Royal Wootton Bassett Travel Guide

Discover the beautiful town of Royal Wootton Bassett with our comprehensive travel guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, food and drink scene to local customs, this guide has it all.


Introduction to Royal Wootton Bassett

Royal Wootton Bassett is a charming market town located in Wiltshire, in the West Country of England. Boasting a rich history, picturesque surroundings and a friendly community, it’s a wonderful destination for a day trip or a longer stay. The town is easily accessible by car or public transport and offers a range of accommodation options and things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, food or shopping, Royal Wootton Bassett has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Royal Wootton Bassett

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wootton Bassett Museum: Learn about the town’s history and the role it played during the two World Wars.
  • St Bartholomew’s Church: A beautiful 14th-century church with stunning stained glass windows and an interesting history.
  • Wiltshire Museum: Located just a short drive from Royal Wootton Bassett, this museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the county’s rich history.

Natural Attractions of Royal Wootton Bassett: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lydiard Park: Take a stroll through this beautiful parkland and admire the stunning gardens, lake, and historic buildings.
  • Cotswold Water Park: A short drive from Royal Wootton Bassett, this nature reserve is perfect for birdwatching, hiking and water sports.
  • Barbury Castle: An Iron Age hill fort with spectacular views and great walking trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Royal Wootton Bassett

  • The Ridgeway Trail: An ancient trail that stretches for over 80 miles, passing through stunning scenery and historic landmarks. Perfect for hikers and mountain bikers.
  • Kennet and Avon Canal: Follow this scenic canal towpath and enjoy stunning views of the Wiltshire countryside.

Best Things to Do in Royal Wootton Bassett: Activities and Tours

  • Farmers’ Market: Held on the High Street on the second Saturday of every month, this is a great opportunity to sample local produce and support small businesses.
  • Royal Wootton Bassett Arts Festival: An annual festival showcasing local talent in music, drama, and visual arts.
  • Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford: A popular airshow held just a short drive from Royal Wootton Bassett, featuring displays from military and civilian aircraft from around the world.

Week-Long Itinerary for Royal Wootton Bassett

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Wootton Bassett Museum and St Bartholomew’s Church
Day 2 Explore the beautiful surroundings of Lydiard Park and Cotswold Water Park
Day 3 Enjoy a hike or bike ride along the Ridgeway Trail
Day 4 Discover the town’s food and drink scene, with a visit to the farmers’ market and local pubs
Day 5 Take a day trip to nearby Swindon, home to the Steam Museum of the Great Western Railway
Day 6 Visit the historic Barbury Castle and enjoy a picnic with stunning views
Day 7 Relax and enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere, with a leisurely stroll along the High Street and a visit to the local shops

Food and Drink Scene of Royal Wootton Bassett

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wiltshire Ham: A local specialty, this ham is cured with honey and pepper and is a must-try for meat lovers.
  • Cream Tea: Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea with scones, jam, and clotted cream.
  • Wiltshire Lardy Cake: A sweet and sticky pastry made with lard, currants, and sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Wadworth 6X Ale: A beer brewed locally in Devizes, this ale has a rich and malty flavor.
  • Morris & Turner’s Cider: Made with locally sourced apples, this cider is crisp and refreshing.
  • Wiltshire Gold Apple Juice: Made with apples from nearby orchards, this juice is a delicious and healthy option.

Where to Stay in Royal Wootton Bassett: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Angel Hotel: A historic hotel with comfortable rooms and great food.
  • Campanile Swindon: A budget-friendly option just a short drive from Royal Wootton Bassett.
  • School House Hotel & Restaurant: A charming guesthouse with beautifully appointed rooms and an excellent restaurant.

What to Buy in Royal Wootton Bassett: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Wiltshire Cheese: A wide range of locally made cheeses are available at the farmers’ market and local shops.
  • Handmade Crafts: From pottery to textiles, there are plenty of locally made crafts to choose from.
  • Wiltshire Gin: Made with local botanicals, this gin is a delicious and unique souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Royal Wootton Bassett

  • Respectful Remembrance: The town is well-known for its tradition of paying respects to military personnel who have died in service to their country. Visitors are asked to be respectful of this tradition.
  • Friendly Community: The people of Royal Wootton Bassett are known for being warm and welcoming to visitors.
  • Local Festivals: From the Arts Festival to the Farmers’ Market, the town hosts a range of events throughout the year that are worth attending.

Best Time to Visit Royal Wootton Bassett

The town can be visited year-round, but the best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities and events on offer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Royal Wootton Bassett

Do:

  • Respect the tradition of Remembrance in the town.
  • Explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the town.
  • Try the local specialties.

Don’t:

  • Disrupt the respectful atmosphere of the Remembrance ceremonies.
  • Ignore the town’s speed limit and parking restrictions.
  • Be loud and disruptive after hours in residential areas.

Safety and Health

Safety in Royal Wootton Bassett

The town is generally safe, but visitors should take normal precautions to protect their belongings and personal safety.

Health in Royal Wootton Bassett

There are no major health risks associated with visiting Royal Wootton Bassett, but visitors should be up to date with routine vaccinations and take precautions against tick bites when hiking or walking in wooded areas.

Getting to Royal Wootton Bassett: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Royal Wootton Bassett

The nearest airports are Bristol Airport (35 miles) and Heathrow Airport (70 miles).

Bus Stations Near Royal Wootton Bassett

The town is served by several bus routes, with frequent services to Swindon and other nearby towns.

Other Options

The town is easily accessible by car, with the M4 motorway just a short drive away. There is also a train station in nearby Swindon, with direct services to London and other major cities.

How to Get Around in Royal Wootton Bassett

The town is small enough to explore on foot, but visitors may also choose to hire a bike or take a taxi to get around.

Where to Go Next from Royal Wootton Bassett: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Stonehenge: One of the most famous landmarks in the UK, this prehistoric monument is located just 40 miles from Royal Wootton Bassett.
  • Bath: A historic city famous for its Roman Baths and Georgian architecture, located just 30 miles from Royal Wootton Bassett.
  • Cotswolds: An area of outstanding natural beauty with charming towns and villages, located just a short drive from Royal Wootton Bassett.

Conclusion

Royal Wootton Bassett is a wonderful destination for anyone seeking a relaxing, enjoyable break in beautiful surroundings. From history and culture to food and nature, this charming town has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and discover all that Royal Wootton Bassett has to offer.

Former town hall, now housing the museum Former town hall, now housing the museum