Every year, thousands of people worldwide pay a visit to Malmesbury. We have heaps of history thanks to three thousand years of life here, there's also spectacular scenic views and world-famous gardens. There's great places to eat and drink, and plenty of sights to keep you entertained for as long as you care to stay. This page will prove essential reading prior to your visit to our town.
TOUR OF MALMESBURY
STARTING POINT
We'll start by guiding you to Malmesbury's Long Stay Car Park - Station Yard. It's no longer free - there's a current charge of £1 per day. This car park is open 24 hours.
From the North:
A429 (Cirencester)
Make a U-Turn at Whychurch Roundabout and take the first left onto Filands. After about 0.8 mile turn left again onto Tetbury Hill. At the base of the hill take the second left turning off the double-mini-roundabout.
From the South:
A429 (Chippenham and M4 J17)
Stay on the A429 until you pass Whychurch Roundabout and turn left onto the B4014. After about 0.8 mile turn left again onto Tetbury Hill. At the base of the hill take the second left turning off the double-mini-roundabout.
From the West:
B4040 (Bath and Sherston)
Follow this road's many twists and turns through Malmesbury, and turn right at the mini-roundabout as Somerfield supermarket is on your left.
From the North East:
B4040 (Minety and Cricklade)
Turn right at Whychurch Roundabout. Then take the first left onto Filands. After about 0.8 mile turn left again onto Tetbury
Hill. At the base of the hill take the left turning off the double-mini-roundabout.
From the Cotswolds:
B4014 (Tetbury and Stroud)
Take the first right you come to when you reach Malmesbury. Go straight over the mini-roundabout, down the hill, and take the second left off the double-roundabout.
From the East:
B4042 (Swindon and M4 J16)
Turn right at Priory Roundabout and straight over Whychurch Roundabout. Turn left onto Filands and after about 0.8 mile turn left again onto Tetbury Hill. At the base of the hill take the second left turning off the double-mini-roundabout.
STATION YARD CAR PARK
How many towns have you been to where the all-day car park is itself a tourist attraction? Park up and enjoy.
Brief History
Back in 1887, the age of the railway came to Malmesbury. Geographically we were in a great part of the country when it came to steam engine transportation - just 20 miles from Swindon, one of the country's biggest influences in rail transport thanks to Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The railway brought mass employment and trade to the town. In 1962 the station was permanently closed and most of it was destroyed. There are still traces dotted around the town that show our past railway connection.
What's there today?
Today, Station Yard is a car park and an industrial estate. Some of the industrial buildings still standing today are obviously old train hangars. On the opposite side runs the River Avon - a haven for local wildlife, such as ducks, swans and squirrels. There are some picnic tables (pictured above) a stone's throw from both the car park and a small weir (pictured below) in the Avon. At the far end of Station Yard there is an information board for tourists.
Where to go from here.
If you park up and head to the far end of the car park, (with A-Plant Lux Traffic Light Systems on your left) follow the road right, taking a small bridge across the river. Ahead of you are the historic Steps of Malmesbury Abbey.
THE ABBEY STEPS
The North face of the Abbey has a grand entrance with some ancient steps leading up to the top of the town.
Brief History
Granted the Abbey Steps aren't the original ones - but monks would have been using the hill since the Abbey was first constructed in 675AD. The Steps lead into the Cloister Gardens - it's extremely likely that this slope was used by the monks as woodland, for gardening or an orchard.
What's there today?
The Abbey Steps have been renovated to make them less dangerous. As part of the millennial refurbishment, a number of special plaques were embedded into the surface, taking you on a trip back through time (some of these are pictured below). The bottom plaque commemorates the year 2000 as Malmesbury see's in the new millennium. The top plaque looks right back to 500BC to mark the earliest dated find ever dug up in Malmesbury.
Where to go from here.
If you walk up these steps, you'll be taken into the Abbey Cloister Gardens. If you are with someone who can't manage this, you can follow the road around (although this is equally as steep as the steps). Turn left at the top, then go down the alleyway between Malmesbury Abbey and the Old Bell Hotel.
THE CLOISTER GARDENS OF MALMESBURY
Many old monasteries had Cloister Gardens in an open square, surrounded by the main building. That was the case here... once.
Brief History
In 675, Malmesbury Cathedral stood on the current Abbey site. This building was much larger than today's ancient remains. In the Cathedral was an open square of land; the Cloister Gardens. This is where monks would nurture their garden and grow fruit and vegetables. It also made for a tranquil resting area.
What's there today?
The Cloister is now a square patch of grass with some seating at one end (pictured above). Narrow slits in the wall behind the seats give a great view of the north of Malmesbury at certain times of the year... just imagine this view in the seventh century. Looking ahead from the seating, you can marvel in the North Face of the Abbey (below). The Cloisters may look slightly rundown, but it's still a fantastic place for a picnic on a nice summer's day, with the shadow of the Abbey gradually creeping over the turf.
Where to go from here.
From here, we'd recommend you visit Abbey House Gardens (leave the Abbey itself until later). The gardens are on your left hand side as you look to the Abbey (pictured above).
ABBEY HOUSE GARDENS
Travellers from across the globe come to Malmesbury just for this privately owned garden. In recent years it has featured on a handful of TV programmes such as Gardeners' World, Going To Work Naked and the Sharon Osbourne Show!
Brief History
Abbey House stands on ground which once made up part of the original Abbey. It was bought in the 1990's by Ian and Barbara Pollard who have spent years (and still are) improving the ground which came with their new home. During their years of regeneration, they've come up with some surprising finds, such as the tomb of an ancient man, thought to be extremely important. It could even have been the coffin of King Athelstan (England's first King), as it's believed he was buried in the grounds of Malmesbury Abbey.
What's there today?
If you can grow it and it looks good, you'll find it here. People travel to Malmesbury just to spend the day wandering through the gardens. In 2000, the Pollards grew two thousand individual types of rose. But there's not just flowers, there's also a charming riverwalk, water features, a whole host of trees - everything you'd associate with a splendid looking garden. There's also a café, souvenir shop and occasional art exhibitions. The last four years have been vitally important to the success of Abbey House Gardens after it featured in a 30 minute, BBC 'Gardeners' World' Special... Can you say your lawn has the Alan Titchmarsh approval? Aside from the garden, the Pollards also continually hit the headlines by announcing to the world that they regularly work in the buff! In 2005 they appeared in the ITV programme 'Going To Work Naked'. It goes without saying that there was a lot of extra media interest in the attraction after the Western Daily Press first printed photos of the naked couple!
If you're visiting Malmesbury in 2007 on either June 3rd or July 14th - be warned... In 2005 The Pollards hit the headlines once again for holding a Clothes Optional Day - where visitors are invited to strip off and enjoy the gardens in a truly unique way. This innovative idea was featured in ITV's Sharon Osbourne Show and was such a success they did the same thing again last year! And for the 2007 season, Abbey House Gardens will be holding TWO Clothes Optional Days! Click on the below text for more information.
Extra information
ABBEY HOUSE GARDENS is open from 11am - 5.30pm daily
From March 21st to October 21st only!
£14.50 Family - £6.50 Adult - £5.50 OAP - 5-15 yrs £2.50
No dogs. Large tour groups are welcome.
Where to go from here.
When you exit the Gardens, you'll find yourselves back in the Cloister Gardens. Instead of going into the Abbey, we want to take you to a little known place, ideal for fishing, picnics, or taking time out with no disturbances - but first we need to get you there! Head to the opposite side of the Cloister Gardens (with the Abbey on your left) and you'll come to a small footpath, leading between the Abbey and the Old Bell Hotel. Walk alongside the Old Bell and you'll notice a cobbled line in the road (pictured below). Cross here.
THE WEST GATE AND JUBILEE GARDENS
The majority of visitors (even some residents) pass these features of Malmesbury without knowing they even existed!
Brief History
WEST GATE: You should be staring down this road (pictured above). On the opposite pavement are some rickety, downward steps. By these steps is a plaque to explain why there is a cobbled line in the road... In past times all large towns were protected by large walls. Malmesbury's boundary wall was built around 1100AD. These were volatile times and battles always seemed to be close by. To help keep their towns safe from invaders, the rulers built giant defences around settlements. As you'd expect, Malmesbury had an incredibly impressive stone ring which was near impossible to penetrate. Incredibly, part of this wall still stands today! (More later). To gain access to Malmesbury centre there were four gates. These were constantly guarded to keep wrong-dooers out (Maybe we should bring this idea back into practice!!). After many-a-battle the wall was finally toppled and torn down, this line (above) represents the West Gate, or entrance, into Malmesbury.
JUBILEE GARDENS: If you go down a few of these steps, the Jubilee Gardens are on your right. This was a small, empty piece of land which was done up and opened to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's 25th Anniversary.
What's there today?
WEST GATE: As said above, part of this 900 year old wall still remains, but here the location of the gates is marked by these stones and a plaque. There are two other similar sites in town.
JUBILEE GARDENS: This is literally a seat and some flowers, although the view from those seats is quite incredible, looking over miles of Wiltshire countryside (below).
Where to go from here.
Follow the steps right to the bottom onto a road called Burnivale. Turn left and eventually you'll come to a cul-de-sac called The Maltings. To your left a footpath appears heading back uphill. However, on your right is the tiniest of tracks (marked by a no-cycling sign). Head down this path. It will take you over Malmesbury Weir and into Daniel's Well.
(There are several ways to get to Daniel's Well; none of them are wheelchair friendly.)
DANIEL'S WELL
One of Malmesbury's most peaceful, gorgeous sites which most tourists don't even know exists.
Brief History
Daniel's Well has been a place of serenity for centuries, possibly even millennia. The grassland and river blend together perfectly, and would have been used for washing and cleaning purposes before the days of water pipelines. The small, stone bridge crossing over the stream (above) has been there, probably as long as the Abbey itself.
What's there today?
Very little has changed at Daniel's Well over the centuries, apart from the surrounding scenery. This is the perfect chilling place with plenty of open ground for a picnic, sunbathing, fishing or dipping your toes in the close-to-clear river water. It's also a popular stop with ramblers as Daniel's Well is part of a main riverwalk.
Where to go from here.
From Daniel's Well back into town you have three choices.
The shortest way is to go back the way you came. When you get to The Maltings cul-de-sac you'll see a small footpath heading upwards to the right. That will lead you to the Postern (see below). From there, there are steps to your left which take you to St Paul's Tower.
Option Two is to cross the stone bridge at Daniel's Well and then turn right. At the end of the field you'll reach Foxley Road. From here, turn right over the bridge and then follow the road which takes you onto Bristol Street and then to The Triangle War Memorial (next to the Three Cups pub). Head right onto Abbey Row (into the 20 miles an hour zone) and when you pass the Abbey, you'll notice St Pauls Clock Tower on the left... The Mirror is opposite.
The longest option is to cross the bridge at Daniel's Well and turn left. You'll be taken through four or five fields with the River Avon and Malmesbury on your left (Below). This track comes out at Avon Mills.
Turn left and follow the footpath to a T-junction. Here you can either head into St Aldhelm's recreational ground (with has a playing field, playground and picnic tables) or join the main road and head up into the High Street.
If you head through the playground, turn left at the top of the steep hill to be taken to The Postern (below). If you choose to walk up Malmesbury High Street, you'll eventually come to the Market Cross (mentioned later). From here turn left and go under the giant Mirror which guides traffic around a ninety degree bend. This will take you to The Postern.
THE POSTERN, THE BIRDCAGE & THE TOWER
Three landmarks, all within a stone's throw of each other. Each one has it's own significant importance.
Brief History and what's there today.
POSTERN: If you follow these steps (pictured) upwards, you'll notice how the pavement jolts around 90 degrees to a ridiculously steep slope. Back in Roman times this was the hidden (or tradesman) entrance to the town - a fourth gap through the ginormous wall. Be honest, if you hadn't read this, would you have known it existed. This entrance would have been guarded just like the other three sites, but it would have been used by local people and traders. (Postern literally means 'back door or gate'). Walking through this 'gate' takes you underneath The Mirror, some modern-day history here... one of the few B-roads in the country which still uses a large mirror to warn traffic at a blind corner. If you turn left and then cross over the road you'll see another small footpath between St Paul's clock tower and the Abbey. This is the Birdcage.
BIRDCAGE: Quite why this tiny promenade is named the Birdcage we're not sure. It's most likely being used today for the same purpose as all those years ago... a footpath and seating area. From here you can sit back on a Sunday morning, listen to the church bells and gaze at the Abbey's main entrance.
CLOCK TOWER: This building was part of St Paul's Church, built in 1852, and would call parishoners to church on a Sunday morning. After all these decades both the clock and bells still work. Malmesbury has a group of bellringers who regularly practice here, they also perform at events like weddings for the neighbouring Abbey.
Where to go from here.
If you head through The Birdcage you come out in Malmesbury town centre... also known as The Market Cross. We'll come back to this later, first I think it's time to introduce you to Malmesbury's greatest possession, the Abbey remains. Turn left through the ancient, stone arch.
MALMESBURY ABBEY
Here lies the remains of one of England's most important religious buildings... Malmesbury Abbey.
Brief History.
We're going to start right back in the year 639 AD. This was the year Aldhelm was born. Documents show he was extremely clever and could speak Greek, Latin and read Hebrew. This birth coincided with the spread of Christianity. Aldhelm was a big believer in the Old Testament and at just 21 he set out to find himself his own place to spread the word.
In those days there were three important factors to creating a new town. First, does it have good roads. Several Roman roads met in and around Malmesbury such as the Fosseway which links Cornwall to Coventry. Second, does it have a water and food supply; That's a definite 'Yes' as Malmesbury is pretty much surrounded by water... and even has it's own spring, there were people living here previously so there must have been meat and fruit here. Thirdly, does it have good defences. In those days you couldn't get better than finding a large, knoll shaped hill surrounded by a natural moat. Malmesbury had everything which was needed to create a new town.
Photographer unknown. This was probably taken in the 1930's following renovation work to rebuild parts of the West Side.
In 672 Aldhelm became the 'Abbot of Mealdumesburg Monastery'. (A couple of years before the foundation of Bath Abbey!). Aldhelm lived here for the rest of his life (709). In this time he built the world's first organ (that was documented). He also found fame as a poet. It's also thought he could play the pipes and harp.
Fast forwarding to 880 now. The rule of King Alfred the Great, who granted Malmesbury an official charter mark (although no hard evidence has ever been prodcued to back this up). Despite a lack of evidence, the town is still publicized as England's oldest borough. During this time Christianity had spread across Europe like wildfire and the original Monastery in Malmesbury was considered so grand and purposeful that historians now believe it was the third most significant church in the UK (behind Winchester and Cantebury).
1010 is also a very important year. This is the time Brother Elmer, a monk at Malmesbury Monastery, made himself some wings, and jumped off the top of the building. He flew 200 feet - that's the earliest recorded human flight.
Building techniques weren't all that special back in the seventh century, so the Monastery fell into decay. It was replaced by Malmesbury Abbey which was completed in 1180. The remains which stand today have been there for well over eight hundred years! This building was phenomenal in it's original form - today it is just a fraction the size. It's spire was an impressive 404 feet tall - but this toppled around 1500 just before Henry VIII took to the throne. After this war-torn time, the spire was rebuilt in 1590 even taller than ever, an estimated 427 feet (that's higher than Salisbury Cathedral!)
What is now the main entrance into the abbey
All was safe until Oliver Cromwell invaded Malmesbury in 1659. His men were fighting against Catholicism so this was an obvious target. He toppled the new spire and the west side of the Abbey. During the reign of George III in 1790, the main gate of the Abbey was demolished (this would have been around the site of where Abbey House Gardens stands today. The remaining stonework of the Abbey is all that is left following centuries or war, disease and fire. It wasn't until 1928 that money was raised to restore and renovate what was left of the building.
Now, for the first time in 800 years there is talk of extending the Abbey. An ambitious plan to create a visitor centre, toilet facilities and an education centre to the west end of the remains is currently being finalizes. Quite where the money is going to come from for this project remains to be seen.
Just one final little piece of history to look out for as you walk through the Abbey graveyard. In 1703 occured one of Malmesbury's most famous, freak accidents. A chambermaid in the town was mauled to death by a tiger which escaped from a travelling circus. Hannah Tywnnoy was 33 and was buried at the front of the Abbey - she went down in history as the first person to be killed by a tiger in the United Kingdom.
What's there today?
The Abbey remains stand battered and bruised, still watching over the town just like the Monastery would have in 675. As you walk up to the front (or south face) of the Abbey, you'll pass many tombstones. There is an empty tomb outside the Abbey door, next to a number of floor plaques to show who is buried underneath. Walking into the building you'll come to one of the finest examples of wall sculpture for it's time (below). There are near-identical depictions of the Last Supper carved into the walls on both sides. Through the main entrance and you're into the naval. Please remember that this church is still used today so respect any services which are being held. If nothing's taking place you can walk around the church to see more tombs and plaques. Don't miss the ceiling, stained glass windows and ancient documents. There's also a souvenir shop here. Close to where you enter the Abbey there are some stairs leading to an exhibition room.
The stone steps are typical of the time and are spiralling, uneven and narrow. At the top you'll be met with some of the finest examples of history anywhere can offer, such as a handwritten and illustrated Bible, written hundreds of years back by the monks of the town. There's also a collection of drawings and photographs of how the Abbey has changed over the centuries.
Extra information
MALMESBURY ABBEY is open seven days a week
THE GROUNDS are closed during weekend nights
Free entry but donations are much appreciated.
No dogs. Large tour groups are welcome.
Where to go from here.
Once you've taken in everything the Abbey has to offer, head back up the path you came in on, (thinking of how many soldiers, monks, armies, residents and tourists have walked on those stones) back into the Town Centre. The first sight you'll see is the Market Cross.
THE MARKET
CROSS
Every town has a landmark in the centre; a meeting place for residents... Malmesbury had to go one step further.
Brief History
More than five hundred years ago, around 1490, it was decided that Malmesbury needed a new, central meeting point. Somewhere for locals to meet up and for traders to take shelter from the rain. The result was an octoganal structure with two entrances, six 'windows' to sit in and seating around a central pillar (above). The Market Cross was built right at the top of the High Street and, despite it's age, is holding up well against modern age pollution. If you look above the main structure you'll see gargoyles, a sundial and other subtle statues which have all survived the test of time.
What's there today?
The Market Cross is still fulfilling it's original role of being a meeting place. It is still used by local groups to host events like cake stalls from getting soaked in the rain. It is also the site of a fortnightly Farmer's Market which is held on Sunday mornings. At the start of 2005, English Heritage spruced up the structure, restoring some of it's fragile characteristics and cleaning muck and - dare I say - graffiti from the centuries old stonework.
Where to go from here.
As you're in the centre of town, this would be a golden opportunity to take in the High Street. As you'd expect Malmesbury manages to keep a perfect mix of family run businesses with international giants. There's also a real mic of buildings - ancient stone fascias are neighbours to modern design fronts thanks to the way Malmesbury High Street has developed and regenerated over the past decades. You will find a couple of café's in the centre, as well as a handful of shops selling souvenirs from postcards to locally produced jams and pickles. When you've done you're shopping, head back to the Market Cross and turn right onto Oxford Street. At the end of the road are some toilets, but if you turn right after the Guild Hall pub, you'll find the town's Tourist Information office on your left.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Always handy to know where this building is. Although I hope they won't contradict everything we've written on this page!
Brief History
Tourist Information is in the town's Civic Building which includes council chambers, community hall and museum. Despite it's grand appearance, this part of the building is relatively new and is less than a hundred years old.
Extra Information
OPEN ALL YEAR - Times may vary - 01666 823748
Where to go from here.
The next port of call is just round the corner. Turn left out of the Tourist Information office and left again. You'll then come to Athelstan Museum which is also based in the Civic Offices.
ATHELSTAN MUSEUM
You'd expect a town of Malmesbury's calibre to have a museum heaped full of interesting history... you'd be right.
Brief History and what's there now
Athelstan Museum is in the older part of the Civic Hall, this building was constructed in 1854. The museum has only been part of Malmesbury for the past few decades, but still has a wealthy batch of exhibits to show. There are plenty of photos, drawings and sketches of the town, the biggest feature has to be what's believed to be England's first fire engine; which was brought into service in Malmesbury back in 1670.
Extra Information
ATHELSTAN MUSEUM is now open seven days a week
10.30 - 4.30 Apr to Oct -- 11.30 - 3.30 Nov - Mar
FREE to enter but donations welcome - 01666 829258
Where to go from here.
Head back to the High Street by walking through the car park and following the road around to the right. Turn left down the High Street, you'll come to another one of Malmesbury's Gates. The South Gate (below) is at the junction of King's Wall. Follow the High Street down to St John's Street.
MALMESBURY ALMSHOUSES
alms (amz) 'relief given out of pity to the poor'
Not 100% true in Malmesbury's case, but it's still a good story to tell.
Brief History
It was right back in 941 that King Athelstan (England's first all-ruling monarch) died and was buried at Malmesbury Abbey. He lived in the town and before he died gave ten pounds to the 'school' for the benefit of the townsfolk. He also gave away what is now known as the Almshouses, for the people of the town. The Almshouses were rebuilt in 1594 and a plaque quoting King Athelstan's speech was encased into the end of the three buildings (below). When we say he gave things to the
townsfolk, Malmesbury operated under a corporation made up of hereditary residents of the town. Athelstan also gave them King's Heath (which is sometimes referred to incorrectly as Malmesbury Common). This corporation is still alive today, although now that we have a proper government and local authority system, the Old Corporation has very limited powers and is now officially recognized as a charity. The group of 100+ hereditary 'Jackdaws' now do little more than collect rents from their properties (including the Almshouses), maintaining the buildings and contributing to local causes.
What's there today?
The Almshouses are still standing at the front of St John's Street, and are still rented out to people by the Old Corportion. They were renovated in the 1950's to make them suitable for living in following years of dereliction.
Where to go from here.
Just past the Almshouses in St Johns Street is an archway, this leads to Malmesbury Courthouse. It also takes you around to the back (or entrance) to the Almshouses and St John's Courtyard.
MALMESBURY COURTHOUSE
When Malmesbury had a Monastery and resident Monarch, we needed a courthouse. Now it's just part of our history.
Brief History
This is one of Malmesbury's oldest buildings. The Courthouse is no longer used for official police business and is now used as the meeting place for Malmesbury's Old Corporation.
What's there today?
You'll only be let in to the Court House on official town tours so you should get in touch with Tourist Information about that. The inside of the building has been left nearly untouched over the centuries. The Chair of the court still sits on a genuine woolsack cushion. Hanging above where the Chair sits, are a set of genuine Royal Arms given to the town by King William III and Queen Mary II who were joint monarchs at the time.
Where to go from here.
Two options here depending on the weather conditions. If it's a wet or winter's day we recommend turning heading back uphill into the town centre. If you like rambling and the ground has been dry fopr a week or two, you can carry on along St John's Street to Malmesbury Bowls Club. Just past the green on your left is a footpath which will take you onto another riverwalk.
BASKERVILLE TO HOLLOWAY
To most people this is just a walk through two fields. But you'll know differently after you've read this piece.
Brief History and what's there today.
Just as you walk over the wooden bridge with the Avon flowing underneath, you'll notice a steep hill with some stonework close to the top (above). That stonework is all that remains of Malmesbury's manmade barrier - the town wall. The eight foot high barrier was built around 1100 and circled the town with just four entrances. It's thanks to this structure that so much of Malmesbury's history has survived for us today. Amazingly, archeaologists recently managed to prove that this wall was the same that stood there some 900 years ago, and so it was renovated in 2002 so that it is clearly visible from this walkway.
At the end of the first field, there's a strange tower, about twelve foot tall, on the right hand side. This is what remains of a bridge which was used by the Malmesbury Railway. All of the track and most of the bridges and tunnels were destroyed in the fifties. This is the clearest structure left (other than the engine houses in Station Yard) that Malmesbury was once a home of the railway. Follow the footpath around to the base of Holloway Hill, and the Spice Merchant restaurant.
Where to go from here.
If the fields were a bit mushy, it's best to turn left and head up Holloway Hill, through the East Gate (another section of cobbled road complete with historical plaque) and back into the centre of town. However, if the ground is dry you can take to another footpath which runs to the left hand side of the restaurant car park. This takes you along Conygar's Mead.
CONYGAR'S MEAD
Continuing one of Malmesbury's most charming walks. This'll take you straight back to Square One.
Brief History and what's there today.
Conygar's Mead is a nature reserve which follows the path of the River Avon. This area of land is looked after by the Malmesbury River Valleys Trust who take great pride and care in maintaining Malmesbury's riverwalks. There are a couple of different paths you can take here, all should lead you to the same spot. Before the path heads away from the river, look over to the far side, and you might be able to see another sign of the railway... an abandoned railway tunnel. Believe it or not, until 2002 the Malmesbury Film Society were using this tunnel to show films to movie-fans in the town, (even though this could end up four foot underwater during the flooding season, even in summertime the easiest way of getting to the tunnel is by boat!) Further along the walk, you'll find yourself alongside Abbey House Gardens.
Where to go from here.
At the end of Conygar's Mead is the Station Yard car park, which is where we started our tour of Malmesbury. You can turn right at the end of this walk, to head up Worthey's Hill for some cracking views. You can head past the cricket club, down the other side of the hill and that takes you to the other side of the car park.
There are plenty of other walkways and places of interest in the area, this is just a crash-course style approach for the one-day-only traveller. If you're planning to stay in Malmesbury longer, see our other pages for more details. Tourist Information will be able to answer any questions who have about Malmesbury's features.
Screenshot: Going To Work Naked, ITV1
..
And there you go. If you follow the above guide, you'll get to see all of Malmesbury's best tourist attractions, and some of the town's most popular walks. This page is updated every year to give you the most up-to-date information on attractions and prices so please check back before you return to see if anything's changed since the last time you paid us a visit.
A429
A429
B4042
B4040
B4040
B4014