Hotels in Chippenham

Chippenham is a historic market town nestled on the banks of the beautiful river Avon. It’s set in rural Wiltshire, within a short distance of Bath, and has existed since before Roman times. Its long history, beginning back with the Anglo-Saxons, spanning the Middle Ages and up to the modern day, makes it a very varied and interesting place to visit. Chippenham’s rich history is palpable in its surroundings and this makes for a very pleasant day out or weekend break away.

Things to see in Chippenham

If you are a keen history buff, then, of course, Chippenham Museum is a must-visit. Based in an 18th-century manor house, it’s home to a splendid assortment of artefacts, art and other curious items. For an insight into the past, as well as a wonderful time in the present, there’s also the 13th century Lacock Abbey, and Bowood House and Gardens, which is a Grade I Georgian manor house. Yelde Hall is a further Grade I listed building, and there are a number of delightful parks and gardens in the vicinity.

If nightlife is more your thing, however, then you’ll be pleased to know that Chippenham’s has been awarded Purple Flag Status.

What and where to eat in Chippenham

You can enjoy local food in a number of restaurants, for instance, the Foxham Inn, which serves excellent whitebait, or the Langley Tap, whose pork tenderloin is highly praised; but if you’re after the freshest seasonal ingredients then there’s a number of eateries serving traditional dishes from a variety of cuisines. If you’re after cheap eats, then the legendary Scoffs Cafe on New Road is the place to visit.

Getting around in Chippenham

Chippenham is extremely easy to navigate, with regular buses throughout the town and a good number of car parks. It is also very accessible by car and by public transport, being just 5 miles from the M4 motorway and only 10 minutes by train from the city of Bath. Bicycle hire is also a good way of getting to know the town, with trails along the river for nature lovers.

Popular areas to stay in Chippenham

Of course, being a small town, staying in a central location means you can walk to shops and sites and also access local transport easily. However, hotels and homes around John Coles Park benefit from the beauty of that green space, and if you decide to stay slightly further out then cottages and stately homes are another overnight option. There are even pet-friendly hotels for those who can’t beat to not go on holiday without their four-legged friend!

Best time to visit the city

The weather in Chippenham is typically British, meaning that it follows the four seasons to a greater or lesser degree. Remember, though, that Britain’s ‘green and pleasant land’ is only that because of the large number of rain showers! Pack an umbrella or jacket, particularly if you are attending one of the local festivals such as ChippFolk.

This intriguingly named folk music festival is one of the highlights of the cultural calendar. It usually takes place over the last weekend of May and is a lively annual occurrence. There are also a great number of food festivals throughout the year, including the Great British Food Festival in late summer and Taste Wiltshire in September. One of the UK’s most famous music festivals, WOMAD, is situated just outside of Chippenham, also.