Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY</h2>



<p>Excellent schools, great facilities and just over an hour to London Paddington by train makes Chippenham a top tip in our book. It’s also surrounded by some of the county’s prettiest villages, with beautiful Bath nearby for shopping and dining.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/1-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Dumb Post Calne Wiltshire" class="wp-image-32054" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/1-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/1-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/1-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/1-1-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/11/1-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Muddy award-winner <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coq_restaurant/">Coq</a> receives rave reviews for its gourmet chicken burgers and cracking cocktails. If you’re a caffeine fiend, head to <a href="http://www.coffeeonthecorner.co.uk/">Coffee on the Corner</a>, where you’ll find an excellent brew and epic bakes.<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.thegardenuk.co.uk/">The Garden</a> is another popular spot, serving locally sourced produce, while <a href="https://www.winemonkey.co.uk/wine-bar/?srsltid=AfmBOooVjeh5L3tk1fNEsJsPS8kqq_9uvEhdvT6AUsjUVSyq8h7qE6V4">The Cellar</a> has an excellent wine list and fab nibbles. If you’re after a stomp and some country air, pop to <a href="https://thedumbpost.co.uk/">The Dumb Post Inn</a>, or Lucknam Park’s recently revamped <a href="https://www.lucknampark.co.uk/dining/walled-garden-restaurant/">Walled Garden</a> restaurant.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/Chippenham-High-Street-credit-visitwiltshire.co_.uk_.jpg" alt="Chippenham " class="wp-image-34191" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/Chippenham-High-Street-credit-visitwiltshire.co_.uk_.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/Chippenham-High-Street-credit-visitwiltshire.co_.uk_-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/Chippenham-High-Street-credit-visitwiltshire.co_.uk_-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">visitwiltshire.co.uk</figcaption></figure>



<p>All of the high street regulars (Boots, Body Shop, New Look) are here, and <a href="http://thebaytreechippenham.co.uk/">The Bay Tree</a> is a great gift shop in the centre of town. Foodies should head to <a href="https://www.allingtonfarmshop.co.uk/">Allington Farm Shop</a>, where you’ll find excellent fresh produce, a butcher and cheese counter. You’re also a half-hour hop from <a href="https://www.mcarthurglen.com/en/outlets/uk/designer-outlet-swindon/">Swindon’s Designer Outlet</a> and Bath, with its stunning city centre and great shops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>With three GP surgeries, a hospital and multiple gyms on your doorstep, you’re well-covered for health and fitness here. The council-run Olympiad has just had a makeover and is great value for money – you’ll find SkiErg machine, WattBike Pros and a gym sled track, plus a pool. For a more boutique feel, try <a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/the-manor-house-golf-club/membership/categories/gym-membership/">The Loft</a>, at the Manor House Golf Club, just outside Chippenham.</p>



<p>If running’s more your bag, Chippenham Harriers is great for beginners and competitive types alike. You’ll also find regular 10K’s in the town, a weekly Park Run and annual half marathon. If you prefer stretching it out, <a href="https://www.santoshastudio.co.uk/">The Santosha Studio</a> offers yoga and Pilates for all levels, or pop to <a href="https://www.precisionpilatesstudio.co.uk/">Precision Pilates</a>, an award-winning Pilates, barre and reformer studio in Corsham. Chippenham’s rugby and hockey clubs are hugely popular too, and both have excellent facilities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>You’ll find tons of festivals, celebrating everything from food and drink, to folk music and Pride. Nearby Kington Langley also runs a big scarecrow trail, which is much-loved by local families. Biddestone, another picture-perfect local village, is home to <a href="https://biddstock.co.uk/">Bidstock</a>, a hugely popular music festival. It’s also worth knowing that Chippenham&nbsp;has an excellent cinema, The Astoria, plus a monthly film club focusing on less commercial releases.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2048" height="1366" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/379053559_689693333184906_4529388976277839549_n.jpg" alt="Bowood House and Gardens Wiltshire" class="wp-image-34362" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/379053559_689693333184906_4529388976277839549_n.jpg 2048w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/379053559_689693333184906_4529388976277839549_n-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/379053559_689693333184906_4529388976277839549_n-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/379053559_689693333184906_4529388976277839549_n-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/09/379053559_689693333184906_4529388976277839549_n-1536x1025.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bowood House &amp; Gardens</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.bowood.org/bowood-house-gardens/?_gl=1*1dbsb3c*_gcl_au*MjEzNTY0ODgyOS4xNzIxMjA2Nzg4*_ga*MjEwMzQzMTM1NS4xNzA2MDEyNjE2*_ga_KGEVYN0DZQ*MTcyMjI1MzM1OC40LjEuMTcyMjI1MzU0Ny41LjAuMA..&amp;_ga=2.125955341.1847360460.1722253359-2103431355.1706012616&amp;_gac=1.48424660.1719847346.CjwKCAjwkeqkBhAnEiwA5U-uM6IhvSeEWaF5swuoiXhzfsAMsyvqIVhWYFG1SdG9ls4XGoNm0cBbXxoCQMsQAvD_BwE">Bowood House &amp; Gardens</a> is a firm Muddy fave, thanks to the adrenaline-fuelled Adventure Playground, mile-long lake and fab al fresco events. Think al fresco cinema, theatre, country fairs and Classic Ibiza. Home of the Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne, the house is&nbsp;set within 100 acres of landscaped&nbsp;‘Capability’ Brown parkland. But for the kids, it’s all about the vast Adventure Playground with its life-sized pirate ship, scramble nets, ariel walkways and steep slides.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>The sport scene is huge in Chippenham, with hockey, rugby, tennis, running and football all high on the agenda. For a more chilled out atmos, John Coles Park is a firm favourite. Families often head there on Sundays throughout the summer, when a different brass band plays each week. Little ones in tow? Take their bikes, so they can cycle round the bandstand and gobble an ice cream. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Average house price is £298,222. The majority of sales during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £253,194. Detached properties sold for an average of £430,411, with semi-detached properties fetching £303,787</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.jamespyle.co.uk/property-details/944008/wiltshire/chippenham/lanhill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Chippenham.jpg" alt="Best places to live Chippenham" class="wp-image-35523" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Chippenham.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Chippenham-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Chippenham-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ain&#8217;t life grand. Period drama in spades at this seven bed stunner, set in three acres of glorious grounds. On the market for <a href="https://www.jamespyle.co.uk/property-details/944008/wiltshire/chippenham/lanhill" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">£3,250,000</a>. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://snowdrop-cottage.com/">Snowdrop Cottage</a> Day Nursery is rated Ofsted ‘Outstanding,’ as is <a href="https://www.southhillsnurseries.co.uk/locations-wiltshire#corsham">South Hills Nursery</a> in nearby Corsham.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>The vast majority of Chippenham’s state primaries are Ofsted rated ‘good.’ You’re also in easy reach of <a href="https://www.heywoodprep.com/">Heywood Prep</a>, a lovely, happy school in nearby Corsham, plus <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/st-margarets-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">S</a><a href="https://www.stmargaretsprep.org.uk/">t Margaret’s Prep</a> in Calne and <a href="https://www.stonarschool.com/nursery-prep/the-prep-school">Stonar Prep</a> in Atworth. Both Sheldon and Hardenhuish secondary schools have excellent reputations – Hardenhuish has even ranked amongst Tatler’s stop state schools in the past. Many of the surrounding independent senior schools also run buses from the area, including <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/muddy-best-schools-guide/stonar-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonar</a>, <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/national-school-reviews/dauntseys-school/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dauntsey’s</a>, <a href="https://westonbirt.org/">Westonbirt</a>, <a href="https://www.gdst.net/school/royal-high-school-bath/">The Royal High</a>, <a href="https://www.kingswood.bath.sch.uk/">Kingswood</a> and <a href="https://www.priorparkcollege.com/admissions">Prior Park</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Wiltshire-born YouTuber Zoella went to school just down the road in Corsham.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>1 hr 10 mins from Chippenham to London by train. Driving to London takes 2 hrs 12 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 300 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Chippenham

See more in Wiltshire