Wiltshire

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN </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/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock-exterior-resized.jpg" alt="Rising Sun pub in Lacock" class="wp-image-38027" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock-exterior-resized.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock-exterior-resized-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock-exterior-resized-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock-exterior-resized-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Perched on Bowden Hill just above picture-perfect Lacock, <a href="https://risingsunlacock.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Rising Sun</a> is a pub of two rather glorious halves. Out back it’s all big-sky Wiltshire views, with a big sun-trap terrace (you can quite literally see for miles), pretty garden and two light-filled dining areas. Up front, the original pub is the winter bolthole of dreams – think two roaring fires, flagstone floors, heavy beams criss-crossing the ceiling and exactly the sort of food you want to dive into after a muddy dog walk.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</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/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock10-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rising Sun Lacock" class="wp-image-38038" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock10-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock10-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock10-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock10.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We arrived on a rainswept day but, inside, The Rising Sun was all blazing fires and autumn cheer. It also hummed with a mix of boot-muddy ramblers, Lacock day-trippers and diners seeking a slap-up Sunday lunch (roasts are a hot ticket here, so do book ahead).



<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/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-2.jpg" alt="The Rising Sun pub Lacock" class="wp-image-38366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



In the older part of the building, the yellow decor of old has been stripped right back to create a cosy, characterful space. This is a ‘proper pub,’ with leather chesterfields next to the woodburning stove, wooden benches and bar stools for anyone popping in for a quick cider. Out back, you’ll also find a conservatory, plus a timber clad lodge with sides that roll up in summer to reveal the views. Come autumn, the fairy lights twinkle on and the wood burner kicks in, transforming it into a cosy space.



<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/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock9-1000x667.jpg" alt="Rising Sun Lacock" class="wp-image-38037" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock9-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock9-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/Rising-Sun-Lacock9.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



With a slide, climbing frame and garden games (Giant Jenga, Connect 4), the rangy outdoor area is perfect for kids to burn off steam. My brood spent ages timing each other on the obstacle course, before getting into a hotly contested game of Jenga. This place is dog friendly too, with biscuits at the bar. There’s even a basket of spare specs, for all the locals who pop in for a swift one while walking their pooch.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</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/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock.jpg" alt="The Rising Sun pub Lacock" class="wp-image-38370" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



The menu plays a strong game, with a mix of crowd-pleasing classics (steak &amp; ale pie, burgers, beer battered Cornish haddock), plus small plates and sharers. Lots of the ingredients are locally sourced too – we spotted Bromham carrots and Wiltshire venison as a starter-for-ten. Sunday roasts are serious stuff here, with lamb, chicken, pork belly, sirloin AND Cote De Boeuf all in the mix (plus veggie options of course).



We kicked off by sharing the garlic roasted camembert, which came studded with garlic and rosemary, plus hunks of warm bread for dipping. It was divinely oozy and more than enough between two. Clearly the autumn weather had put us in the mood for cheese, because we also chucked in a portion of halloumi fries. They were, chunky, crispy and deliciously moreish – so much so that we barely had a look-in before the kids devoured the lot.



<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/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-1.jpg" alt="The Rising Sun pub Lacock" class="wp-image-38365" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When it came to mains, the grey skies outside screamed “roast”, and the kitchen absolutely delivered. Both the venison and rump of beef were blush-pink, tender as anything and beautifully seasoned. The chicken was cooked to perfection too, and there was zero skimping when it came to the sides. Everything (even the kids’ portions) came fully loaded with herby roasties, glazed carrots, parsnips and tenderstem. Oh, and pigs in blankets, giant Yorkies and lashings of gravy. Condiments were taken seriously too, with jars of redcurrant jelly and horseradish from Wilts-based Tracklements.



<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/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-4.jpg" alt="The Rising Sun pub Lacock" class="wp-image-38368" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/09/The-Rising-Sun-pub-Lacock-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Portions were incredibly generous, so much so that we barely had room for dessert. While our heads longed to tuck into a Snickers tart or Oreo crumble, our stomachs said otherwise, so we sensibly devoured a &#8216;light&#8217; chocolate ice cream instead. Made at Lacock Dairy, a hop and a skip down the hill, it was supersmooth and the perfect finale to our feast.



It&#8217;s worth knowing that drinks here are sensibly priced, with wine starting at £4.50 for a glass of Pinot. You’ll also find a solid line-up of beers, ciders and crowd-pleasing cocktails, perfect for sun-drenched afternoons and fire-side evenings alike.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT </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/19/2025/06/Lacock-Unsplash-1000x667.jpg" alt="Lacock" class="wp-image-37031" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Lacock-Unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Lacock-Unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Lacock-Unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/06/Lacock-Unsplash.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lacock Abbey</figcaption></figure>



Stroll (or roll) down the hill to the National Trust village of Lacock, famed for its quaint cottages, historic high street and impressive abbey. If you haven’t visited before, the chances are you’ve seen it on TV – it’s starred in Downton Abbey, Cranford and Price and Prejudice. It’s also a mecca for Hogwarts fans &#8211; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was filmed here, as was companion series Fantastic Beasts. The village is also bursting with indies, so you can enjoy a spot of retail therapy once you’ve made the most of the courtyards and camera-ready corners.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



Good for: Walkers, families, roast obsessives, long and lazy lunches with a view, or winter evenings hunkering by the fire with the dog. Not for: Minimalists chasing petite portions and fine-dining. This is hearty, happy pub cooking done right. The damage: Small plates from £5.95, mains from £16.95, roasts from £21.45 (£9.95 for kids). Puds from £7.95, and grab a side for around £4.



The Rising Sun, 32 Bowden Hill, Lacock, Chippenham, Wilts SN15 2PP



Words by Sophie Barton



IN THE MOOD FOR MORE? 



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<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/the-best-afternoon-teas-in-wiltshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cake calling! 16 top afternoon teas in Wiltshire </a>



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Review: The Rising Sun, Lacock

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