I’m a big fan of bucket lists…I’ve even got a Pride and Prejudice bucket list…I’ve visited Jane Austen’s resting place, had afternoon tea at Cassandra’s Cup, visited the Jane Austen House Museum and just recently visited Belton House. So of course strolling the streets of Meryton was high on my bucket list! A short drive from Castle Combe, is the cute little village of Lacock in Wiltshire which should be on any Jane Austen fan’s wish list.
G’s ears were still recovering from our visit to Castle Combe so as soon as I saw the high street of Lacock, his little ears were bright red again from my squeals!
First impressions…there are a lot of cars parked on the high street (which are the residents) so unfortunately it’s not picture perfect…
…however it’s still gorgeous!
^^This a true reflection on what you’re going to see like we did!
G knew I was going to be hours exploring and taking photos so he found a nice shady tree to sleep under while I went exploring…spot the foreigner and the Englishman, I never get bored of all this history within England.
There are quite a few wobbly drunk buildings (but obviously nowhere near as many as Lavenham)…
…and you can spend a few hours just strolling through the streets of Meryton, trying to locate the Militia…
…pretending to be buying bonnets (there aren’t any for sale)...
…hoping to run into Wickham so you can give him a kick in the shins for all his sins…
…dodging horse poo (however you’re more likely to be dodging a pram today)…
…practising your twirling skills before the Meryton Ball…
…while worrying about what you’re going to wear to the Meryton ball…
…worrying if Mr Darcy will be there…
…and Bingley’s sisters…
…then slowly remembering that you’re not going to the ball!
How beautiful is the war memorial in Lacock…
…a reminder of the worlds past mistakes and the men that lost their lives.
I haven’t used my National Trust membership for years and lo and behold I’ve used it so much in the past month…
…it’s free entry into Lacock Abbey as it’s a National Trust property and the gardens and house are just stunning…
…a little shoefie action going on…
…the famous cloisters…
…that Colin Firth strode along (I promise that I didn’t lick the floor, I truly didn’t…they have NT staff on hand to stop ladies doing that!)…
…and if you’re a Harry Potter fan they will look familiar as well!
^^One of the coolest spots in Lacock on a hot summers day!
The Talbot Family were the last owners of the property and this is the birthplace of photography…
…with an interesting display on how the negative was developed…
…(excuse the pun!)…
…unfortunately I was a tad early for dinner…
…that moment when you suddenly realise that you match the carpet…eek!
I play the piano very poorly indeed so I didn’t rock out a tune or two…
…quickly moving onto the next room…
…where the ceiling reminded me to always look up…
…and there was a costume exhibition on during my visit.
Now those gardens at Lacock Abbey…
…the Tudor Courtyard is a nice little spot with a little second hand bookshop tucked inside the courtyard…
…I love climbing roses…
…and say hello to floral door porn!
My tummy was starting to rumble so I popped into the church where they had a bake sale going inside…
…where couples were enjoying a cuppa and a piece of cake…
…I decided to keep walking, past a few great little places for a nibble…
…picture perfect nibbly places to eat…
…locating G, we picked up some refreshments from Lacock Bakery…
…which is picture perfect itself! They do a rather nice gluten free chocolate brownie and I hate chocolate brownies so that’s saying something.
I absolutely adored Lacock and think it’s a fabulous little spot for a day trip…
…the honesty of this village is sweet, if you want to buy something then please place the money through the letterbox to buy fresh lavender…
…meringues…
…flowers…
…jams…
…and that’s how I paid for my two courgettes!
Travel Tips for Lacock, Wiltshire
- Lacock is pretty flat so you can get away with most shoes however if you are going to enjoy the gardens at Lacock Abbey then flats would be better
- There are a number of places for a quick bite to eat – I only tried the Lacock Bakery for gluten free goods and they sold a chocolate brownie which is okay if you need a quick fix
- A picnic in the ground of Lacock Abbey would be perfect
- Parking can be a bit of a nightmare so would suggest arriving in Lacock early as the village can get slightly congested later on in the afternoon.
- Castle Combe and Lacock are perfect for a day trip together!
- Take cash as there are a number of honesty stores and other village events held on the weekend
Have you visited Lacock or Wiltshire before – what are your thoughts on the village and county? You can check out more at the Visit Wiltshire website.
xx
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