Press Release 25 July 2017
Malmesbury… a town buzzing with vibrancy and charm, there is so much to discover!
History of the town
Malmesbury is steeped in rich and eventful history stretching back many centuries and it’s not just ancient as you can actually wander back through time! It’s a town with a story to tell, everything from quirky tales to fascinating stories that you’ll want to discover.
Situated close to the Cotswolds and nestled atop an-old Iron Age hill fort, it is rumoured to be England’s oldest borough and the Abbey, founded in 675, had the first church organ in England.
The Abbey was even the site of an unsuccessful early attempt at human flight! The monk, Elmer of Malmesbury flew a primitive hang glider from a tower. He managed 180m before landing, breaking both legs!
By 1066, Malmesbury was one of the most significant towns in England. It later became heavily developed as a religious centre, resulting in the construction of the third Abbey on the site of the 12th century Abbey, which had a spire 7m taller than the 123m spire of Salisbury Cathedral. The spire collapsed in the late 15th century and the surviving part of the Abbey is now the parish church. Following this, the town developed a reputation as a technical hub as it was the home of radar during WWII.
Things to see and do
With a skyline dominated by the imposing Norman Abbey, many of the town’s highlights can be easily discovered on foot.
Fancy a guided walk or an exploration of the unique Abbey? A walking trail is available from the Tourist Information Centre. Malmesbury is filled with historical architecture and hosts its own cinema.
Beside the Abbey Church and straddling the River Avon you will find the Abbey House Gardens, which boasts the UK’s largest collection of roses. It’s a truly spectacular five-acre garden with over 1,000 years of history and burial place of an English king. There are different plants with constant colour from March to November.
Malmesbury is perfectly placed for an afternoon visit, day trip or base yourself for a short break. There is the 12th century Abbey (with café and bookshop) and the Market Cross, dating back to the 15th century. Discover the Old Courtroom and Almshouses or find out more at the town’s Athelstan Museum or Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall.
Visitors may also like Foxley Road Nurseries a garden nursery on the outskirts of town. Take a trip to Hilditch Auctions, the UK’s leading catering equipment auction house plus general auction sales containing household goods, electronics, gardening tools and furniture and much more.
Annual Events & Entertainment
There is a busy musical, cultural and social calendar with lots of regular seasonal events. Home to popular music and food festivals it is a hub for music lovers and creativity. There are also art exhibitions, street theatre and even skateboarding in the Abbey.
Every year Malmesbury welcomes the globally loved WOMAD Festival to Charlton Park. For one weekend in July, visitors travel from near and far to enjoy to celebrates music, culture and cuisine from every corner of the globe.
The ever popular Malmesbury Carnival and Festival (running for over 90 years), takes place in August to early September, showcasing the best of local cuisine and talent with numerous daily festivities. The Carnival procession closes the festival which is always a spectacular finale.
With events throughout the year including Malmesbury’s home grown Boondocks Festival, St Aldhelm’s Day, Town Walks, Fireworks and Late Night Christmas Shopping, there’s lots to keep you busy.
Where to eat and shop
Malmesbury’s charming streets and thriving high street showcase an array of unique, independent shops and even a weekly Artisan and Farmers’ Market at the Market Cross (every Friday). A range of food and drink options are available for a well-deserved rest, suitable for all palettes and budgets.
Where to stay
Try staying at the oldest hotel in England! The Old Bell Hotel offers character and charm dating all the way back from c. 1220. With a range of bed and breakfasts, hotels and campsites in town, there’s a place to suit everyone. There’s also The Old Coach House set close by in the pretty village of Corston and the School House Bed & Breakfast is a historic grade II Listed old school set in the heart of the nearby village of Charlton. The Best Western Mayfield House Hotel, in Crudwell is a great family (and dog) friendly hotel in the area.
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa a five star hotel in Eastern Grey, has the exclusive charm of a timeless private residence with find architecture and gardens in a magical tranquil setting. It has excellent cuisine with a Michelin two-star restaurant and the jewel in its crown is Spa Aquarias, offering a range of spa facilities and treatments to restore mind and body.
Connectivity
Malmesbury is north of M4 Junction 17 on the A429. The nearest railway stations are at Chippenham or Kemble, with direct services from London. Local bus services and taxis are available. There is also two hours free car parking available at Station Road Car Park.
What’s nearby?
Westonbirt Arboretum is just five miles away from Malmesbury with around 15,000 trees from all over the world. Other close by attractions include Bowood House & Gardens, Longleat, Lacock Abbey and the Cotswold Water Park. St James’ Church nearby at Draycot Cerne is a small handsome church set in parkland above a river while the Church of St Margaret of Antioch is a dramatic Victorian building constructed in 1846 using parts of its 12th century predecessor.
For further information please see www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/malmesbury
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 is the official Destination Management & Marketing Organisation for Wiltshire representing 600 partners. It is a public/private sector membership organisation. 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 29,000 jobs.
For more information on Malmesbury visit www.discovermalmesbury.life
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