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-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook.jpg" alt="The Castle Inn exterior" class="wp-image-37313" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/The-Castle-Inn-Castle-Combe-exterior-Facebook-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Angela Ward Brown</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/coq_restaurant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coq</a> receives rave reviews for its gourmet chicken burgers and cracking cocktails. If you’re a caffeine fiend, head to Muddy Award winning <a href="http://www.coffeeonthecorner.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coffee on the Corner</a>, where you’ll find an excellent brew and epic bakes.<strong> </strong><a href="https://www.thegardenuk.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Garden</a> is another popular spot, serving locally sourced produce, while <a href="https://www.winemonkey.co.uk/wine-bar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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://www.exclusive.co.uk/the-castle-inn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Castle Inn</a> in nearby Castle Combe, or Lucknam Park’s recently revamped <a href="https://www.lucknampark.co.uk/dining/walled-garden-restaurant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 town centre" 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 are here, and <a href="http://thebaytreechippenham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Santosha Studio</a> offers yoga and Pilates for all levels, or pop to <a href="https://www.precisionpilatesstudio.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Precision Pilates</a>, a Muddy 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bidstock</a>, a hugely popular music festival. It’s also worth knowing that Chippenham&nbsp;has an excellent indie cinema, <a href="https://reelcinemas.co.uk/chippenham/whatson" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Astoria</a>, 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 the brilliant <a href="https://www.classicibiza.co.uk/bowood" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Classic Ibiza</a>. 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, sky-high 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-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>House prices in Chippenham have an overall average of £309,290 over the last year, according to Rightmove. The majority of properties sold in Chippenham during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £244,654. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £303,872, with detached properties fetching £456,454.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Knight-Frank-Chippenham.jpg" alt="How about having your own wing in a Baroque mansion? This 5-6 bed home is on the market or £1.25m." class="wp-image-37566" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Knight-Frank-Chippenham.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Knight-Frank-Chippenham-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Knight-Frank-Chippenham-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/Knight-Frank-Chippenham-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">How about having your own wing in a Baroque mansion? This 5-6 bed home is <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/west-wing-the-ivy-chippenham-wiltshire-sn15/bth012359558" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">on the market</a> or £1.25m.<br></figcaption></figure>



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



<p><a href="https://snowdrop-cottage.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snowdrop Cottage</a> Day Nursery is perennially popular, plus you&#8217;ll find <a href="https://www.snapdragonsnursery.com/corsham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Snapdragons&nbsp;Nursery</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.heywoodprep.com/heywood-nursery/">Heywood Prep 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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">St Margaret&#8217;s Prep</a> and <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/national-school-reviews/st-marys-calne-senior-schools-near-me-boarding-day-girls-school-top-secondary-schools/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary&#8217;s</a> in Calne and <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/stonar-school-near-bath-atworth-independent-prep-schools-near-me-equestrian/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stonar Prep</a> and <a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/stonar-school-near-bath-atworth-review/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">senior </a>school 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/school-reviews/stonar-school-near-bath-atworth-review/" 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&#8217;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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingswood</a> and <a href="https://www.priorparkcollege.com/admissions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>In the commuter belt fun zone – 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 260 Best Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


Chippenham

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