Lacock Abbey from exploring the village, Lacock Abbey gardens and the Abbey itself.
If you like walking, the National Trust have suggested a variety of nature walks such as a gentle 30 minute walk through the medieval village of Lacock, or perhaps a walk to see the remains of the 17th Century water gardens that were once in existence.
If you like visiting National Trust properties to explore the gardens through the different seasons of the year then you won’t be disappointed at Lacock. From the botanic garden, the woodland garden to the famous rose garden which is at its best in June, there is plenty to admire. The rose garden was created by William Fox Talbot mother in the early 1800’s.
A big feature at Lacock Abbey is the Fox Talbot museum, showcasing the story of photography. You can see the history of photography and discover the many different cameras through the ages, as well as changing exhibitions on display.
You can’t visit Lacock Abbey and not explore the Cloisters which have become famous for being on screen. The vaulted rooms on the sides of the Cloisters were once the warming room and chapter house during the monastery times.
The village of Lacock is very picturesque and steeped in history. Lacock village is mainly owned by the National Trust but still has residents living in the historic houses. The village also has a school, post office and bakery.
You can visit and walk through the village of Lacock for free but if you wish to go into the Abbey grounds, the entrance fee becomes applicable for non National Trust members.
There are some good choices for refreshments when visiting Lacock Abbey. You can choose to eat in the Courtyard cafe or just outside the abbey grounds towards the village is the Stables cafe which has slightly more choice. You will also happen upon the Red Lion pub if you walk towards the village.
Lacock Abbey On Screen
Many Harry Potter fans will recognise Lacock Abbey as one of the filming locations for Harry Potter films. The Cloisters are probably the most famous scenes, transforming into the corridors at Hogwarts.
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They have been seen in many of the Harry Potter films, but mainly in The Sorcerers Stone and The Chamber of Secrets.
The abbey rooms have also become Professor Snape’s potions classroom and Professor Quirrell’s defence against the dark arts classroom. Harry also discovered the Mirrors of Erised in the Chapter House at the abbey.
Lacock doesn’t just stop at being a film location for Harry Potter movies, it’s also been featured in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Groswald, Downton Abbey, Pride and Prejudice TV series and plenty more.
Downton Abbey filmed at Lacock in their final series transforming Church Street into a livestock market, and more recently during the film when they returned for the Royal parade using the village.
You could easily spend a whole day exploring Lacock Abbey, the village and surrounding areas.
Other National Trust Properties to visit
- Kingston Lacy, Dorset
- Stourhead, Wiltshire
- Montacute House, Somerset
- Mottisfont, Hampshire
Discover plenty more Harry Potter experiences in the UK
