Lacock Abbey — Attraction in Lacock

A beautiful site and very well kept by the National Trust. There is a great exhibition on the home of photography and the work done by William Fox Talbot who owned Lacock Abbey. The guides around the house and information boards were very good. However my reason for three stars is not about the building.

I have contacted Lacock Abbey about a comment a gentleman made on entering. As yet I have not received a reply however as we entered we were greeted and asked if we were members. Advised no and in response the man said “I thought so”. Whether this was a comment on how we looked was unnecessary. It did make us feel unwelcome however we had come to see the place and the exhibition. As mentioned the rest of the staff were excellent.

Also felt that the Trust is missing a trick with the building being in several films. There could have been a small area were boards could be placed or props on loan could be exhibited. There was obviously a lot of Harry Potter fans visiting and especially where the cauldron was this would have been an ideal place to put some boards.

The original history about the nuns and Fox Talbot was fascinating and important but so is the film history which I suspect is driving tourists to the Abbey.

The gardens are also lovely with an excellent greenhouse but there was no information boards about the garden. A fantastic old grape vein in the glasshouse and fruit trees. I would have appreciated some information under the shelter which I would have thought to be a good location.

This is the same with the courtyard. As we were visiting during the week the tea room in the yard was not open. In this yard was a bake house and brew house. It could of done with some information boards in both as we would have liked to have known...

Stepping into Lacock Abbey on a warm, sunny spring day is like walking through the pages of history into a serene sanctuary of beauty and tranquility. The Abbey, nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Lacock, is a tapestry of architectural styles, woven together from its monastic roots to the more modern touches added over the centuries.

As you wander through the medieval rooms and cloister court, there’s a palpable sense of the past that envelops you, a whisper of the monastic life that once filled these halls. The gothic windows cast patterns of light that dance across the stone floors, and the spring flowers in the grounds add a splash of vibrant color to the ancient grey stones.

The Abbey is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a site of significant historical importance. It was once home to William Henry Fox Talbot, a pioneer in the field of photography. The museum dedicated to his achievements is a fascinating journey through the invention that changed how we capture moments forever.

Whether it’s the stunning cloisters, the detailed gothic architecture, or the peaceful woodlands that surround, Lacock Abbey is a place that stays with you long after your visit. It’s a must-see destination that offers a unique blend of history, art, and nature, perfect for a family outing or a reflective solo trip.

In summary, Lacock Abbey is a historical gem that shines brightly, especially under the gentle warmth of a spring sun. It’s a place where history is not just learned but felt, making it an unforgettable experience for...

One of the things I love about NT properties is the huge variety of experiences. This isn't just an Abbey, famed for its Harry Potter cloisters and period costume dramas, it's so much more. Gardens, museums and a whole village to explore. Many shops dotted around the village selling plants, gifts, food, jewelry and a pub or two. As we ambled around we stumbled across a ford, where delighted children,and dogs, were enjoying the clear, shallow water. Very accessible for the less mobile around the village and grounds. Small inclines but very doable on crutches/mobility aids. There are a few steep steps to a couple of the shops and going upstairs in the Abbey was a little difficult. However, there is so much to see elsewhere and a great guidebook which helps to complete the picture if you are unable to get access. Plenty of parking, free if you're a member or a blue badge holder. Disabled and parent and child toilets. The cleanest are the ones nearest the main entrance at the Cafe! Food a little disappointing, not much choice of cold food and drinks. I didn't see if there were any hot food choices, it was too warm! However, if you bring your own lunch, the tea room and Cafe are good for snacks. Ice cream made locally using milk from the nearby cows. It got the thumbs up from the children! It was well staffed with volunteers. Always a sucker for a NT shop(!), I was a little disappointed with their stock. Actually, only came away with the obligatory fridge magnet for posterity! Which is probably a good thing! Thoroughly...