Press Release 25 April 2017

CRICKLADE… and its springtime display of wild Snakeshead Fritillaries

History of the town

Situated in the north of Wiltshire, Cricklade has been called “the most intact example of a late Saxon new town in Britain” and it is also the first town on the River Thames and southern gateway to the Cotswolds.

The name Cricklade means “the place by the river crossing”. It is one of just a few preserved Saxon towns. The Town motto is ‘in loco delicioso’ which translates as ‘in a delightful place’.
The town is steeped in history, with many landmarks and over 100 listed buildings. It was home to a royal mint from 979 to 1100 and there are examples of Cricklade coins in the town museum.

Things to see and do

The North Meadow National Nature Reserve is protected as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). 

It is renowned for its spectacular wild most beautiful display of rare snakeshead fritillaries. They flower from late April through to May and the North Meadow holds 80% of the British population. This is one of England’s wild spectacles and the reserve is of international importance, as it is considered one of the finest examples of lowland hay meadow in Europe. The fritillaries in spring are a timeless pleasure, not to be missed!

Visitors can follow the Heritage Trail which explains key features through a series of interpretation boards around the town. It takes you on a route past many of the town’s historical landmarks and buildings including 13th century St Sampson’s Church and the Priory of St John the Baptist. You can also see the Town Hall, 19th century Museum (previously a Baptist chapel) and Saxons Rest – the site of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Mosaic. There is also an unusual commemoration clock from Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee by Sucé Sur Erdre Place which can be seen.

All Saints’ Church, Leigh, under the care of The Churches Conservation Trust, is now just a chancel, the remains of a medieval church near the source of the Thames that was abandoned due to its wetland surroundings in the 19th century.

Check out the Royal Wootton Basset and Cricklade Towns and Villages Trail.

Annual Events and Entertainment

Cricklade holds a Fun Run 10k and half marathon in October. The Cricklade Festival is on Father’s Day each year. This year a special Cotswolds Hare Trail runs from March – September where visitors are encouraged to find 6 large 5ft hares and 4 small 2ft hares around the Town.

Where to eat and shop

Cricklade has a wide High Street with some interesting speciality shops and many places to eat. The Red Lion Inn offers a traditional British menu and serves Hop Kettle beer brewed in their own mirco-brewery on site. 

In nearby Swindon the restaurant at the Campanile Hotel offers seasonal ingredients that guarantee freshness and quality all year round. 

For additional shopping you make like to head to McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Swindon featuring big brands at discount prices. 

Where to stay

The Red Lion Inn which dates back to the early 1600s has a traditional British pub atmosphere. 

Nearby you’ll find Hook Farm Cottages, with four contemporary cottages converted from farm buildings and near Swindon is Ardecca, located in 16 acres of pastureland.

Connectivity

Cricklade is easily accessible by car, just off the A419 north of Swindon and Junction 16 of the M4. The nearest stations are at Swindon (10 miles) and Kemble (10.3 miles) with direct trains from London to Paddington.

There is free parking in the town centre, town hall and Fairview Fields car parks.

What’s nearby?

The Swindon and Cricklade Railway located near the town, is run by volunteers and runs regular trips throughout the year, including many by steam engines.

Cricklade lies at the southern gateway to the Cotswold Water Park which offers everything from high speed watersports to birdwatching, angling and peaceful walks. Also nearby is the highly commended riding school Rein and Shine which offers private and group lessons.
 
Lower Moor Farm Nature Reserve, owned by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has four reserves on site and offers a landscape of fascinating contrasts with wildfowl, water voles, otters and wildflowers. 

Braydon Maize Maze is nearby and open from August to September. 

For further information go to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/cricklade  

For further information or to arrange a press visit please contact Florence Wallace, Travel Trade & PR Manager, flowallace@visitwiltshire.co.uk Tel: 01722 341309 or 07436 588860 

Note to editors: VisitWiltshire was established in August 2011 and is the official Tourist Board for Wiltshire. It is a private sector membership organisation representing over 600 partners. VisitWiltshire's priority is to grow the county's Visitor Economy by raising awareness of the destination and generating additional tourism visits and spend.  Wiltshire's Visitor Economy currently generates an estimated £1.5billion and supports over 28,000 jobs. 

For further information on Cricklade Town Council visit www.crickladetowncouncil.gov.uk 

Images for Cricklade can be downloaded from our Flickr gallery via this link https://www.flickr.com/gp/129320754@N03/2vc701 Photos may be used in print and/or online for the promotion of tourism to Wiltshire and any photos used must be credited to www.visitwiltshire.co.uk, unless otherwise stated in the title of the photo. Full terms and conditions can be found here.