Press release 9 August 2016
History of the town
There are many timeless towns and villages in Wiltshire including the town of Melksham, which evolved at a ford across the River Avon and was once part of a vast royal forest that stretched as far as Chippenham and was a favourite hunting ground of Tudor kings.
In the 19th century, the town was developed as a spa that would rival nearby Bath and you can still see the crescent of six Lodging Houses and the Pump Room at the Spa.
Melksham also appears in the Domesday Book and its prosperity was founded on agriculture and the woollen cloth making industry. Today the population is around 28,000.
There is a beautiful historic quarter in the town centre featuring St Michael and All Angel's Church, Canon Square and Church Walk. In the surrounding villages, there is also interesting architecture at Christ Church, Shaw, with its unusual spire; the 12th century Beanacre Old Manor, 15th century Woolmore Farm at Bowerhill and Sandridge House which was a WWII base for General Eisenhower. The Packhorse Bridge connects Whaddon to Broughton Gifford over the River Avon and is a good example of this type of bridge with low parapets to not interfere with the horse’s panniers.
Melksham is a town that has widely appreciated flower displays and runs a local Melksham in Bloom competition with entrants now also taking part in the regional Britain in Bloom South West competition.
Things to see and do
There are some beautiful walks in and around Melksham, including the Riverside Walk along the Avon. The Conigre Mead Nature Reserve, managed by volunteers and supported by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, it is a fascinating and tranquil space and home to dragonflies, butterflies and the occasional kingfisher. There are lots of Rights of Way information boards in and around the town, which explain the walks and the flora and fauna to look out for, plus a walking map of Melksham is available.
The Kennet and Avon Canal near Melksham, offers great bike rides or walks to the famous Caen Hill Locks to the east and Bradford on Avon and Bath to the west. A picnic area has been developed and maintained by volunteers of Bowerhill Residents Action Group (BRAG); this is part of a circular walk taking in part of the canal, along footpaths. You can also walk past an ancient oak at Bowerhill which is over 700 years old and is believed to be where Cromwell hanged four Royalists following the nearby battle.
Visitors to the area may also like to hire a car from Vintage Classics, who are based in the town.
King George V Park, known locally as simply ‘The Park’ is a large lawn area with a children’s playground, a canoe club on the river and a recreation area. It’s also where some of the town’s bigger events take place.
Melksham also has a library, gym, swimming pool and Tourist Information Centre plus a 9-hole golf course nearby at Whitley.
Annual Events and Entertainment
The strong and vibrant community spirit ensures a busy calendar of events, including the summer highlights of Melksham Carnival, Party in the Park and Melksham Comic Convention.
In the autumn the Melksham Food & River Festival takes places with over 60 stalls, local food and drink, live music, water-based activities and even a chilli-eating competition.
The popular Christmas Fayre features the highly anticipated switching on of the Melksham Christmas Lights, a spectacular display put on entirely by volunteers.
The Assembly Hall hosts an extensive events programme throughout the year and its facilities are also available to hire as an excellent corporate venue space for up 400 guests.
Where to eat and shop
At the heart of a rural community, Melksham is full of independent shops, pubs and cafés – many of which look superb in summer with their beautifully decorated floral hanging baskets. There is a regular Tuesday market. Why not try the local tipple, the award-winning Gold Medal ‘Molecatcher’ from Moles Brewery in Bowerhill? Alternatively, you can stop for a cream tea at Beechfield House or a locally sourced meal from The Pear Tree Inn.
Where to stay
Well House Manor was built in 1906 and offers a quiet place to rest and relax. Primarily operating as a corporate environment it welcomes visitors to stay in one of their five spacious hotel rooms.
Beechfield House is a stunning family and dog friendly, four AA Red Star country house hotel with 23 bedrooms. It has beautiful grounds, rosette fine dining, a spa and a heated outdoor swimming pool.
Connectivity
Melksham is easily accessible being just 10 miles south of M4 J17. There are several bus routes which serve Melksham, including the National Express from London and trains that connect to Bristol, London and Swindon.
What’s nearby?
The town is also well situated for visits to the National Trust properties of Lacock and Great Chalfield Manor. Whilst nearby historic towns of Castle Combe, Bradford on Avon and Corsham are also worth exploring. For gardening enthusiasts the Whitehall Garden Centre Lacock is nearby.
For further information contact:
• www.visitwiltshire.co.uk/melksham
• www.melkshamtown.co.uk
• www.visit-melksham.com
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 destination management and marketing organisation for Wiltshire. It is a public/private sector membership organisation representing over 650 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.
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