About
Malmesbury sits in Wiltshire, in the south of England, and is often described as the country's oldest borough. It is a compact medieval town, and a visit here tends to be a slow, unhurried one, best spent wandering on foot.
What to see
The town is crowned by the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine abbey, which rise impressively above the streets and make a fitting starting point for a walk. Around them, narrow cobbled lanes run between buildings of honey-coloured Cotswold stone, many of them lined with the kind of old frontages that give the town its character.
What to do
Malmesbury suits a relaxed day out. Visitors can:
- browse independent shops and galleries rather than chain stores
- walk the cobbled streets and look up at the architecture
- take a scenic stroll along the River Avon
- visit the abbey ruins and the area immediately around them
The river walks offer a quieter counterpoint to the town centre, and they are a pleasant way to see the surroundings at a gentler pace.
Who it suits
Malmesbury is a good choice for anyone interested in English medieval history, for those who enjoy browsing independent shops, and for visitors looking for a traditional English town to explore without the crowds of larger destinations. It works equally well as a half-day stop or as a base for a longer stay in the Wiltshire countryside.
