Top places to live in Wiltshire Lacock

It doesn’t get much more period drama than the cutesy National Trust village of Lacock, a Disney-esque haven of cobbles, inns, tithe barns, Regency houses and ever-present film crews. Part of our Top 200 Places to Live series.

Lacock Abbey, Wiltshire — Lacock Abbey. Image by Alana Wright

WHY?

You can almost hear the sound of crinolines rustling down the street, of watch-chains tinkling and bearded men dancing around handkerchiefs as you approach this popular pit stop. Lacock is so pretty and untouched that it is frequently used as a TV set – they shot scenes for Downton Abbey, Cranford, Agatha Raisin and numerous Harry Potters here. It’s a lovely, quiet spot to live, and close enough to larger towns for some serious shopping.

EAT

Sign of the Angel is a warren of cosy low-lit rooms, reminiscent of its former life as a 15th-century coaching inn. Upstairs are five en-suite bedrooms, unfortunately not built for chaps on the tall side (watch those beams) but quirky and charming. Downstairs the décor is a mash-up of wonky paneling, heavy wooden tables, flagstone floors and ancient stonework. It feels a little quaint with the odd picture of dead pheasants on the wall but with funky lighting and huge groovy fireplaces, it manages to pull off that rare combination of traditional yet stylish. King John’s Hunting Lodge and The George Inn are other good options. Michelin starred The Bybrook in Castle Combe is lovely for a special occasion.

SHOP

Watling Goldsmiths of Lacock have a gorgeous range of silver, gold and platinum jewellery, designed and made right here in their workshop by accomplished goldsmith Jane Watling. Coco Chemistry is an award-winning artisan chocolatier offering chocolate slabs, filled caramel & praline truffles, chocolate salamis, caramel sauce jars, and hot chocolate spoons as well as tea, coffee and hot chocolate.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Visit the National Trust’s Lacock Abbey and Fox Talbot Museum to explore a country house with monastic roots, once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, inventor of the photographic negative. Nearby Castle Combe Race Circuit has race meetings, car shows and the chance to try out your own race skills.