Local Guide
Life at the water's edge
Getting around
Ideally situated just off the A429, between Chippenham and Cirencester, commuting from Cowbridge Mill shouldn’t be a problem. Junction 17 of the M4 is approximately 5 miles away, which means Bath, Bristol and Swindon can be reached easily, whilst Kemble and Chippenham railway stations provide reliable links across the UK.
A colourful past
Dating back some 1,000 years, Malmesbury’s heritage is fascinating. There are so many historic sites to explore. Take a stroll around its striking 12th Century Abbey. Visit the ancient Old Bell Hotel, where the Abbey’s VIP guests stayed during pilgrimages, or head to nearby Bremilham Church, in Foxley-cum-Bremilham, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest church in service in Britain, measuring just 4m x 3.6m!
Abbey House Gardens is a must see too. Stretching some five acres, from the town to the River Avon, this pretty attraction offers an ideal setting for a lazy Sunday afternoon with the family.
A bright future
The old and the new blend perfectly in Malmesbury; narrow medieval streets, ancient monuments and historic gems are complemented by modern shopping centres and quaint boutiques. The town’s Market Cross, nicknamed ‘The Birdcage’ because of its appearance, is one of the best preserved of its kind. Built in c1490, it still serves its purpose, sheltering market traders by day, and providing a convenient meeting point at night and rural footpaths, worn by time, today offer a picturesque link from Cowbridge Mill to the town.
Close by, Malmesbury town has everything to offer a modern lifestyle. There’s a selection of high street stores and contemporary boutiques, as well as a regular market, whilst the district’s largest market town, Chippenham, is under 10 miles away, offering a more intensive shopping experience.
